5 Moves Empty Nester Homebuyers Should Make in 2024

As empty nesters plan for their golden years, one of the most important considerations is where they will live. Yet the search for an active adult community encompasses more than just finding a new home. It’s searching for a community that enriches one’s lifestyle with engaging activities. For prospective homebuyers eyeing properties in North Florida, doing research can save time, focus one’s interest, and help pinpoint top priorities. Here are a few “must-have” features to help guide prospective buyers in their search for the ideal active adult community.

1. Determine the Right-Sized Home for Your Needs

One of the most important factors for empty nesters to consider is the ideal size of their next home. Would they opt for a larger residence to accommodate visiting family and friends, or would downsizing be a better fit? New construction homes offer the opportunity for prospective homebuyers to choose a floorplan and layout that meets all of their needs. Located within the master-planned community of Tributary just north of Jacksonville, Lakeview 55+ is a new active adult neighborhood where residents can select the ideal floorplan that aligns with their lifestyle. Empty nester homebuyers will collaborate with Lennar, one of the nation’s top homebuilders, to choose from 10 open floorplans ranging between 1,500 to over 3,000 square feet.

2. Find New Homes Designed for Low-Maintenance Living

Finding a home with minimal maintenance and repairs is also a key consideration for many empty nesters. Compared to established homes, new construction homes have no dated elements that need to be fixed or replaced prior to moving in. Tailored for retirement living, these homes offer the privacy and independence of ownership without all the work and upkeep. At Lakeview, every home includes Lennar’s industry-exclusive Everything’s Included® program. From energy-conscious features to state-of-the-art technologies, some of the builder’s most sought-after options and upgrades are built into the base price of the home. With the home taken care of, residents can enjoy a hassle-free Florida lifestyle.

3. Explore the Health Benefits of an Active Adult Community

Another important question is the kind of lifestyle empty nesters wish to lead. Active-adult communities prioritize residents’ well-being by offering a spectrum of amenities that promote physical activity and movement. These communities prioritize cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. Lakeview’s upcoming 8,000-square-foot clubhouse, exclusively reserved for active adult residents and their guests, will be designed to encourage activity. A fitness center will offer a comprehensive range of cardio and strength training equipment, complemented by diverse group fitness classes. The community will also boast a resort-style pool for lap swimming, bocce ball lawns, and tennis and pickleball courts that encourage low-impact social workouts in the sunny outdoors. Homeowners will also enjoy the miles of planned nature trails, bike paths, and parks throughout Tributary.

4. Stay Social with Planned Activities and Events

As crucial as physical health benefits are, mental well-being holds equal importance. The community an empty nester chooses to live in should foster a sense of camaraderie between neighbors. A 55+ community provides an array of opportunities for residents to socialize and bond, ranging from day trips and pool parties to special interest clubs. At Lakeview, a full-time lifestyle director will orchestrate a wealth of events, activities, and programs tailored to diverse interests. These activities not only ensure an active and engaged community but also cultivate a welcoming and family-like setting that is second to none.

5. Choose a Location Close to Life’s Necessities

When searching for the perfect active adult community, it’s essential to consider their proximity to both necessary amenities and fun activities. Lakeview’s highly desirable location offers residents easy access to North Florida’s best attractions. Veterans appreciate the proximity of Nassau County to numerous military bases, including Kings Bay, Florida Air National Guard, Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and many others. The medical industry in the area is also rapidly expanding, with four new healthcare innovators and numerous VA clinics ensuring residents have access to top-quality services.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the history and wilderness of nearby Four Creeks State Forest and Fort Clinch State Park. Beach lovers cherish strolling Amelia Island’s sandy shores or enjoy boating in the crystal-clear Atlantic ocean waters. River City Marketplace and St. Johns Town Center provide endless shopping and dining options, while Downtown Fernandina boasts endless art galleries and boutique shops to peruse. For lifelong learners, local museums, including the Cummer Museum of Art, Museum of Science and History, and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, offer endless activities to enjoy. The diverse range of attractions available ensures that retirees have endless opportunities to explore and enjoy their golden years.

North Florida’s Newest Wave of Active-Adult Living

Priced from the $300s, Tributary’s Lakeview 55+ community is now selling prime lakefront and preserve homesites. Lakeview is a 55+ neighborhood within Tributary, Nassau County’s newest master-planned community. An impressive selection of new, single-family homes from the $300s are now being offered for all stages of life. Six designer-decorated model homes by four of the area’s best home builders – Dream Finders Homes, Lennar, David Weekley Homes, and Richmond American Homes – are open daily at Tributary for tours.

To hear from residents themselves on what makes life at Tributary so unique and rewarding, watch our new Community Video. You can also request a complimentary copy of our Explore More lifestyle magazine, which provides information on the neighborhood and surrounding area. For more information, visit TributaryLiving.com.