27 active adult communities in greater Orlando, Florida: pricing, HOAs, and insider tips
If you're researching 55+ communities in greater Orlando, Florida, you have 27 options to consider, from affordable Leesburg neighborhoods to lakefront condos in Mount Dora and amenity-packed resort communities near Clermont. This guide covers what makes each one distinct, where they sit, and which features matter most for active adult buyers.
Where Orlando's 55+ communities are located
Very few 55+ communities sit inside Orlando proper. They form a horseshoe around the metro, concentrated in Clermont, Leesburg, Mount Dora, South Clermont, Kissimmee, and the Lake Nona area. There are essentially no active adult communities east of Orlando (we cover the DeLand option in our Palm Coast video).
Affordable Leesburg 55+ communities
Scottish Highlands: Leesburg's affordable Pringle original
Scottish Highlands was one of Pringle's first 55+ communities in Leesburg, and residents consistently rate it among the most affordable in greater Orlando. Three things worth knowing before you tour:
- The community is not gated
- It's structured as a co-op (similar to a condo association)
- VA loans are not accepted because of the co-op structure
Legacy of Leesburg: low HOA and walking trails
Legacy of Leesburg has no golf course or restaurant, but the pool area is well-designed, residents are happy, and the HOA fee is famously low. About five miles of nature walking trails run through the community, which sits in the Leesburg "55+ row" and is easy to tour alongside its neighbors.
Highland Lakes: woodworking shop and indoor pool
Highland Lakes is a low-key, affordable Leesburg community with two features that set it apart:
- An exceptional woodworking and metal shop (people relocate here specifically for it)
- Both indoor and outdoor pools, which is rare among Florida 55+ communities
Arlington Ridge: golf, movie theater, and RV garage homes
Arlington Ridge is one of the newer Leesburg-area communities, and newer construction means better amenities. You'll find a golf course and well-regarded restaurant, RV garage homes plus a separate RV/boat storage lot, and villa, duplex, and single-family home options. A walkable town center hosts community events, and an on-site movie theater is uncommon in any 55+ community.
Mount Dora 55+ communities: lakefront living and walkable charm
Lakes of Mount Dora: kayak-friendly waterways
Lakes of Mount Dora is a consistent favorite. Man-made waterways wind through the community, giving nearly every home a water view. Residents kayak, fish, and boat right from the neighborhood, and recent changes now connect to a larger lake, adding more boating options.
Villa Dora: a 60-unit lakefront condo downtown
Villa Dora is a 60-unit condominium complex (mostly 2-bedroom/2-bath) arranged in a U-shape overlooking Lake Dora. Downtown Mount Dora is a short, accessible walk away. The building has elevator access (useful if mobility is a concern), pickleball and tennis courts up the road, and boating and fishing at your doorstep. HOA dues cover cable and exterior maintenance. It's a strong choice if you want a low-maintenance lakefront home with a real downtown nearby.
Lakefront and boating-focused communities
Royal Harbor: Chain of Lakes access in Tavares
Royal Harbor is a Pringle-built community of roughly 750 homes on Little Lake Harris, just across the bridge from Howey-in-the-Hills. It's the only 55+ community we know of with Chain of Lakes lakefront lots, though those lots are limited. The community has a recently updated lighthouse, good sunset views over the bridge, an RV and boat storage lot, and Hickory Point Recreation Park with a boat ramp directly across the road.
New-build options in greater Orlando
Heritage at the Cottages of Sanders Grove: a new-build opportunity
Pringle started this community before the 2008 housing crash, completing about eight homes and the community building before construction stopped for over a decade. D.R. Horton recently took over lots, and there's industry buzz that K. Hovnanian may build here as well.
If you want a new-build, 55+-restricted home at an affordable price and don't need a full amenity package or active social calendar, this could work. If amenities and an active lifestyle are priorities, look elsewhere.
Quick facts: choosing an Orlando 55+ community
- Most affordable areas: Leesburg (Scottish Highlands, Highland Lakes, Legacy of Leesburg)
- Best for boaters: Royal Harbor, Lakes of Mount Dora
- Best walkable downtown: Villa Dora in Mount Dora
- Best amenities in Leesburg: Arlington Ridge
- Best for hobbyists (woodworking/metal): Highland Lakes
- Best new-build value: Heritage at the Cottages of Sanders Grove
Frequently asked questions about Orlando 55+ communities
Are there 55+ communities east of Orlando?
Essentially no. Greater Orlando's active adult communities cluster to the north and west, in Leesburg, Mount Dora, Clermont, and Tavares, and south toward Kissimmee and Lake Nona.
What's a co-op community, and why does it matter?
A co-op (like Scottish Highlands) works similarly to a condo association. The biggest practical impact: VA loans typically aren't accepted, so financing options may be more limited.
Which Orlando 55+ communities have RV or boat storage?
Royal Harbor, Arlington Ridge, and several other Leesburg-area communities have dedicated RV/boat storage lots, a real perk if you travel or boat regularly.
Find your match in greater Orlando
With 27 communities spread across Leesburg, Mount Dora, Clermont, Tavares, and beyond, narrowing the list to the right price, the right vibe, and the right amenities takes more than a spreadsheet. Create your free account and our AI will give each community a personal match score based on your budget, lifestyle, and must-haves, whether that's a woodworking shop, a boat slip, walkable downtown access, or a low HOA.
Once you have your scores, save the communities that interest you to your shortlist and pull them into the Decision Matrix to compare side by side. When you're ready to visit Leesburg or Mount Dora in person, you'll already know which doors are worth opening.
