Yes, it has the world’s most popular family destination. But venture outside of Orlando and discover quaint river towns, natural springs, rolling hills and miles of pristine waterways that flow all the way to the Gulf of Mexico’s Nature Coast.

SOLIVITA
There are residential communities created for “active adults,” and there are those where boundless activity is simply a way of life. The latter is exemplified at Solivita, and the Central Florida community shows no signs of slowing down.

One of Florida’s best-selling communities for those 55 or better, Solivita’s combination of amenities, services and programs makes every day a new adventure. Its Mediterranean-style Village Center is alive with activity from art workshops to yoga classes. Outdoors, the property’s lush 4,000-plus acres features stocked lakes, two championship golf courses, bocce ball courts and softball field. Scheduled to open in December is The Palms, a stunning 19,000-square-foot complex with fitness and aerobics studios, lap and splash pools, spas and activity courts.  

Equally vibrant are the neighborhoods of Solivita, where the homes further reflect the community’s Mediterranean flair. Thirteen distinct Model Homes offer a variety of floor plans, and monthly homeowner fees include lawn service and landscape maintenance. Plus the Grand Opening of four new furnished models in the Courtyards at Montlena. The Courtyards, one of Solivita’s newest product lines, has single-family homes attached on one side.

Solivita offers a special “Discovery Days” package for those interested in this post-55 paradise. Just get plenty of rest beforehand.

where  Poinciana, approx. 30 minutes south of Orlando

amenities  Two 18-hole golf courses and clubhouse at Stonegate Golf Club; Village Center with Riviera Spa and Fitness Center, social and arts activities and two restaurants; The Palms amenity complex (slated to open in December) with clubhouse, fitness center, aerobics studio, swimming pools, spas and sports courts; fishing and boating; walking paths; and softball field. 

real estate  Detached and attached single-family homes from the upper $100s to over $500,000.

contact  877-889-7098; solivita.com

HARBOR HILLS
Water is one of the alluring aspects of the Florida lifestyle, and it’s not limited to the coasts. Central Florida is noteworthy for its pristine lakes, and the abundance afforded by these freshwater gems is on full display at Harbor Hills.  

It doesn’t take long to understand why Harbor Hills is unique among country club communities in the Sunshine State. An array of beautiful homes, a luxurious clubhouse and lush fairways overlook Lake Griffin, one of the largest lakes in the state. Connected with eight other lakes in the Lake Harris Chain and accessible to the Atlantic via the St. Johns River, Lake Griffin lends an unparalleled ambiance to Harbor Hills as well as being a recreational wonderland.  

Also noteworthy is the elegant, two-story Georgian- style clubhouse, the centerpiece of the community and a hub of social activity. The club overlooks a Lloyd Clifton-designed golf course with a rolling topography that enhances the views of the lake.  An active membership conducts an extensive slate of events (including its own version of the Ryder Cup).

The new Bella Vista enclave is set atop the highest point in Harbor Hills, featuring oak-lined streets and homesites overlooking the golf course and Lake Griffin. With a variety of home styles created by Affiniti Architects—well known for its homes in Fisher Island, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables—as well as the option for custom homes, Harbor Hills is the epitome of the Florida country club lifestyle with a twist. Or, more appropriately, a splash.

where  Lady Lake, about an hour north of Orlando

amenities  18-hole semi-private golf course designed by Lloyd Clifton; 35,000-square-foot lakefront clubhouse; fitness center, indoor racquetball court, junior Olympic pool, lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and tournament stadium court; and 12-slip marina on Lake Griffin.

real estate  Lake-view and golf-front homes from the $300s to more than $1 million.

contact  800-822-5558, 352-753-8700; harborhills.com