55+ and active adult communities around Tampa
The Tampa area has one of the longest histories of age-restricted communities in the country, starting with Sun City Center in 1961. Today most 55+ options are on the South Shore of Hillsborough County and in fast-growing Pasco County to the north. Here is what is available and what to check before you commit.
South Shore, Hillsborough County
Sun City Center, Kings Point, Wimauma and Apollo Beach. Established golf cart communities plus newer gated neighborhoods, about 25 miles south of downtown Tampa.
Pasco County, north of Tampa
Land O' Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Newer master-planned communities with resort-style clubhouses and access to the Veterans Expressway and I-75.
Inside the city
Age-restricted condo buildings exist in Tampa but are fewer. Many downsizers who want to stay central choose an elevator condo or single-level home instead. See where to downsize.
Communities covered
- Sun City CenterDel Webb's 1961 town of golf cart streets, clubs and villas on the South Shore.
- Kings PointA gated 55+ village inside Sun City Center run by more than 100 resident associations.
- Valencia LakesA gated GL Homes 55+ community in Wimauma built out between 2005 and 2019, resales only.
- Valencia del SolGL Homes' newest Wimauma 55+ community, building since 2019 around a 25,000 sq ft clubhouse.
- Southshore FallsGated Del Webb 55+ community of about 866 homes in Apollo Beach.
- Del Webb BexleyGated Del Webb community in Land O' Lakes centered on The Meridian clubhouse.
- Angeline Active AdultNew-construction Lennar 55+ neighborhood inside the 6,200-acre Angeline community.
- Esplanade at Wiregrass RanchTaylor Morrison's 55+ community near the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.
Each page covers homes, amenities, rules, fees, storm risk and taxes, based on the community's own website, builder listings and public records as of September 2026. Descriptions cover housing and amenities only and are not endorsements.
How 55+ communities work
Under the federal Housing for Older Persons Act, a community can operate as 55+ housing if at least 80 percent of occupied homes have at least one resident who is 55 or older, and it publishes and follows policies showing that intent. Each community sets its own rules within that framework, including rules on younger residents and guest stays, so read the governing documents rather than relying on the "55+" label alone.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What are the monthly HOA or condo fees, and what do they cover (lawn care, exterior maintenance, roof, insurance, cable, amenities)?
- Is there a community development district (CDD) assessment on the tax bill, and how many years remain on it?
- Are there any current or planned special assessments?
- How healthy are the association's reserves, and when was the last reserve study done?
- What are the rules on rentals, pets, guests, vehicles and golf carts?
- Is there a membership, transfer or capital contribution fee due at closing?
- What is the evacuation zone and flood zone for this specific home?
- How far is the nearest hospital, urgent care and pharmacy?
New construction or resale?
Builders in Pasco County and on the South Shore still offer new homes in some communities, while established places like Sun City Center and Kings Point are mostly resales. New construction lets you choose finishes and often comes with builder warranties, but can take months to deliver. A resale can close on your schedule, which helps if you are coordinating with the sale of your current home. A local agent who works with downsizers can help you time both sides. Get matched with one here.
Before you decide, review the tax side too. Moving within Florida can let you carry part of your Save Our Homes savings to the new home. Our Costs and Money guide explains how.