THE GOOD LIFE
By Mick Lochridge
Francine Case can list dozens of reasons why the post-retirement move from New Jersey to Central Florida made sense for her and husband, Charles. Chief among them are mild winters, theme parks and great neighbors in their active-adult community.
And after her hip-replacement surgery, the Solivita resident added one more important plus: The community’s fitness center and indoor track, which was ideal for her physical-therapy walks.
“We wanted to be in an active-adult community for what it offers,” Case says of the amenities in the 55-plus development, which is located in Polk County.
At 69, Francine Case is among more than 75 million baby boomers, defined as those born between 1946 to 1964. Pew Research Center says that 10,000-plus boomers are turning 65 every day — a trend that will continue until 2030.
Those numbers add up to a lot of people like Francine, creating a huge market for homebuilders looking to capitalize on the “age wave,” says Doug Buck, director of governmental affairs for the Florida Home Builders Association in Tallahassee.
Last year, about 27 percent of new production homes were bought by people aged 55 and up. Nearly 17 percent of new custom homes were bought by people in that age group, notes Buck.
In Central Florida, particularly, there’s a happy marriage of boomers and builders who cater to the 55-plus market.
Throughout the region, communities that market themselves to active adults are thriving in the land of sunshine, beaches and temperate winters. Living close to international airports and world-class theme parks is just icing on the cake.
“As folks retire, they want maintenance-free homes and prefer to be surrounded by people their own age, with similar interests and backgrounds,” says Mark Bines, vice president of Kolter Homes, developer of Cresswind at Victoria Gardens in DeLand.
While homes in active-adult communities come in every style and price range, they tend to share common characteristics. For example, most designs are single-story, with open floorplans, spacious kitchens, covered patios and flex spaces for crafts or home offices.
Those are some of the attributes that persuaded Judy Schaffer and her husband, Marvin, to buy a home in Heritage Hills in Clermont, a bustling small city in Lake County. They also liked the fact that the community provides lawn care and basic home maintenance.
“We always wanted to be in an active-adult community where we can enjoy all the amenities,” says Schaffer, 69. “That’s easier to do when a lot of the chores are taken care of.”
Longwood residents for 31 years, the Schaffers were empty nesters who found what they were looking for without leaving the area. Staying close by was an important consideration for the couple, since their two daughters and a grandchild live in Winter Park.
Just as the homes boast similar themes, so do the communities. Typical amenities include fitness centers, golf courses, biking and walking trails, social and educational programs, swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness classes. And just about everyplace offers pickleball and bocce ball.
“In many ways, active-adult communities are summer camps for adults,” notes Bines.
While a number of local active-adult communities are well established, many more are just getting underway, such as The Lakes at Harmony in Osceola County.
“Active-adult communities are all about the 55-plus lifestyle, so this community is planned specifically for that group,” says Amber Sambuca, associate project manager.
“The recession prohibited many people from selling their homes so they were unable to move when they had planned to,” she adds. “Now, home prices have rebounded and homes are selling.”
Homes in active-adult communities, she adds, are affordable compared to homes near major employment centers — and very affordable compared to homes in major Northeastern and Midwestern markets.
Home prices in Central Florida active-adult communities range from less than $200,000 to more than $500,000, with home sizes ranging from a cozy 1,300 to a spacious 3,000 square feet.
It’s no secret that the Orlando area is popular among the 65-and-older cadre. For example, 19.5 percent of Polk County’s population is 65 or older, as is nearly 13 percent of Osceola County’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In fact, a full 19 percent of Floridians are at least 65 — the highest percentage of any state in the U.S.
And that’s good for developers of active-adult communities, says Buck, since typical buyers are retired couples in their mid- to late 60s, usually with professional backgrounds.
“Although buyers are likely to be healthy and able, health and wellness are still big concerns for this group,” Buck notes. “They want to be able to stay active and to have plenty to do.”
Homebuyers such as the Cases and Schaffers are typical of busy boomers who want to relax — but not necessarily slow down.
“As boomers continue to adjust to the empty-nest experience, it’s understandable that they’d look at housing options that facilitate a more active lifestyle,” says Richard Tucker, professor emeritus of Psychology and Aging Studies at the University of Central Florida and the UCF liaison to the Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF.
Having wellness programs within their communities becomes a very attractive option, he adds, as does the proximity of “age peers” who share the same attitudes towards healthy living and healthy aging.
“Boomers are sending a strong message to society that the gift of time that comes with retirement brings many opportunities to age successfully, and to do so with more independence from their adult children,” Tucker notes.
Most active-adult communities are close to major urban areas, so residents can enjoy access to entertainment, shopping, dining, sports and cultural venues. They’re also generally near hospitals and healthcare facilities.
They’re close, but not too close. Most are just far enough removed from the hustle bustle that traffic and crime aren’t major concerns, according to Sambuca of The Lakes. Plus, she adds, locations slightly outside the urban core help keep prices down because land is cheaper.
So, let’s have a look. Here’s a sampling of active-adult communities in Central Florida — and what they have to offer.
Solivita
avhomesinc.com
Solivita, developed by AV Homes, has been popular since it opened 15 years ago — and now covers 4,300 acres primarily in Polk County, near the Osceola County line.
Plans call for a total of 5,600 homes, mostly single-family, as well as some attached villas. Prices range from $159,990 to $370,990 with square footage ranging from 1,361 to 2,840.
“Overall, active adults want the best of both worlds when retiring,” says Kanjian, sales manager for AV Homes, which recently won the 55-Plus Builder of the Year Award from the National Association of Home Builders. “They want suburban-style communities that aren’t too far from urban life. They also want opportunities to socialize and a diverse choice of activities.”
He adds that baby boomers prefer single-story homes to avoid climbing stairs and oversized, frameless showers that accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
While most 55-plus buyers aren’t mobility-restricted — quite the opposite, in fact — they do like the option of aging in place, which means they can remain in their homes even as their physical needs change. That’s why open floorplans are popular, Kanjian says.
Solivita amenities include fitness centers, golf courses, pickleball courts, biking and walking trails, social programs and clubs, classes and special events. There’s also a lively village center.
Many of Solivita’s residents come from the Northeast and Midwest in search of warmer weather. Kanjian says they’re looking for “resort-style living at an affordable price.”
The Lakes at Harmony
harmonyfl.com
The Lakes at Harmony, which is scheduled to open in early 2016, will be part of the 11,000-acre Harmony master-planned community located east of St. Cloud in Osceola County.
Developed by Starwood Land Ventures, the gated neighborhood will offer 400 single-family homes as part of its first phase. Home prices will range from $200,000 to more than $400,000, with square footage ranging from about 1,400 to almost 3,000.
Amber Sambuca, associate project manager, says buyers will like the idyllic small-town atmosphere of Harmony, which includes a town square with shops and restaurants.
Homes at The Lakes will boast three key features: huge kitchens that open to entertainment areas; large master suites with ample space for a king-size bed and comfortable furniture; and outdoor living areas with swimming pools, spas, summer kitchens, fireplaces, gazebos and putting greens.
Community amenities will include a clubhouse with a fitness center, card room, ballroom, crafts room and lounge with multiple TVs. There’ll also be a swimming pool with large deck and spa along with tennis, bocce ball and pickleball courts.
Harmony, known for its eco-friendly philosophy, has hiking trails, a golf course and two large lakes.
“The active-adult market is hot for many of the same reasons that Central Florida is the No. 1 tourist destination in the world,” says Sambuca. “Active adults are just that — they want to remain active and they want plenty of options. Plus, they want their children and grandchildren to visit them.”
Del Webb Orlando
delwebb.com/dwo
Del Webb Orlando, located in Davenport in Polk County, currently encompasses 495 single-family homes. Plans call for a total of 780 at buildout. Developed by the Pulte Group, it opened in 2007.
Home prices range from $173,000 to $400,000, with square footage ranging from 1,289 to 3,000. Typical buyers are retired couples moving from colder areas of the country or seasonal residents escaping harsh winters, says Lisa Wink, sales consultant. The majority of residents are from the Northeast, she adds.
Like homes in other active-adult communities, Del Webb Orlando’s designs include open floorplans, large island kitchens and covered patios ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
Community amenities include a fitness center with an indoor walking track and aerobics room; tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts; walking trails and a fishing dock; and an outdoor amphitheater and a fire pit. Being near the major attractions is also a key selling selling point.
“More homebuyers are looking for new, energy-efficient construction and the kind of resort-style living that active-adult communities provide,” says Wink.
Cresswind at Victoria Gardens
kolterhomes.com
Developed by Kolter Homes, Cresswind at Victoria Gardens is the active-adult component of the Victoria Park master-planned community in DeLand, located in Volusia County.
Home prices are in the $200s, with square footage ranging from more than 1,500 to just under 3,000. There are now about 655 homes, with 1,070 projected at buildout.
Victoria Park is a traditional neighborhood with tree-lined streets, small pocket parks, walking and biking paths, hundreds of acres of open space and preservation areas with nearby retail and medical facilities.
“Proximity to the quaint town of DeLand and convenience to the beaches makes Victoria Gardens the perfect place for an active lifestyle,” says Mark Bines, Kolter’s vice president. “Also, we’re close to everything Orlando has to offer.”
Bines notes that three-quarters of Crosswind’s residents are early-retired couples, and about two-thirds are from Florida. Half, in fact, are from in or around Volusia County, while roughly one-third are from other states.
Buyers are looking for flex space that can be used for crafts or home offices; open floorplans; well-planned kitchens; covered lanais; owners’ retreats; and an abundance of windows to bring in the outdoors, Bines says.
Community amenities include many opportunities to connect with neighbors through activities such as tennis, bocce ball or pickleball; hiking and biking trails; exercise classes and cards.
Twin Lakes
joneshomesusa.com
Twin Lakes, another new active-adult community, will open in early 2016 with plans for 2,000 duplex and single-family homes at buildout.
The Jones Homes USA development will offer homes priced from the $200s with square footage ranging from 1,350 to more than 3,100, according to Deb Marton, sales and marketing director.
Marton says she expects the typical Twin Lakes buyer to be someone “who doesn’t need a large home because the children are grown and on their own.”
Buyers will be seeking an active and vibrant social life, Marten adds, so they’ll want to live around people who share their interests. Maintenance-fee living will likewise rank high on the priority list, she notes.
The majority of buyers are expected to come from South and Central Florida, Georgia and the Midwest, Marton adds. “They’re attracted to the area by its entertainment, health care and environmental factors,” she says.
Homes will be one-story designs featuring open island kitchens that flow into a great rooms ideal for entertaining. Outdoor spaces will have covered lanais and such features as summer kitchens, pools, spas and dining areas.
There’ll be a fulltime social director to organize a wide variety of activities, including pickleball, tennis, swimming and dining.
“Active-adult communities have been popular for decades, especially in Florida because of the warm weather, affordable homes and low cost of living,” Marton says.
Espanade at Highland Ranch
taylormorrison.com
Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Highland Ranch touts its resort-style amenities, its onsite lifestyle director and the natural beauty of Lake County as prime selling points.
The master-planned community, located in Clermont, will have a gated section exclusively for 55-plus buyers. Single-family homes are priced from the low $200s with square footage ranging from 1,722 to 2,930.
Highland Ranch is oriented around an extensive network of parks and open spaces that allow residents to be active, meet neighbors and enjoy nature.
Plans call for a state-of-the-art clubhouse with fitness and multipurpose rooms for yoga and exercise classes. There’ll also be a card room and coffee bar as well as a catering kitchen.
Other recreational amenities will include pickleball, bocce ball and tennis courts as well as a pool and hot tub. Conservation areas will boast elevated boardwalks and nature trails.
The trails within the community connect directly to the seven-mile South Lake Trail, which in turn connects to the 19-mile West Orange Trail. Clermont’s charming Waterfront Park is nearby.
Pringle Homebuilding Group
pringle.com
Although many builders have embraced the active-adult market, some have long been synonymous with it. That’s the case with Pringle Homebuilding Group, based in Eustis, a small city in Lake County.
Its flagship 55-plus community, The Lakes of Mount Dora, has been selected among the Top 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the U.S. by Where To Retire Magazine.
Picture-postcard Mount Dora is one of the most beautiful small towns in Central Florida. Most of the 950 homesites in The Lakes of Mount Dora feature water views.
Homes are priced from the $190s to more than $500 thousand, with square footage ranging from 1,400 to more than 5,000. Community amenities include an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, swimming pools and a fitness trail
And that clubhouse is especially noteworthy, encompassing a 6,000-square-foot great hall with a full live-production stage and well as a library, a game room and a fitness center with men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Pringle also originally developed The Legacy of Leesburg, which boasts an eco-friendly ambience. There are abundant conservation areas and walking trails along an unspoiled stretch of the Palatlakaha River.
The Legacy of Leesburg also has a resort-sized heated-pool set in a lush tropical garden as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and courts for tennis, horseshoes, pickleball and bocce ball.
A community center contains full kitchen facilities, an arts and crafts room, a card room, a library with computers, a media center and a billiards table.
Affordability is a major attraction, with prices starting at about $150,000 and square footage ranging from 1,670 to 1,725.
Florida Leisure Communities bought the project in 2011, and is building the final 72 homes in the community. At buildout, The Legacy of Leesburg will contain nearly 1,000 single-family homes.
While developers and homebuilders can provide desirable floorplans, gyms and walking trails, it’s buyers who turn the houses into homes.
For both the Cases in Polk County and Schaffers in Lake County, that human element supplies the essential ingredient for a winning formula.
In addition to participating in other activities, Francine Case joined a singing group, and she and Charles made many new friends, including some from their home state of New Jersey. “Our community is richly diverse, both financially and ethnically,” she says. “They’re very welcoming to strangers.”
Judy Schaffer shares that sentiment. “Everybody is welcome,” she says. “We found it very easy to assimilate in the neighborhood.”
For UCF’s Tucker, those two couples, and many more just like them, define a new vibrance in the aging of America.
“In the same way that today’s baby boomers have redefined every generation they’ve been a part of, they’re now redefining the images of aging,” Tucker says. “Rather than conforming to the stereotypes of aging as a time of dysfunction and despair, they’re focusing on the importance of lifestyle factors as critical influences in the aging process.”