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Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a new one. As someone who’s spent years investing, saving, and planning for the future, I believe that where you retire matters just as much as when. For me, the idea of moving into a master-planned retirement community wasn’t just about downsizing—it was about upgrading my lifestyle, security, and peace of mind.
What is a Master-Planned Retirement Community?
A master-planned retirement community is more than a neighborhood—it’s a self-contained ecosystem designed for active adults, often aged 55 and over. These communities typically offer:
- Private gated security
- Recreational amenities (e.g., golf courses, pickleball courts, walking trails)
- Healthcare access and wellness centers
- Clubhouses, pools, and organized social events
- On-site restaurants, salons, or even shopping villages
Master-planned communities also come in various forms: some are age-restricted (55+), while others are age-targeted. What they all share is intentional design—every detail is curated for convenience, leisure, and a strong sense of community.
Top 100 Master-Planned Retirement Communities (By State)
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular and highly-rated master-planned retirement communities across the United States. This isn’t just based on marketing or hearsay—it draws from rankings, resident feedback, amenities, and long-term livability.
🔻 ARIZONA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Estrella | Goodyear | Sierra Estrella Mountain views, lakeside trails, 72-acre regional park |
| Palmas Del Sol | Mesa | Multi-million dollar clubhouse, full calendar of events |
| Palm Creek | Casa Grande | Golf resort, tennis courts, luxury RV options |
| Sevilla Sol | Peoria | Desert charm, new construction homes, social hub |
🔻 CALIFORNIA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Club at WestPark | Roseville | 55+ Del Webb community, yoga, active social clubs |
| Forest Springs | Grass Valley | Sierra Foothills, rustic yet luxurious living |
| Sun City Lincoln Hills | Lincoln | 27-hole golf, indoor/outdoor pools, spa center |
🔻 FLORIDA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Villages | The Villages | Over 50 golf courses, 90+ rec centers, full towns inside |
| Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota-Bradenton | Age-restricted villages, downtown centers, hospital access |
| Solivita | Kissimmee | 55+ only, 4,300 acres of natural conservation |
🔻 NEVADA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Summerlin | Las Vegas | Over 100 parks, Red Rock Canyon views, 4 distinct 55+ sections |
🔻 TEXAS
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Edgemere | Dallas | Luxurious retirement with memory care and healthcare on-site |
| Sun City Texas | Georgetown | Largest Del Webb in Texas, 3 golf courses, 86,000 sq. ft. clubhouse |
🔻 NORTH CAROLINA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick Forest | Leland | 4,500 acres, nature preserves, golf course |
| Carolina Colours | New Bern | Close to the coast, active lifestyle amenities |
🔻 SOUTH CAROLINA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Plantation | Hilton Head | 4 golf courses, Intracoastal Waterway access |
| Dataw Island | Beaufort | Waterfront property, marina, golf, and historic charm |
🔻 GEORGIA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah Quarters | Pooler | Southern charm, Greg Norman-designed golf course |
| Reynolds Lake Oconee | Greensboro | Lakefront, six championship golf courses |
🔻 PENNSYLVANIA
| Community Name | City | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Willow Valley | Willow Street | Full continuum of care, luxury retirement options |
How I Evaluated These Communities
I considered several factors that matter most when choosing a retirement community:
- Affordability: Median home price vs. state cost of living
- Healthcare Access: Proximity to hospitals and clinics
- Recreation and Amenities: What’s on offer beyond just a pool or tennis court
- Climate & Weather: U.S. states vary dramatically in climate; retirees often prefer sunbelt states
- Social Engagement: Events, clubs, and social programming
- Continuum of Care: Some communities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care on-site
To compare affordability, I created a simple equation to estimate annual housing cost relative to national retirement income:
\text{Affordability Score} = \frac{\text{Median Home Price}}{\text{Median Retirement Income}}Where:
- Median Home Price is based on Zillow data per location
- Median Retirement Income assumed at $50,000/year (Social Security + savings drawdown)
For example, a $250,000 home would yield:
\frac{250,000}{50,000} = 5A lower score means greater affordability. Ideally, retirees should aim for an Affordability Score below 6 to preserve flexibility in retirement.
Historical Context: The Growth of Retirement Communities
Historically, retirement communities have exploded in popularity since the 1990s, particularly in Sunbelt states. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly 10,000 Americans retire daily, and by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65.
This demographic shift has driven demand for lifestyle-focused, age-restricted communities. Developers like Del Webb (PulteGroup) and Robson Communities have responded by building master-planned developments that mimic resort-style living.
Pros and Cons of Master-Planned Communities
✅ Pros
- Low-maintenance homes (HOA handles landscaping, exterior)
- Security (gated access, neighborhood watch)
- Built-in social life
- Consistent architectural and landscaping design
- Community-focused healthcare services
❌ Cons
- HOA fees (average $200–$500/month)
- Strict rules (age restrictions, pet limits, home exterior standards)
- May feel isolated if far from urban centers
My Recommendation
I’ve visited over two dozen of these communities. If I were to pick my top three based on value, comfort, and community vibe, here’s my shortlist:
- Sun City Texas (Georgetown, TX) – Great for affordability, rich social life, and amenities
- Lakewood Ranch (FL) – Combines urban convenience with Florida charm
- Summerlin (NV) – For those wanting close access to Las Vegas with scenic mountain views
Final Thoughts
Retiring in a master-planned community can enhance your quality of life, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all choice. Before making a move, I suggest taking advantage of trial stays (many communities offer them), joining virtual tours, and talking directly to residents.
