Best New Construction for 55+ Buyers in Central Florida

Active Adult Living in Central Florida

Central Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the country for active adult buyers. The region offers warm weather, no state income tax, relatively affordable housing, and access to world-class healthcare and recreation. For buyers 55 and older, several builders specialize in age-restricted communities with resort-style amenities, low-maintenance homes, and social programming designed for an active lifestyle.

Del Webb Communities

Del Webb is the largest and most recognized brand in active adult living. Owned by Pulte Homes, Del Webb communities are designed specifically for buyers aged 55 and older. Key communities in Central Florida include:

Del Webb Sunbridge

Located within the Sunbridge master-planned community in Osceola County, Del Webb Sunbridge offers age-restricted living with a dedicated amenity center. The community features a clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, and social programming. Homes typically start in the $350,000s to $500,000s. The location provides access to Lake Nona Medical City for healthcare and the Orlando International Airport for travel.

Del Webb Lake Ridge

Located in the Orlando area, Del Webb Lake Ridge offers resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, pickleball courts, and organized social activities. Single-family homes are designed for low-maintenance living with lawn care included in the HOA.

Del Webb at Ocala

For buyers considering the broader Central Florida region, Del Webb at Ocala offers a more rural setting with access to the World Equestrian Center and the Ocala National Forest. Homes are priced competitively with the Orlando-area communities.

Trilogy Communities

Trilogy by Shea Homes is a premium active adult brand with communities designed for buyers seeking an active, resort-style lifestyle. Trilogy communities feature extensive amenities and are designed for buyers who want more than basic retirement living.

Trilogy Orlando

Located in Groveland, Florida (Lake County), Trilogy Orlando is a gated active adult community with a 35,000-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and a full calendar of social events. The community offers single-family homes from approximately $400,000 to $600,000+. The location provides access to the Turnpike for commuting to Orlando and the Disney area.

On Top of the World Communities

On Top of the World (OTOW) is a Central Florida-based builder and developer of active adult communities. They have been building in the Ocala area for decades and offer a different approach from the national builders. OTOW communities are known for their extensive amenity packages, including golf courses, tennis courts, fitness centers, and social clubs. Homes are priced from the $200,000s to $400,000s, making them one of the more affordable active adult options in the region.

Other Active Adult Communities

Several other communities in Central Florida cater to 55+ buyers:

The Villages -- The largest active adult community in the world, located primarily in Lake and Sumter counties. Extensive amenities, golf courses, town squares, and social activities. A wide range of home prices from the $200,000s to $1 million+. See our The Villages guide for more details.
Solivita -- Age-restricted community in Poinciana (Osceola/Polk counties) with a golf course, clubhouse, and resort amenities. Homes from the $300,000s.
Kings Ridge -- Active adult community in Clermont with a golf course, clubhouse, and social activities. Homes from the $300,000s.
Heritage Hills -- Age-restricted community in Clermont with a clubhouse, pool, and golf access.
Plantation at Leesburg -- Active adult community with golf, clubhouse, and extensive amenities. Homes from the $200,000s.

Healthcare Access

Access to quality healthcare is a top priority for many 55+ buyers. Central Florida offers several major healthcare systems:

AdventHealth -- Multiple hospitals across the region including AdventHealth Orlando and AdventHealth East Orlando.
Orlando Health -- Multiple hospitals including Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.
HCA Florida -- Multiple hospitals serving the Central Florida region.
Nemours Children's Hospital -- Located in Lake Nona Medical City.
VA Hospital -- Located in Lake Nona Medical City, serving veterans.

Most active adult communities are within 15 to 30 minutes of a major hospital or medical center.

Pricing Overview

Active adult new construction pricing in Central Florida varies widely by community and location:

On Top of the World (Ocala): $200,000s to $400,000s
Plantation at Leesburg: $200,000s to $400,000s
Solivita (Poinciana): $300,000s to $500,000s
Del Webb Sunbridge: $350,000s to $500,000s
Kings Ridge (Clermont): $300,000s to $500,000s
The Villages: $200,000s to $1 million+
Trilogy Orlando: $400,000s to $600,000s+

Things to Consider

Age restrictions vary by community. Most require at least one resident to be 55 or older, with restrictions on residents under 18.
HOA fees in active adult communities can be higher than standard communities because they cover extensive amenities and landscaping.
Some communities are gated, some are not. Gates add to HOA costs but provide a sense of security.
Golf membership is often separate from homeownership. Verify current membership structures and fees.
Consider proximity to family, healthcare, airports, and shopping when choosing a community.
Visit the community and talk to current residents to get a real sense of the lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for active adult communities in Florida?

Most active adult communities require at least one resident to be 55 years of age or older, in compliance with the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). Some communities may have additional restrictions on residents under 18. Verify the specific requirements with each community.

Are pets allowed in active adult communities?

Most active adult communities allow pets, but there may be restrictions on breed, size, and number of pets. Check the community's pet policy before purchasing.

Can I rent out my home in an active adult community?

Rental policies vary by community. Some allow rentals with restrictions, while others prohibit short-term rentals. Read the HOA documents carefully if rental income is part of your plan.