# Three Communities Chase Villages Blueprint

> Florida 55+ communities compete to match Villages' retirement model, but one fee clause quietly drains portfolios.
- Title: Three Communities Chase Villages Blueprint · 24/7 Wall St.
- Summary: Florida 55+ communities compete to match Villages' retirement model, but one fee clause quietly drains portfolios. Residents of three Florida communities say…
- Keywords: latitude margaritaville, on top of the world, solivita, villages, 55 plus communities, retirement fees, social security, cpi, hoa dues, portfolio, Three, Communities
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/10/17/three-communities-will-try-to-be-the-next-villages-residents-of-all-three-will-say-one-already-is
- Author: David Beren
- Published: 2026-10-17T16:17:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: latitude margaritaville, on top of the world, solivita, villages, 55 plus communities, retirement fees, social security, cpi, hoa dues, portfolio
## Three Communities Target Villages Blueprint
Three active-adult communities have spent years chasing the Villages blueprint, and fees look almost identical at first glance.
## Fees Start Identical Then Rise
The fees start as $204/month amenity fees, with infrastructure bonds adding $800 to $4,000+ yearly until paid off.
## HOA Dues Vary by Community
Latitude Margaritaville’s HOA dues ran from $343 to $381/month when completed in 2025, while On Top of the World runs $512.80 to $531/month.
## Solivita's HOA Ranges Lower
Solivita’s HOA ranges from $165 to $205/month, with a $195 monthly club fee, averaging $385/month total.
## Florida Budget Adds Costs
Florida’s cost-of-living index is 103.414, above the nationwide figure of 100, adding to retirement expenses.
## Social Security COLA Drives Fees
Social Security’s 2027 COLA of 3.6% matches the Villages fee adjustment, rising with the same index.
## HOA Fees Rise Faster Than Social Security
On Top of the World’s fee grows 3.6% annually to $12,900 in 20 years, but insurance costs could push it to $20,400.
## Portfolio Target for Retirement
A couple needs $1.02 million to draw 4% annually, or $1.17 million for 30+ years at 3.5%.
## Delayed Retirement Lowers Target
If both spouses wait until 70, the target drops to $782,000 with delayed Social Security credits.
## Fee Growth Requires Buffer
A $188,000 buffer covers potential fee growth, especially for On Top of the World’s rising costs.
## Key Fee Clause Decides Cost
Residents of all three communities say one already meets Villages' retirement cost target due to fee adjustment clauses.
## Key takeaway

Residents of three Florida communities say one already meets Villages' retirement cost target.