Picture this: mornings sipping coffee while gazing at the sunrise over the ocean, afternoons filled with beach walks or water aerobics, and evenings having seafood dinners with friends as the waves roll in. Sounds dreamy, right? For many retirees, this vision is more than just a fantasy-it’s reality in Florida’s beachfront retirement communities. Whether your dream retirement has always been by the sea, Florida offers a range of options to make those golden years spent with sand between your toes and sun-kissed skin a reality.
From beaches to warm weather to a very relaxed atmosphere, Florida remains one of the most popular states to retire in. But what if you want more than an address in Florida? What if you want beachfront living? Let’s explore the top beachfront retirement communities in Florida where retirees can find fun and enjoyment in their oceanfront lifestyle and community spirit.
Why Beachfront Living in Florida?
Before getting into specific communities, let’s discuss why beachfront retirement living sounds and is so appealing. First, the obvious: waking up to the sound of the ocean and having easy access to pristine beaches. But beachfront retirement communities also have:
A Healthier Lifestyle: Living by the water promotes a more active lifestyle, whether it be beach walking, swimming, or enjoying the outdoors in fresh air.
Relaxation and Stress Relief: The soothing effects of the ocean are well-documented. Who wouldn’t want a front-row seat to one of nature’s biggest stress relievers?
Social Connectivity: This community appeals to like-minded retirees who enjoy an active and social lifestyle that can foster a sense of camaraderie.
Investment Value: Beachfront properties tend to retain their value or appreciate in value, thus making it a sound investment for retirees.
Now that we have sold you on this concept of beachfront retirement living, let’s take a deeper look into some of the top communities where you can find your own slice of coastal paradise.
1. Shell Point Retirement Community – Fort Myers
Cost: Homes range in price from $300,000 to over $1 million
Population: 55+ active retirees
Amenities: Private marina, golf course, multiple swimming pools, fitness center, art studio
Activities: Sailing, kayaking, beach yoga, social clubs, bridge groups
WellnessHealthcare: on-site health clinic, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care
Located in Florida, Shell Point Retirement Community is one of the largest continuing care retirement communities and offers the ultimate mix of beachside relaxation and active lifestyle. Being a stone’s throw from Sanibel Island’s famous white-sand beaches, Shell Point has its own private marina, which makes it ideal for retirees who like boating, fishing, or simply staying near water.
The community accommodates active residents who like to stay involved with either physical activities or social events. Whether it’s an early morning kayak out into the bay, a round of golf, or taking part in a bridge tournament, something’s sure to strike one’s fancy. There is plenty of cultural activity at Shell Point, from the art studio, to the woodworking shop, to concerts.
One of the biggest advantages of residing in Shell Point is its healthcare services. The community provides services ranging from routine check-ups to memory care and skilled nursing facilities, so residents can “age in place” and need not relocate elsewhere to meet their medical requirements.
2. Harbour’s Edge – Delray Beach
Cost: $400,000+ for independent living units
Population: 62+ retirees, focusing on independent and assisted living
Amenities: Private beach access, resort-style pool, salon and spa, dining, concierge services. Activities: Paddleboarding, deep-sea fishing trips, book clubs, wine tastings, pickleball.
Health Care: On-site health clinic, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services.
If the words “luxury” and “beachfront” get your heart racing, then your perfect match may be found in Harbour’s Edge in Delray Beach. This community offers a slice of coastal living with all the trimmings, plus it’s a short drive from Boca Raton’s shopping and dining scene.
Harbour’s Edge has direct access to a private beach and a host of resort-style amenities. From swimming laps in the pool, dining on gourmet meals from their on-site restaurant, to pampering at the spa, this community feels more like a high-end resort than a retirement home. Outside, active retirees will enjoy the wide variety of activities that range from paddleboarding and pickleball to organized deep-sea fishing trips. And, of course, no beachfront retirement community would be complete without regular beach walks to soak in those ocean breezes.
With an on-site health clinic and skilled nursing services available, Harbour’s Edge offers peace of mind along with its luxurious setting.
3. Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach
Cost: Starting at $350,000 for homes and villas
Population: 55+ retirees
Amenities: Private beach club, resort-style pool, fitness center, dog park, live music venue
Activities: Surf lessons, beach volleyball, live concerts, cooking classes
Health Care: Nearby AdventHealth Daytona Beach and other centers
Ready for a little Jimmy Buffett lifestyle? Latitude Margaritaville is all about laid-back living with a tropical twist. Inspired by the singer’s famous “Margaritaville” lifestyle brand, this community is targeted to retirees looking for a relaxed, fun, and social atmosphere-and maybe even sipping on a margarita while watching the sunset.
What really sets Latitude Margaritaville apart, though, is the private beach club-right to the beach, sans crowds. Besides the beach itself, the community offers resort-style amenities such as a lagoon-style pool, fitness center, and even its own live music venue, making it feel like one endless vacation.
It’s casual and laid-back here, appealing to retirees who want to have some beach time, new friends, and set their feet tapping to some great tunes. And if you love dogs, you’ll appreciate the pet-friendly atmosphere with a dog park. So if you want a beachfront community where fun is had in the sun, Latitude Margaritaville is your place.
4. The Villages at Ocean Edge – Hutchinson Island
Cost: Condos starting at $250,000
Population: Active retirees, mix of seasonal and full-time residents
Amenities: Oceanfront clubhouse, tennis courts, fitness center, heated pool, beach access
Activities: Beach volleyball, fishing excursions, tennis leagues, art classes, wine tastings
Health Care: Close to Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and other nearby health centers
The Villages at Ocean Edge is located on Hutchinson Island, with direct access to the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. This oceanfront community in a low-key style appeals to retirees who would like to enjoy beach life without hustle and bustle, which often characterizes areas that are more commercial. The community is friendly, typified by small clusters of friends who become close through shared activities and events.
From wine tastings to art classes, this community’s clubhouse is one hotbed of social activity. If you like sports, you’ll appreciate the tennis courts, beach volleyball games, and regular fishing excursions organized by the community. Every day can be a vacation, with heated pool swimming or leisurely walking along the private beach for residents.
Knowing that top-notch healthcare is around the corner, retirees can rest easy since The Villages at Ocean Edge is close to many medical centers, including Cleveland Clinic.
5. Bay Colony – Naples
Price: Condominiums from $500,000 to more than $5 million
Residents: Primarily retirees and seasonal residents, age 55+
Amenities: Private beach club, golf course, spa, fine dining, personal concierge
Activities: Sailing, kayaking, golf, wine clubs, cultural events, wellness programs
Health Care: Near NCH Healthcare System and Physicians Regional Medical Center
If exclusivity is what you are after, Bay Colony in Naples presents a truly ultra-luxurious beachfront retirement experience. Although markedly more expensive than the other communities mentioned here, it’s fitting to mention for those retirees who’d like to splurge on their golden years in style. Nestled in the prestigious Pelican Bay neighborhood, Bay Colony offers direct access to a resident-only private beach club.
Bay Colony exudes sophistication, from the gourmet dining to a concierge service personalized for each resident, to wellness programs for the nourishment of body and soul. Nature lovers can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and golfing, while socially, residents benefit from wine clubs, cultural events, and elegant social gatherings.
Although Bay Colony is a quiet, peaceful retreat, it is appropriately sited near enough to the lively heart of Naples that the best of both worlds is readily accessible: beachside serenity combined with city convenience.
Beachfront Living Awaits!
The beachfront retirement communities in Florida represent the ultimate dream for retirees, living life with at least a little-and maybe a lot-of sand between their toes. From the laid-back vibe of Margaritaville to the luxury of Bay Colony to the active lifestyle from Shell Point, there is a beachfront community in Florida tailored to your needs.
The best part is that beachfront retirement isn’t just about lying in the sun-beach activity abounds, though there’s plenty of that, too. It’s active, social, and healthy in a picturesque setting with top-flight health care. The combination of stunning ocean views, resort-style amenities, and vibrant community life makes for a simply unbeatable beachfront retirement experience among Florida retirees.
What are you waiting for? The sun, sand, and serenity of Florida’s best beachfront communities are calling your name. Ready to learn more? Explore these communities, check out their websites, and get started in making your beachfront retirement dreams come true.