The Ultimate Guide to Venice 55+ Communities

Venice, Florida is, simply put, an ideal community for retirees. The sunny and warm, year-round weather, stunning coastal waters and world-class golf combine to create a truly one-of-a-kind retirement destination.

Unsurprisingly, Florida consistently ranks among the top choices as a retirement destination. A full 48% of surveyed retirees considering relocation have stated Florida as their preference, more than any other state.

We’ve already featured a few of Venice’s best neighborhoods for retirees, but sometimes it can be tough to know where to get started.

But, that’s where we come in. The local real estate specialists at Gulf Shores Realty have years of experience helping seniors get the most of their golden years. Join us as we guide you through all you need to get started on your search for a 55+ active adult community that will fit your lifestyle perfectly.

What is a 55+ Community?

Also known as an Active Adult community, broadly stated a 55 plus community is a neighborhood that has an age restriction in place. 55 year is the standard, but there are active adult communities with older and younger age restrictions.

Normally, each community will have a a board or group of residents that set bylaws and restrictions. Common restrictions include:

• Restricting maximum number of occupants in a dwelling
• Access to community amenities by non-residents
• Pet Restrictions
• Home customizations - things like paint color, landscaping, etc.
• Rules for visitations / overnight stays

One of the more appealing qualities of a 55+ community is the peace and quiet that bylaws like these provide. Residents won’t have to content with younger people with little children. These communities are filled with like-minded individuals looking to enjoy their retirement in peace.

Why Do People Move to a 55+ Community?

The Lifestyle.

Well, we’ve already covered the peace and quiet most 55+ residents enjoy, but the community’s themselves are built to create an incredible lifestyle.

And it’s lifestyle that remains the single biggest draw for retirees looking at active adult communities.

Venice’s most popular active adult communities feature absolutely incredible amenities - from fitness centers, on-site restaurants and walking trails to beautiful resort-style pools, spas and clubhouses. Most of all retirees look for a community that offers plenty to do - some communities even keep event coordinators on-staff to plan on and off-site activities, clubs and other get togethers.

This is also why it's especially important to do your homework. The breadth and variety of amenities available across Venice’s many neighborhoods is impressive, but only really useful if it matches your lifestyle.

If a community interests you, make sure the amenities are something you’ll use, and also the set bylaws and restrictions will fit your lifestyle.

Accessible Homes

The other main draw these communities provide is the ability for residents to age in place. Residents can enjoy a wonderful lifestyle, while also maintaining their independence.

No matter if you choose a detached, single-family home, condo, villa or townhome, real estate in 55+ communities are most often designed with mobility in mind. Most offer a range of styles and floor plans that will allow you to get the most from the property, even in your later years.

If you have family that likes to visit often, some communities offer prime guest accommodations.

A Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

Another appealing quality of active adult communities is the low-maintenance lifestyle they provide. Depending on the community, the level of maintenance provided can vary - some communities even leave this choice up to residents.

If your retirement plan consists of traveling the world, then this type of low-maintenance neighborhood is ideal for you. You can get away assured in the knowledge that your home will be taken care of. Gated communities provide an extra level of security.

Where do I Start my Search?

We’d recommend reaching out to a local real estate agent (like those at Gulf Shores Realty) with a special knowledge and expertise on local 55+ communities. You can then provide a list of what you look for in a community, and an agent will be able to match neighborhoods to your desires.

Think about the type of property you’d like to live in - single-family home or low-maintenance condo.
Think about the types of amenities that appeal most to you.
Think about the lifestyle that suits you best. Are you planning on being a part-time resident? Will you have lots of visitors?
Think about any special requirements you have.

Featured 55+ Community: Venetian Falls

Venetian Falls is a beautiful planned community in Venice, developed by the pros at Centex, which is a division of Pulte Homes. Each and every home in Venetian Falls, be it fully detached home, paired villa or garden villa, enjoys a private entrance and two-car garage!

The active community has become well known for a full social calendar. A full-time social director coordinates numerous activities for residents to enjoy. The offerings are as diverse as quilting and bridge to martial arts and line dancing. But, don't missed the themed parties!

Depending on your preferred lifestyle, the community offers an incredible variety of home styles and floorplans in either a single family residence, or paired or garden villa. Best all, the HOA takes care of all the landscaping, leaving you ample opportunity to kick back and put your feet up!

If you'd like to learn more about 55+ / Active Adult Communities in the Venice area, please don't hesitate to contact Gulf Shores Realty online or call 941.488.6644 today!