GL Homes, one of Florida's largest privately owned homebuilders, designs its active-adult communities around resort-style living and social connection rather than homes alone, according to company President Misha Ezratti. The Sunrise-based builder said clubhouses anchor each neighborhood and full calendars of resident events are intended to help 55+ buyers stay active, feel at home and build lasting friendships with their neighbors.
The approach has deep roots. Founded 50 years ago by Itzhak Ezratti, GL Homes has grown into a Florida homebuilder and land developer with communities stretching from Miami-Dade County and Port St. Lucie on the east coast to Naples, Fort Myers and Tampa on the west. Active-adult living has been central to that work for decades: GL opened its first Valencia community in Palm Beach County about 30 years ago, and the Valencia brand has since become the company's signature line of 55+ communities in Florida, now found along both coasts.
According to Misha Ezratti, planning a Valencia community begins with how residents want to live, not just the homes they occupy. Each community is designed to feel like a luxury resort from the first visit, with clubhouses at the heart of the experience giving residents places to dine, work out, join clubs and take classes. Full-time lifestyle directors fill the calendar with activities and events that help neighbors meet and turn introductions into lasting friendships.
Two Valencia communities illustrate those priorities under Misha Ezratti's leadership. At Valencia Del Mar in Boynton Beach, residents already gather in the Social Hub and Fitness Studio within the on-site Community Center, and construction continues on a planned 43,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring a full-service restaurant, a grand social hall and a sports lounge with a multi-sport simulator. More than 100 clubs and activities are planned, spanning fitness classes and hobby groups to live entertainment.
On Florida's west coast, Valencia Harbor in Fort Myers is preparing to open its Al Fresco Sports & Racquet Club in November, with 12 pickleball courts, four tennis courts, four bocce courts, an event lawn and a food truck plaza, alongside a new resort-style pool area.
The emphasis matters as more buyers look to Florida for their next chapter. For 55+ consumers weighing a move, amenities and built-in social programming can matter as much as floor plans, and builders that invest in full-time lifestyle staff and large clubhouses are betting that community life drives buyer interest and long-term satisfaction. GL Homes said Misha Ezratti and his team plan to keep building on the resort-style living and social connection that define the Valencia communities.
Buyers seeking details on GL Homes' Valencia communities can visit glhomes.com.
