by Robert Borges on June 3, 2026
Best Over 55 Golf Communities in Florida: Where Retirement Meets the Fairway
Looking for the best over 55 golf communities in Florida? The Sunshine State is home to more than 1,500 golf courses—more than any other state—making it one of the top destinations in America for active adults, retirees, and second-home buyers seeking a golf-centered lifestyle.
From the Atlantic Coast and Treasure Coast to Central Florida and the Gulf Coast, Florida's golf retirement communities offer far more than great golf. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities, social clubs, fitness centers, pickleball, tennis, waterfront recreation, and year-round sunshine. Many of today's 55+ golf communities in Florida are designed as complete lifestyle destinations where homeowners can stay active, build friendships, and enjoy maintenance-free living.
Featured Over 55 Golf Communities in Florida
- Bent Pine – Vero Beach
- PGA Village Verano – Port St. Lucie
- Willoughby Golf Club – Stuart
- Indian River Colony Club – Melbourne
- On Top of the World Communities – Ocala
- Solivita – Poinciana
- Sun City Center – Tampa Bay Area
Whether you're searching for Florida retirement communities with golf courses, 55 communities in Florida with golf, or luxury Florida golf retirement homes, these standout communities offer some of the best options available today.
Why Are Over 55 Golf Communities in Florida So Popular?
Florida's active adult golf communities continue to attract retirees from across the country for several reasons:
- Year-round golf weather
- No state income tax
- Wide range of home prices and lifestyle options
- Resort-style amenities and social programming
- Access to beaches, boating, healthcare, and major airports
- Strong retirement infrastructure and active adult services
Many residents are former professionals, snowbirds, avid golfers, active retirees, and lifestyle buyers who want to stay socially engaged while enjoying low-maintenance living.
What surprises many homebuyers is that some of the state's most desirable 55+ communities in Florida with golf remain surprisingly affordable, especially in Central Florida and portions of the Treasure Coast.
Florida's Best Regions for Golf Retirement Communities
Treasure Coast: Golf, Beaches, and Relaxed Coastal Living
Stretching from Vero Beach to Stuart and Port St. Lucie, Florida's Treasure Coast offers a blend of championship golf, boating, fishing, and uncrowded beaches. The region appeals to retirees looking for a more relaxed pace than South Florida while maintaining easy access to major amenities.
Space Coast: Active Adult Living Near the Atlantic
Melbourne and Florida's Space Coast combine beautiful beaches, aerospace innovation, and excellent healthcare. Residents enjoy a mix of golf, cultural attractions, and waterfront recreation.
Central Florida: Affordability and Endless Recreation
Central Florida offers some of the state's most affordable golf retirement communities. The region provides easy access to Orlando attractions, healthcare systems, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
Tampa Bay & Southwest Florida: Coastal Retirement at Its Best
The Tampa Bay area combines championship golf with Gulf Coast beaches, professional sports, arts, dining, and healthcare.
Featured Over 55 Golf Communities in Florida
Bent Pine | Vero Beach, Florida
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes from the low $400,000s to $1 million+
- Home Types: Single-family homes, estate homes, new construction residences
- Why Golfers Love It: Private Joe Lee-designed championship course with scenic fairways, lakes, and mature pines.
- Amenities: Clubhouse, dining, tennis, community park, social events, gated security.
- Known For: Vero Beach is known for uncrowded Atlantic beaches, arts and culture, waterfront recreation, and a relaxed Treasure Coast lifestyle.
Nestled in the heart of Vero Beach, Bent Pine combines luxury living with one of the Treasure Coast's most respected private golf experiences. Centered around the prestigious Bent Pine Golf Club, this gated community offers a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty while remaining close to beaches, shopping, and dining.
The Joe Lee-designed championship course is considered one of Florida's hidden gems, challenging golfers of every skill level while showcasing the area's picturesque landscapes. Residents also enjoy a thriving social scene, elegant dining, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to retirees and active adults seeking refined Florida living.
PGA Village Verano | Port St. Lucie, Florida
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes from $400,000 to $800,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes and villas
- Why Golfers Love It: Direct connection to PGA Golf Club's 54 holes of championship golf designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.
- Amenities: Resort pools, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, social center, clubs, classes, lifestyle programming.
- Known For: Port St. Lucie is one of Florida's fastest-growing retirement destinations with excellent healthcare, beaches, boating, and year-round recreation.
PGA Village Verano is widely recognized as one of the premier 55+ golf communities in Florida. The community includes Cresswind at PGA Village Verano, a gated active adult neighborhood specifically designed for residents aged 55 and better.
Golf enthusiasts enjoy special access to the award-winning PGA Golf Club, while residents benefit from an impressive collection of amenities including South Florida's largest private pickleball center with 27 courts. The community's active social calendar, extensive wellness facilities, and nationally recognized golf offerings make it a standout choice for serious golfers and active retirees alike.
Willoughby Golf Club | Stuart, Florida
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes from $290,000 to $1.5 million+
- Home Types: Luxury single-family homes
- Why Golfers Love It: Arthur Hills-designed course featuring championship-caliber play and exceptional practice facilities.
- Amenities: Clubhouse, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, swimming pool, dining, social clubs.
- Known For: Stuart is often called the "Sailfish Capital of the World" and is known for boating, fishing, charming downtown streets, and Old Florida character.
Willoughby Golf Club delivers a private country club experience in one of Florida's most desirable coastal towns. With only 375 residences, the community maintains an intimate feel while offering a full range of luxury amenities.
The Arthur Hills course blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape of wetlands, lakes, and mature vegetation. Golfers appreciate the multiple tee boxes and extensive practice facilities that accommodate every skill level.
For retirees seeking a blend of golf, coastal living, and a close-knit membership atmosphere, Willoughby Golf Club remains one of the Treasure Coast's most attractive options.
Indian River Colony Club | Melbourne, Florida
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes from $200,000 to $400,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes
- Why Golfers Love It: Challenging Gordon Lewis-designed course with beautiful lakes and mature Florida landscapes.
- Amenities: Country club, golf, maintenance services, security, clubs, dining, social activities.
- Known For: Melbourne offers Atlantic beaches, technology and aerospace employment, cultural attractions, and convenient access to Orlando and Port Canaveral.
Indian River Colony Club stands apart as one of Florida's premier military retirement communities. This resident-owned 55+ country club community serves veterans and those who appreciate a strong sense of camaraderie and community involvement.
Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, exceptional financial stability, and a highly regarded private golf course. Combined with affordable home prices and extensive amenities, IRCC offers outstanding value among Florida retirement communities with golf courses.
On Top of the World Communities | Ocala, Florida
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes from the mid $200,000s to $500,000+
- Home Types: Single-family homes and villas
- Why Golfers Love It: Three golf courses, including one of Florida's longest par-5 holes.
- Amenities: Pickleball, tennis, fitness centers, swimming pools, clubs, hobby facilities, lifelong learning programs.
- Known For: Ocala is famous for its horse farms, rolling hills, natural springs, and affordable cost of living.
One of the nation's best-selling active adult communities, On Top of the World has become a favorite among retirees seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities.
Golfers enjoy multiple course options while residents benefit from an enormous variety of recreational opportunities. The community's strong focus on active aging, wellness, and lifelong learning makes it appealing to retirees looking for a well-rounded lifestyle beyond the fairways.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes from $200,000 to $700,000
- Home Types: Attached and detached single-family homes
- Why Golfers Love It: Two scenic 18-hole courses at Stonegate Golf Club.
- Amenities: Fitness centers, pools, tennis, pickleball, clubs, classes, walking trails, arts programs.
- Known For: Located near Orlando, Poinciana offers convenient access to world-famous attractions, healthcare, shopping, and Central Florida recreation.
Solivita has earned a reputation as one of Central Florida's most active and engaging retirement communities. Inspired by Tuscan architecture and surrounded by lakes and preserves, the community offers a beautiful setting for active adult living.
Residents enjoy access to nearly 148,000 square feet of amenities, making it one of the most amenity-rich 55+ communities in Florida with golf.
Sun City Center | Sun City Center, Florida
At-A-Glance
- Price: Homes and condos from $125,000 to $700,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes, villas, and condominiums
- Why Golfers Love It: Eight golf courses and 162 holes of golf within the community.
- Amenities: Clubhouses, fitness centers, pools, pickleball, tennis, dog parks, clubs, hobby groups.
- Known For: Located near Tampa Bay, residents enjoy easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, sports, arts, healthcare, and entertainment.
Sun City Center remains one of the most recognized active adult communities in America. As a self-contained master-planned community, residents enjoy virtually every convenience without leaving the neighborhood.
With eight golf courses and nearly 200 clubs and organizations, it's ideal for retirees seeking an active social lifestyle alongside abundant golf opportunities.
What Amenities Do Florida Golf Retirement Communities Offer?
Today's golf communities are designed around complete lifestyles, not just golf.
Common amenities include:
- Championship golf courses
- Clubhouses and restaurants
- Resort-style pools
- Fitness centers
- Pickleball and tennis courts
- Walking and biking trails
- Social clubs and hobby groups
- Arts and education programs
- Wellness and healthcare access
- Gated entrances and security
Many communities also offer boating, fishing, beach access, and organized travel programs.
Are Florida Golf Retirement Communities Affordable?
Yes. While luxury communities certainly exist, many Florida golf retirement homes remain surprisingly affordable compared to golf communities in other states.
Homebuyers can find options ranging from approximately:
- $125,000+ at Sun City Center
- $200,000+ at Solivita and Indian River Colony Club
- Mid-$200,000s+ at On Top of the World
- Luxury options exceeding $1 million at Bent Pine and Willoughby Golf Club
This wide range of price points makes Florida one of the most accessible states for golf-oriented retirement living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Over 55 Golf Communities in Florida
What are the best over 55 golf communities in Florida?
Some of the top-rated communities include PGA Village Verano, Bent Pine, Sun City Center, Solivita, On Top of the World Communities, Indian River Colony Club, and Willoughby Golf Club.
Which region of Florida is best for golf retirees?
The Treasure Coast, Tampa Bay area, Central Florida, and the Space Coast are among the most popular regions due to their combination of golf, healthcare, affordability, and recreation.
Do all 55+ golf communities require golf memberships?
No. Some communities offer optional golf memberships while others include golf privileges through club memberships. Requirements vary by community.
Are there affordable golf retirement communities in Florida?
Yes. Several communities featured in this guide offer homes starting in the low-to-mid $200,000s, with some options available below that range.
What is the difference between a golf community and a country club community?
Golf communities are centered around golf amenities, while country club communities often include additional private amenities such as dining, fitness facilities, tennis, social programming, and member-exclusive events.
Can non-golfers enjoy living in a golf community?
Absolutely. Many residents choose golf communities for the lifestyle, social opportunities, fitness amenities, security, scenic views, and resort atmosphere—even if they rarely play golf.
Why Trust Private Communities Registry?
For the past 30 years, Private Communities Registry (PCR) has helped active adults, retirees, families, and second-home buyers discover the nation's premier lifestyle communities. Based in Florida and working with many of the country's leading builders, developers, and real estate companies, PCR offers unmatched expertise in helping buyers explore the best over 55 golf communities in Florida and beyond.
Whether you're searching for a championship golf lifestyle on the Treasure Coast, an affordable retirement community in Central Florida, or a resort-style golf destination near Tampa Bay, PCR connects you with communities that fit your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
