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 walks you through what makes each one special, where they're located, and which features matter most for active adult buyers.
Where Orlando's 55+ Communities Are Located
Here's something surprising: very few 55+ communities sit inside Orlando proper. Instead, they form a horseshoe around the metro area — 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'll cover the beautiful 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 absolutely love living here. It's one of the most affordable options in greater Orlando. A few caveats worth knowing:
- The community is not gated
- It's structured as a co-op (similar to a condo association)
- VA loans are not accepted due to the co-op structure
Legacy of Leesburg: Low HOA and Walking Trails
Legacy of Leesburg doesn't have a golf course or restaurant, but it's beautifully designed with a gorgeous pool area, a happy resident base, and a famously low HOA. The community features about five miles of nature walking trails — a major draw for active retirees. It sits right in the Leesburg "55+ row," making it easy to tour alongside neighboring communities.
Highland Lakes: Woodworking Shop and Indoor Pool
Highland Lakes is a low-key, affordable Leesburg community with two standout features:
- 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, which means it has arguably the best amenities of the bunch. You'll find:
- A golf course and well-regarded restaurant
- RV garage homes plus a separate RV/boat storage lot
- Villa, duplex, and single-family home options
- A walkable town center that hosts community events
- An on-site movie theater — uncommon in 55+ communities
Mount Dora 55+ Communities: Lakefront Living and Walkable Charm
Lakes of Mount Dora: Kayak-Friendly Waterways
Lakes of Mount Dora is a favorite for good reason. The community features man-made waterways winding throughout, so nearly every home has a beautiful water view. Residents enjoy kayaking, fishing, and boating right from the community, and recent changes now provide access to a larger connected lake — opening up even more boating possibilities.
Villa Dora: A 60-Unit Lakefront Condo Downtown
Villa Dora is a unique find — a 60-unit condominium complex (mostly 2-bedroom/2-bath) arranged in a U-shape overlooking Lake Dora. You're a short, accessible walk from downtown Mount Dora, with:
- Easy elevator access (great if you have mobility concerns)
- Pickleball and tennis courts up the road
- All of downtown Mount Dora's restaurants, shops, and bars
- Boating and fishing right at your doorstep
- HOA dues include cable and exterior maintenance
It's an excellent option if you want a low-maintenance second home with true lakefront, downtown living.
Lakefront and Boating-Focused Communities
Royal Harbor: Chain of Lakes Access in Tavares
Royal Harbor is a stunning Pringle-built community of roughly 750 homes located 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). Highlights include:
- A recently updated, iconic community lighthouse
- Beautiful topography and sunset views over the bridge
- RV and boat storage lot for residents
- Hickory Point Recreation Park and boat ramp directly across the road
New-Build Options in Greater Orlando
Heritage at the Cottages of Sanders Grove: A New-Build Opportunity
This one has an interesting backstory. Pringle started Heritage at the Cottages of Sanders Grove before the 2008 housing crash, completing only 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 robust amenity package or active social calendar, this could be a fit. If amenities and an "active" 55+ 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 — Leesburg, Mount Dora, Clermont, 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) is structured 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 offer dedicated RV/boat storage lots — a major perk if you travel or boat regularly.
Find Your Match in Greater Orlando
With 27 different 55+ communities spread across Leesburg, Mount Dora, Clermont, Tavares, and beyond, narrowing down your shortlist takes a little homework — but you don't have to do it alone. Take our matching quiz on the Explore55Plus homepage to see which Orlando-area communities fit your budget, lifestyle, and must-have amenities, then save your favorites to your personal shortlist so you can compare them side by side before your visit.
