What to look for in 55+ communities in Florida

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Garber Communities

Our private fishing dock is the perfect place to unwind

Decided to retire? Check. Decided to relocate to Florida? Check. Decided a 55+ community is right for you? Check. Even after you’ve made some big decisions about your future, finding your perfect home base can still be overwhelming.

There are many wonderful Florida 55+ communities, but if you’re having trouble choosing between them, we have a few ideas.

Check out our list of things to look for in 55+ communities in Florida below. While the perfect fit varies based on each person, these questions are a great place to start.

Who handles maintenance?

Maybe you want to enjoy your golden years without having to worry about the lawn. Or, maybe you love tinkering around the house. Either way, knowing who handles maintenance at your Florida retirement community is essential. Ask about personal maintenance, like landscaping and lawn care, as well as maintenance for shared community amenities. There’s no right answer—just make sure the answer aligns with your values.

What amenities are available?

One of the best features of retirement in Florida is having the freedom to enjoy life with minimal responsibility. But “enjoy life” means something different for everyone. Maybe pickleball is something you love, or maybe there’s no better day to you than casting a line. Amenities at senior living communities can include everything from a gym and community clubhouse to a marina and nature walk.

Often, you’ll see senior living communities show off their community with gorgeous photos. One way to make sure you end up at a community with the amenities you want is to set up a tour. That way, you’ll be sure that what you saw was the real thing. Find a community that has the amenities you already enjoy, but leave some space to find new hobbies.

What is the community like?

When moving to a new location, it is very important to find out who your neighbors are. These are the people you will come to know for years, forming true friendships. All senior living communities in Florida have a different personality, so it’s important to visit to make sure the vibe fits your lifestyle.

Similarly, Florida retirement communities are available in just about every Florida town, and those towns all have a different feel. When you visit, make sure to get out and explore the community as a whole. Whether you’re looking for lots of activity or a quaint, old-Florida vibe, this will make a big difference.

What are staff members like?

This may sound basic, but the hallmark of a great community is staff who strive to make the community better for all residents. A great way to figure this out is to take the tour of the property, plus see how your regular interactions go in the buying process.

Is the retirement community affordable?

When you’re looking at a new home, price is undoubtedly something that will be on your mind. When you’re considering a 55+ community, it might matter even more. You want to be sure to find something that is affordable for you so you can continue to enjoy retirement as well as travel and activities you love for many years to come.

These are all crucial elements to consider when looking at Florida 55+ communities. At Garber Communities, we can answer all of these questions and more!

We have wonderful 55+ communities all over the state, and we would be happy to help you find the one that fits you best. Visit https://www.garbercommunities.com/communities/ or call (407) 949-8629 to learn more.

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