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The Cove Lifestyle

Top 5 Retirement Locations in Florida

Retirement is a time to relax, enjoy life, and make the most of your golden years. When you retire you need to make every dollar count and Florida, with its warm climate and abundance of recreational activities, has long been a popular destination for retirees! Luckily for you it’s where most of our amazing Manufactured Home Communities are located! We’re highlighting the top 5 most affordable places to retire in Florida, so you don’t have to. From small-town charm to coastal paradises, these cities offer a combination of affordability, amenities, and a high quality of life. Let’s dive in!

Ocala, Florida: Located in Central Florida, about 40 miles from Gainesville, Ocala is a charming city with a wealth of outdoor activities. While it may take a bit longer to reach the beaches than cities located right on the coast, Ocala makes up for it with its beautiful parks, wineries, farmers markets, and opportunities for boating on Lake Weir. Retirees looking for a small-town atmosphere and an active lifestyle will find Ocala to be an ideal choice!
 

55+ community in Central Florida - Rolling Greens Village
Birds eye view of Rolling Greens Community

Where to Retire in Ocala:
If Ocala sounds like the right spot for you, Rolling Greens Village, a 55+ manufactured home community, is exactly what today’s homebuyers are looking for: an affordable, contemporary space with the right mix of features. The community is bursting with superior amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, athletic fields, multi-pool aquatic center, and an on-site activities coordinator who fills the days with planned activities and events. 

Lakeland, Florida: Known for its moderate climate and abundance of activities, it’s no wonder that more and more retirees are choosing to call this vibrant city home. Situated 35 miles east of Tampa, Lakeland earns its name with 38 named lakes dotting the region. Retirees can enjoy the serene beauty of Hollis Gardens and Lake Mirror Park, as well as a plethora of golf courses, antique shops, museums, and nature preserves. Lakeland combines affordability with natural splendor.

The Gorgeous Golf Course at Cypress Lakes Village

Where to Retire in Lakeland: Cypress Lakes Village  is designed for retirees in search of fun, active lifestyles in a securely gated neighborhood nestled among beautiful natural surroundings. The defining feature of Cypress Lakes Village is the 36 holes of PGA championship golf! In addition, there is a driving range, putting green, pro shop, and onsite, certified professionals who are available to provide group lessons and one-on-one instruction. The community also offers a variety of other activities including countless clubs, themed parties, arts & crafts, raffles, and more! 

Fort Myers, Florida: Nestled in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a retiree’s paradise offering a low cost of living, historic attractions, and a seaside lifestyle. Nature lovers can explore Manatee Park, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and the area’s stunning beaches. With its proximity to the Southwest Florida International Airport, travel becomes even more accessible. Retirees seeking a relaxed coastal atmosphere will find Fort Myers to be an excellent choice.

Jamaica-bay-clubhouse
Lake Views at Jamaica Bay Village

Where to Retire in Fort Myers: Jamaica Bay Village is a beautiful, gated, manufactured home community in south Fort Myers, designed specifically for residents who want to enjoy a fun and active lifestyle! Located on 230 acres of tropical paradise, Jamaica Bay Village offers that brief yet deep relaxation that vacation brings all year-round. Here you can own an affordable, attractive and spacious manufactured home with the amenities of a five-star resort at your fingertips. Choose from a variety of home designs to find the one just right for your price range and lifestyle needs.  

Sarasota, Florida: Located in Florida’s southwest coastal region, Sarasota is a city that seamlessly blends paradise with reality. Sarasota is renowned for its thriving cultural and arts scene, award-winning beaches, and vibrant community life. This city offers retirees a blend of entertainment, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Tennis Courts of Camelot Lakes Village

Where to Retire in Sarasota: Sister Communities located just minutes from one another, Camelot Lakes Village and Camelot East Village, offer the best of the 55+ lifestyle. With calming and scenic views of lakes and nature preserves, these gated communities are close to everything, including dining, shopping, hospitals, theme parks, airports, cultural attractions, sporting venues and of course Sarasota’s world-famous beaches. Whether you are looking for a 2 or 3 bedroom, a large kitchen, or a spacious Florida room – each of these communities offer a range of models and floor plans to choose from. 

Melbourne, Florida: Situated on the east coast of Florida, Melbourne is a hidden gem for retirees. It is conveniently located near the Kennedy Space Center and Vero Beach, offering opportunities for exploration and adventure. Retirees can enjoy boating at Lake Washington and strolling along the historic Main Street Melbourne.

the waters melbourne beach boardwalk pier
Live right on the water at The Waters

Where to Retire in Melbourne: The Waters in Melbourne Beach is a laid-back, 55+ manufactured community filled with friendly, outgoing neighbors. Nestled between the stunning oceanside beach and majestic Indian River, this friendly resort-style community can’t get any closer to the water and fresh ocean air, hence its name. For those looking to retire beachside, the community offers a variety of new and pre-owned cottage-style homes and floor plans to fit any lifestyle–and at a fraction of the cost compared to buying an oceanfront home or condo in the local area.  

Retirement in Florida doesn’t have to break the bank. From the small-town charm of Ocala to the coastal allure of Sarasota and the affordable communities of Lakeland and Melbourne, there are plenty of options for retirees looking to make the most of their retirement savings. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or seaside lifestyles, these top 5 most affordable places to retire in Florida offer a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement for budget-conscious individuals. So, start planning your golden years in the Sunshine State and embrace the affordable retirement you’ve always dreamed of. And if you didn’t see your favorite destination in our list, not to worry. We’ve got more locations to choose from, just check them out