The white picket fence – a place to call home; this was the American Dream of the Greatest Generation (born 1901-1945). Their dream was to own a small plot to raise their children and create stability from the volatility of their parents who crossed oceans to come to America. Time are definitely changing. The American Dream is evolving and the beauty of Central Florida plays a huge roll in the new dream.

The American dream reinvented

Two decades ago, the American Dream that had survived over 50 years now expanded to include a second, vacation home complete with pools, tennis and golf. Communities catering to these designs flourished until demand dried up ten years ago during the Great Recession.

Beautifully manicured, amenity-driven lifestyle communities such as Amelia National in Ponte Vedra and Plantation Bay in Ormond Beach, Florida waited patiently for the tide to turn and the Baby Boomers are paving the way. They have blended the two American Dreams into their own, new dream. Comfortable, activity-packed retirement living: it is what this generation is looking for.

Retirement now means actively living

Healthier lifestyles and medical advances have allowed retirees to be more active than any previous generation. The latest communication allows the lifestyle community home to be filled with the technology that can keep families feeling closer than ever.

Amelia National, located just north of Jacksonville, FL, boasts the Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, championship tennis and lavish fitness center. Who needs a car when you can drive the golf cart up to the clubhouse for a night of fine dining or drinks with friends at the sports bar.

Play 45 holes of golf at Plantation Bay, swim in the pavilion pool, play on one of the 10 tennis courts, dine at one of two clubhouses, the possibilities are endless. Located moments from Daytona Beach, miles of nature trails surround this breathtaking community filled with like-minded active retirees making the most of their golden years.

ICIHomes_32883_4_5_6_7_tonemapped — Plantation Bay Trail along lake

Core requirements retirees need from lifestyle communities

Communities that are able offer these core requirements are meeting the criteria for comfortable lifestyle community retirement:

Active lifestyle and community engagement. Golf, tennis, swimming, dining and resident activities are a must
Located within a few hours’ drive of a major airport and a major metro area
Medical, grocery and other services are a short drive away
Bright and airy open-floor plans offering energy efficient homes

Year-round warm weather, proximity to the beach, and miles and miles of trails or nature areas along with a lower cost of living is all making retiring in Central Florida even more attractive!