Which Community Is Right for Your Florida Move?

Esplanade vs. Del Webb

If you’re planning a move to Florida, chances are you’re dreaming about more than just sunshine and palm trees. Many buyers today are looking for something more: a lifestyle filled with social activities, beautiful homes, resort-style amenities, and a sense of community.

For a long time, people believed that kind of lifestyle only existed in 55+ communities. But that’s no longer the case. Across Florida, new neighborhoods are being designed with incredible amenities, active social calendars, and homes built for modern living.

Two communities that frequently come up in conversations with buyers are Del Webb and Esplanade. While both offer impressive lifestyle experiences, they are designed a little differently. Understanding those differences can help you decide which one might be the better fit for your Florida move.

The Biggest Difference: Age Restrictions

One of the main distinctions between the two communities comes down to age requirements.

Del Webb communities are always 55+.
They are specifically designed for residents who are 55 or older and focus on creating an environment tailored to that stage of life.

Esplanade communities are different.
Some Esplanades are 55+, but many are not age-restricted at all, meaning residents of different ages can live there.

How the 55+ Rule Works

Florida’s Housing for Older Persons Act allows communities to maintain their 55+ status through what is commonly called the 80/20 rule.

This means:

• At least 80% of the homes must have one resident who is 55 or older

• The remaining 20% may be younger residents

So if someone is 52 or 54, they may still be able to live in a 55+ community depending on how that ratio is managed. Some Del Webb communities, however, choose to enforce stricter rules where all residents must be 55 or older.

What About Children and Guests?

55+ communities also have guidelines when it comes to younger residents and visitors.

• Children under 18 cannot live in the home full-time.

• Guests of any age can typically stay up to 30 days.

• Some amenities may have restricted hours for children, such as limited pool access.

For example, if your grandchildren want to stay for the entire summer, that could exceed the guest limits. These rules are not meant to feel restrictive. Instead, they help maintain a quieter environment where neighbors are generally in a similar stage of life.

Interestingly, you do not have to be 55 to purchase a home in a 55+ community. Someone younger could buy the property for parents, but they would not be allowed to live there themselves.

Community Size and Atmosphere

Another noticeable difference between Del Webb and Esplanade communities is size.

Del Webb Communities

Most Del Webb neighborhoods are large-scale developments, typically ranging from:

• 900 to 1,400 homes

Because of their size, they tend to offer a wide range of social clubs, activities, and events. The focus is heavily on building a social environment where residents can easily connect.

It is common to see 50 or more clubs and interest groups, including:

• Poker and card clubs

• Mahjong groups

• Art and creative workshops

• Fitness classes

• Billiards and game rooms

These communities are designed for residents who want an active, social lifestyle.

Esplanade Communities

Esplanade neighborhoods come in many different sizes, from smaller boutique communities to large master-planned developments.

For example:

• Some Esplanades are intimate communities with fewer homes and simpler amenities.

• Others, like those in Lakewood Ranch, are expansive with full resort-style features.

Because of this variety, Esplanade communities can feel more flexible depending on what buyers are looking for.

Amenities: Social Clubs vs. Resort Living

Both communities offer impressive amenities, but their focus tends to be slightly different.

Del Webb Amenities

Del Webb communities are designed around community interaction and social engagement.

Typical amenities include:

• Large clubhouses

• Activity rooms and hobby spaces

• Social clubs and organized events

• Fitness centers

• Pools and recreation areas

The goal is to create a place where neighbors easily connect and build friendships.

Esplanade Amenities

Esplanade communities lean more toward a luxury resort lifestyle.

Many include:

• Spa services

• Nail and hair salons

• High-end fitness centers

• Personal training facilities

• Culinary centers and restaurants

• Coffee bars and dining lounges

Some Esplanade neighborhoods even include multiple restaurants and dining options within the community.

In certain locations, Esplanade communities also feature golf courses, which Del Webb communities typically do not include.

Home Styles and Floor Plans

Both builders offer a wide range of modern home designs.

Del Webb Homes (Built by Pulte)

Del Webb communities often include 16–17 different floor plans, with popular models such as:

• Mystique

• Stellar

• Hallmark

• Prestige

Many of these models are also built in non-age-restricted communities by Pulte.

Recently, Del Webb has expanded their designs to include two-story options, offering more flexibility for buyers who want additional living space.

Larger models like the Renown and Layton provide wider layouts, multiple en-suite bedrooms, and even loft areas on second floors.

Esplanade Homes (Built by Taylor Morrison)

Esplanade homes feature well-known models like:

• Lazio

• Palazzo

The Lazio model, around 2,400 square feet, has become one of the most popular home designs in Florida.

The Palazzo version expands the layout with wider lot sizes and larger garages.

New versions like the Lazio II and Palazzo II have been introduced to include features buyers requested, such as an additional powder room.

Some Esplanade communities also offer luxury sections, sometimes called “gates within gates,” where larger homes are built by premium builders like:

• Lee Wetherington

• John Cannon

• Stock Homes

These sections elevate the overall feel of the neighborhood.

Costs and Fees to Expect

Both Del Webb and Esplanade communities are typically maintenance-free, meaning landscaping and common areas are professionally maintained.

However, those amenities come with associated costs.

HOA Fees

In 2026, HOA fees typically range from:

$450 to $650 per month

These fees cover:

• Landscaping maintenance

• Roadway upkeep

• Amenity access

• Community management

CDD Fees

Most communities also include a CDD (Community Development District) fee, which is added to property taxes.

CDD fees often range between:

$2,100 and $4,000 annually, depending on the home and community.

Dining Minimums

If the community includes restaurants or culinary centers, there may be an annual food and beverage minimum, usually between:

$750 and $1,000 per year.

This amount simply needs to be spent at the community dining locations.

What’s Coming Next

Both Del Webb and Esplanade communities continue to expand across Florida.

In the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch area alone, several new developments are underway or planned, including:

• Del Webb Catalina in Lakewood Ranch

• Del Webb Sunchase in Parrish

• Del Webb Explore in Parrish

• Esplanade at Azario

• Esplanade at Welland Park

• Esplanade Costaire in Palmetto

• Esplanade at Camaray, a large new community planned for Lakewood Ranch

Esplanade Camaray is expected to feature culinary centers and estate sections and will be conveniently located near University Parkway and Fruitville Road, offering easy access to shopping, downtown Sarasota, and the beaches.

So, Which Community Is Right for You?

Choosing between Del Webb and Esplanade really comes down to the lifestyle you’re looking for.

You may prefer Del Webb if you want:

• A true 55+ environment

• A strong social community

• Numerous clubs and activities

• A large neighborhood with many residents

You may prefer Esplanade if you want:

• More flexibility in age restrictions

• Resort-style amenities

• On-site dining and spa services

• Luxury home options

Both offer incredible lifestyles and beautiful homes. The key is deciding which environment fits the way you want to live in Florida.

If you are considering a move to Florida and want help exploring the right communities, working with local neighborhood experts can make the process much easier. A knowledgeable agent can walk you through the options, explain the differences between communities, and help you find the one that truly fits your lifestyle.