Retired couple drinking coffee (Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels)
Picture this: sunshine-filled days, fulfilling activities, and a supportive community – all within a vibrant, low-maintenance environment. Sound like the perfect retirement dream? It can be your reality! This guide unveils the top retirement communities across America, catering to diverse interests and budgets. Whether you crave an active lifestyle with on-site golf courses and fitness centers, or a serene escape surrounded by nature, we'll help you find the perfect place to call home in your golden years. Get ready to discover hidden gems and explore communities designed to make your retirement as enriching and enjoyable as possible! EdNews has combed through 10 expert recommendations who have in-depth knowledge of the best retirement communities in the U.S. Where do you imagine yourself in your retirement days? Leave a comment to let us know!
1. The Villages - Florida
The Villages appears on just about every list of amazing retirement communities in the U.S., and for good reason. “About 45 miles north-west of Orlando, The Villages has been described as Disney World for the retired. Billing itself as Florida’s friendliest hometown, it's a community that's all about fun. Its 118,000 like-minded residents use the site's 50,000 golf carts to zip between residences and amenities. Children are welcome to visit and the popular grandparent-and-grandkids summer camps are booked out months in advance. However, kids cannot reside inside the development for more than 30 days in any year. Make no mistake, this is a playground for older folks,” shares a reviewer from Love Property.
You will never become bored if you choose to live at The Villages. According to 55 Places, “The Villages is the largest age-restricted development in the world, and it’s still growing. This community spans three counties, three zip codes, and over 20,000 acres. The Villages offers countless amenities, including dozens of recreation centers, golf courses, shopping centers, swimming pools, and much more. Residents can also stay active and social with the hundreds of clubs, groups, activities, and classes offered within the community.”
“7,000 residences house its ‘villagers.' So it’s a solid choice for retirees who want to maintain an active lifestyle in a bustling community,” writes Smart Asset. “You can enjoy more than 100 miles of golf cart-legal streets and trails. It also houses the new Marsh View Pitch and Putt golf course, a cattail recreation area and a softball complex. When you’re not breaking a sweat, you can relax at clubhouses, shopping centers and more. It offers more amenities per capita than any other retirement community in the country. Home types include patio and cabana villas. Prices range from $100,000 to more than $1 million.”
Amenities:
- Year-round warm weather
- On-site golf carts
- Grandparent-and-grandkids summer camps
- Rec centers, golf courses, shopping centers, swimming pools
- Hundreds of clubs and classes
- Softball complex
2. Sun City Hilton Head - South Carolina
As if South Carolina doesn't have enough to brag about, it is also home to the second best retirement community in the country. “The largest retirement community in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Sun City Hilton Head is home to over 16,000 residents. Another Del Webb-designed property, Sun City has six swimming pools—two indoor and four outdoor—as well as three fitness centers. It maintains a robust calendar of events, featuring live music and other performances,” shares Retirable.
Sun City Hilton Head was intentionally created to cater to the elderly elite. “Built on more than 5,000 acres of sun-drenched South Carolina woodlands and lagoons, Sun City Hilton Head offers its 14,000 residents an engaging lifestyle. A daily schedule of activities is run from the community's impressive facilities which include three golf courses, fitness centres, indoor and outdoor pools, a sports park and a performing arts centre,” explains Love Property.
Sharing a name with Hilton Head Island also means sharing a sense of exclusivity. 55 Places adds, “Set in the middle of a resort community, Sun City Hilton Head opened in 1995 and has plans for approximately 8,200 homes. This prime retirement destination features a 45-acre Town Center and Amenity Complex, 54 holes of golf, a performing arts center, and much more. Residents of this active lifestyle community are also within 13 miles of the world-famous Hilton Head Island with its noteworthy beaches, golf courses, and boutiques.”
Amenities:
- Six swimming pools
- Three fitness centers
- Full events calendar
- Three golf courses
- Sports park
- Performing arts centre
- Close to Hilton Head Island beaches and attractions
3. Sun City Summerlin - Nevada
As you prepare for your life's last encore, you get to set the stage however you wish. Third on our list of the best retirement communities in the U.S. is Sun City Summerlin in Nevada. According to most experts, there's more than one reason to head to the desert. “Set against the Spring Mountain Range, Sun City Summerlin is Nevada’s largest active adult community. It includes 7,779 homes in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Four clubhouses offer numerous amenities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, sports courts, hobby and game rooms, and the 312-seat Starbright Theater,” writes 55 Places.
When you're in retirement, you don't have to answer to anyone. Go to church during the day and tip off to the casinos in the evening, no one will judge you. “Just off the Vegas strip, the quiet community of Sun City Summerlin has golf courses, trees, and lakes. A volunteer security service keeps residents safe. It's possible to find a Summerlin house for $300,000, but it's more likely to cost three to five times as much,” adds Cheapism.
When you're not looking for a huge crowd, but you want to meet others living their best days just like you are, Investopedia recommends Sun City Summerlin. Why? “Sun City Summerlin is the first of the Del Webb network communities and it sits on the western edge of Las Vegas, making it close enough for shopping, dining, or the occasional night on the town. The community’s real estate includes just under 7,800 homes which start in the affordable mid-$200,000s and can top $1 million for tailored options. The heart of Sun City Summerlin’s popularity is the community’s center, where four clubhouses provide luxury amenities and various activities. Resort-class dining, swimming, and gaming areas cater to the whims of residents.”
Amenities:
- Four clubhouses
- Fitness centers
- Sports courts
- Swimming pools
- Hobby and game room
- Movie theater
- Close to the Vegas Strip
- Golf courses
- Security service
- Fine dining
4. Solivita - Florida
You might be looking to add a little spice to your retirement life and Solivita provides just that. According to Love Property, “Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida, is a 4,300-acre community and thanks to its sunny climate, it's got to be top of many lists. The award-winning gated community ranks top for active retirement villages in the US. Its beautiful setting features lush lakes and the superb semi-private Stonegate Golf Club - which includes two championship 18-hole courses. Arranged in welcoming neighbourhoods, prospective retirees can choose from a variety of Tuscan-inspired home models. Expansive rooms, gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and inviting outdoor spaces are characteristic of both existing and custom-built options.”
You can live in Solivita and meet the kids and grandkids down the street at Disney so they never see what you're really up to in your private retirement community. “Only 21 miles from Disney World, Solvita has plenty of natural beauty to explore — there are 4,300 acres of greenland and lakes, including two full 18-hole golf courses. The 17,000-square-foot ballroom is perfect for special events. Choose between attached or detached single-family homes,” shares a reviewer from Cheapism.
With a variety of homes styles, Solivita will attract a diverse array of seniors which will make your retirement living even more interesting. “This community is an excellent option for those seeking a warm-weather retirement destination. With homes priced from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$500,000s, options are available for virtually any retirement budget,” describes Yahoo Finance.Â
Amenities:
- Gated community
- Private golf club with two 18-hole championship courses
- Close to Disney World
- Plenty of green space and lakes
- Year-round warm weather
5. Rio Verde - Arizona
Although Rio Verde is fifth on our list, this community is far from the worst. In fact, Rio Verde tops many lists of best retirement communities when the main factor is luxury living. According to Smart Asset, “If you want to retire in style and can afford it, you may want to consider retiring in Arizona and moving into the Rio Verde Community and Country Club. Outdoors lovers will enjoy horseback riding and the two massive golf courses surrounded by picturesque walking trails. Many of the 1,000 custom-built homes offer scenic views of the mountains. Houses start at $500,000 and can easily climb to $1 million.”
Many of the expert reviews touted the home pricing and location as the ultimate factors. “Almost 1,000 townhomes and villas range from less than $300,000 to over $2 million at this high-end, 55-plus community of luxury retirement homes that feature open concept designs in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Residence at the Rio Verde includes membership to the golf club for luxury senior living, though non-residents can join by paying monthly fees and entrance fees,” adds Cheapism.
If you have a love for horses, this is the retirement community for you. “One unique benefit of this cowboy country community is the Saddle Club. Established in 1979, the member-owned luxury stable provides facilities and full-time horse care. Located at Rio Verde Ranch near the Verde River picnic area, the club’s facilities include a 14-stall barn, pens, exercise paddocks, a tack and food storage shed. Still hungry for more? These ranches for sale will bring out your inner cowboy,” shares a reviewer from Love Property.Â
Amenities:
- Two golf courses
- Walking trails
- Horseback riding
- Country club membership
Which is most important in your retirement lifestyle; exclusivity, luxury or a large community? Let us know in the comments!
Sources used to create our list:
- Love Property
- Cheapism
- Smart Asset
- Yahoo Finance
- Second Wind Movement
- Home Light
- Retire Better Now
- Investopedia
- 55 Places
- Retirable
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Lea la versión en español en EstudioRevela.com: Mejores lugares para jubilarse en Estados Unidos: Las 5 comunidades más recomendadas por expertos.
So…all these places are +100 on the heat indices >50% of the yr. Where do peps go/ do during during that spell?
In the Villages it says, “7,000 residences” but it also says 110,000 peeople live there? That math is off unless a lot of people are in each home?