Resort-Style Senior Living Communities for Active Retirees

Are you exploring retirement communities? Whether you seek active social life, luxury, or peaceful nature, there are diverse options to fit your lifestyle and budget. Let’s look at top senior living communities to help you find your perfect retirement home.

1. Cypress Lakes Village, Lakeland

Home Price/Rent: $322,400 / $1,525

Cost of Living: 8.4% below the national average

Highlights: 2 PGA courses, group activities, fitness classes

Lifestyle: Community-centered, diverse housing options

Nestled between Orlando and Tampa, Cypress Lakes Village offers a vibrant community feel with plenty of group activities and fitness classes. With two PGA golf courses and a cost of living notably below the national average, this community appeals to retirees looking for affordability combined with active living.

2. Stone River, Bradenton

Home Price/Rent: $381,700 / $1,975

Cost of Living: 4.6% above the national average

Highlights: Historical attractions, luxury services, outdoor recreation

Lifestyle: High-end, culture-rich living

Stone River offers a unique combination of cultural richness and luxury living. With access to historical attractions and outdoor recreation, residents enjoy a lifestyle full of experiences. The cost of living is moderately above average, reflecting the upscale environment and the quality of amenities.

3. On Top of the World, Clearwater

Home Price/Rent: $175,000 / $1,825

Cost of Living: 2.8% above the national average

Highlights: Close to beach, clubs, education opportunities

Lifestyle: Active, vibrant community

On Top of the World stands out for its proximity to the beach and its active, vibrant community vibe. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, home prices are more affordable than other communities on this list. If you want beach access and plenty of clubs and classes, this could be your perfect spot.

4. The Villages

Home Price/Rent: $408,050 / $1,550

Cost of Living: 2.1% below the national average

Highlights: 50 golf courses, scenic nature, town square shopping

Lifestyle: Active, social, healthcare within the community

If you want to dive into an active and social lifestyle, The Villages is an iconic choice. With 50 golf courses and plenty of shopping and dining options at its town squares, you’ll never run out of things to do. The cost of living is slightly below the national average, making it a good value for the amenities. Healthcare services are conveniently located within the community, giving peace of mind.

5. Indian River Estates

Home Price/Rent: $326,000 / $1,850

Cost of Living: 1.4% below the national average

Highlights: 100-acre campus, personal chefs/trainers, life care

Lifestyle: Full-service, luxury with assisted care

Indian River Estates offers a luxury lifestyle combined with full-service amenities, including personal chefs, trainers, and assisted living options. This community is ideal if you want a blend of independence and access to life care services in a beautiful, spacious campus setting. The cost of living remains slightly below average, adding value to this high-end option.

6. Century Village, West Palm Beach

Home Price/Rent: $409,300 / $2,300

Cost of Living: 14.1% above the national average

Highlights: Extensive clubhouse, wellness center, pharmacy

Lifestyle: Independent, active with onsite healthcare

Century Village is a well-known retirement community offering an active lifestyle combined with onsite healthcare services, including a pharmacy and wellness center. If you want to maintain independence but have convenient medical support, this community is worth considering despite a higher cost of living.

7. Whisper Walk, Boca Raton

Home Price/Rent: $285,000 / $3,300

Cost of Living: 14.1% above the national average

Highlights: Clubhouse, lakes, tennis courts

Lifestyle: Private, secure, sport-friendly

If privacy and security are top priorities, Whisper Walk in Boca Raton delivers. The community offers lakeside views, tennis courts, and a clubhouse for socializing. While home prices are relatively reasonable, rent costs are higher than most, reflecting the exclusivity and sport-friendly amenities. Expect a private, upscale experience here.

8. The Village at Gainesville

Home Price/Rent: $302,400 / $1,700

Cost of Living: 7.8% below the national average

Highlights: 104-acre rental community, memory care, dining

Lifestyle: Luxury rentals, care-focused, no entry fee

If you prefer a rental community with care options and no entry fee, The Village at Gainesville offers 104 acres of luxury living. Memory care and dining services add comfort and convenience, while the cost of living is well below the national average, making it attractive to budget-conscious retirees.

9. Sun City Summerlin

Home Price/Rent: $480,000 / $2,200

Cost of Living: Approximately 4.3% above the national average.

Lifestyle: Active, resort-style living with golf courses, fitness centers, and proximity to the Las Vegas Strip.

Located near the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, Sun City Summerlin offers retirees an energetic, resort-style lifestyle. With golf courses, fitness centers, and endless entertainment options, this community is perfect for those who want excitement without sacrificing comfort. The cost of living is slightly above average, but the amenities and location make it worthwhile.

10. The Peninsula

Home Price/Rent: $495,000 / $2,089

Cost of Living: Approximately 3.1% below the national average.

Lifestyle: Upscale, nature-focused community with lakeside living, walking trails, and wellness programs.

11. SaddleBrooke Ranch

Home Price/Rent: $410,000 / $1,850

Cost of Living: Approximately 5.7% below the national average.

Lifestyle: Active, desert oasis with golf, pickleball, and arts & crafts studios.

Nestled in the scenic town of Cary, The Peninsula provides a serene, nature-rich retirement experience. Residents enjoy lakeside views, walking trails, and wellness programs while benefiting from North Carolina’s lower cost of living. Ideal for retirees seeking a peaceful yet upscale lifestyle.

12. Latitude Margaritaville

Home Price/Rent: $320,000 / $2,100

Cost of Living: Approximately 2.5% above the national average.

Lifestyle: Beachy, laid-back, Jimmy Buffett-inspired community with beach access, live music, and resort-style pools.

Inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s "Margaritaville," this community brings tropical vibes to retirement. With beach access, live music venues, and resort-style pools, it’s perfect for those who want a fun, carefree lifestyle. The slightly higher cost of living reflects its prime coastal location.

13. Heritage Hunt

Home Price/Rent: $550,000 / $2,600

Cost of Living: Approximately 12.4% above the national average.

Lifestyle: Sophisticated, historic charm with a PGA golf course, wine club, and proximity to Washington, D.C.

Heritage Hunt blends luxury living with Virginia’s rich history. The PGA golf course, wine club, and proximity to Washington, D.C., make it ideal for retirees who enjoy refined leisure. The higher cost of living reflects its upscale amenities and prime location.

14. The Glen at Hiland Meadows – Queensbury, New York

Home Price/Rent: $295,000 / $2,200
Cost of Living: Approximately 8.9% above the national average.
Lifestyle: Mountain retreat with four-season recreation, including skiing and hiking.

For retirees who love nature, The Glen at Hiland Meadows provides a mountain escape near Lake George. Skiing, hiking, and cozy winters define this community. While the cost of living is higher, the scenic beauty and outdoor activities justify it.

Which Retirement Community Fits You Best?

Now that you have a snapshot of some of the top retirement communities, which features catch your eye? Are you looking for luxury and beach proximity, an active social scene with golf and clubs, or a quieter nature-focused setting? Keep your budget in mind alongside lifestyle preferences — some communities offer more affordable options without sacrificing quality, while others provide upscale resort-style living at a premium.