Master-planned communities (MPCs) are often sought by homebuyers seeking to live in areas where they can live, work, and play with a host of amenities and access to local businesses and attractions. If you’re seeking to buy a home in a Florida MPC, you may want to consider these top-selling communities, according to MLS data from the past 12 months.

1. The Villages

A gazebo in the center of the Villages in Florida
The Villages has many neighborhoods for its 55 and over residents to choose from.

The Villages, located in the middle of the state, is a large community for people ages 55 and up. It is a perennial contender for top-selling MPC lists and, in fact, topped the nationwide list for 2020.

With its size, The Villages offers homebuyers a range of housing types at a variety of prices, from the low $100s to over $1 million. Even though it started in 1978, it still has both resale and new construction. 

With three town squares, Spanish Springs Town Square, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, and Brownwood Paddock Square, The Villages offers free nightly entertainment 365 days a year. It also has a large number of shops, restaurants, and movie theaters, so there is no shortage of activities here.

2. Deltona Lakes

A wetland pond in Deltona Lakes Florida
Deltona Lakes locals can enjoy the many natural areas around the community.

Established in 1962 by the General Development Corporation and the Mackle Brothers, Deltona Lakes offers homebuyers a variety of home types at prices that range from the low $100s to low $700s. Located off I-4 in Deltona, it is close to nearby cities such as Kissimmee, Orlando, Cocoa Beach, and Daytona Beach, giving residents easy access to popular attractions in the region. Residents can also take advantage of a host of outdoor activities at several parks, including Montecito Park, Vann Park, Campbell Park, Wes Crile Park, and Manny Rodriguez Park, which feature sports courts, fields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, walking and biking trails, fishing piers, and lots of greenspace.

3. Poinciana Villages

A park area with gazebo in Poinciana Villages Florida
Poinciana Villages is close to many nearby attractions in Kissimmee.

Those seeking an MPC near Walt Disney World may want to consider Poinciana Villages, which is located in Poinciana and just south of Kissimmee. With prices ranging from below $100s to $2 million, homebuyers can choose from many home styles, sizes, and prices. Residents have access to a host of amenities geared towards a range of activities, including the APV Fitness Center, Poinciana’s Victory Pool, Vance Harmon Sport Park and Amphitheater, and the Mary Jane Arrington Gymnasium.

4. Lakewood Ranch

A resort-style pool in Lakewood Ranch in Florida
Lakewood Ranch is one of the most popular MPCs in the country.

Not only is Lakewood Ranch a top-selling MPC in Florida, it is also a top-selling MPC across the country. Located on the Gulf Coast near the cities of Bradenton and Sarasota, it features homes and a lifestyle that caters to all ages. With 22 villages and homes priced from the mid $100s to over $3 million, the choices are many, although single-family homes outnumber condos and townhomes. Whichever village they chose, residents have access to resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, pool, and fitness center.

5. Viera 

The Viera Wetlands located near Viera in Florida
Residents of Viera have access to many trails and wetland conservation areas.

Located on the Space Coast in Melbourne, Viera has 16 neighborhoods with attached homes, multi-level single-family homes, luxury estates, and low-maintenance homes priced from the low $100s to just over $2 million. Viera promotes a lifestyle focusing on health and wellness with over 100 miles of multi-use trails, access to wetland and conservation areas, numerous community and neighborhood parks, and a resort-style amenity center.

6. Nocatee

A patio with an outdoor barbecue in Nocatee Florida
Nocatee features natural beauty while still offering luxury amenities.

In Northeast Florida south of Jacksonville, Nocatee is a sought-after MPC with single-family homes and villas priced from the mid $200s to almost $2.5 million in Ponte Vedra. While there is a neighborhood that caters to people ages 55 and up, there are others for people of all ages. The focus of this community is quality of life, with elements of smart growth to preserve the area’s natural beauty while still providing residents with access to businesses, schools, and other features. The list of amenities available to residents is long and includes numerous parks, fitness trails, and a kayak launch, among others.

7. Sun City Center 

Sun City Center is an active adult community for people ages 55 and up located in Sun City Center, which is about 25 miles south of Tampa. With homes ranging in price from below $100s to high $300s, residents have many affordable choices in single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. One of the few Florida communities where golf carts can be driven on the roadways, residents can ride their golf carts and participate in a range of activities, including arts and crafts, aquatics and fitness, cards and games, and others.

8. Palmer Ranch

A resort-style pool in Palmer Ranch in Florida
The sprawling Palmer Ranch offers a wide range of home styles.

Located on over 10,000 acres and 20 different neighborhoods in Sarasota, Palmer Ranch is another MPC for those seeking options on the Gulf Coast. The housing options are diverse, ranging from maintenance-free condos priced below $100s to luxury estates priced over $2 million. This MPC appeals to many homebuyers, including full-time residents, snowbirds, retirees, and families. It also attracts golfers due to the presence of three golf courses.

9. Marco Beach

Marco Beach is located on Marco Island, which is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida, linked to the mainland by bridges south of Naples. It’s a popular destination for tourists with resorts and hotels located throughout. Marco Beach dates back to 1970 and mainly features large, single-family homes, many of which are priced over $1 million.

10. FishHawk Ranch

Dating back to 1999, FishHawk Ranch is located in Lithia, southeast of Tampa, and is made up of multiple neighborhoods, resort-style amenities, and high-quality schools. It caters to all ages, although it is home to the 55+ community Encore by David Weekly Homes, which has its own private amenities for residents. Homebuyers can choose from single-family homes, condos, townhouses priced from low $200s to mid $800s. Wherever residents live, they have access to a 25-mile trail system that winds through the neighborhood and the opportunity to join community events at Park Square, like seasonal markets and the popular Chili Cook-Off.