‘Hot’ South Florida Communities for Boomers

November 21, 2014

It’s no secret that South Florida is a mecca for Baby Boomers. After all, the tri-county area offers warm temperatures, world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, casino gambling and cultural opportunities, not to mention tax advantages.

While real estate opportunities abound, some communities are hotter than others.

“We’ve found that Baby Boomers who move into our communities are focused on staying mentally and physically healthy and socially active,” says Marcie DePlaza, division president for GL Homes, which has built more than 6,000 homes for “active adults” on the east coast of Florida since 1996. “We’ve developed a strong lifestyle program that we believe is key to our success, including continuing education and wellness classes, fitness programs, arts programming and social events.”

Among the hottest communities in South Florida for those looking to retire in style:

Valencia Cove – a 55+ single-family project in Boynton Beach by GL Homes, priced from the $410,000s to the $700,000s. It boasts a 10-acre recreation area with a 39,000-square-foot clubhouse, social hall, fitness center, resort pool, tennis center, billiards, yoga area and café. (561-738-5100, glhomes.com)

AquaVita – a waterfront condominium project in Fort Lauderdale by Ocean Land Investments, designed to appeal to empty-nesters who own a large home but don’t want to compromise on space and quality. AquaVita is the first of five projects planned for the East Las Olas area by the developer. Prices range from $995,000 to $2.9 million. (954-699-7020, aquavitalasolas.com)

Villaggio Reserve – a 55+ community in Delray Beach by Ansca Homes, with 571 single-family and villa homes from the $280,000s to the $400,000s. The project features a 38,000-square- foot clubhouse. Sales are “ahead of schedule,” according to Ron Yuter, the developer’s senior vice president. (855-230-1817, villaggioreserve.com)

Hunters Run – a country club in Boynton Beach with 954 condominiums, 318 villas and 388 single-family homes. The club offers extensive facilities, as well as golf, tennis or social memberships, and is in the midst of an $8.2 million renovation project. Prices range from $10,000 to more than $1 million. (800-416-4075, huntersrun.net)

Old Palm Golf Club – Palm Beach Gardens club that appeals to golfers ages 45 to 65 who are empty-nesters or adults with older kids. Amenities include a Raymond Floyd-designed golf course. Three of the world’s top-ranked PGA Tour players recently purchased homes here. Prices at the new Isle Estates neighborhood range from $2.2 to $3.2 million. (888-698- 2565, oldpalmgolfclub.com)