Tours, Reviews & Guides

Videos and insights about 55+ active adult communities

Valencia Ridge Wesley Chapel: HOA Fees, Amenities & What to Expect

Valencia Ridge Wesley Chapel: HOA Fees, Amenities & What to Expect

Valencia Ridge HOA fees, amenities, and location perks explained. GL Homes' boutique 55+ community in Wesley Chapel, FL has only 500 homes — here's what buyers need to know.

Explore by Del Webb at North River Ranch: Parrish, Florida's All-Ages Active Adult Community

Explore by Del Webb at North River Ranch: Parrish, Florida's All-Ages Active Adult Community

Explore by Del Webb at North River Ranch in Parrish, FL is Del Webb's first all-ages community in Florida — 901 homes, resort amenities, and no age restrictions.

On Top of the World vs. Solivita: Central Florida 55+ Communities Compared

On Top of the World vs. Solivita: Central Florida 55+ Communities Compared

Compare On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida and Solivita in Kissimmee on price, HOA fees, amenities, and lifestyle to find which 55+ community fits you.

WaterSong at RiverTown: Nature-Filled 55+ Living Near Jacksonville

WaterSong at RiverTown: Nature-Filled 55+ Living Near Jacksonville

WaterSong at RiverTown is a lush 55+ community in St. Johns County, FL, 30 min from Jacksonville. See amenities, HOA fees, and what makes it stand out.

Cresswind Wellen Park: 55+ Resort Living Next to Braves Spring Training

Cresswind Wellen Park: 55+ Resort Living Next to Braves Spring Training

Cresswind Wellen Park in Venice, FL offers 55+ resort-style living steps from CoolToday Park. See what makes this Kolter Homes community worth a closer look.

Woodland Preserve Parrish FL: Boutique 55+ Living at $225/Month HOA

Woodland Preserve Parrish FL: Boutique 55+ Living at $225/Month HOA

Woodland Preserve in Parrish, FL offers 420 single-family homes, 8 pickleball courts, and a resort pool — all for just $225/month HOA. Here's what to know.

On Top of the World Ocala: New Homes, Prices & Melody Preserve

On Top of the World Ocala: New Homes, Prices & Melody Preserve

On Top of the World Ocala has new construction homes from $350K-$600K, plus the new Melody Preserve next door. Real prices, floor plans, and insider tips.

Brightmore at Wellen Park: Venice, FL's Premier 55+ Community

Brightmore at Wellen Park: Venice, FL's Premier 55+ Community

Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice, FL is a new 55+ community by Mattamy Homes with resort amenities, low insurance rates, and a prime location near beaches and Braves spring training.

Cresswind at Lake Harris: Lakefront 55+ Living in Tavares, FL

Cresswind at Lake Harris: Lakefront 55+ Living in Tavares, FL

Cresswind at Lake Harris in Tavares, FL offers the only new 55+ community with direct boat dock access to the Lake Harris Chain of Lakes. Here's what to expect.

Del Webb Minneola vs. Esplanade at Highland Ranch vs. Mount Olive Shores: Central Florida 55+ Home Tour

Del Webb Minneola vs. Esplanade at Highland Ranch vs. Mount Olive Shores: Central Florida 55+ Home Tour

Del Webb Minneola, Esplanade at Highland Ranch, and Mount Olive Shores go head-to-head in this Central Florida 55+ community showdown for RVers and active adults.

Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach: Tour, Prices & Amenities

Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach: Tour, Prices & Amenities

Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach delivers a true resort lifestyle for 55+ adults. Tour the amenities, homes, and Beach Club in our full guide.

Florida's 2027 Property Tax Amendment: What 55+ Homebuyers Should Know

Florida's 2027 Property Tax Amendment: What 55+ Homebuyers Should Know

Florida's proposed 'Save Our Homes from Excessive Tax' amendment could save primary homeowners ~$2,000/year. Here's what 55+ buyers need to know before acting.

Del Webb Lakehaven: 55+ Living in Florida's Wellness Way

Del Webb Lakehaven: 55+ Living in Florida's Wellness Way

Del Webb Lakehaven is a new 55+ community in Central Florida's Wellness Way with lake views, Olympus Town Center access, and homes from the low $400s.

Sanctuary at Wellness Ridge: Affordable 55+ Living in Clermont, FL

Sanctuary at Wellness Ridge: Affordable 55+ Living in Clermont, FL

Sanctuary at Wellness Ridge is Lennar's new 55+ community in Clermont, FL — with homes from $299,999, resort amenities, and a location near Orlando.

Del Webb Minneola: Views, Amenities & Everything You Need to Know

Del Webb Minneola: Views, Amenities & Everything You Need to Know

Del Webb Minneola in Lake County, FL offers 55+ buyers elevated views, resort amenities, and quick access to Orlando. Here's everything you need to know.

Central Florida 55+ Communities: Wish List Wars with Tammy & Kelly

Central Florida 55+ Communities: Wish List Wars with Tammy & Kelly

Cousins Tammy and Kelly tested The Palms at Serenoa, Four Seasons, and Solivita in Central Florida's $450K-$500K range. Here's what each community offered and which one they picked.

Wish List Wars: Best 55+ Homes in Central Florida Under $450K

Wish List Wars: Best 55+ Homes in Central Florida Under $450K

Trilogy Orlando, Royal Highlands, or Heritage Hills, which Central Florida 55+ community wins for an artsy couple? See how all three stack up under $450K.

Solavita vs. Twin Lakes vs. The Gatherings of Lake Nona: Best 55+ Communities Near Orlando

Solavita vs. Twin Lakes vs. The Gatherings of Lake Nona: Best 55+ Communities Near Orlando

Solavita, Twin Lakes, and The Gatherings of Lake Nona go head-to-head for a competitive tennis player's retirement home near MCO. See which community won.

Sun City Center FL: 3 Homes Under $325K for Active Adults

Sun City Center FL: 3 Homes Under $325K for Active Adults

Sun City Center, Florida offers golf cart living, beach access within an hour, and homes under $325K. See how three agents competed to find the right 55+ fit.

Trilogy Orlando Wins Central Florida 55+ Wish List Wars

Trilogy Orlando Wins Central Florida 55+ Wish List Wars

Trilogy Orlando topped Kings Ridge and Summit Greens in our Central Florida 55+ Wish List Wars. See how each community matched a snowbird couple's $400K-$500K budget.

Can AI pick 55+ communities better than an expert?

Can AI pick 55+ communities better than an expert?

Explore55Plus's AI quiz vs. a human expert: we tested both for a Central Florida retirement search. See where the algorithm nailed it and where it missed.

Touring Oak Run in Ocala, FL – 2026

Touring Oak Run in Ocala, FL – 2026

Follow Beth and Matt on an authentic tour of Oak Run in Ocala, FL, a 55+ active adult community featuring 3,509 homes, fitness centers, and golf course.

On Top of The World, Ocala Florida 55+ In Depth Walk Through

On Top of The World, Ocala Florida 55+ In Depth Walk Through

A detailed walkthrough of On Top of The World, a 55+ active adult community in Ocala, Florida, highlighting amenities, new construction and resale opportunities.

Will People in The Villages Pick up a Golf Cart Hitch Hiker?

Will People in The Villages Pick up a Golf Cart Hitch Hiker?

One writer tried hitchhiking across The Villages, Florida by golf cart and found out quickly how far generosity and a 22-mile path network will take you.

What Do 55+ Home Owners ACTUALLY Think About Their Communities?

What Do 55+ Home Owners ACTUALLY Think About Their Communities?

Residents of 55+ communities share honest feedback, and most complaints center on slow approval committees, not the lifestyle itself.

Why are These Florida 55+ Homes This Cheap?

Why are These Florida 55+ Homes This Cheap?

In Florida 55+ communities, similar homes can differ by $100,000 or more in price depending on one factor: whether you lease the land or own it.

Solivita 55+ Community Walkthrough

Solivita 55+ Community Walkthrough

Solivita is a 4,300-acre active adult community in Florida featuring 5,500 homes with championship golf, pickleball, and beautiful conservation areas perfect for 55+ living.

Legacy of Leesburg 55+ Community Walkthrough

Legacy of Leesburg 55+ Community Walkthrough

Legacy of Leesburg is a 1,000-home 55+ community in Florida offering quiet luxury living with strategic access to nearby amenities and restaurants.

Del Webb Stone Creek 55+ Community Walkthrough

Del Webb Stone Creek 55+ Community Walkthrough

Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala offers resort-style 55+ living with 4,000 homes planned, reasonable HOA fees, and prices starting around $315K new or high $200Ks resale.

Lakes of Mount Dora 55+ Community Walkthrough

Lakes of Mount Dora 55+ Community Walkthrough

Lakes of Mount Dora is a 55+ Florida community with interconnecting waterways for kayaking and paddleboarding, 50 minutes from Orlando.

Best 55+ Communities in Tampa Bay for 2025

Best 55+ Communities in Tampa Bay for 2025

Discover 13 top-rated 55+ communities in Tampa Bay for 2025, ranging from new developments to established neighborhoods with diverse amenities and pricing options.

Florida’s #1 Retirement Spot? Sun City Center & Kings Point FULL Tour!

Florida’s #1 Retirement Spot? Sun City Center & Kings Point FULL Tour!

Comprehensive tour of Sun City Center and Kings Point showcases Florida's premier 55+ retirement community with dual campuses, world-class amenities, and vibrant lifestyle.

The NEW Retirement Strategy: 6 Luxury Places Abroad Where Your Money Goes 3x Further

The NEW Retirement Strategy: 6 Luxury Places Abroad Where Your Money Goes 3x Further

Discover 6 luxury international retirement destinations where your dollar stretches 3x further, featuring places like Panama and Portugal with great healthcare and vibrant expat communities.

Florida Home Insurance in 2025 (And What Retirees NEED to Know)

Florida Home Insurance in 2025 (And What Retirees NEED to Know)

Florida's insurance market shifted significantly in 2025, and new rules around flood coverage, agency bundles, and transferable policies affect what retirees actually pay.

Affordable 55+ Golf Communities in Central Florida

Affordable 55+ Golf Communities in Central Florida

Central Florida offers excellent 55+ golf communities combining championship courses with affordable living, from intimate SummerGlen to expansive Del Webb Stone Creek.

Royal Highlands vs. The Villages: How I Found My Dream 55+ Home

Royal Highlands vs. The Villages: How I Found My Dream 55+ Home

Graham Maitlin's retirement search took him from The Villages to Royal Highlands, where he found the privacy, construction quality, and space he couldn't get elsewhere.

Why Royal Highlands Was Our Top Pick: Tips to Find Your Perfect 55+ Community

Why Royal Highlands Was Our Top Pick: Tips to Find Your Perfect 55+ Community

John and Mary Long's systematic approach to finding their ideal 55+ community led them from Cincinnati to Royal Highlands in Florida.

Del Webb Sunbridge & Del Webb Twin Lakes | What's New In Two of Florida's Top 55+ Communities?

Del Webb Sunbridge & Del Webb Twin Lakes | What's New In Two of Florida's Top 55+ Communities?

Del Webb Sunbridge and Twin Lakes offer exciting new developments for Florida's active adult communities, featuring a marina, diverse amenities, and homes ranging from $300k-$1M near Orlando.

Hurricane-Proof Your Retirement: How to Find Florida’s Top 55+ Communities with Less Risk

Hurricane-Proof Your Retirement: How to Find Florida’s Top 55+ Communities with Less Risk

Learn how to choose hurricane-resistant 55+ communities in Florida by considering elevation, flood zones, and building codes for safer retirement living.

How Florida’s 55+ Communities Are Shaking Up Traditional Retirement!

How Florida’s 55+ Communities Are Shaking Up Traditional Retirement!

Florida's 55+ communities are replacing retirement stereotypes with resort-caliber amenities and packed activity calendars that keep residents busier than they expected.

Is the Florida Housing Market About to Crash?! 55+ Buyers, Interest Rates & Predictions

Is the Florida Housing Market About to Crash?! 55+ Buyers, Interest Rates & Predictions

Florida's housing market isn't crashing despite the headlines. Prices are up about 1% year-to-date and inventory is returning to normal pre-pandemic levels, which creates real opportunity for 55+ buyers.

Affordable 55+ Communities in Central Florida (Waterfront, Low HOA & More!)

Affordable 55+ Communities in Central Florida (Waterfront, Low HOA & More!)

Central Florida offers budget-friendly 55+ communities with waterfront access and low HOA fees, proving affordable retirement living is possible without sacrificing quality or amenities.

Are Airbnbs Ruining The Villages? What You Need to Know Before Moving in 2025!

Are Airbnbs Ruining The Villages? What You Need to Know Before Moving in 2025!

Short-term Airbnb rentals in The Villages are creating controversy among residents due to overcrowding and community changes, raising questions about whether this Florida retirement destination remains worthwhile.

Why We Chose Trilogy Orlando Over a 55+ Golf Community!

Why We Chose Trilogy Orlando Over a 55+ Golf Community!

Chris and Joe Mor picked Trilogy Orlando over golf communities because they wanted social life and activities that didn't revolve around golf, and needed lake access for their boat.

7 Hidden Perks of Living in a 55+ Community

7 Hidden Perks of Living in a 55+ Community

55+ communities offer more than golf and clubhouses: school tax exemptions, shared HOA costs, stable property values, and a built-in neighborhood watch are among the perks worth knowing.

Brand New 55+ Communities in Central Florida | Del Webb Oasis & Del Webb Minneola

Brand New 55+ Communities in Central Florida | Del Webb Oasis & Del Webb Minneola

Two new Del Webb 55+ communities in Central Florida offer different lifestyles: intimate Del Webb Oasis with 422 homes and larger Del Webb Minneola with premium amenities.

Explore New 55+ Communities in Orlando & Ocala (2024–2025 Guide)

Explore New 55+ Communities in Orlando & Ocala (2024–2025 Guide)

Central Florida's 55+ communities are booming in 2024-2025, featuring new developments from Disney-adjacent Winter Garden to master-planned Ocala options.

Selling Your Home? 10 Insider Tips Every 55+ Seller Should Know

Selling Your Home? 10 Insider Tips Every 55+ Seller Should Know

Practical advice for 55+ homeowners selling their homes: property assessment, targeted improvements, agent selection, and pricing strategy to maximize value before moving to a retirement community.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Florida 55+ Community

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Florida 55+ Community

Learn how to avoid 7 costly mistakes when choosing a Florida 55+ community, from testing the summer climate to researching areas before homes.

2025 Florida 55+ Housing Market Forecast | What You Need to Know Now

2025 Florida 55+ Housing Market Forecast | What You Need to Know Now

Florida's 55+ housing market is holding steady heading into 2025, with post-election price history, manageable interest rates, and boomer demand pointing to opportunity for buyers who act now.

NAR Settlement Explained | What 55+ Buyers Need to Know (2024 Update)

NAR Settlement Explained | What 55+ Buyers Need to Know (2024 Update)

The NAR settlement makes two concrete changes for 55+ buyers: MLS commission data disappears from agent searches, and buyer broker agreements become mandatory before any home search begins.

Florida 55+ Communities Explained in 10 Minutes

Florida 55+ Communities Explained in 10 Minutes

Florida 55+ communities offer active adult living with shared amenities, built-in social connections, and gated security that make retirement more affordable and engaging than a traditional neighborhood.

Why We Retired in Trilogy Orlando | 55+ Community Review

Why We Retired in Trilogy Orlando | 55+ Community Review

Peter and Nerra share what happened after eight months at Trilogy Orlando, how the 55+ community compared to their expectations and why they chose it over every other option.

Interviewing Residents of The Villages

Interviewing Residents of The Villages

Residents of The Villages share what daily life actually looks like in Florida's largest 55+ community, including who fits in well and what catches newcomers off guard.

2024 Insurance Update: Will This Be it for Florida?

2024 Insurance Update: Will This Be it for Florida?

Florida's insurance crisis may be easing after December 2022 legislative reforms tackled the litigation problem that drove 80% of US insurance lawsuits to the state.

Mount Dora Holiday Tour | Florida 55+ Christmas Magic

Mount Dora Holiday Tour | Florida 55+ Christmas Magic

Mount Dora, Florida offers holiday lights, local restaurants, and one-of-a-kind boutiques along Lake Dora, a walkable Central Florida town worth a serious look for 55+ buyers.

Del Webb Oasis 55+ Tour | Incentives, HOA Fees & Clubhouse Reveal

Del Webb Oasis 55+ Tour | Incentives, HOA Fees & Clubhouse Reveal

Del Webb Oasis near Orlando is 50% sold with a 13,000 sq ft clubhouse on the way. Get HOA fees, incentives, and amenity details from a builder insider tour.

6 Homes for Sale in Trilogy Orlando | Central Florida 55+ Community Tour

6 Homes for Sale in Trilogy Orlando | Central Florida 55+ Community Tour

Trilogy Orlando tour: compare 6 homes for sale from $435K-$499K in this 55+ Groveland community, including Declare and Heather floor plans. Which fits your budget?

Arlington Ridge 55+ Tour | Golf, Amenities & Home Walkthrough

Arlington Ridge 55+ Tour | Golf, Amenities & Home Walkthrough

Arlington Ridge in Leesburg, FL: tour the public golf course, town square clubhouse, fitness center, and a model home in this active 55+ community. Worth a look?

Heritage Hills 55+ Tour | Clubhouse, Homes & Clermont Living

Heritage Hills 55+ Tour | Clubhouse, Homes & Clermont Living

Heritage Hills in Clermont, Florida is a gated 55+ community built by Lennar. Tour the 18,000 sq ft clubhouse, golf simulator, villas, and Disney firework views.

Retiring in Clermont, FL? Here's Why It's a Top 55+ Destination

Retiring in Clermont, FL? Here's Why It's a Top 55+ Destination

Clermont, FL draws 55+ retirees with a walkable lakefront downtown, the Coast-to-Coast bike trail, and a growing athletic scene 30 minutes west of Orlando.

Is Now The Right Time to Buy and Save on a Florida Retirement Home?

Is Now The Right Time to Buy and Save on a Florida Retirement Home?

Florida 55+ retirement homes are about 10% cheaper on builder quick move-in inventory before year-end. See how Del Webb and others are cutting prices now.

Why We Left the Florida Coast for On Top of the World | 55+ Life in Ocala

Why We Left the Florida Coast for On Top of the World | 55+ Life in Ocala

Scott and Jim left Bonita Springs after Hurricane Irma and bought into On Top of the World in Ocala. Here's why they chose it over The Villages and what six months taught them.

Why We Left England for Our Dream 55+ Retirement in Ocala, Florida

Why We Left England for Our Dream 55+ Retirement in Ocala, Florida

A British-American couple explains why they picked Ocala over The Villages for their 55+ retirement and bought their Florida home sight unseen.

Our 15 Favorite 55+ Communities in Ocala & The Villages 2023

Our 15 Favorite 55+ Communities in Ocala & The Villages 2023

Ocala and The Villages host some of Florida's top 55+ communities. Compare On Top of the World, Ocala Preserve, Stone Creek and more—which one fits you?

Buy a Retirement Home in Florida for $2K VS $2,000,000

Buy a Retirement Home in Florida for $2K VS $2,000,000

Florida 55+ homes range from $2,000 lot-lease manufactured units to $200K deeded properties. See the real monthly costs, lease hikes, and ownership tradeoffs.

Ocala, The Villages, Orlando - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Ocala, The Villages, Orlando - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Compare Ocala, The Villages, and Greater Orlando for retirement: horse country quiet, golf-cart living, or big-city culture. Which Florida fit suits you?

Why We Decided To Retire In Central Florida

Why We Decided To Retire In Central Florida

Mike and Robin compared 55+ communities across six states before picking Royal Highlands in Leesburg, FL. See the spreadsheet criteria that made the decision.

27 Orlando 55+ Communities: Pricing, HOA + Downloadable Guide

27 Orlando 55+ Communities: Pricing, HOA + Downloadable Guide

Orlando 55+ communities span Leesburg, Clermont, Mount Dora and Lake Nona. Compare pricing, HOA fees and amenities across 27 options. Which one fits your budget?

Top 15 Places to Retire in Florida

Top 15 Places to Retire in Florida

Florida retirement guide compares Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Gainesville from a 55+ angle: home prices, traffic, beach access, and HOA fees. Where would you land?

We Were WRONG About Daytona Beach! - Places to Retire in Florida

We Were WRONG About Daytona Beach! - Places to Retire in Florida

Ormond Beach, FL has drive-on beaches, walkable neighborhoods, and a slower pace than its reputation suggests. Here's why retirees are picking it over Arizona.