10 Under-The-Radar Communities With Thriving 55+ Social Scenes

One important hallmark of a stress-free retirement is building a network of like-minded friends and associates, allowing you to have a strong, rich sense of community. Science shows that the less lonely we are in retirement and older age, the more we thrive.

That's one reason you should consider living in a 55+ development, especially those with thriving social scenes and enriching, rewarding activities. We're talking beyond the gym and the pool, too, as these communities each have unique programs and itineraries to offer residents.

Cost: Homes start at $300,000 plus modest HOA fees

Beautiful St. Augustine is located on Florida's Atlantic Coast with its gorgeous beaches. Reverie at Trailmark celebrates the area by offering residents a boat launch into the St. Johns River for fun kayaking and water activities.

You can unwind in the Bier Garden and enjoy a delicious food truck meal for some post-paddling fun.

Cost: Homes start at $100,000 plus dues

Spend your days being active with 40,000+ other 55+ residents in this large, vibrant community outside of Phoenix. In addition to standard amenities, there are woodworking facilities and a 30-lane bowling alley to work up a sweat.

The library also offers an active reading and volunteer community, and regular trips off-site stimulate your inner adventurer.

Cost: Homes start at $600,000 plus $250-$500 monthly HOA fees

Palm Beach Gardens is famous enough, known for its gorgeous climate and upscale lifestyle. This community offers both to residents, as well as a working farm and conservation area to enjoy.

Flex your creative muscles in the art room with a kiln or enjoy a round of billiards indoors. The development is also built to withstand hurricanes.

Cost: Depends on resident needs and type of residence purchased

If you plan to be active in your retirement insofar as conducting financial and business transactions, life at Fox Hill was built for you, with an on-site bank, full-service business center, and concierge. Washington D.C. is your backyard.

For recreation, the woodworking shop or recording studio will keep your creativity flowing.

Cost: Homes start at $350,00 plus $3,750 in annual HOA fees

Not far from bustling Orlando is the quaint, cute community of Mount Dora, and this 55+ community lives up to its name: lake life awaits! A floating amenity island has all of the sports facilities you'll need, alongside water recreation like kayaking and paddle boarding.

The Great Hall has a library and billiards room for unwinding when you prefer indoor recreation.

Cost: Must qualify with $125,000 in assets and $45,000 in income in addition to housing purchase price

This award-winning retirement community promises the best amenities, where you'll live with over 12,000 neighbors — talk about community! Among the activities you can enjoy are horseback riding at the huge equestrian center, a centerpiece of the development.

There's also a history center, community library, and 814-seat performing arts center to gather with your many friends.

Cost: Lots available estimated starting at $280,000

This stargazing paradise may not strictly be 55+, but many of the residents fit this criteria. The location of this community several hours north of Tampa and near the Gulf of Mexico (but away from the crowds) means the night sky is often filled with galaxies.

Social activities revolve around the shared passion of astronomy, though local nature is also a huge draw in the area.

Cost: Varies based on amenities and location, no buy-in costs

Do you dream of being able to travel around the country but always land in a spot that's familiar with everything you need? The Sunshine Retirement Living community facilitates this kind of movement, transportation and meals included.

Other activities are standard and ideal for active older adults, from sports to game nights.

Cost: Homes start at $400,000 plus HOA fees of around $1,200 annually

This storm-resilient property in Southwest Florida withstood the wrath of Hurricane Ian, and now it's developing a 55+ community called Regency at Babcock Ranch. In addition to usual amenities like pools and on-site sports, you can stroll on the lakefront boardwalk with a floating dock.

The Babcock Jams initiative invites musicians of all stripes to jam, take classes, and enjoy workshops with fellow polyglots.

Cost: TBD, likely starting in the millions

Named for the aster flowers that dot the North Carolina landscape, this planned development will include 55+ homes within the Disney-imagineered community. The main draw is living with like-minded fans of the happiest place on Earth who want to learn and grow together.

Classes, excursions, and trips will be available to residents, as well as activities at local business, shops, and universities.

If you're in the process of getting your retirement plan together, you know that finding the right fit, socially speaking, is a huge part of the equation. To that end, picking the right residence within the right community ensures you'll thrive in your home of choice.

Life beyond the walls of your community is important as well, as getting out into town can keep you active and engaged in the world around you. That can include with people of all ages, which has advantages beyond socializing with your core friends and loved ones.