55+ communities in Florida: the best by region (2026)

How we chose and ordered these communities

We picked 24 age-restricted communities across every Florida region where large 55+ communities are built, from Yulee near the Georgia line to Boynton Beach. Every one is listed as 55+ on 55places, and we used its community profiles (checked September 2026) for the price band, the range of HOA dues seen in current listings, the total number of homes and the years built. Developer sites and Florida for Boomers filled in amenities and starting prices.

The table is ordered by the number of homes, from largest to smallest, because size tracks the depth of amenities and the choice of homes for sale at any time. Price bands are listing ranges, not appraisals, and dues vary by home type and neighborhood. Always confirm the current dues, any CDD assessment and the age rules in the documents before you buy.

Florida 55+ communities at a glance

Sorted by total homes. Price bands and HOA dues are 55places' ranges from current listings in September 2026.

Community	City	Region	Listed price band	HOA dues (listings)	Homes	Years built	Sales	Gated
The Villages	The Villages	Central	High $100ks - High $1Ms	$71 - $268/mo	70,000	1978 - Present	New And Resale	No
On Top of the World	Ocala	Central	High $100ks - Mid $600ks	$174 - $524/mo	10,000	1981 - Present	New And Resale	Yes
Sun City Center	Sun City Center	Tampa Bay	Mid $100ks - Low $800ks	$44 - $730/mo	9,500	1961 - 2018	Resale only	No
Century Village at Boca Raton	Boca Raton	Southeast	Low $100ks - Mid $400ks	$127 - $601/mo	7,500	1970 - 1995	Resale	Yes
Century Village at West Palm Beach	West Palm Beach	Southeast	Below $100k - Low $300ks	$200 - $506/mo	6,500	1970 - 1995	Resale	Yes
Solivita	Kissimmee (Poinciana area)	Orlando	Low $300ks - Low $700ks	$155 - $420/mo	5,900	2000 - Present	New And Resale	Yes
Kings Point	Sun City Center	Tampa Bay	Low $100ks - Mid $400ks	$425 - $775/mo	5,277	1973 - 2015	Resale only	Yes
Latitude Margaritaville	Daytona Beach	Atlantic coast	Mid $300ks - Low $800ks	$256 - $393/mo	3,900	2017 - 2025	Resale	Yes
Stone Creek	Ocala	Central	High $200ks - Mid $500ks	$192 - $443/mo	3,800	2006 - Present	New And Resale	Yes
Timber Pines	Spring Hill	Tampa Bay	Low $200ks - Low $400ks	$179 - $356/mo	3,452	1982 - 1998	Resale only Builder: Multiple	Yes
Del Webb Naples	Ave Maria	Southwest	Low $300ks - High $900ks	$192 - $645/mo	2,123	2007 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Kings Ridge	Clermont	Orlando	Mid $200ks - Mid $400ks	$213 - $396/mo	2,088	1995 - 2000	Resale only	Yes
Ocala Preserve	Ocala	Central	High $100ks - Mid $500ks	$415 - $567/mo	1,800	2014 - Present	New And Resale	Yes
Valencia Lakes	Wimauma	Tampa Bay	High $200ks - Mid $700ks	$307 - $632/mo	1,631	2005 - 2019	Resale only	Yes
Cypress Lakes	Lakeland	Central	Low $100ks - High $100ks	$33 - $406/mo	1,604	1987 - 2016	Resale	Yes
Lake Ashton	Lake Wales	Central	Mid $200ks - Mid $500ks	$4 - $5/mo	1,600	2002 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Del Webb Sunbridge	St. Cloud	Orlando	Low $400ks - Low $800ks	$370 - $491/mo	1,300	2019 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Del Webb Catalina	Lakewood Ranch	Southwest	Mid $300ks - Low $1Ms	$369 - $422/mo	1,300	2023 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Kings Gate	Port Charlotte	Southwest	Mid $200ks - High $300ks	$270 - $476/mo	940	2002 - Present	New And Resale	Yes
WaterSong at RiverTown	St. Johns	Northeast	Low $400ks - Low $600ks	$61 - $302/mo	800	2019 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Del Webb Wildlight	Yulee	Northeast	Mid $300ks - Mid $600ks	$153 - $472/mo	660	2022 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Valencia Grand	Boynton Beach	Southeast	Mid $1Ms - Mid $2Ms	$651 - $815/mo	659	2022 - 2025	Resale	No
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch	Lakewood Ranch	Southwest	Low $400ks - High $700ks	$220 - $430/mo	648	2018 - Present	New and resale	Yes
Del Webb Minneola	Minneola	Orlando	Low $400ks - Low $700ks	$206 - $434/mo	n/a	2020 - Present	New and resale	Yes

Central Florida: The Villages, Ocala and Polk County

The Villages, The Villages

The Villages is the country's largest 55+ community and, by RCLCO's count, its top-selling master-planned community, with 3,611 new-home sales in 2025. The developer says it covers about 57 square miles with more than 150,000 residents, three town squares and over 3,000 resident clubs and activities. Homes run from patio villas to premier homes. The developer's published sample budget is a $189 monthly amenity fee plus utilities, about $383 a month before any mortgage, and executive golf is included in the amenity fee.

Listed on 55places: High $100ks - High $1Ms price band, HOA dues $71 - $268/mo, 70,000 homes, built 1978 - Present, single-family, attached, condos, manufactured.

On Top of the World, Ocala

On Top of the World is a large 55+ community on Ocala's southwest side that has been building since 1981. Florida for Boomers lists 54 holes of golf on three courses, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and spa, and more than 175 clubs, with new homes starting in the $200,000s. Its entry prices make it one of the most affordable large amenity communities in the state.

Listed on 55places: High $100ks - Mid $600ks price band, HOA dues $174 - $524/mo, 10,000 homes, built 1981 - Present, single-family, attached.

Stone Creek, Ocala

Stone Creek is a gated Del Webb community in southwest Ocala with an 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant, pools and a lifestyle director, according to Florida for Boomers. New homes and resales are both on offer, and new homes started in the $200,000s.

Listed on 55places: High $200ks - Mid $500ks price band, HOA dues $192 - $443/mo, 3,800 homes, built 2006 - Present, single-family, attached.

Ocala Preserve, Ocala

Ocala Preserve is a gated 55+ community in northwest Ocala begun in 2014, with new homes from Shea Homes and D.R. Horton. Its entry prices start in the high $100,000s, but dues are among the higher ones in this list.

Listed on 55places: High $100ks - Mid $500ks price band, HOA dues $415 - $567/mo, 1,800 homes, built 2014 - Present, single-family, attached.

Cypress Lakes, Lakeland

Cypress Lakes is a gated 55+ community in south Lakeland built between 1987 and 2016. 55places notes that the Big Cypress Golf Club there has two 18-hole courses. It has the lowest price band of any single-family community in this list, which is why it features in our cheapest 55+ communities guide. See our Lakeland 55+ guide.

Listed on 55places: Low $100ks - High $100ks price band, HOA dues $33 - $406/mo, 1,604 homes, built 1987 - 2016, single-family.

Lake Ashton, Lake Wales

Lake Ashton is a gated 55+ community in Lake Wales, Polk County, built since 2002. Listed HOA dues are only $4 to $5 a month, which usually means amenities are paid for another way, such as a community development district assessment on the property tax bill. Ask for the full non-ad valorem charges on any home you consider.

Listed on 55places: Mid $200ks - Mid $500ks price band, HOA dues $4 - $5/mo, 1,600 homes, built 2002 - Present, single-family, attached.

Around Orlando

Solivita, Kissimmee (Poinciana area)

Solivita is a gated 55+ community south of Orlando in the Poinciana area, begun in 2000 by Avatar and now built by Taylor Morrison. It is one of the largest in Central Florida, with about 5,900 homes. New homes and resales are both available. See our Orlando 55+ guide for how it compares with Del Webb Sunbridge and Tohoqua Reserve.

Listed on 55places: Low $300ks - Low $700ks price band, HOA dues $155 - $420/mo, 5,900 homes, built 2000 - Present, single-family, attached.

Kings Ridge, Clermont

Kings Ridge is a gated, resale-only 55+ community in Clermont built by Lennar between 1995 and 2000. It is one of the lower-priced gated options west of Orlando. Our Clermont 55+ guide compares it with the newer Del Webb communities nearby.

Listed on 55places: Mid $200ks - Mid $400ks price band, HOA dues $213 - $396/mo, 2,088 homes, built 1995 - 2000, single-family.

Del Webb Sunbridge, St. Cloud

Del Webb Sunbridge is a gated 55+ neighborhood inside the Sunbridge master plan southeast of Orlando, building since 2019. It is one of the newer and higher-priced options near Orlando, with dues above most of this list. Check the tax bill for any CDD assessment and compare the full cost.

Listed on 55places: Low $400ks - Low $800ks price band, HOA dues $370 - $491/mo, 1,300 homes, built 2019 - Present, single-family, attached.

Del Webb Minneola, Minneola

Del Webb Minneola is a gated community north of Clermont, building since 2020. New single-family homes started in the low $400,000s on 55places' figures. See our Minneola guide.

Listed on 55places: Low $400ks - Low $700ks price band, HOA dues $206 - $434/mo, n/a homes, built 2020 - Present, single-family.

Tampa Bay

Sun City Center, Sun City Center

Sun City Center, south of Tampa near I-75, is one of Florida's oldest planned 55+ communities, with homes built from 1961 on. It is resale-only now. The community is not gated, and dues vary widely by neighborhood, from very low to several hundred dollars a month. Our Tampa 55+ guide covers Sun City Center and its neighbors in detail.

Listed on 55places: Mid $100ks - Low $800ks price band, HOA dues $44 - $730/mo, 9,500 homes, built 1961 - 2018, single-family, attached.

Kings Point, Sun City Center

Kings Point is a gated resale community inside the Sun City Center area, with single-family and attached homes built between 1973 and 2015. Entry prices are among the lowest in this list, but listed dues are higher than most, so ask exactly what they cover.

Listed on 55places: Low $100ks - Mid $400ks price band, HOA dues $425 - $775/mo, 5,277 homes, built 1973 - 2015, single-family, attached.

Timber Pines, Spring Hill

Timber Pines is a gated resale community in Spring Hill, north of Tampa in Hernando County, built between 1982 and 1998. Prices are well below Tampa's suburbs, and dues are moderate.

Listed on 55places: Low $200ks - Low $400ks price band, HOA dues $179 - $356/mo, 3,452 homes, built 1982 - 1998, single-family, attached.

Valencia Lakes, Wimauma

Valencia Lakes is a gated GL Homes 55+ community in Wimauma, southeast of Tampa, built between 2005 and 2019 and now resale-only. Its sister community Valencia del Sol was still selling new homes, from the high $300,000s on 55places' figures, in September 2026.

Listed on 55places: High $200ks - Mid $700ks price band, HOA dues $307 - $632/mo, 1,631 homes, built 2005 - 2019, attached, single-family.

Southwest Florida: Sarasota to Naples

Del Webb Naples, Ave Maria

Del Webb Naples is a gated 55+ community in Ave Maria, inland east of Naples, building since 2007. Ave Maria's developer lists Del Webb homes from the $400,000s. It is far cheaper than coastal Naples, where Zillow's typical value was $544,120 in August 2026, but the drive to the coast and hospitals is longer.

Listed on 55places: Low $300ks - High $900ks price band, HOA dues $192 - $645/mo, 2,123 homes, built 2007 - Present, single-family, attached.

Del Webb Catalina, Lakewood Ranch

Del Webb Catalina is a gated community inside Lakewood Ranch, which RCLCO ranked the country's top-selling multigenerational master-planned community in 2025. Building began in 2023. See our Sarasota 55+ guide.

Listed on 55places: Mid $300ks - Low $1Ms price band, HOA dues $369 - $422/mo, 1,300 homes, built 2023 - Present, single-family, attached.

Kings Gate, Port Charlotte

Kings Gate is a gated 55+ community in Port Charlotte, building since 2002 with new homes from Neal Communities. Florida for Boomers lists a recreation center, Olympic-sized pool and optional membership in two 18-hole golf courses, with prices starting in the $200,000s.

Listed on 55places: Mid $200ks - High $300ks price band, HOA dues $270 - $476/mo, 940 homes, built 2002 - Present, single-family, attached.

Cresswind Lakewood Ranch, Lakewood Ranch

Cresswind Lakewood Ranch is a gated 55+ community building since 2018. It is smaller than Del Webb Catalina, with single-family homes only, and residents can use Lakewood Ranch's trail network, which the developer puts at more than 150 miles.

Listed on 55places: Low $400ks - High $700ks price band, HOA dues $220 - $430/mo, 648 homes, built 2018 - Present, single-family.

Southeast Florida: Palm Beach County

Century Village at Boca Raton, Boca Raton

Century Village at Boca Raton is a gated condo community of about 7,500 homes built between 1970 and 1995. It offers one of the cheapest ways to live in Boca Raton, but condo buyers must check each building's reserves, special assessments and structural inspection status under Florida's condo safety laws. See our Boca Raton 55+ guide.

Listed on 55places: Low $100ks - Mid $400ks price band, HOA dues $127 - $601/mo, 7,500 homes, built 1970 - 1995, condos.

Century Village at West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach

Century Village at West Palm Beach is a gated condo community of about 6,500 homes, built from 1970. Its price band starts below $100,000, among the lowest in South Florida, but as with any older condo, the building's finances matter more than the purchase price.

Listed on 55places: Below $100k - Low $300ks price band, HOA dues $200 - $506/mo, 6,500 homes, built 1970 - 1995, condos.

Valencia Grand, Boynton Beach

Valencia Grand is a GL Homes 55+ community west of Boynton Beach, built between 2022 and 2025, and the most expensive community in this list, with prices in the millions and dues to match. It shows how wide the range is: Palm Beach County has both the cheapest and the most expensive 55+ housing in the state.

Listed on 55places: Mid $1Ms - Mid $2Ms price band, HOA dues $651 - $815/mo, 659 homes, built 2022 - 2025, single-family.

Northeast Florida: Jacksonville area

WaterSong at RiverTown, St. Johns

WaterSong is the gated 55+ section of RiverTown on the St. Johns River, building since 2019. RiverTown's own site lists WaterSong homes from the mid $300,000s. Residents share RiverTown's riverfront amenities; ask for the CDD charges on the tax bill.

Listed on 55places: Low $400ks - Low $600ks price band, HOA dues $61 - $302/mo, 800 homes, built 2019 - Present, single-family, attached.

Del Webb Wildlight, Yulee

Del Webb Wildlight is a gated 55+ community in Yulee, north of Jacksonville, building since 2022 within the Wildlight development. Our Jacksonville 55+ guide compares it with Del Webb communities in St. Johns County.

Listed on 55places: Mid $300ks - Mid $600ks price band, HOA dues $153 - $472/mo, 660 homes, built 2022 - Present, single-family.

The Atlantic coast

Latitude Margaritaville, Daytona Beach

Latitude Margaritaville is a themed, gated 55+ community west of I-95 in Daytona Beach, built from 2017 with Margaritaville branding. 55places lists building there through 2025, so most purchases now are resales.

Listed on 55places: Mid $300ks - Low $800ks price band, HOA dues $256 - $393/mo, 3,900 homes, built 2017 - 2025, single-family, attached.

The legal rules for 55+ communities: HOPA and the 80/20 rule

A 55+ community can legally turn away buyers or renters with children only because federal and Florida law exempt qualifying housing for older persons from the familial status rules of fair housing law. The exemption comes from the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), written into 42 U.S.C. 3607, and Florida mirrors it in section 760.29 of the Florida Statutes.

What is the 80/20 rule?

To qualify, at least 80% of the community's occupied units must have at least one resident aged 55 or older, under HUD's regulation at 24 CFR 100.305. The other 20% is not a guaranteed right for younger buyers: the community's own documents decide how, or whether, it is used. Many Florida communities require every household to include someone 55 or older and set a minimum age, often 18 or 19, for anyone else living there.

Published intent

The community must publish and follow policies showing it is intended for people 55 and older, such as advertising, bylaws and rules. Florida's statute also treats recorded governing documents that provide for an adult or retirement community as evidence of that intent in some cases.

Age verification every two years

Under 24 CFR 100.307, the community must be able to prove compliance through reliable surveys and affidavits, update its occupancy records at least once every two years, and accept documents such as a driver's license, passport or birth certificate as proof of age. Expect to provide ID when you buy and when surveys come round.

62+ housing is different

Housing intended for, and solely occupied by, people 62 and older is a separate category with no 20% allowance. Most active adult communities in Florida use the 55+ rules instead.

What to check before you buy

Ask for the declaration, bylaws and rules, and look for the age restriction, guest stay limits, rental restrictions and how the association counts occupancy. If you plan to have a younger family member live with you, confirm in writing that the documents allow it.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Florida?

Your monthly cost is the mortgage (if any) plus property tax, insurance, HOA dues, any CDD assessment and any club or golf membership. Three examples show the range:

Dues at the low end

Cypress Lakes in Lakeland and Sun City Center had listed HOA dues from $33 and $44 a month in current listings, and Lake Ashton lists almost nothing because its costs sit in a CDD on the tax bill. Low dues do not always mean low total cost.

A typical amenity fee: The Villages

The Villages publishes a sample monthly budget: a $189 amenity fee, $75 electric, $48 water and sewer, $11 trash and $60 for TV and internet, $383 a month in total before any mortgage or rent. Ask whether a home also carries a bond or special district assessment on its tax bill.

Dues at the high end

Seven Lakes in Fort Myers ($466 to $1,230 a month) and Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach ($651 to $815) sit at the top of this list. Condo communities such as Seven Lakes and Kings Point bundle more exterior maintenance and insurance into dues.

The mortgage

At the 7.03% average 30-year rate Freddie Mac reported on September 24, 2026, principal and interest with 20% down is about $1,335 a month on a $250,000 home and $2,402 on a $450,000 home. Florida's homestead exemption lowers the tax on a primary residence; see our homestead exemption guide.

How to choose a Florida 55+ community

New build or resale

New communities such as Del Webb Minneola, Sunbridge and Catalina offer new homes and warranties but often carry CDD assessments and higher dues. Resale-only communities such as Kings Ridge, Timber Pines and Trilogy Orlando have established amenities and lower entry prices, but older roofs and systems affect insurance.

Gated or not

Most communities here are gated, but The Villages and Sun City Center are not. A gate adds cost through staffing and road maintenance; it is not a crime statistic.

Healthcare and airports

Check the drive to the nearest hospital and airport. The Villages is served by a 307-bed UF Health hospital, according to its developer, while inland communities such as Ave Maria and Lake Wales are further from major medical centers.

Flood and hurricane exposure

Coastal communities need a flood zone and evacuation zone check. Inland communities in Ocala, Lakeland and Clermont sit away from storm surge but still face wind. Get an insurance quote before you commit.

For costs in more detail, see our downsizing in Florida guide and best places to retire in Florida.

Common questions

What are the best 55+ retirement communities in Florida?+

The largest and best-known are The Villages, On Top of the World in Ocala, Sun City Center and Kings Point near Tampa, Solivita near Orlando and Century Village in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Newer options include Del Webb communities in Minneola, St. Cloud, Yulee and Lakewood Ranch. The best one depends on your budget, the dues you accept and where you want to be.

What is the 80/20 rule in a 55+ community?+

Under federal and Florida law, a community qualifies as 55+ housing if at least 80% of its occupied units have at least one resident aged 55 or older, it publishes policies showing that intent, and it verifies ages through surveys at least every two years. The remaining 20% is not a right for younger buyers; the community's documents decide how it is used.

How much does it cost to live in a 55 plus community in Florida?+

Beyond the home price, expect HOA dues from under $50 to over $1,000 a month depending on the community, plus property tax, insurance and any CDD assessment. The Villages publishes a sample of $383 a month for its amenity fee and utilities before any mortgage. Condo communities usually have higher dues because they cover more maintenance and insurance.

What are the most affordable 55+ communities in Florida?+

By listed price band, Century Village at West Palm Beach, Pennbrooke Fairways in Leesburg and Highlands Ridge in Avon Park start below $100,000, and Cypress Lakes in Lakeland ranged from the low to high $100,000s in September 2026. For new homes, On Top of the World, Stone Creek and Kings Gate started in the $200,000s. See our cheapest 55+ communities guide.

Can someone under 55 live in a Florida 55+ community?+

Sometimes. The law only requires 80% of occupied units to have a resident aged 55 or older, so a younger spouse or partner is usually allowed, and some communities permit a limited number of younger households. Many set a minimum age for other residents and limit guest stays. Read the declaration and rules before you buy.

Are Florida 55+ communities gated?+

Most of the 24 communities in this guide are gated, including Solivita, Kings Point, Century Village and every Del Webb community listed. The Villages, Sun City Center and Valencia Grand are listed as not gated. A gate means higher road and staffing costs in the dues, so compare total monthly cost as well as access.

55+ communities in Florida: the best by region, with prices and dues

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