Naples, Florida-where the warm breezes meet white sandy beaches and endless sunshine create a retirement utopia. But here is the catch: Naples tends to rhyme with luxury, and some might say they have to sell the farm-a proverbial expression meaning letting go of everything-one may own, literally and figuratively-just to have a spot in this Gulf Coast paradise.
Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the perks of Naples. Affordable retirement communities are out there, and they are packed with amenities, activities, and that friendly Florida vibe retirees crave.
Ready to discover some of the best-kept secrets in retirement living within Naples, Florida? Let’s dive in and look at some of the top-ranked communities for affordable living while not sacrificing fun or comfort.
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Whispering Pines: Active Living, Serene Surroundings
Average Price: $150,000 – $250,000
Population: Active retirees 55+
Amenities: Clubhouse, heated pool, shuffleboard, tennis courts, billiards
Activities: Potlucks, water aerobics, card games, movie nights
Health Care Proximity: To the NCH Healthcare System (15-minute drive)
Whispering Pines rounds out the list, where retirement with a smile-and plenty of leftover cash-is possible. Just a few miles from the dazzling beaches of Naples, this 55-plus manufactured home community gives good value on offering an affordable place to live without sacrificing the essentials that make retirement enjoyable. Don’t let the term “manufactured homes” scare you; the homes here are beautifully maintained and modern, offering plenty of space to downsize in comfort.
Whispering Pines has an endearing feel that seems to be just about community. From tennis to shuffleboard to morning walks, there’s so much emphasis on outdoor activities that it is relatively easy to stay active. Besides, the heated pool serves as a favorite hangout, especially for those sun-kissed afternoons in Naples. It couldn’t get any better because the social events that range from potluck dinners to movie nights provided by the community mean that one will never feel isolated or bored.
One of the best perks? You’re just a short drive away from Naples’ NCH Healthcare System, making medical care accessible. Residents often bond here over the simple joy of active living, making Whispering Pines ideal for social butterflies looking for connection.
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Riverwood on the Caloosahatchee: Water Views Without the Waterfront Price
Average Cost: Homes from $180,000 to $300,000
Demographics: Mainly 55+, mix of full-time and seasonal residents
Amenities: Marina, boat docks, fitness center, walking paths
Activities: Boating, fishing, water aerobics, yoga, walking groups
Health Care Proximity: 10 miles from Physicians Regional Medical Center
A bit of a hidden treasure, Riverwood on the Caloosahatchee is for those retirees wanting to live life on, or near, the water without having to pay waterfront prices. Along the Caloosahatchee River, only a short jaunt from Naples proper, Riverwood offers a resort-like atmosphere to retirees who want to stay connected with nature while enjoying community living.
What makes this community unique? It’s all about the water here! Many homes offer tranquil river views, and residents have access to a marina and boat docks for those who love to spend their days boating or fishing.
Prefer to stay on land? No problem-Riverwood has plenty of fitness activities, walking paths, and even water aerobics classes. The sense of wellness runs deep in this community.
Although it feels like a retreat, proximity to Riverwood’s Physicians Regional Medical Center will keep you close to quality healthcare. On top of this, the community-oriented nature of this place makes one feel settled down even for a new person.
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Foxfire Golf & Country Club: Where Golf Meets Affordability
Average Cost: Condos starting at $170,000, homes up to $400,000
Population: Primarily retirees 55+
Amenities: 27-hole golf course, clubhouse, dining, bocce ball, fitness center
Amenities: Golf, bocce tournaments, line dancing, happy hours, fitness classes
Health Care Proximity: 10 minutes from NCH North Naples Hospital
If the ideal retirement for anyone involves mornings on the green, afternoons in the clubhouse, and evenings with friends at happy hour, Foxfire Golf & Country Club may just be the stuff of which dreams are made. And the best part? It’s affordable for the golf enthusiast who does not want to break the bank with club dues and HOA fees.
Foxfire’s challenging 27-hole golf course beckons residents to return again and again, from seasoned pros to just getting started. When you’re not perfecting your swing, enjoy a full social calendar, from bocce ball tournaments to fitness classes. A beautiful clubhouse serves as the community hub, with casual dining and plenty of room for social gatherings.
From $170,000 onward, Foxfire provides you with one of the finest options in Naples without giving up any of the amenities you want and deserve. Located very close to top-class health centers, your health is also just a stone’s throw away.
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Lely Resort: Resort Vibes at an Affordable Price Tag
Average Cost: $200,000+ condos; $450,000+ single-family homes
Population: Mix of retirees and younger residents
Amenities: Three championship golf courses, tennis, resort-style pools, spa, restaurants
Activities: Golf, tennis, pickleball, painting classes, book clubs, social events
Health Care Proximity: 5 miles to NCH Healthcare System
Lely Resort sounds like it’s going to break the bank, but in reality, it offers affordable luxury to retirees who want resort-style living without an outside-of-the-budget price tag. The sprawling grounds of Lely feature three championship golf courses, resort-style pools, and a spa for pampering oneself after a round of tennis or pickleball.
What ultimately separates Lely Resort, though, is the sense of community that abounds. A healthy mix of full-time retirees and younger snowbirds ensures there’s always something going on, whether it’s a painting class, a book club, or themed social gathering. The accommodations in this community range from condos to single-family homes, offering retirees options depending on space-and-budget-needs.
And for those who love golf, it’s a dream come true. You can mix it up with three courses to choose from, or make it interesting by challenging buddies to a round every week. And with NCH Healthcare System within Sunday drive proximity, you have no excuse but to sleep at night, knowing you’re taken care of.
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The Glades Golf & Country Club: Affordable with Proximity to Downtown
Average Price: $150,000 – $275,000 for condos
Population: 55+ retirees, mix of full-time and seasonal residents
Amenities: Two golf courses, tennis, bocce ball, nine pools, dining
Activities: Golf, tennis, bocce leagues, yoga, bridge clubs
Health Care Proximity: Less than 5 miles from NCH Downtown Naples Hospital
Nestled just minutes from downtown Naples, the Glades Golf & Country Club offers affordability with a prime location. Always dreamed of living within close proximity of the hustle and bustle of Naples’ city center-dining, shopping, and all the associated cultural experiences-yet thought it was out of your price range? Think again. The Glades brings together affordable living with a luxurious lifestyle.
What’s so special about The Glades? Golf, of course! This community features two beautifully maintained golf courses, but also maintains a very active tennis and bocce ball community. Plus, with nine swimming pools scattered throughout the property, there is always a place to cool off during those sweltering summer months.
Being only a short drive from NCH Downtown Naples Hospital, The Glades is ideal for retirees who like to be proximal to healthcare. Its friendly mix of full-time and snowbird residents ensures you’ll never want for a partner for golf-or even happy hour.
The Bottom Line
Retiring to Naples doesn’t have to be only an elusive dream of the ultra-wealthy. These affordable retirement communities offer a breadth of living options to suit every kind of retiree, be it low-maintenance condominiums, a haven for golf, or water lovers’ paradises. You’ll find homes starting in the low $100,000s, with amenities galore that make each day feel like a vacation.
And with Naples’ pristine beaches, year-round sunshine, and plenty of health care facilities nearby, it’s little wonder retirees are hot-footing it to this Gulf Coast gem. Each of these communities offers a different taste of Florida retirement, so why not explore them and find out which fits your dream lifestyle?
Whether you’re ready to hit the links or spend afternoons by the water, Naples has an affordable retirement community waiting for you. After all, who says paradise has to come with a luxury price tag?
If you’re looking for more information about retirement communities in Naples or how to get started with the local market, we’d love to hear from you! Get our Buyers Guide to Real Estate in Florida here. Your perfect retirement destination may be only one click away.