Friday, January 6, 2017

The Best 55+ Master Communities (Includes 2016 Updated List)

Heritage St. Charles
Here is my annual update on the 50 top master communities from the list by John Burns real estate, a premier real estate consulting company.  I take their well-researched listings and extract the 55+ communities from it and present it here.  Of course we are only interested in active adult communities, but I have put in a couple that aren't age restricted because I thought they were particularly appropriate for seniors in retirement or pre-retirement.  

Please refer to my two previous years lists for comparison as to which ones made it again this year.  However, there are many new ones on the 2014 list and more than previous years.  The 2015 list should be out in the early part of 2016.  Update: See the 2016 List changes, below.) 

A big change was that there were no communities from Arizona which had 3 last year.  Keep in mind that as communities near sellout they would naturally fall off the list.

2017 Update:  (Listing master communities performing in 2016). 


There wasn't significant change last year from the previous year so we didn't update last year (2015).   Here is the 2016 list:

Master Communities on the 2016 Top 50 List by John Burns (ones that have at least one 55+ community in them): 


In the top 50 are:
  • The Villages #2 on the John Burns List
  • Nocatee #3
  • Lakewood Ranch #5
  • Summerlin #6
  • Cane Bay #7
  • Eastmark #11
  • Rancho Mission Viejo #17
  • Vistancia #18
  • Daybreak #19
  • Verrado  #22
  • Crosscreek Ranch  #23
  • Woodforest  #27
  • Green Valley Ranch #31  (Fairway Villas)
  • Ave Maria  #35
  • Cadence  #36
  • Briar Chapel  #40
  • Viera #41T
  • Town Lake Houston #41T
  • Traditions  #46
  • Fishhawk Ranch Tampa  #47T
  • Del Sur (Auberge in San Diego) #47T

2014 Top 50 List (Posted Previously):

This lists master communities with the most sales (in 2014).  We are listing only the 55+ ones or has an age-restricted community within it (with a couple exceptions as noted).  

Florida:

  • The Villages #1


In Central Florida by Village of Lake Sumter.   Developer still maintains the #1 position on the list as on previous years lists.  They keep growing for a couple more years but are running out of land in this hugely popular community.

  • Lakewood Ranch #9
Esplanade - Active lifestyle with low maintenance by Taylor Morrison in Sarasota, Florida.  Villas and single homes.

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch - Coming soon - Sign onto VIP List now - 55+ Resort-style - Lakewood Ranch is in Manatee County and near Sarasota.

  • Nocatee #3
    Del Webb Ponte Vedra at Nocatee

In Ponte Vedra, Florida, near Jacksonville.  There is a Del Webb community Del Webb Ponte Vedra.  The popular master community remains #3 on the list.







  • Valencia Reserve and Valencia Cove #30
    Valencia Cove, West Palm Beach, by GL Homes



Valencia Reserve, Palm Beach, Florida, by GL Homes, on last year's list and made the list this year has sold out, but GL Homes makes the list again with Valencia Cove.


  • Viera  #37

New this year.  Heritage Isles is the active adult community - price $100,000-$400,000 -  single family, townhomes, condos, villas - clubhouse, restaurant, tennis, recreation, trails, swim pool, social activities and more. Off 95 exit 191 Viera Discovery Center open daily  at 7380 Murrell Rd., Viera - 321-242-1200


By Lennar  - not over 55 but has all the amenities for senior living and retirement in popular Naples.

  • Ave Maria #49

55+ in Naples made the list this year and there is Del Webb at Naples in that community by Barron Collier Companies.

Texas:

  • The Woodlands #12


In Houston, TX by The Irvine Company - has an independent and assisted living community.  It was on last year's list.  Del Webb community coming in 2016.  

  • Teravista by Newland Communities #44


Round Rock (Austin) - On last years list.  Village Builders has a NextGen home. These homes have a home within a home, conceived by Lennar Homes.   

Down in rank #44 down from #37 -  By Newland communities  - Coming Senior Campus with an independent and assisted living/memory care facility planned to open in 2016.  32 units of independent living and is adjacent to skilled nursing facility.  

So much to offer seniors:  Emerald Cottages of Round Rock will have 2 bedroom/2 bath plans for lease for 55+   Each cottage will also have a garage. 

Emerald Cottages, Franklin Park Assisted Living and Bel Air at Teravista will serve seniors as they transition from independent to assisted living. Also skilled nursing and rehab is available. 

Next to Teravista Golf Club, and shopping.  Texas A&M College of Medicine is nearby.  Also hospital and medical centers are convenient making this a true senior campus for central Texas.  Emerald and Franklin planned to open in fourth quarter 2016.  4211 Teravista Club Dr., Round Rock TX 512-861-2103

  • New on the list:  Woodforest  by Johnson Development Corp. #20

Houston - has a 55+ community called Bonterra by Taylor Morrison - $400’s


  • Crosscreek Ranch #21


Houston - the 55+ community is Bonterra at Crosscreek Ranch by Taylor Morrison and is their 2nd Bonterra community in Houston.   West Houston area.  


  • Shadow Creek Ranch   #43


Has The Colonnades at Reflection Bay - elegant resort lifestyle.  Limousine service, concierge, mediterranean architecture, restaurants, Chapel and more.

Also has assisted living, nursing and a memory care facility, Autumn Leaves. Autumn Leaves is located at 11200 Discovery Bay Dr. 713-436-3941

Colorado:


  • Highlands Ranch #40


In Denver, Colorado, by Shea Homes. Many senior activities. (up to #40 from #50)

  • The Meadows  #46


Denver, Colorado.  Bonaventure of Castle Rock is an Independent and assisted living community. There is also a memory care option.  Slightly down from last year's list.
   

  • New on the list:  Green Valley Ranch #36


Denver - Fairway Villas - This currently is the only 55+ community at Green Valley Ranch.  

Nevada

  • Summerlin - The Howard Hughes Corp. #17


Sun City in Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada.  #17 down from #12 on last year's list.

Utah

  • Daybreak #28


Salt Lake City - Garden Park over 55 community at Daybreak.  (28 down from 23)

Washington DC Metro Area

  • St. Charles #42
    Clubhouse at Heritage St. Charles


By St Charles Companies -  Heritage at St Charles by Lennar in Waldorf is the 55+ community - more plans coming for seniors in this area.

   






South Carolina

  • Cane Bay Plantation #23


Still on the list and up from last year.  The 55+ communities of the gated Del Webb Cane Bay is here and Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay is coming by K Hovnanian Homes.


Virginia:

  • Brambleton #24


In Wash DC metro - in wealthy Loudoun County, Virginia.   Birchwood at Brambleton 55+ is a new community within this master.


2015 has turned out to be a very successful year for real estate builders and developers.  Can't wait to see the list for 2015.  Check back with us early 2016.  (Update:  See 2016 List changes, above.) 

...and thank you for visiting.

Carol
www.Bestguide-Retirementcommunities.com

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Top Florida 55+ Communities List for 2017

Alamanda Key
This is the 2017 list for 2016's Most Popular 55+ communities on our site.  They are both new and resale.   See our website for new communities coming out in 2017.  And come back next year to see that list.   

The ones listed here are the most popular on our site having received the most click-throughs in 2016.  


Communities new to the list:



  • Pelican Preserve
  • Alamanda Key
  • Villages of Seloy
  • Woodfield
  • Sun City Center
  • The Villages

Communities on previous years lists but not on this year's list. (Some are due to having sold out and interest is not as strong.)  


  • Lakes of Mt. Dora
  • Hollybrook Golf and Country Club
  • Heritage Isles
  • Cascades Estero
  • Summerglen
  • Sweetwater
  • Arlington Ridge
  • Highlands Ridge
Communities moved up the most from the 2015 list:

  • Valencia Lakes
  • Highland Lakes



#1:  Valencia Lakes by GL Homes

5005 Pearl Crest Court, Wimauma, Fl.

  • Gated
  • 40-acre lake
  • waterfront recreation
  • Lifelong learning program
  • 25 miles south of Tampa
  • Coastal beaches about 35 miles
  • Clubhouse, resort-style pools, garden area, activities
  • RV Storage
  • 1300 homes planned
  • Homes and villas starting high $100's

#2:  Lakeridge Falls - Sarasota

4200 Lakeridge Blvd.

  • Gated   
  • Tile Roofs
  • Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Resort Pool, Recreation, Social Activities
  • 15 minutes to beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys
  • 3 neighborhoods, 399 homes of singles, duplexes and villas

#3:  Pelican Preserve by WCI

10571 Veneto Dr.,  Fort Myers - 239-985-1600

  • Gated and manned 24 hours (verify all information)
  • 27-hole private golf (some seasons open to public)
  • nature preserves
  • Plaza del Sol Award-Winning Town Center
  • Movie Theatre
  • Swim pools
  • Golf Clubhouse
  • Sports Complex
  • Bird Sanctuary
  • Tennis
  • Fishing Pier
  • Outdoor bar and grill
  • Garden Plots
  • From mid-$100's to $500's
  • Variety of home styles from classic, chateau, villas and carriage homes


#4:  Alamanda Key

4290 Alamanda Key Dr., Melbourne - 321-727-8188 or 321-549-0009 (Sales Center)

  • New and Resale LifeStyle Homes and Villas
  • Styled as cottage homes in Key West
  • Gated and manned
  • Clubhouse
  • Pool
  • Front porches
  • lakes
  • Metal Roofs
  • Starts $200's



#5: Kings Gate - Port Charlotte

24297 West Gate Blvd.  
  • Gated
  • Clubhouse, social and recreational activities
  • 18-hole Golf course and golf cart friendly
  • Singles and golf villas
  • Low property taxes, no flood insurance required
  • Near Hospital


#6: Highland Lakes - Palm Harbor

3300 MacGregor Dr.
  • Clubhouse, pool, tennis, recreation
  • Tampa Bay Area
  • 27-hole golf, free to residents (verify)
  • RV and Boat Storage
  • Pontoon Boats

  • Lake Tarpon


#7: Southshore Falls by Del Webb

5815 Sunset Falls Dr., Apollo Beach

  • Gated
  • 5 minutes to Tampa Bay
  • Small to large floor plans
  • Amenity Center, pool and spa
  • From $160's


#8: Villages of Seloy - St. Augustine

206 Seloy Dr., St. Augustine - Open Daily - 904-810-2097

Styled like an old world village with new amenities.
  • Gated
  • Near nature preserve
  • Single story condos with 2-car garages
  • Clubhouse
  • Luxury pool
  • Recreation
  • Many included luxury features
  • Screened patio
  • 15 minutes to beach


#9:  Cypress Falls at the Woodlands by Del Webb

2598 Oswego Dr., North Port - 86-744-7262 - Open Daily

  • 2-bedroom duplexes with 2-car garages
  • Resistance and resort pools
  • Clubhouse with Activities Director
  • Tennis
  • Recreation
  • Prided from $170's



#10:  Pine Ridge at Fort Myers 

4801 Lakeside Club Blvd.
  • Condos
  • Clubhouse, pool and hot tub, recreation, tennis, social activities
  • Lake with catch and release fishing
  • approx. 20 miles to Ft Myers Beach
  • walking trails
  • Start under $100,000 (resales-listings on site)


#11: Del Webb at Naples - Naples 

6055 Anthem Parkway, Ave Maria, FL

  • Gated
  • Small to large floor plans
  • 18-hole professional golf
  • Oasis Club and resort pool
  • Cushioned asphalt tennis courts and recreation
  • Lifestyle Director, social Activities and clubs
  • From $180's


#12: Cinnamon Cove - South Ft. Myers  - down 


Cinnamon Cove Blvd.


  • Gated
  • Clubhouse, multiple pools and spa
  • 3 fishing lakes
  • Tennis and recreation
  • Social Director and Planned Events
  • Lifelong Learning classes
  • Variety of Types of Homes
  • 770 Homes
  • Beach lifestyle - 3 miles to Ft Myers beach
  • Resales




#13:  Woodfield at Vero Beach

2755 Woodfield Blvd., Vero Beach - 772-778-8188 M-F

  • 24-hour gated entrance
  • 7 miles to Atlantic beaches
  • Near restaurants and shopping
  • 434 resale single homes and villas
  • Clubhouse
  • Pool and spa
  • Tennis
  • Recreation
  • See local Realtors for resale - started $100's 

#14:  Cascades at River Hall by DR Horton

2960 Apple Blossom Dr. - 239-210-8276 - Call for appointment

  • River Hall Master Community of 2000 acres
  • Surrounded by preserves and lakes
  • Kayaking, canoeing and fishing
  • Single homes starting in low $200's
  • Pool and spa
  • Championship Golf

#15: Vitalia at Tradition - Port St. Lucie

10004 Southwest Oak Tree Circle
  • Gated
  • Clubhouse, pool, tennis, recreation, fitness center
  • Medium to large square footage
  • Start in $190's


#16:  Ponte Vedra by Del Webb - Ponte Vedra
  
124 Del Webb Parkway
  • Gated
  • Small to large square footage homes
  • Clubhouse, pools, tennis, recreation and social activities
  • Miles of trails to walk
  • Ocean beaches
  • Splash Water Park
  • Planned 1988 homes
  • Start low $200's


#17: Heritage Cove - Ft. Myers

14041 Brant Point Circle
  • Gated
  • Clubhouse, pool and Jacuzzi, recreation
  • Fishing lake
  • Tennis - clay courts
  • 529 Units of condos, villas and singles
  • Close to beaches of Sanibel and Ft. Myers Beach


#18:  Indian River Colony Club - Viera


1936 Freedom Dr.
  • Gated
  • Single homes
  • 23 lakes and catch and release fishing
  • Clubhouse, pool tennis, recreation and country club amenities
  • 18-hole golf course
  • Social activities
  • At Ease Club dining and executive chef
  • Military retirement

#19:   Sun City Center (Tampa Area)

1002 Cherry Hills Dr., Sun City Center, Fl. (Information Center) - 813-633-3500; 8AM-3PM

  • Golf course community
  • Lots of amenities
  • Large with many types of homes
  • Formerly owned by Del Webb
  • New and resale from $100's


 #20:  The Villages

1000 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, Fl. - 800-346-4556

  • Golf course community where you can ride to entertainment, restaurants and more
  • Abundant golf courses
  • Town Centers 
  • Visit 4-7 nights start $99 a night
  • 24 minutes north of Ocala
  • New and Resale from mid-$100,000's and up
  • Call for new or contact local Realtors for resale

Many new communities coming out in 2017.  See these and all of our great retirement communities on Bestguide-Retirementcommunities.com.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Communities Coming Soon in the New Year

Be among the first to sign up onto the Interest Lists on community websites to be notified of updates on these 55+ communities that are coming in 2017 and not started yet. 

If you will be traveling to a warm climate this winter, you may want to know about future 55+ communities in the area.   

The coming new year promises to be excellent for those exploring new communities.   Most on this list are not open yet and are not priced.  Please call first if viewing or sign up on Interest List.

Here is our list for warm-climate states:  

Florida

Still the #1 state for retirees looking for a warm climate.    

  • Oasis Daytona

LOCATION:  Daytona
FEATURE:     Planned 3000 homes; Outstanding area amenities
CONTACT     877-569-8889
BUILDER:     Minto
SHOWING:   Call for more info

  • Bridgewater at Viera

LOCATION:   Viera - Treasure Coast
FEATURE:      Poolside bar (verify), large clubhouse
CONTACT      Sign up on their website for updates
BUILDER:       WCIC
SHOWING:     Call for more information



  • Bridgebay at Bannon Lakes

LOCATION:  St. Augustine
FEATURE:    Area of World Golf Village
CONTACT:    I-95 and International Golf Parkway (NE Corner)
BUILDER:     Del Webb
SHOWING:   Call 877-892-1458 



California

Interest has moved up a bit in this state and especially in Southern California despite rising prices.  

  • Cortina at Terramor

LOCATION:  Riverside County
FEATURE:     In master community with its own clubhouse and pool
CONTACT:    866-337-0439
BUILDER:     Del Webb
SHOWING:   Not open yet


This high-end development in Southern California is continually adding 55+ communities. 




Texas

An affordable state with a lower cost of living and good climate.

  • Ladera Highland Village

LOCATION:  Highland Village
FEATURE:     Luxury homes Northwest of Dallas  
CONTACT:    1010 Chinn Chapel Rd.
BUILDER:     Integrity Group
SHOWING:   Call  469-471-4413 (Heather)



North Carolina

North Carolina will be booming in age 55+ communities in the new year.

  • Del Webb at Traditions:  

LOCATION:   Wake Forest
FEATURE:      Part of Traditions master community
CONTACT:     Gilcrest Farm Rd.
BUILDER:      Del Webb
SHOWING:    Sign up for Interest List or call 877-804-340 for more information



  • Encore at Briar Chapel:


LOCATION:  Chapel Hill
FEATURE:     Expanded outdoor living
CONTACT:    108 Boone St. 
BUILDER:      David Weekley
SHOWING:    Call 877-542-9240 for more information



  • Cresswind Charlotte:


LOCATION:  Charlotte     
BUILDER:     Kolter Homes
SHOWING:   Call 888-476-3017


  • Chateau East


LOCATION:  Charlotte
FEATURE:    Gateway to the South
CONTACT:   13410 Canterbury Castle Dr., Charlotte, NC   
BUILDER:    Lennar
SHOWING:  Call first to confirm - 877-205-0259




  • Encore Brunswick Forest

LOCATION:   Wilmington
FEATURE:      Town Center
CONTACT:    877-5429-9240
 BUILDER:     David Weekley Homes
SHOWING:    Ready in April.     



South Carolina

Interest picking up here.  It's a sleeper.

  • Del Webb Nexton

LOCATION:  Summerville   
FEATURE:    Gated, 50 miles of trails
CONTACT:    Nexton Parkway   
BUILDER:     Del Webb  
SHOWING:    Located in master community of Nexton

See all the latest communities on our website for ages 55+