Across Lake and Sumter counties, 55+ communities remain a popular choice for buyers who want less upkeep, more connection and a lifestyle designed around how they live now.

While age-restricted neighborhoods are often associated with downsizing, many buyers are just as focused on convenience, amenities and social life as they are on square footage.

“Demand has generally grown and shifted,” says Regina Cruz-Morales, a Realtor with The Cruz Team at Keller Williams Elite Partners III. “Demographic tailwinds (Baby Boomers retiring) continue to push long-term demand for 55+ and senior housing; developers and investors still see it as a growth sector.”

Gated entrances, appealing landscaping and easy living consistently top wish lists, according to Gigi Capria, a broker at We Can Do It Realty & Investments who has spent more than a decade working with buyers in the market.

Lifestyle features are often driving decisions as much as price. Golf cart access, walking paths and fitness facilities make everyday routines easier, while organized activities help residents stay active and social.

“The most important things I find people want are low maintenance, golf cart communities and pickleball, which is huge right now,” Gigi says.

Regina, with 10 years of experience under her belt, sees the same priorities showing up across a range of buyers. 

“Many older buyers do place a high value on lifestyle and convenience and will accept higher ongoing costs for access to amenities and lower maintenance burden,” she says.

Equally important is the sense of connection found in many 55+ neighborhoods. Clubhouses, shared spaces and full calendars of activities make it easier to form friendships. From card groups and golf leagues to volunteer clubs and social events, residents often say the community itself is what turns a house into a home.

When it comes to potential drawbacks, Gigi says there are few surprises.

“There aren’t really pitfalls,” she says. “Pretty much the same things as other neighborhoods; nosy neighbors and in some communities, the houses can be a little close together.”

Regina encourages buyers, especially those on fixed incomes, to dig a little deeper into things like rules, special assessments, resale consideration, financing differences and HOA coverage, before committing. 

“Always read the HOA policy and budget to confirm exactly what’s covered and which services cost extra,” Regina says. “What’s not always included are inside-home repairs, homeowner’s personal property insurance, property taxes and sometimes utilities or cable (unless explicitly stated).”

As for pricing, Gigi says homes are not necessarily priced higher or lower than comparable non-age-restricted neighborhoods and time on the market tends to be similar.

“We’re running 90 to 120 days average sale right now,” she says.

Regina agrees that pricing depends heavily on location and amenities. 

“Evaluate total cost of ownership, price + HOA + services and comparable sales rather than headline price alone,” Regina says.

HOAs play a major role in shaping the lifestyle and freeing time for residents who’d rather travel, enjoy family and overall life without a long list of chores.

“People are definitely looking for manicured lawns and low-maintenance areas,” Gigi says. “Gated communities are very important to many buyers.”

In many communities, HOA fees cover lawn care, recreational amenities, private roads and gated security. Some also include exterior home painting and cable. Buyers are encouraged to ask about Community Development District fees, which can be attached to property taxes in certain neighborhoods.

“That’s a bummer for some people,” Gigi says.

There is a financial upside, however.

“Our taxes are lower because we don’t pay school tax in adult communities,” she says.

Gigi doesn’t just sell 55+ living, she lives it as a resident of Summit Greens in Clermont. She says the lifestyle is what keeps her there.

“What I really love is the camaraderie at the different events organized by all the various clubs and organizations within the community,” Gigi says. “And I love, love, love being able to ride the golf cart through the McDonald’s drive-through with the grandkids. They get a real kick out of it and so do the cashiers.”

With that in mind, we’re spotlighting five local 55+ communities that reflect the range of lifestyles available to today’s active adults.

The Plantation, Leesburg

The Plantation at Leesburg, one of Lake County’s most established 55+ communities, offers a resort-style setting just minutes from downtown Leesburg. The gated neighborhood along U.S. Highway 27 is conveniently close to shopping, dining, lakes and parks, yet still feels quiet and residential.

The fully built-out community includes 2,820 homes, with resale options ranging from about 1,100 to more than 3,400 square feet. Homes in a variety of styles and lot sizes appeal to buyers who want low-maintenance living without giving up space or comfort.

Amenities are a big part of daily life. Residents have access to two 18-hole golf courses, three activity centers, multiple pools, fitness centers and outdoor spaces, including softball and archery fields. Steve’s Bar & Grill, which reopened in 2024, is a popular gathering spot for casual meals and conversation.

With more than 100 active clubs and groups, staying busy is easy. From pickleball, golf leagues and water aerobics to theater, quilting, woodworking and book clubs, The Plantation is known for its social energy and friendly atmosphere.

Kings Ridge, Clermont

Kings Ridge is a gated 55+ community with mature landscaping and a strong golf focus set in the rolling hills of Clermont along Highway 27, just south of State Road 50. 

Kings Ridge’s 2,088 single-family homes spread across 15 neighborhoods offers easy access to shopping, dining and medical services, including a Publix plaza reachable by golf cart.

All homes in the community built by Lennar between 1995 and 2000 are resale-only, with floor plans ranging from about 980 to 2,560 square feet. Many homes sit on oversized lots or overlook the golf course, and association dues cover lawn care, basic cable and 24-hour guarded gate access.

Golf is central to the community, with two on-site 18-hole courses — the South Course by Lloyd Clifton and the shorter North Course by Ron Garl. Nearly half the homes border one of the courses, and residents can choose from several membership options or daily play.

A large clubhouse anchors an active social calendar. Amenities include fitness and aerobics rooms, billiards, arts and hobby spaces, a ballroom, pools, spas, pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard and bocce courts. A full-time activities director keeps the calendar full with clubs, trips and events throughout the year.

Continental Country Club, Wildwood

Continental Country Club offers classic Florida golf-course living in an established 55+ setting along State Road 44 between Leesburg and Wildwood. Mature oak trees, rolling fairways and a relaxed pace give the community a timeless feel that continues to appeal to active adults.

The community is built around an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ron Garl that opened in 1972. The par-72 course offers multiple tee options, making it enjoyable for both seasoned golfers and newer players. While the course is semi-private and open to the public, it remains a central gathering place for residents.

Homes are resale-only and set beneath mature trees in a gated, security-patrolled environment. The community long known as a more affordable option for active adult living offers easy access to shopping and dining in Leesburg, Wildwood and The Villages.

Social life often centers around Paulie’s at The Oaks on 44, the on-site restaurant known for Italian and specialty dishes. Residents gather in the dining room or relax in the bar, lounge or patio for pizza, conversation and casual get-togethers. For many, Continental offers a quieter alternative to larger developments, with a strong sense of familiarity and community pride.

Royal Harbor, Tavares

Situated along Little Lake Harris in Tavares, Royal Harbor is an established 55+ community known for its lake views, active lifestyle and strong sense of pride among residents. The gated, deed-restricted neighborhood includes more than 750 single-family homes and is both pet-friendly and golf-cart-friendly.

A large community center offering a heated, screened pool and spa, fitness center, card and billiard rooms, arts and crafts space, library and computer room anchors daily life. The adjoining social hall hosts everything from yoga and line dancing to bingo, club meetings and live entertainment.

Outdoor amenities include tennis, pickleball, bocce and shuffleboard courts, along with walking and biking paths that wind through rolling hills and landscaped common areas. Residents can fish from a private dock on Little Lake Harris or gather at the screened lakeview pavilion.

One of Royal Harbor’s most recognizable landmarks is its lighthouse, perched at one of the highest points in the area and often used for social events and gatherings. With nearby marinas, parks, golf courses, healthcare and waterfront dining, Royal Harbor offers a relaxed lakefront lifestyle with plenty to do close to home.    

Photos: Provided