Best 55+ Communities in Central Florida
by Robert Borges on January 25, 2023
Central Florida is a wonderland for 55+ communities. South Florida may get all the love, but it’s the central part of the state they call “The Sweetest Spot.” Anchored by Orlando, close to world-class attractions, just a short drive from coastal beaches...it’s no wonder the 55+ community is flocking to central Florida as they set up for retirement.
But with so many options, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly which ones truly meet your needs, budget, and lifestyle as you contemplate your move. So here, we’ll break down and spotlight several of the best 55+ communities in central Florida.
Del Webb Sunbridge- St. Cloud FL
This central Florida retirement community broke ground in 2018 and welcomed the first residents in 2020. Sunbridge will include more than 1300 single-family homes and villas, and is anchored by a 27,000 square foot Hammock Club clubhouse with a health and wellness center, tavern and grille, ballroom, arts and crafts rooms, demonstration kitchen, and a full-time lifestyle director to organize year-round activities. Just 17 miles from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes to the Space Coast beaches, this Florida community for those 55 and over provides the ideal retirement lifestyle.
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach- Daytona Beach, FL
An award-winning 55+ community inspired by the music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter, and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, this 55+ community in central Florida was named “Best 55+ Community of the Year” by the National Association of Home Builders. With a variety of recreational amenities, on-site dining, live entertainment, and a planned private beach club, it doesn’t get more laid back than this.
On Top of the World Communities- Ocala, FL
Conveniently located in the heart of Florida, On Top of the World is always in the conversation of best 55+ communities in central Florida. Three championship courses are complemented by tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, billiards and swimming, as well as lifelong learning opportunities, fitness facilities with active-aging programs, entertainment and social clubs. There is also a private 14-acre R/C airplane flying field, drone course, and an off-road R/C car track.
Here’s a lively and fun-loving 55+ central Florida community located 21 miles south of Walt Disney World. Active adult buyers can choose from an appealing selection of new attached and detached Tuscan-style homes in a dozen distinctive neighborhoods surrounded by lakes, wooded nature preserves, and two golf courses.
This central Florida 55+ community is set amidst gently rolling hills in the heart of pristine Florida horse country. In addition to the Tom Lehman and Tripp Davis-designed golf course, amenities include a signature restaurant with full bar and culinary demonstration kitchen, golf pro shop, sports and media room, fitness center, covered veranda spanning the entire length of the club, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, lap pool and resort pool, spa, community-wide trail system, lakeside access with paddleboards and kayaks, dog park and outdoor workout area.
