Sarasota, FL was ranked No. 1 on the U.S. News and World Report’s 2020-2021 list of “Best Places to Retire in the U.S.” A few of the many reasons why include housing affordability, good tax rates, and excellent health care quality. The temperature is warm year-round, the beaches are top-ranked in the country, and Sarasota is well known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, making it a prime location for an active 55+ lifestyle.
Only about one hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, Sarasota is close enough to enjoy Florida’s unmatched attractions yet maintains a small-town feel. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual meal at a beach bar, a round of golf, combing through a small art gallery, checking out local boutiques, or taking a boat out on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is the perfect location to choose a 55+ community for you. Whatever you’re looking for, our guide will help you narrow down the options of where to retire in Sarasota and find the perfect place for this next chapter in your life.
What is a 55+ community?
An active 55+ community in Sarasota is not the same as an independent living center. 55+ communities are restricted to adults over the age of 55, and usually offer smaller homes or senior apartments than a traditional neighborhood offers. Residences in 55+ communities are usually built to be senior-friendly or even disability compliant, but they do not offer medical care or housekeeping assistance.
Instead, you’ll live as you would in a regular neighborhood but with some extra amenities and often planned community events to make friends with like-minded individuals. These active senior communities often have vibrant social scenes and organized activities, which is perfect for those looking to make new connections.
Benefits of living in a 55+ community
There are endless benefits to living in an active 55+ community! These complexes and neighborhoods often come with a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere. The neighborhoods are usually very well kept, and often offer shared amenities and many social events you can take advantage of.
The age restriction also ensures that your area will be more peaceful than a traditional neighborhood. You don’t have to worry about teenagers throwing big parties and keeping you up all night or watching for young children playing on the sidewalk as you back out of your garage. It allows you to have a place big enough to call your own while also not having to deal with the maintenance.
55+ communities also have an emphasis on the active part. There are often walking trails and activities planned to keep you healthy – both physically and mentally. Homes in 55+ communities usually require zero yard work, and the floor plans are meant to accommodate older adults. So you can live your life without all those annoying things that weigh you down!
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Active 55+ Communities in Sarasota, FL
No matter what you hope to find in a 55+ senior living community in Sarasota, you’ll find it on our list! From luxury communities to affordable and fun active senior living communities, there’s truly something for everyone in Sarasota.
Bahia Vista Estates | Premier 55+ Living in Sarasota
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- Amenities: billiards, heated swimming pool, pavilion, pet friendly, pickleball, planned activities, shuffleboard, walking trails, bingo, card tables, clubhouse, community center w/ fully equipped kitchen, darts, dog park
Bahia Vista Estates offers beautiful manufactured homes, senior villas, friendly neighbors, and a wide selection of recreational activities. Shoot some hoops at the basketball courts, try your hand at shuffleboard, or practice your swing at nearby golf courses. Enjoy aqua aerobics in the pool or just relax poolside. Bahia Vista Estates has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable 55+ lifestyle.
3901 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232, (866) 349-2596
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Largo, FL or let us introduce you to a local agent in the area.
LakeRidge Falls | 55+ Gated Community
- Amenities: recreation and social center, gym, billiards, library, computer stations with free Wi-Fi, heated resort-style pool, spa, bocce ball courts, table tennis, lakeside beach.
LakeRidge Falls features 399 homes and is conveniently located within easy walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and a movie theater. This beautiful community is only 15 minutes from the award-winning beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys. Lakeridge Falls includes 16 scenic lakes, a preserve area, and walking paths. With activities such as card games, bingo nights, yoga/stretch classes, and water aerobics, you’ll always find ways to keep active at Lakeridge Falls.
4200 Lakeridge Blvd, Sarasota FL 34243
Cascades at Sarasota | Single-Family Homes for 55+ Active Adults
- Amenities: clubhouse, fitness center, indoor pool, arts & crafts studio, ballroom, card room, library, computer room, billiards room, outdoor pool & spa, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, scenic ponds.
Cascades at Sarasota offers resort-style active 55+ living. The gated community provides a full range of activities and social events for every taste. They offer single-family homes that range from 1,429 to 2,489 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Shopping, dining, and other entertainment aren’t too far, making this a great spot for those wanting to stay active. The community’s activities director can also help residents plan group outings to live theater, music and art events at Asolo Theater, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
4560 Royal Cascades Way, Sarasota, FL 34243, (941) 504-3922
Strathmore Riverside Villas | Affordable 55+ Condo Living in Sarasota
- Amenities: clubhouse, exercise room, multi-purpose/meeting rooms, billiards, library, heated outdoor pool, shuffleboard courts, marina, fishing dock, boat dock, scenic lakes & ponds.
Strathmore Riverside Villas is an active 55+ condo community offering a low-maintenance lifestyle, numerous amenities, and lots of social clubs and activities that will keep you busy. And Strathmore Riverside Villas is only four miles from beautiful Siesta Beach. The community offers a variety of events throughout the week. Play bridge or poker, take a Tai Chi class, or fish off the dock. Active adults looking for a condo community will enjoy Strathmore Riverside Villas.
2700 Riverbluff Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 922-8188
Whispering Sands | Luxury Condos for Seniors
- Amenities: two clubhouses, multi-purpose/meeting rooms, exercise room, library, private beach area, two outdoor pools, tiki hut grilling area, fully-equipped exercise room, multimedia room, game room, library, and kitchen, scenic lakes
Located along the white sands of world-famous Siesta Beach, Whispering Sands gives you a luxury beachfront condominium lifestyle. Condos range from 1,271 to 2,746 square feet with two to four bedrooms and two to four bathrooms, as well as assigned parking spaces or two-car garages. Whispering Shores provides a variety of resort-style amenities and a couple of different clubs and social groups for residents to be a part of.
200 Whispering Sands Dr, Sarasota, FL 34242, (941) 349-8458
Village Plaza | Affordable Sarasota 55+ Community
- Amenities: heated pool, pickleball court, shuffleboard court, library, billiards and exercise rooms, community gathering center.
Village Plaza comprises 150 condo homes in a well-established and well-maintained neighborhood. If you’re looking for a multitude of amenities and activities, you’ll find it here, making it easy for active 55+ homeowners to stay engaged in the community. Work out at the fitness center, read a book in the library, relax in the sauna, or shoot pool in the billiards room. Village Plaza has plenty of outdoor activities too. The heated pool is open all year round. Nearly two dozen golf courses are within 15 miles of Village Plaza. Homes range from 756 to 1,498 square feet, making Village Plaza an ideal option for those looking to downsize.
2848 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 923-5811
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch | Best Resort-Style 55+ Active Living
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- Amenities: clubhouse, pickleball, tennis courts, dog park, lit walkways, resort-style pool and spa, resistance pool, bocce courts, SmartFIT Training Center.
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Located just west of Sarasota, Cresswind Lakewood Ranch is conveniently located close to the Gulf Coast’s top-ranked beaches and Sarasota’s well-known cultural venues. The Cresswind adult village is a separate part of the community, yet residents enjoy access to Lakewood Ranch’s shops, dining, golf, arts, and recreation areas, including the Sarasota Polo Club. Cresswind Lakewood Ranch has a full-time Lifestyle Director who maintains a calendar full of activities designed exclusively for the 55+ lifestyle.
5063 Simons Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211, (941) 217-7980
Senior Living in Sarasota Map
Have you decided to relocate to one of these great Sarasota 55 plus communities? 2 College Brothers is the best Sarasota moving company to call to help with your move! Contact us today at 813-922-1528 to discuss your move and get a free quote.
