Top 8 Premier Retirement Communities for Active Living

July. 16,2025

Explore the top 8 retirement communities across the country designed for active, social, and comfortable living. From Florida's The Villages to California's Laguna Woods Village, these communities offer amenities, activities, and housing options suited for vibrant retirement lifestyles. Find the perfect community to enjoy your golden years with health, leisure, and social connections.

Top 8 Premier Retirement Communities for Active Living

Top 8 Premier Retirement Communities for Active Living

Retirement marks a well-deserved milestone after years of dedicated work. It shifts from a busy routine to a more relaxed and leisure-filled lifestyle. Retirement communities have gained popularity as ideal places for seniors to enjoy this phase, fostering active, engaging lives. Designed specifically for retirees seeking socialization, activities, and comfort, these communities offer amenities, events, and resources that promote health and wellness. When choosing a community, factors like facilities, proximity to essential services, housing options, and affordability are key considerations.

Top 8 Retirement Communities for Active Living

If you’re exploring top-rated retirement communities across the nation, here are some outstanding options:

The Villages

Located in central Florida, The Villages is one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S., with around 56,000 residents. This vibrant, self-contained town features golf carts for internal transport, a lively market square with entertainment, shopping, recreation centers, golf courses, pools, and tennis courts. Housing starts at approximately $100,000, with luxury options exceeding $1 million for custom builds.

Sun City Hilton Head

Situated in Bluffton, South Carolina, Sun City Hilton Head is part of the Del Webb family of communities. It boasts roughly 8,000 homes priced from $100,000 to $500,000. Residents enjoy extensive amenities including dining options, swimming pools, social spaces, and three championship 18-hole golf courses.

Sun City Summerlin

Set in Las Vegas, Sun City Summerlin was the first Del Webb community created in the area. Offering about 8,000 homes with prices from $10,000 to $800,000, it features four clubhouses with high-end dining, pools, and gaming facilities, creating a luxurious retirement environment.

Sun City Huntley

Located near Chicago, Illinois, Sun City Huntley has around 5,500 residents. Homes range from $100,000 to $500,000. The community features a 94,000 square-foot clubhouse, over 80 amenities including indoor walking tracks, spas, art studios, and event spaces that host seasonal activities and social gatherings.

Laguna Woods Village

Set on 2,100 acres in Laguna Woods, California, this sought-after retirement spot houses nearly 12,700 residents. Homes vary from $100,000 to $900,000. The community offers private golf courses, swimming pools, social clubs, and transportation, making it an ideal active retirement destination.

Lake Providence

Near Nashville, Tennessee, Lake Providence is a gated community with approximately 1,000 homes. Priced between $200,000 and $400,000, it features a scenic clubhouse overlooking a 15-acre lake, with a lifestyle manager organizing events and community activities for residents.

Village at Deaton Creek

Located in Hoschton, Georgia, this community has over 1,100 homes and a 35,000 sq ft clubhouse. Outdoor activities such as tennis, softball, and swimming are popular, along with walking trails and day trips to Atlanta, offering an active and social lifestyle. Home prices range from $200,000 to $400,000.

Del Webb Sweetgrass

Spanning 500 acres in Richmond, Texas, Del Webb Sweetgrass features over 1,000 homes priced from $200,000 to $400,000. Its outdoor trails, clubhouse, and facilities like gaming and dining promote a lively, healthy retirement lifestyle, with amenities designed for socializing and recreation.

Retirement living has evolved beyond being slow-paced and dull. More retirees now choose active, engaging lifestyles that keep them healthy and fulfilled in their golden years.