by Robert Borges on December 4, 2025
Southwest Florida continues to attract retirees and active adults seeking year-round sunshine, Gulf Coast scenery, and a lifestyle built around recreation, wellness, and community connection. With strong demand for 55+ communities in Southwest Florida, builders and developers have elevated the region’s offerings—from golf-centric neighborhoods to luxury active adult living with resort-quality amenities and low-maintenance homes.
As a trusted online resource for the last 30 years, Private Communities Registry (PCR) helps lifestyle buyers connect with the nation’s best master-planned, 55-plus, and active adult communities. Below, explore top communities in the region, complete with at-a-glance details on prices, home styles, and who each neighborhood is best suited for.
Top Active Adult & 55+ Communities in Southwest Florida
Master-Planned Retirement Community Near Naples
Ave Maria is an award-winning, master-planned community east of Naples offering small-town charm, resort amenities, and a variety of villages—including both all-ages neighborhoods and 55+ living. Residents enjoy a lively town center, multiple parks, 100+ miles of trails, golf, fitness, and year-round recreation. With convenient access to Naples, Immokalee, and Bonita Springs, Ave Maria blends affordability, amenities, and scenic Gulf Coast living.
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: High $200,000s – $800,000s
- Home Types: Single-family homes, condos, villas
- Best For: Golfers, families, active adults, nature lovers
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch- Lakewood Ranch, FL
55+ Community in a Premier Master-Planned Development
Located within the nationally recognized Lakewood Ranch master-planned community, Del Webb Lakewood Ranch offers an upscale 55+ active adult lifestyle with a 21,000-sq-ft clubhouse, full-time activities director, fitness center, arts & crafts, and a heated resort pool. Walking and biking trails connect the neighborhood to restaurants, medical centers, golf courses, and the vibrant Sarasota–Bradenton area.
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $400,000 – $1.4M
- Home Types: Single-family homes, villas
- Best For: Socially active adults, wellness enthusiasts, travelers
Resort-Style New Construction 55+ Homes in Sarasota
Grand Park blends tropical landscaping, resort amenities, and British West Indies-inspired architecture across a peaceful residential setting. With a clubhouse, fitness center, tennis & pickleball courts, two pools, walking trails, and dog parks, the community ensures year-round recreation. Its Sarasota location places homeowners near beaches, golf, dining, and cultural attractions.
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $400,000 – $800,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes, twin villas
- Best For: Beach lovers, wellness enthusiasts, new construction buyers
Kings Gate- Port Charlotte, FL
Affordable 55+ Community Between Sarasota & Fort Myers
Kings Gate is a well-established 55+ community in Port Charlotte featuring paired villa homes, a 30,000-sq-ft clubhouse, on-site dining, an executive golf course, and extensive recreation—from pickleball to shuffleboard to arts & crafts. Surrounded by lakes and preserves, this gated neighborhood offers low-maintenance living with quick access to Gulf Coast beaches, marinas, and wildlife areas.
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: High $200,000s
- Home Types: Paired villas
- Best For: Low-maintenance seekers, golfers, social retirees
Top-Ranked Master-Planned Community on Florida’s Nature Coast
GlenLakes, consistently ranked among the country’s best master-planned communities, offers tranquil living near spring-fed rivers, beaches, and 85,000 acres of nature preserves. The private golf club, fitness amenities, Olympic pool, and walking trails support an active lifestyle, while homebuyers enjoy both custom estate homes and maintenance-free options.
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $240,000 – $700,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes, low-maintenance models
- Best For: Golfers, nature lovers, retirees seeking privacy
Large Master-Planned Community With Nature Preserves & Amenities
Bella Terra offers a lively yet nature-rich setting in Estero, ideally located between Naples and Fort Myers. With over 800 acres of lakes and preserves, residents enjoy walking paths, a resort pool, sports courts, playgrounds, and a 7,000-sq-ft clubhouse. Featuring more than 2,300 homes across multiple villages, Bella Terra appeals to full-time retirees, families, and seasonal homeowners alike.
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: Mid $300,000s – High $700,000s
- Home Types: Single-family homes, condos, townhomes
- Best For: Active families, seasonal residents, outdoor enthusiasts
FAQ: Retiring & Living in Southwest Florida
Is Southwest Florida a good place for retirement?
Yes. The region offers warm weather, low taxes, high-quality healthcare, and hundreds of 55+ and master-planned retirement communities near beaches, golf courses, nature preserves, and cultural attractions.
What types of homes are available in 55+ communities in Southwest Florida?
Options range from new construction 55+ homes, villas, and condos to luxury single-family properties within gated, amenity-rich neighborhoods.
How much do active adult community HOA fees cost in SWFL?
Most HOA fees range from $150–$500 per month, depending on amenities like lawn care, fitness centers, clubhouses, community pools, and security.
Are these communities golf-cart friendly?
Yes—many Southwest Florida retirement communities are designed with golf carts in mind, allowing easy access to amenities and nearby conveniences.
What amenities are most common?
Residents typically enjoy resort pools, fitness centers, pickleball courts, golf, walking trails, cafes, event spaces, and full-time lifestyle directors who coordinate activities.
Find More Active Adult Communities in Southwest Florida
These standout communities are only a sampling of what the region has to offer. To explore even more 55+ and master-planned retirement communities in Southwest Florida, visit PrivateCommunities.com—your trusted resource for lifestyle living for more than 30 years.
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.
