For many people, finding the right place to live isn’t just a matter of selecting a dwelling—it’s about finding a home in a neighborhood that unites them with their neighbors in ways reminiscent of the past. Therefore, master-planned communities have become more common across the country in recent years.

These communities are planned in great detail with the future homeowner—and their particular needs and wants—in mind. They typically offer a host of amenities that make residents feel at home within their own domiciles as well as at ease within the community where they can mingle and meet with neighbors who share their lifestyles.

The following master planned communities are some choices for this type of living in Florida.

ArtesiaSunrise

Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise photo courtesy of NNECAPA Photo Library

Just outside the boundaries of the Everglades in Sunrise, Artesia is in the final stages of development, which began in 2007. This gated community was designed with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks so that residents could walk the neighborhood without having to worry about cars. At the center of residential life is Villa Artesia, a two-story clubhouse with a concierge.

The community has numerous amenities including a fitness facility with cardio and physical equipment, massage rooms, and saunas; an indoor sports court for basketball, aerobics, and yoga; a sports lounge with billiards and card tables; a club room/library; and an arts and crafts room with a kiln. And, of course, there are pools. Artesia has a resort-style oval pool with private cabanas, a lap pool, and a lagoon pool with tiki bar.

If you prefer to spend time with neighbors outside the community, Artesia is close to some of South Florida’s top attractions, such as the shops at Sawgrass Mills Mall, entertainment and sporting events at the BB&T Center, and Markham Park recreation area.

AbacoaJupiter

Aerial view of Jupiter

For residents who like to meet their neighbors in a more traditional area, Downtown Abacoa features an old-fashioned charm. With events such as a pop-up lemonade stand (to raise money for charity) every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a domino tournament every Sunday at 6 p.m., residents can enjoy the wholesome simplicity.

Abacoa is a 2,055-acre master-planned community built to accommodate modern lifestyles with principles of traditional neighborhood development. The community will include 6,073 residences and 3 million square feet of commercial space when completely developed. Construction began in 1997 and is ongoing. Within the neighborhood, front porches, alley access garages, central greenspaces, and community buildings aim at fostering a strong sense of community.

TraditionPort St. Lucie

Port St.Lucie welcome sign photo by Shutterstock

Opened in 2003, Tradition Florida is an 8,300-acre master-planned community with 14 neighborhoods for both families and 55+ residents. The community is based on the guidelines of New Urbanism, so the neighborhoods are located around a central retail district and connected by sidewalks and bike-friendly streets, allowing you to walk or ride a bike to meet up with your neighbors at one of the many stores and restaurants. In addition, all neighborhoods have amenities for community activities, such as clubhouses with a resort-style pools, fitness centers, dog parks, and walking and jogging trails.

You can also meet during a number of events throughout the year, including Chow Down Food Trucks on the first and third Friday of the month as well as seasonal festivals like the Italian Festival, 4th of July activities, the annual Holiday Lights festivities, the New Year’s Eve celebration, and others.

The VillagesThe Villages

Paddock Square in The Villages photo by Shutterstock

For people over 55, the Villages offers a variety of homes and opportunities to mingle with your neighbors, whether you chose to be a full- or part-time resident (snow bird). The Villages founder Harold Schwartz felt that “every hometown needs a special place to gather and socialize with friends and neighbors.” So, the community has three town squares: Spanish Springs Town Square, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, and Brownswood Paddock Square where residents shop, eat, and enjoy a variety of entertainment activities. Residents also have their choice of dozens of activities held daily, such as chess, line dancing for exercise, an investment stock options club, yoga, and many others. Residents can also play complimentary golf for the rest of their lives as a perk of their residency.

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