Best 55 plus communities in Florida | The hot list!

[@km4617]

I looked at the Villages. The Villages are to far from beach, to far north so there is more colder days/nights in the winter months, to huge of an area for us, was not a match for us but fun to visit. The sales person was adamant about us buying. He wouldn’t take no for an answer til we walked out. Higher home prices but less quality in the homes. The golf cart paths are neat.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Thanks for watching~~~ and your comments.😊

[@victoriagilmore4030]

Watching... thank you for all the information.

[@domerbuz3813]

Lived on the ocean shore for 8 years. Very boring. Retirement can be a long time and not everybody golfs. The villages has 3000 activities.

[@theresagerhart3603]

may I ask did you find a good place

[@km4617]

@@theresagerhart3603 yes in Port St Lucie, Fl. Vero Beach looks like a great area too, as not as crowded as PSL.

[@thinblueline7323]

My dad has lived in the villages for 16 years. Best move he ever made. And property value….OMG

[@backthebadge4009]

We bought in the villages a year ago….couldn’t be happier. You appear to have an anti villages attitude. There is a good mix of ages in our community….not just old people. We are in the new area south of 44. Most of our homes are Block and stucco, not wood frame. Building codes in Florida apply statewide. Some counties may put additional restrictions , but the codes are uniform. I noticed you didn’t mention the Amenities fees.

[@larrybulger3700]

We looked at various Del Webb communities either in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Moved from South Florida(got tired of the hurricanes and high prices) to The Villages. So much to do, so clean, so beautiful. We bought a pre owned Designer home 2200 square feet and of course two golf carts. Great decision for us. Cost of living here is lower than South Florida. We go to Disney a mere 50 minutes from our home and the beaches at Tampa, Daytona or St Augustine a mere 1.5 or 2 hours away.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Thanks for sharing! And thanks for watching~~

[@ConnieJurasz]

Hi Lisa, just subscribed to your channel. Love the info you are giving. We too are thinking about moving from GA to FLA and we are going to visit The Villages in Oct 2023. We hope to visit some other communities for active adults as well. In you videos you never mention the cost of the HOA fees and it would be helpful to know the costs of them. Also, the golf cart communities are also a plus us and I’m hoping that you can start including them if possible. Thanks for all the great and informative information on your videos. We truly appreciate all that you are doing for all of us! Connie J.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

So glad it was helpful Connie!! Thank you for watching~~

[@VetteGuy57]

The Villages is mostly concrete block or now even solid concrete walls that are built offsite and set into place. You said frame construction. Now 140,000 people. We have been here over 2 years. It’s an amazing place. 60 golf courses, 107 pools, 3,000+ clubs, 200+ pickleball courts, 70,000 homes

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Thanks for your comments Joe.... nice to hear.

[@marilouremo1076]

At 73 I have worked for 43 years but my current resources aren't enough to get those villages that are very big for a single person like me. I really love to go to Ocala or Jacksonville in FL. just to compare with where I'm at now. Independent living is where I'm at.

[@Jazzykatt23]

I lived in Cape Coral for a few years. Looking to go back in a few years. The sad thing is I couldn’t even afford to buy my old home back.

[@drfalcon4102]

im hoping to be moving to Spanish Lakes,, going down next week to look around

[@km4617]

Esplanade opened after we bought in PGA Verano. Would definitely consider this community! Also would of considered Telaro in Traditions but just opened as well. Many more options to chose in home design than PGA Verano. Also smaller communities.

[@Mommamcphee_61]

4 visits now to the villages. We always take a beach day trip. Fun times!

[@ronniedelaplain6722]

I just moved to The Villages, June 17, 2022. I’m a golfer so with over 700+ holes of golf. Plus love to drive my golf Cart everywhere.

[@JSmith-tr4vw]

Had no desire to look at the Villages.Way to big for me . I found Del Web Stone Creek in Ocala a much better fit.

[@teresameyer8155]

We have visited the villages for the last 3 years and we cannot find anything that even compares. They do have stucco and they build concrete homes. No other community compares to the golf cart style living. Thought about visiting Latitude. Just hard to compare . I'm afraid there are not enough people. Doesn't seem like on videos that many people are out and about. We are just in our mud and early 50's. You have like a stray and play to visit right?

[@dales6301]

We are in the midst of a two month rental in the Villages. Not sold on it, yet anyway. Other than far from the beach, it's living in a bubble that bothers me. The developer controls everything and so there is a lack of comptetion. Restaurants options are very limited. The shopping is not close by and the medical care is rated quite low. Golfers would love it here. People are very friendly. We are going to investigate areas closer to the beach and were we can leave and escape the controlled environment.

[@weareallamericans7358]

Praise: Very informative video. Critiques: No mention of crime in Daytona. 7 months hurricane threat living on the coast. Completely missed Solivita. We shopped hard and now live in a concrete block home in The Villages based on above. As a Native Floridian I can also affirm that Florida is Sketch and Healthcare is Second to Last. There you go; Florida in a nutshell 🤐

[@marilouremo1076]

Thanks again, I hope to get info also from you about Highlands County particularly Lake Placid in Florida. My friend lives there from Miami and she told me about Lake Placid. I also know Lakeworth in Florida where I used to stay sometime around 12 years ago when I worked in Boynton Beach Florida Walmart supercenter. It's near Del Ray Beach too and there's a train to it from Miami. I really love those areas and it gives me some sentimental feel whenever I remember that place.

[@patric5076]

Hi Lisa, first time here. Thank you for your informative video. On your future videos, could you possibly add more info about cost associated with buying homes in Master plans communities ie. HOA, land price, etc.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Hello Patri.... I do have a video much of that , it's a few years old but covers a great deal. check this one out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bai1l3SegaaZpqc and thanks for wacthing.

[@marcosmelgoza357]

You crack me up. 😀 I like you’re demeanor. !! Maybe looking for something in Port St. Lucie area. Low budget though ( 200-250) single family mideterranean style like very much. !

[@reneepagano2631]

I would love the villages! Less hurricane intensive forces!

[@Joy-W777]

I’ve heard of The Villages a few times but what I heard was not positive for singles. I went to look at them and absolutely loved the beachy-style part of the Villages. Loved that you could cruise everywhere on a golf cart.

[@teresameyer8155]

They have tons of singles groups. Watch Rusty Nelson videos and be is single as well. Awesome groups in TV. Need to do a lifestyle visit at TV.

[@ronniedelaplain6722]

I bought in the Villages 2 years ago I’m a single I belong to a large singles club. I love that I can take my golf cart anywhere and I do I haven’t taken my car out of the garage for 1 and a half years, if I can’t get to something that doesn’t allow golf cart I don’t go, I’m a 100% combat disabled veteran and it’s only a 20 minute golf cart ride to the VA, well over 100 restaurants, hostel, grocery shopping, over 100 swimming pools and the best 700+ holes of golf. You make The Village fit your life style. You can be very active or more quiet it’s your choice

[@FordF250Tremor]

Been in The Villages for four years and love it. SAFE!!!!!! An hour or hour and a half from either shore. Cost of living is great!!! We did buy a block house. Would not live in stock built in Florida

[@casper4722]

I wouldn't say the cost of living is great.

[@lydiamatos8335]

I have enjoyed watching you for about approximately over a year, keep up the excellent job.

[@MrNathynN]

Hey Lisa, great video but you're missing Del Webb Oasis - aka the "Disney Del Webb" in Harmony West - would love to have you stop by for a tour!

[@richardsanchez4505]

Four seasons of Orlando is much more affordable than Oasis. Closer to Disney.

[@km4617]

We looked at Riverland, reminds me of The Villages as far as lots of homes. Very little lot choices due to low inventory. Beautiful entrance and home plans.

[@lauralampe1664]

Hi Lisa, I just subscribed to your channel. I have visited The Villages several times since a friend moved there 10 years ago. The growth of The Villages has been huge during this time. I think the developer has enough vacant land to keep building homes for at least 5 more years, and probably longer than that. I like The Villages a lot, but home values have skyrocketed in the past 12 months. We will see what the future brings as I still have 3 years until I plan to retire. I am researching & exploring various warm weather areas. I live in suburban Chicago, and today, March 31, our current temperature is 35 degrees with a few snow flurries this morning. 🙄❄☃️

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Laura.... just read your comment... SNOW? omg... pull out that sweater! Thanks for watching~~~

[@ritafaulkner7042]

Yes we are considering The villages!

[@mavisrobin]

Doing lifestyle visit next week in the Villages. We have no idea if we are beach people or not. All I know is we are GOLF people and they do have the most golf for free that I've found.

[@timomeara7564]

How was your villages visit? Pros/cons?. Thanks!

[@robertpugh4321]

You mention custom home and Del Webb in the same sentence. I lived in a Del Webb community in Tennessee and the homes were far short of custom. The options are limited and are far short of custom quality. A good choice of floor plans and great for seniors. Plan on 20-30% to get basics like floored attics, upgraded cabinets and flooring, more attractive elevations, extending garage depth, doors on den/study, appliance upgrades, etc. The fit and finish on my Del Webb home was mediocre.

[@markrakitin6022]

Get to the point

[@SedA2027]

exactly!

[@georgedickson7610]

Too long saying anything

[@Indypendy]

Agreed

[@carolkline5770]

Agree, I sped through and it was more talking and not enough photos. At least talk while playing pictures more. I didn’t watch to the end

[@maryevans7406]

I don’t need a retirement community just something small and affordable!

[@MammaMia923]

The Villages is just too big. Grocery stores are about 7 miles away. I’m spoiled and like my stores and shops closer to home. Also, it’s mostly couples; so if you are single, it can be awkward.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Yes, close shopping is good... I hate traffic!!! Thanks for watching~~~

[@MammaMia923]

Also, as big as it is, it’s also lonely. I hardly ever saw the same person that I had just met twice. Too big: too lonely.

[@anthonypaul1633]

I live in Hollywood Beach Florida in a nice over 55

[@casper4722]

I have heard the Villages is a senior meat market

[@thinblueline7323]

The villages sells a minimum of 10 homes a day regardless. I’m pretty sure rates could double and they’d still be selling big. My dad lived at on top of the world before the villages. It sucked

[@maryevans7406]

High! First time watching! Retired senior widow wants to retire in Florida.

[@rebeccablackburn5461]

I have lived in The Villages for 27 years. I would have moved after the the first year, but my husband loves it and has dug in his heels. I wanted the beach, but thought The Villages would get him out of his recliner. Main word of warning, if there is something that the developer has built for the residents that you particularly enjoy, don't count on it always being there because what the developer buildeth, the developer also taketh away at his will, sometimes with no warning! Their goal is making money. Now that they have more family members involved in running the many businesses under The Villages umbrella, if something doesn't make enough money for them, they get rid that and turn it into something else, at the expense of the residents. By the way be aware of exactly how this giant scam works! Residents are constantly buying amenities from the developer over and over again!

[@davesheets7908]

I lived there for a short while during my Daytona Beach home construction. I really enjoyed the Villages. Lots of activities all the time. Music everynight at all of the squares and also in many restaurants. It was a great place to live and I would consider it again!! An hour to the beach isn't bad!!

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Very cool!

[@patriciamclaughlin5973]

Horton builders... building on the perimeter of the Villages. All concrete block and residents can access anything in the villages except golf courses! But no problem there! Many public golf courses everywhere! Consider looking at Beaumont Development by Horton.

[@sandrawhite8519]

This is my first visit and I am looking for a 55plus community that is diverse meaning some people of color!

[@heatherfling7095]

I Love 55+ ♥️ Looks so amazing. I’m tempted.

[@kathleenrosado6949]

No we haven’t heard of the villages . Let’s keep going please.

[@guenethcorrigan4096]

This is my first viewing. I love you already!

[@mikelofrumento7705]

Hello just moved to the villages and luv luv loving it

[@km4617]

Yes! We chose PGA Verano!! Beautiful community, great weather, close to beach, great amenities beautiful floor plans, near to many restaurants and shopping.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Wonderful!

[@johnnygscorner5250]

Good job LISA keep up the good work

[@Liz-gc6gn]

Since On Top of the World is in Ocala which is horse country are there more people there who ride? Is there a retirement community focused on equestrian sports instead of golf?

[@timomeara7564]

We are considering The Villages. May do a lifestyle visit this fall.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Enjoy your visit~~~ thanks for watching.

[@anthonypaul1633]

I will never live in the villages. Most of people are from back east from white neighborhood

[@casper4722]

Don't like white people?

[@stephensmith101]

Hi, 1st time here. Look to retire in a few years. Assigned in Belgium and will sell here to move there. Excited!

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Welcome! And thanks for watching~~

[@elizabethnavarro4267]

How can I get to buy the house? Give me information.

[@carolmiller6441]

I plan on moving to Timber Pines in Spring Hill next month

[@auroranite]

Have been to TV’s 2 times, looking. Beautiful place, well maintained, great amenities, bands play evey night at 3 towm squares, clubs… It IS a Lifestyle of multiple choices. Prices have soared, entry start price now $300k and up. Your right its huge, homes built tooo close to neighbors, yeah everyone is old… But most Active. Think its a great community. Miss access to beaches biggest negative. But the Hurricanes usually miss and hit the coast. Good show. Thinking Margaritaville is a drinking destinatiion😉 ? Do you think retiring from out of state to a 55+ is highly advisable vs choosing a small town community. So often these 55+ places look empty,no one is out and about using the pools, tennis courts, shops. TV’s the exception to this.

[@danielbellucci630]

Hello Lisa. what it means when a developer like Mattamy Homes offer you incentives up to $85 K on purchase a new home, how that applies ? thank you

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

It depends... some allow it off closing cost, some allow it off upgrades, they usually don't allow it off the entire amount off price, as it reduces appraised values in the neighborhood. You will have to ask how they will allow you to apply the money.

[@franomts7512]

Love your laid-back sultry style, Lisa.

[@guymorris6596]

I can't afford any of that and isn't an option for me. Apartments and manufactured housing are my only options.

[@joyfullylivinglife7114]

Villages bound very soon!

[@jaylenjenkins1696]

Great video lots of area info

[@robertclarke7411]

I love the gold carr community

[@judyhinson-lg5ew]

Yes I have heard of it, but have never been there.

[@roseymour2440]

Thank you for this video. Very informative. The best part is I love the demeanour of your talking. You seemed like a lady with no mercy who is about to sentence a person to their death. 😀

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

I'm not sure how to take that but, Thank you..I think.... lol

[@roseymour2440]

@@TheRealLivingWithLisa no please I love how you wear your heart on your sleeve. You talk to the camera as if you are talking to someone in person. Their is no airs and graces. It’s comes across as genuine. Your are brutality honest and brilliant!

[@Tommaso77777]

I like the style of homes in South Florida! Hard to decide which community is best for myself. 🥸

[@haroldbanks5388]

The HOA fees The Villages way too high for me. You need to do a video that has low HOA fees

[@GJ-is6sv]

Good afternoon. My wife and I have decided Florida is where we would like to live in 2024 or 2025. We are over 55, and we would like to live near cruise ship ports. We enjoy cruising. Can you help us with our planning?

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Hi Gaylord, depends on how far you want to be from a port. There are ports in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Cape Canaveral. Unfortunately I don't live or sell in those areas. Port St Lucie is about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Port Canaveral. .. If that's an acceptable drive I could help you. If so, please email me directly to set up a call. [e-mail] Thanks for watching~~~~

[@evelynwilliams7992]

You can also take a cruise ship on Channel Side in Tampa, Florida. Lisa how can you forget Tampa.

[@casper4722]

They have cruise ships in Tampa as well.

[@dshorty57]

First time here thank you for this

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Welcome!

[@AmazingJam8]

Hello, I love Florida!

[@stephen5147]

You are entertaining to watch.

[@jazmingorman7503]

Hi I've been watching your videos, very informative. I have one question do you still have to put down a $5k deposit to get on a waiting list?

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Yes you do! and now it's 10K at Riverland~~~ 🤑

[@tammybosch5909]

Wonderful channel

[@Challway]

My first time watching your channel. I live in NE Florida. Looking to find an inexpensive house in a 55+ community

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Welcome Chris. You can email me directly to set up a call if you would like help. Once we establish a budget, I'll let you know if I can help.. Thanks for watching~~~

[@casper4722]

You won't find anything inexpensive. Anywhere

[@shawnhampshirehick101]

I may like it If you post the list First instead of Yammering. People have listened to the Villages "rumors" ( I'm in Silver Springs) Don't judge a book by it's cover. I enjoy the Villages & Top of the world. I was going to share this video, But too much chit chat & unnecessary information. Good attempt at a "list".

[@casper4722]

I appreciate the information.

[@YouTubeRealtor]

Great places. Thank you for sharing!

[@robertcostello4921]

I'm looking for a good place to retire I need a nice place with friendly neighbors and the villages sounds nice. I'll be moving with my alcoholic wife and three grandkids .both of their parents are serving time in prison so you could them state employers.the kids are like other kids their ages the smoke sometimes drink and get in trouble with the law.thats why I think the new surroundings and friends will help them.anyway I hope this is a good move for us as I'm tired of the law stopping by and accusing my good grandkids of burglary auto theft or assault. they really good kids for being under 13 years old.looking forward to meeting my new neighbors I'm sure we will get along fine

[@casper4722]

Is this a joke????

[@lynnchiofalolucas3777]

Tooooo big! Everything is too far away.

[@jimwolfe4286]

Great Video, Lisa !.....I'm surprised you left-out the 55+ Community of ; Jimmy's Tent World, located in the scenic Everglades! Activities include alligator wrestling, snake catching , and Bubba arm westing nite at their world famous club house ( an old WW2 bunker)!....Prices range from the low 100's to ?......Seriously, terrific overview.....Thank you...

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Oh boy... Tent World... sounds like I need to visit that.

[@jimwolfe4286]

@@TheRealLivingWithLisa LOL !

[@cw5152]

Hello, hello, hello... My first time watching your video.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Welcome!!

[@lilysgram5886]

It’s not true in the Villages that most homes are frame construction. Most are concrete block construction. There are 140,000 people but that is over a huge area.

[@muffieo1]

I want to stay positive but your attitude is difficult to take. You seem like you took a kick back to make everything including the Villages sound just plain stupid. I was going to check it out but scratched it off of our list. I think your title should be the Queen of Sarcasm.

[@casper4722]

Rude

[@haileselassiei6302]

Anyone out there who supports the idea of a nude senior community in Florida

[@marycabrera5154]

I really don't know whom have all that money to buy those high price property. Some will buy them and after a year the maintenance fee goes up. Including taxes, and insurance which is high in Florida. Good luck for those that have that kind of money to spend.

[@jofusmojilliken9854]

Hi I subscribed a year now im still looking for the right place in right place limbo

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Yea, it's a process~~~ thanks for watching.

[@jeannetteramos8064]

just subscribed 😉😊

[@frankbellido2072]

'HI first time here

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Welcome!!

[@rockybrown4164]

The villages are not worth it! Who wants to go 18mph the rest of their life. Not for us. We don’t operate on schedules and no style. Just sold our home and looking.

[@jackiemoosemoose2381]

First Time here.

[@partimer61]

I live ion the treasure coast

[@partimer61]

Hi first time visiting

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Welcome!!

[@lisag18]

Who would want to live in Florida now?! That Governor is a nut

[@casper4722]

Best governor EVER.

[@garyulmer259]

Keys

[@florreyes8734]

First visit in this

[@1ravanne]

Dreaming…

[@allencouncell4468]

Are you always this sarcastic? 😂 Seniors Rock

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

It's all in good fun..... and YES, seniors rock. 😍

[@juliecairns9644]

Are there any communities that have homes that start at 150k?

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Julie, I'm sure there are some... however, they are very scare. 55+ condos could possible offer that... I can only provide advice about my area. I don't cover the entire state.

[@shawngallo4429]

Are there basements in florida?

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

Hi Shawn, not usually.... you'll hit water.

[@casper4722]

Nope

[@rebeccawilliams7774]

Too expensive for me.

[@debicooke4982]

I live there

[@genabettencourt5335]

You seem so annoyed.

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

😂

[@zebhorn191]

Hi

[@goinhot1]

Lisa your video is nicely informative but I don’t think you have to continue saying 55 plus communities that’s why we are watching your video and why did you stop showing the map? By the way I was wonder what you’ve been drinking??? JK!!

[@VJohnson-z6n]

interesting but intro is wayyyyy too long...LOL

[@TheRicky822]

Would this lady shut up and tell us about the communities. Get to the point!!!

[@kennethward3692]

Hi my first time

[@bruceneedles2204]

Sounds like you have to have at least $300k to live in Florida

[@TheRealLivingWithLisa]

For a single family home... yes, in most cases. Thanks for watching~~

[@casper4722]

Depends on where you live. The villages , yes. Probably a small home at than