Where to Retire magazine reveals “The Short List: 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States” in the national, bi-monthly magazine’s July/August issue, which hits newsstands on June 21, 2013. The list includes Colonial Heritage, a 55+ active adult -planned community located in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The country’s 50 best master-planned communities selected by Where to Retire magazine highlight a resurgent era in active-adult and master-planned living – in demand now more than ever, with the boost in the economy and the continuing coming of age of baby boomers. The list is the only one of its kind, focusing on communities rather than locales and featuring first person testimonials by current residents..
“Time and again, the retirees interviewed for this story told us their neighborhoods give them opportunities to try different activities, connect with like-minded people and in the process, build brand-new lifestyles,” Northridge says. “For these retirees, their communities provide much more than comfortable, attractive housing; they also serve as a catalyst for residents to reinvent themselves.”
Nearly a year ago, Where to Retire editors began gathering and evaluating information on more than 100 communities across the nation.
The selection contains communities in 17 states, including places beyond traditional retirement havens. The choice of neighborhoods runs the gamut in price, from those featuring manufactured homes starting in the $ 80,000s to developments where site-built, single-family homes begin in the mid-$ 400,000s. Just over half the developments are active-adult communities, where residents must meet minimum age requirements. The communities are not ranked, but rather profiled in alphabetical order by state. Also included are a two-page chart gives a snapshot of all 50 choices and a guide to their amenities.
This July/August issue marks the eighth biennial honor roll of America’s best master-planned communities compiled by Where to Retire. The magazine, launched in 1992, is published six times each year. Every issue profiles top retirement towns, both undiscovered and well-known, and master-planned communities that cater to retirees. Where to Retire can be found on various newsstands and at Barnes & Noble bookstores. A one-year subscription to Where to Retire is $18. For a magazine subscription or to purchase a back issue, visit WhereToRetire.com.
The Short List: 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States
The Short List: 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the U.S.
Arizona
Dolce Vita at Superstition Mountain
Sun City Festival by Del Webb
Robson Ranch Arizona Resort Community
Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch by Del Webb
CantaMia by Vitalia
Quail Creek Resort Community
SaddleBrooke Ranch Resort Community
Trilogy at Vistancia
Talking Rock Ranch
Arkansas
Forest Lakes Garden Homes
California
Sun City Shadow Hills by Del Webb
Trilogy at Monarch Dunes
Colorado
Heritage Todd Creek
Delaware
Heritage Shores
Florida
Town of Harmony
Terra Vista at the Villages of Citrus Hills
Lakewood Ranch
Lakes of Mount Dora
On Top of the World Communities
Stone Creek by Del Webb
Solivita by Vitalia
Valencia Lakes
Georgia
Soleil Laurel Canyon
Riverwood Plantation
Cresswind at Lake Lanier
Sun City Peachtree by Del Webb
The Georgia Club
Louisiana
Sugar Mill Pond
North Carolina
Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club
Jefferson Landing
Brunswick Forest
Carolina Colours
St. James Plantation
Anderson Creek Club
River Landing
Oregon
NorthWest Crossing
Pennsylvania
Penn National Golf Course Community
Traditions of America at Silver Spring
South Carolina
Woodside Plantation
Daniel Island Real Estate
Lakeside Crossing
Seasons at Prince Creek West
Tennessee
Black Creek Mountain
Fairfield Glade
Westhaven
Texas
Robson Ranch Texas Resort Community
Comanche Trace
Utah
Daybreak
Virginia
Colonial Heritage
Wyoming
The Powder Horn Golf Community
Read more about Colonial Heritage here
Read more about other 55+ active adult communities in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads Virginia here