Top-Rated 55 And Older Communities in Tampa For a Relaxed Retirement

A happy retirement starts with the right home, one that’s easy to maintain and in a place you truly love.

If you’ve spent years saving and planning for this chapter, you’ve probably thought about moving to a 55+ community. And there’s no better place to do it than Florida, where sunshine, relaxation, and top-tier amenities come standard.

To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve rounded up the best 55+ communities in Tampa. Picture yourself living near the ocean, in a safe and welcoming neighborhood, with everything you need to make the most of every day.

Read on to discover everything these communities offer, so when you’re ready, you can browse our current listings for sale in 55+ communities in Tampa and find the perfect place to call home.

What’s a 55 Plus Community? 

As the name suggests, a 55+ community is an age-restricted residential development designed for adults aged 55 and older. Also known as senior living or active adult communities, these neighborhoods (or sometimes entire cities) cater to a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle with amenities and social opportunities carefully designed for retirees and empty nesters.

The Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) defines 55+ communities in Florida, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforcing its implementation. For a settlement to qualify as an age-restricted community, it must meet the following criteria:

• At least 80% of homeowners must be aging adults.
• The community must publish and follow clear policies to demonstrate it’s designed for adults 55 and older. 
• It should follow HUD regulations to verify that it meets the occupancy requirements for 55+ housing.

What To Look For in a 55 and Over Community in Florida?

The age restriction is the backbone of 50 and older communities. Still, there are many elements that a potential homebuyer should look at when considering moving to one of Florida’s 55 and older communities; these include:

An Attractive Amenity Package

While researching Tampa 55 and over communities, consider what amenities they offer and which you actually need. Deciding to move to an age-restricted complex means not only buying a home but an entire lifestyle. These are some of the standard amenities seniors obtain when purchasing a home in one of these communities:

• Clubhouses: The community’s hub for social gatherings, parties, events, and other activities.
• Swimming pools and spas: Relation and low-impact relaxation guaranteed!
• Sports courts: Ideal to keep you active. Popular options in Florida are pickleball, tennis, and shuffleboard.
• Golf courses: Golf is highly popular in Florida, so you would have access to at least one near your Tampa home.  
• Trails: 55-plus communities value and promote being outside, so you can access miles of paved walking and biking trails. 

Various Activities For Seniors

Arts and crafts studios, social clubs, interest groups… You would have the chance to exercise your creative pursuits and hobbies in retirement if you choose to buy a house in a 55 and over community near Tampa, Florida. Want more fun? You can participate in:

• Game nights
• Movie nights
• Book clubs
• Bible study groups
• Yoga classes
• Gardening clubs
• Holiday celebrations
• Walking & biking clubs
• Dance classes
• Golf tournaments
• Cooking & wine tasting classes
• Guest speakers & seminars

Must Needs Should Be Taken Care Of

Living in a 55-and-over community in Tampa, FL, is low-maintenance living. Many locations in this list allow you to focus on enjoying retirement by taking care of homeownership responsibilities. 

They’ll be in charge of tasks such as home exterior upkeep, landscaping, optional housekeeping services, and, in some cases, transportation services for shopping, doctor’s appointments, and recreational outings.

Security Must Be a Priority

Safety is essential in any community, but 55+ ones prioritize it. Whether the neighborhood is gated or not, you can expect access control systems to depurate access, surveillance cameras throughout with real-time monitoring, and security personnel and patrol. Some communities also have emergency call systems and emergency procedures involving residents. 

The Community Spirit

Living in a 55-and-over community in Tampa, FL, means being part of a neighborhood designed for connection. Here, you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who share similar interests and values. With neighbors in the same stage of life, building friendships and feeling at home come naturally.

Beyond social fulfillment, staying connected has significant health benefits. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strong social ties can reduce the risk of dementia by nearly 50%, lower the chances of heart disease by 29%, and decrease the likelihood of stroke by 32%. 

Why Choosing Tampa for Your Retirement

Florida stands strong as a retirement destination in the United States, and within the Sunshine State, few cities provide more comfort, quality of life, and perks to retirees than The Big Guava. The overall cost of living in Tampa is 12.4% cheaper than Miami’s, and housing is 22.9% less expensive. 

In addition, moving to Tampa means retiree-friendly tax policies. Florida does not impose a state income tax, meaning Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, and 401(k) withdrawals are tax-free at the state level. There are also no inheritance or estate taxes, meaning you can keep more of your retirement savings and income.

Tampa also has pleasant warm weather, year-round sunshine, many beaches, and at least 17 golf courses. More recreation includes cultural attractions like theaters and museums and outdoor activities like boating and fishing. The city also has an energetic social scene and plenty of parks and green spaces, including the 25-acre Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. 

There are also world-class healthcare facilities in the city. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, and St. Joseph’s Hospital are only three of the many top-tier healthcare facilities renowned for their exceptional services.

But probably the best thing about retiring in Tampa is that you are not only moving to Tampa but also to the Tampa Bay Area. The Tampa Bay region includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, along with surrounding counties such as Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando.

It’s no wonder why Tampa is the second best place to retire in Florida, according to US News & World Report, and the fourth, according to a recent report by WalletHub.   

Top 55 Plus Communities in Tampa For a Formidable Retirement

Del Webb Bexley

Del Webb Bexley is a premier 55+ community west of the center of Land O’ Lakes, FL, about 22 miles north of Downtown Tampa. This sought-after neighborhood primarily features single-family homes, with prices ranging from the mid-$500Ks to the low-$900Ks. Most homes available in Del Webb Bexley are resales, with construction beginning in 2018, offering modern designs and upscale amenities tailored for active adult living.

Six distinct collections make up Del Web Bexley: The Scenic, The Distinctive, The Echelon, The Garden, The Classic, and The Estate Series. These residences range in size from 1,372 to 3,950 square feet and offer two to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and attached garages accommodating two to three cars. Common features are:

• Modern open-concept kitchens
• Spacious dens
• Walk-in closets
• Covered lanais

Some residence models have premium upgrades, including enhanced storage options and elegant dropped soffit ceilings.

Individuals in retirement choose Del Webb Bexley for its resort-style amenities and diverse activity programs. Most of the action concentrates on The Meridian, a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse with large event and multipurpose rooms and a food and beverage center. 

Residents also enjoy a pool, fitness center, various sports like bocce ball and pickleball, performances in the outdoor amphitheater, walking and biking trails, community gardens, and a dog park for dog owners in the community. 

In addition to the fun, the Del Web Bexley HOA takes care of common area and yard maintenance. 

Sun City Center 

When discussing 55-plus communities near Tampa, FL, Sun City Center enters the conversation as one of the most coveted alternatives for aging adults seeking refuge in Florida’s Gulf Coast, specifically those browsing listings for adult communities in Hillsborough County.  

Sun City Center is a self-contained, master-planned community just miles away from warm-water beaches, entertainment, sports venues, and a great selection of real estate, including single-family homes, condos, and duplex villas constructed between the ’60s and 2018. Tampa real estate for sale in Sun City Center ranges between the low $100Ks and the low $800Ks, depending on specific property features. All properties are resales. 

Buying a property for retirement here involves choosing from many house floor plans and styles across several neighborhoods. You may select your home in enclaves from the original Sun City Center Community or in areas like Kings Point or Renaissance, part of the newer section. Some of the real estate collections available for sale right now are:

• Verona Collection: Attached homes ranging from 1,503 to 1,862 sq. ft., featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
• Renaissance Siena Collection: Low-maintenance homes spanning 1,544 to 2,557 sq. ft., with two to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two or three-car garage.
• Renaissance Calabria Collection: Spacious floor plans between 2,878 and 3,086 sq. ft., offering at least three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a three-car garage.

There’s no shortage of amenities and activities in Sun City Center. Residents have three amenity campuses, each offering top-notch facilities for social interaction, interest groups (nearly 200 of them!), and fitness. Here’s how the campuses are divided:

• The Central Campus: Concentrates the majority of the activities. It comprises a fitness center, indoor lap pool and therapy pool, computer rooms, and conference center. There’s also an outdoor pool, lawn bowling courts, ceramics, woodwork, pottery, and art studios. The Old Town Hall provides residents with billiards tables, a craft center, a photography club, and much more. 
• The South Campus: Has a 1,000-square-foot community hall with an auditorium with space for dinners, dances, and performances. Additional entertainment comes from the outdoor sports courts and two dog parks.
• The West Campus: It’s perfect for gardening aficionados, with several plots to cultivate. There’s also RV storage for residents.  

But that’s not all. This age-restricted community near Tampa spoils its locals with additional amenities in the greater Sun City Center area, including additional clubhouses, eight golf courses, and the acclaimed Ben Sutton Golf School.

Sun City Center homes are typically under the care of one of the 100 Homeowners’ Associations in the area, which pay for landscaping, lawn care, and irrigation, but this is not mandatory. You can cover those expenses if you do not wish to participate. 

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club is a top pick among 55+ homebuyers in the Tampa Bay Area. Centered around a 27-hole golf course in sunny San Antonio, FL, the community is only 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Surrounded by rolling hills and small lakes, this 730-acre residential development boasts resale single-family homes priced between the mid $200Ks and the high $400Ks.

The Tampa real estate for sale in Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club was constructed between 1994 and 2015, and while most of the houses are resale, some new development is on the way. With floor plans between 1,276 and 2,500+ square feet, these homes include at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage, with some designs incorporating dens or additional bedrooms. 

Select properties feature tile flooring, granite countertops, and generous storage options, including walk-in closets. Many homes also boast expansive outdoor spaces, while some provide golf cart storage, three-car garages, and desirable golf course views with desirable seclusion. 

Aside from the real estate options, a major draw of this premier 55 and over community in Tampa is its amenities and services for residents. From state-of-the-art security features and services to superb outdoor recreational options, the lifestyle here is one-of-a-kind. Here are some of the top amenities:

• A 15,000-square-foot clubhouse that includes a golf pro shop, a library with computer access, a ballroom for events and social connection, and other less formal multipurpose rooms. 
• An on-site restaurant, The Grille Room, serves all meals.
• A scenic 18-hole golf course, lakes, two dog parks, and golf cart-friendly streets.
• A gym, tennis & pickleball courts, shuffleboard, and an outdoor pool with a patio for fitness and recreation.
• The calendar of activities includes classes, clubs, and events, including gaming and book clubs, art classes, and day trips. There are also volunteer opportunities. 

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club has an HOA that ensures that residents enjoy a low-maintenance existence so that they can focus on living their best lives. The HOA is in charge of standard area maintenance, lawn care, as well as TV and Internet fees.

Timber Pines 

Timber Pines is a 55 and older 1,400-acre community tucked in Florida’s Gulf Coast, specifically in Spring Hill, a city part of Hernando County, FL. That’s approximately 50 miles north of Tampa’s core. Living options in this area include over 3,000 single-family homes and attached villas peppered across 57 neighborhoods.

Real estate in the city was built between the ‘80s and the ‘90s, and prices are more affordable. Tampa homes for sale in Timber Pines have 70 different floor plans and cost between the high $100Ks and the mid $400Ks. 

Most of the villas have one to two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms, and select models feature an attached one—or two-car garage or a covered parking space. Standard features in this Florida neighborhood include breakfast nooks, walk-in closets, lanais, and covered porches for enjoying the good weather.

On the other hand, single-family homes in Timber Pines have diverse styles and designs. Most have two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two—or three-car garages. Popular features include open-concept kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, and outdoor living areas.

The lifestyle and amenities in Timber Pines revolve around the country club. Residents love that all the action occurs overlooking the greens of the Grand Pines Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course and country club. No membership is required to enjoy everything it offers. In addition to this golf course, there are three more combined to make 63 holes for golfers of all abilities. Read below for a list of amenities in Timber Pines:

• The community’s clubhouse is The Lodge and features a ballroom, meeting and multipurpose rooms, a catering kitchen, and a porch. This is the central gathering spot in the community for events and social opportunities. 
• Two outdoor pools and spas.
• Over 80 social clubs. 
• Athletic courts in the community include tennis, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and horseshoe pits.
• There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center.
• There’s a local activities director that helps plan all activities.

The Timber Pines HOA includes cable TV, the maintenance of common areas, and the security of residents. If a homeowner requires exterior maintenance, they can get it for a small additional fee. 

Highlands Lakes On Lake Tarpon 

Highlands Lakes is a 55-over community in Palm Harbor, FL, just northwest of Tampa’s Downtown, encompassing country club-style amenities and a comfortable, active lifestyle for a superb retirement. 

This quaint community has over 2,400 resale-only houses built between 1977 and 1989. All homes for sale in Highlands Lakes are single-family homes and attached villas priced in the mid $100Ks and the high $500Ks range. 

The single-family homes are single-floor and generally have one-to-three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, or two-and-a-half bathrooms with either one or two garages. Common features include screened patios and even private pools. Prospective homebuyers looking for more affordability or downsize can opt for an attached villa which has one to two bedrooms one-and-a-half or two bathrooms, and one or two garages.

Retirement in this community is synonymous with relaxation, as is the well-nourished amenity catalog, activities, and social opportunities available to residents. Be ready to stay active in the fitness center or have a healthy competition at the tennis, shuffleboard, and bocce ball courts. Golfers can always schedule a tee time at the 27-hole executive golf course. 

Looking for a more relaxed plan? Consider lying by the outdoor pool or enjoying the clubhouse and activities like reading at the library, playing a game of billiards, or participating in dinners, dances, and other initiatives. If you’re crafty, there are clubs and classes like ceramics, woodworking, jewelry design, stained glass, and more. 

More opportunities await at the Lake Tarpon Lodge Center, where locals can practice Zumba yoga or organize BBQ grills by the lake. There are also two pontoon lakes for daily boat trips. The local HOA fees cover the upkeep of communal grounds and all the community amenities so you can focus on the fun and let the maintenance to them. 

Southshore Bay

This gated 55 and over community is situated in Wimauma, FL, just half an hour from Tampa. It offers potential relocators resale and newly built houses for sale built by WCI, Dr Horton, and Lennar. The community encompasses 655 residences in the form of single-family homes and attached properties, and the prices are between $200K and $600K. 

Homes have square footage ranging between 1,395 to 2,785 square feet, and there are different collections: the Manors Collection, the Estate Collection, and the Grand Collection, each with distinct layouts and luxury features like walking closets, formal dining rooms, flex spaces, and back screened lanais. 

The villas, on the other hand, are attached dwellings and come in six distinct floor plans: Dayspring, Sunrise, Aurora, Dayspring II, Sunrise II, and Aurora II. Villas have 1,395 to 1,744 square feet, various layouts, and comforts like gourmet kitchens. 

If you wonder what amenities are like in Southshore Bay, here is a basic list of them:

• The Medley Club is a modern clubhouse with multipurpose rooms, a gymnasium, and a billiards room.
• A spacious pool, tiki bar, and large deck and seating area.
• A plethora of sports courts, including volleyball, pickleball, bocce ball, and tennis. 
• Walking and biking trails.
• Dog park for the pets.
• The MetroLagoon is a man-made lagoon with white sand and calm, clear waters perfect for swimming in those hot Florida days. 

The HOA at Southshore Bay includes services for residents, like gate security, landscaping services, and community amenities. Residents can dedicate more time to enjoying life and less to tedious home maintenance tasks. 

Angeline

Adults looking to purchase a brand new property near Tampa in preparation for retirement should consider the master-planned 55-plus community of Angeline. Located in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, Angeline is an enclave where you can only find new-construction dwellings. It offers homebuyers single-family homes and attached villas within the price range of high $200Ks – high $500Ks.

Tampa real estate for sale in Angeline includes homes from 2022 to the present and range in size from 1,398 to 2,775 square feet. Most of them have two or three bedrooms and two to three-and-a-half bathrooms with two or three garages. You can choose from three distinct home collections with premier features, including:

• Spacious master suites.
• Flex rooms
• Open floor plans.
• Covered patios
• Private lanais.
• Outdoor dining spaces.
• Storage areas.
• Large patio off the open family room.

While real estate is one of the main reasons to move to this 6,200-acre community, amenities also add weight to the decision. Angeline offers its homeowner residents a Medley Club, an amenity center with multipurpose gathering rooms, a fitness area, and a restaurant. You will also enjoy an outdoor pool and patio area, pickleball courts, a community garden, and the MetroLagoon to swim and sunbathe any time of the year. 

Moreover, residents can cultivate veggies and herbs in the community garden or go for a walk or a run on the trails that crisscross 3,600 acres of greenspaces. Those trails often connect with over 100 miles of trails and equestrian pathways in scenic Pasco County. 

As occurs in many 55 and older communities across the Tampa Bay Area, Angeline provides a hassle-free lifestyle through its homeowners association. The HOA takes care of shared spaces and amenities maintenance so you can dedicate yourself to enjoying your life. 

Final Thoughts: 55 and Older Communities in Tampa

We hope our list of 55+ communities in Tampa, FL, has helped in your home search. These communities offer a retirement experience unlike any other, with top-tier amenities, thoughtfully curated activities, and a myriad of housing options to fit different budgets. 

Plus, with year-round warm weather, a safe and peaceful environment, and a welcoming community of like-minded neighbors, Tampa is the perfect place to enjoy your next chapter. If the Sunshine State has been calling your name, there’s no better time to make Tampa home.