The idea of retirement has changed. Today’s active-adult buyer is not necessarily looking to slow down, but rather to embrace a lifestyle centered around connection, wellness and new experiences. Many 55+ homebuyers are seeking communities that offer the freedom of low-maintenance living while still providing opportunities to stay active, socialize and pursue their interests.
This shift has transformed what buyers expect from active-adult communities. Rather than simply looking for a smaller home, today’s residents are looking for thoughtfully designed neighborhoods with amenities, programming and shared spaces that support the way they want to live.
As President of GL Homes, Misha Ezratti has seen firsthand how these expectations continue to evolve. Overseeing the development of communities throughout Florida, Misha Ezratti understands that today’s buyers are looking for more than a home. They want a place designed around their daily lifestyle, with convenient access to amenities, shopping, recreation, hobbies and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Through its portfolio of active-adult communities, including its Valencia brand across Florida, GL Homes continues to focus on creating environments that reflect what the 55+ active-adult homebuyers value most: flexibility, convenience and a community where they can continue to thrive.
Who today’s active-adult buyer really is
Today’s active-adult buyer looks very different from the traditional idea of retirement living. They are choosing morning fitness classes, weekend trips and new social connections over the expectation that retirement means slowing down or stepping away from an engaged lifestyle.
For many, moving into a 55+ community is about gaining flexibility rather than giving something up. Buyers may be downsizing their homes, but they are looking for more time to pursue hobbies, travel, spend time with friends and explore new interests.
As these expectations have evolved, so has the definition of the ideal home. Florida homebuyers are seeking residences that combine comfort and convenience with thoughtful design features, low-maintenance living and spaces that support the way they want to live.
At GL Homes, Misha Ezratti has seen this shift shape the way the company develops its active-adult communities throughout Florida. Today’s buyers are looking for more than a residence; they want neighborhoods designed around their lifestyle, with the amenities, activities and social environment that make it easier to stay engaged and connected.
What design has to deliver
The way people live changes over time, and the homes they choose should evolve with them. For today’s active-adult buyers, the ideal home is not defined by unused space or traditional layouts. It is a place designed around everyday experiences, from hosting family and friends to pursuing hobbies, enjoying the outdoors and making the most of a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Misha Ezratti understands this, and across GL Homes’ Valencia communities, this approach is reflected in home designs built around comfort, flexibility, and ease of living. At Valencia Harbor in Fort Myers, residents can choose from 100% single-family detached homes on private lots, with thoughtfully curated layouts that support low-maintenance living and give homeowners more time to enjoy the activities and experiences they value most.
At Valencia Ridge in Wesley Chapel, modern one-story floor plans are designed specifically around the active-adult lifestyle, featuring open layouts, flexible spaces and updated design details. Homes showcase contemporary elements such as stacked upper cabinets, accent hardware, modern lighting fixtures, integrated wine storage areas and bright kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
These design choices reflect a broader shift in what buyers value. Today’s active-adult homeowners are looking for homes that feel connected to the Florida lifestyle, with spaces that welcome natural light, large gatherings and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
For Misha Ezratti and GL Homes, designing a successful 55+ community means more than meeting buyers’ immediate needs. It means creating homes and neighborhoods that continue to support the way residents want to live for years to come, combining modern style, everyday functionality and convenience.
GL Homes: Building amenities for every day use
Today’s buyers are not simply looking for a clubhouse or a pool as a bonus feature. They want spaces that fit naturally into their routines, whether that means starting the morning with a fitness class, meeting friends for dinner, joining a club or attending a community event.
For Misha Ezratti and GL Homes, this shift has influenced how Valencia communities are designed throughout Florida. Amenities are planned as extensions of the home, creating opportunities for residents to stay active, socialize and explore new interests without leaving their community.
At the heart of each Valencia community is a large clubhouse and recreation center designed to bring residents together. These spaces offer resort-style pools, dining options, indoor and outdoor fitness areas, social spaces, clubs, classes and daily activities that support a connected lifestyle. Full-time Lifestyle Directors help create programming throughout the year, giving residents opportunities to participate in everything from fitness and hobbies to entertainment and social events.
At Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach, this approach comes to life through a 43,000-square-foot clubhouse designed around both relaxation and activity. Residents can enjoy shaded cabanas overlooking resort-style pools, resistance and lap pools for fitness, social gatherings and spaces created to support the everyday Florida lifestyle.
For Misha Ezratti and GL Homes, thoughtful planning extends beyond individual homes. Every element of an active-adult community, from its amenities to its gathering spaces, is designed to make daily life more enjoyable, convenient and connected.
Building a community, not just housing
A successful 55+ community is defined by more than the homes within it. For today’s buyers, the neighborhood experience matters just as much as the residence itself. Opportunities to connect with neighbors, explore interests and access everyday conveniences all help create a place people truly feel at home.
For Misha Ezratti and GL Homes, that experience begins with thoughtful planning. Shared spaces, recreation areas and community amenities are considered from the start, creating environments designed around connection, activity and convenience.
At Riverland in Port St. Lucie, this approach is reflected throughout the 4,000-acre master-planned community. Residents can travel between neighborhoods, parks and amenities using miles of traffic-free greenways designed for walking, biking and golf carts.
The Paseo and greenways also connect residents to Riverland Paseo Park, the first public park west of I-95 in Port St. Lucie, which was developed through a partnership between GL Homes and the City of Port St. Lucie. The park adds new opportunities for recreation with spaces including a dog park, softball field and soccer fields.
As Riverland continues to grow, new additions like Riverland Town Center further support the daily lifestyle residents value by bringing shopping, dining and essential services closer to home while remaining connected to the community’s pedestrian and golf cart-friendly pathways.
For Misha Ezratti, the difference between housing and a true active-adult community comes down to creating an environment that supports the way residents want to live beyond their front door. As buyer expectations continue to evolve, GL Homes remains focused on designing homes and neighborhoods that provide flexibility, encourage engagement and adapt to the experiences residents value most today and in the future.
