Finding the right 55+ community in Central Florida under $450,000 takes real work, especially when the wish list includes an art studio, a younger crowd, lawn maintenance, and a guest room for adult kids. In this episode of Wish List Wars, three agents competed head-to-head to find the perfect home for Norma and Jacob, a creative couple with a specific vision for their next chapter.
Meet Norma and Jacob: a creative couple with a clear vision
Norma is a freelance graphic designer and painter. Jacob heads design at a health commerce company. Together, they wanted a 55+ community that felt accepting, artsy, a little geeky, and genuinely diverse, with a younger active-adult demographic to match their energy. That's a nuanced ask, and it pushed all three agents to think carefully about culture, not just square footage.
Their community wish list
- Arts and crafts facilities
- Pool and gym
- Lawn maintenance included in the HOA
- Proximity to diverse restaurants
- An inclusive, welcoming atmosphere
Their home wish list
- Three bedrooms, plus space for returning adult children
- A dedicated office and a studio for Norma's artwork
- Ample wall space for art and collectibles
- Natural light throughout
- Two-car garage
- Move-in ready, no major renovations
Option 1: Trilogy Orlando in Groveland, $424,000
Agent Trisha brought Norma and Jacob to Trilogy Orlando, a gated 55+ community in Groveland. The home is just over 1,900 square feet with three bedrooms, a flex space that could work as a studio or office, and a large modern kitchen with gas. The screened lanai is massive, adding real outdoor living space to the package.
On the community side, Trilogy Orlando checks several key boxes: a resort-style pool, tennis, pickleball, and, critically, lawn maintenance included in the HOA. The community tends to attract an active, engaged crowd, which aligned with what Norma and Jacob were hoping for.
Price: $424,000
Option 2: Royal Highlands, $389,997
Agent Kaylen took a different approach with a more spacious, budget-friendly option in Royal Highlands. Built in 1999, this home has 2,159 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths, a large bonus room, and an enclosed Florida room. There's plenty of space to spread out and set up a creative workspace.
Royal Highlands has conservation land, a golf course, lakes, and an active art group that could speak directly to Norma's interests. The HOA is $224 per month and includes cable and internet. The catch: yard work is not included, which was a firm item on the wish list. That single gap made it harder for an otherwise strong home to compete.
Price: $389,997
Option 3: Heritage Hills in Clermont, $439,000
Agent Mary presented a home in Heritage Hills, a well-established 55+ community in Clermont. At 2,006 square feet, the home has three bedrooms, a dedicated office or den, a three-way split floor plan for privacy, and a screened private lanai. Heritage Hills sits close to shopping, dining, medical facilities, the turnpike, the airport, and the theme parks.
The HOA is $417 per month and covers complete lawn and shrub maintenance, mulching, and exterior house painting roughly every seven years. The community also has a five-mile walking trail and viewing pads where residents can watch Disney fireworks from the neighborhood, a genuinely fun perk.
Price: $439,000
The decision: Norma and Jacob choose Trilogy Orlando
After touring all three homes, Norma and Jacob went with Trisha's home in Trilogy Orlando at $424,000. The flex space for a studio, the modern kitchen, the large lanai, and HOA-included lawn maintenance made it the strongest match against their list. Agent Trisha took home a $130 gift card to The District Eatery + Tap & Barrel as the episode's winner.
What this episode teaches you about searching for a 55+ community
Norma and Jacob's search is a good reminder that the right community isn't only about price per square foot. Lifestyle fit (the activities, the maintenance included, the feel of the neighborhood) can matter as much as the floor plan. All three communities here are worth a serious look depending on your priorities:
- Trilogy Orlando if you want a resort feel, included lawn care, and an active social scene in Groveland.
- Royal Highlands if you want more square footage for your dollar and appreciate nature, golf, and an art community, and don't mind handling your own yard.
- Heritage Hills if Clermont's convenience and comprehensive exterior maintenance, including house painting, top your list.
Ready to find your own match? Create your free account on Explore55Plus and let our AI do the heavy lifting. Based on your budget, lifestyle, and must-haves, like lawn maintenance, arts facilities, or a specific Florida location, it generates a personal match score for communities across the country. Save the ones you like to your shortlist, then compare them side by side in the Decision Matrix.
