It’s Tuesday morning, and you have nowhere to be except the pickleball court by eight. By ten, you’re floating in a resort-style pool under an open Central Florida sky — and by evening, you’re on a walking path through Clermont’s rolling hills watching the sun drop toward a chain of lakes on the horizon.
This is not a vacation. This is just Tuesday at Esplanade at Highland Ranch.
A gated 55+ community developed by Taylor Morrison, Esplanade sits in the heart of Lake County’s South Lake corridor — where Central Florida’s most scenic terrain meets an engaged community of active adults who have decided their next chapter deserves to be their best one. This guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision: the amenity package, housing options, the surrounding neighborhood, and the real estate market you’d be entering.
What Is Esplanade at Highland Ranch? A Community Built Around Your Best Years
Taylor Morrison and the Esplanade Brand
Taylor Morrison is one of the nation’s most respected homebuilders, and the Esplanade brand represents the company’s flagship active adult product — a resort-caliber approach to 55+ living that has earned meaningful loyalty from buyers throughout Florida. What distinguishes Esplanade communities from the broader field is a deliberate commitment to amenity depth, lifestyle programming, and a maintenance-included structure that genuinely delivers on its promise.
The community is gated, professionally managed, and governed by a homeowners association that handles lawn care, exterior upkeep, and amenity operations. That structure is not just a selling point — it is a fundamental shift in how residents relate to their homes, freeing up time and energy for the experiences that actually matter at this stage of life.
Community Overview and Setting
Esplanade at Highland Ranch sits within the larger Highland Ranch master-planned development in Clermont, FL, positioned in Lake County along the US-27 corridor with convenient access to the Florida Turnpike. The community encompasses several hundred homesites across its development phases, offering both single-family homes and villa-style residences to suit a range of lifestyle preferences.
The physical setting here is genuinely distinctive. Clermont sits within Central Florida’s “Choice Hills” area — a topographic rarity in this part of the state that gives the community an elevated, scenic character that flat-terrain suburbs simply cannot replicate. Residents talk about the views the way people talk about a place they were surprised to love as much as they do.
The Amenities That Make Esplanade Feel Like a Permanent Vacation
This is where Esplanade at Highland Ranch pulls clearly ahead of the broader field of Lake County communities. The amenity package was not designed as a secondary consideration — it was designed as the entire point.
The Amenity Center and Resort Pool
The heart of daily community life is Esplanade’s dedicated amenity center, a resort-caliber facility that anchors the full range of social, fitness, and recreational programming the community offers. The resort-style pool is the showpiece — a true aquatic experience complete with a spa and hot tub, a resistance pool, and surrounding lounge areas designed for lingering rather than hurrying.
This is not a “nice pool.” It is the kind of facility that makes residents wonder why they waited as long as they did to make this move.
Inside the clubhouse, residents access a fully equipped fitness center with modern cardio and strength training equipment, a dedicated aerobics and movement studio, and flexible event rooms served by a catering kitchen. The social and fitness infrastructure under one roof supports the full range of what an active 55+ lifestyle actually looks like day to day.
Sports Courts and Active Living
For buyers drawn to an active outdoor lifestyle, the sports programming at Esplanade is a significant draw. Pickleball courts are a headline amenity — and they should be. The sport has seen remarkable participation growth nationally, and active adults 55 and older have embraced it with particular enthusiasm, drawn to its social format, manageable learning curve, and genuine competitive depth.
Beyond pickleball, the outdoor sports options include:
- Tennis courts for both recreational and competitive play
- Bocce ball courts that double as a natural social gathering point
- Walking and biking pathways within the community for daily movement at whatever pace fits your morning
That emphasis on active amenities is a natural match for Clermont’s broader identity. The city hosts the National Training Center on US-27, sits along the 13.6-mile South Lake Trail, and borders Lake Minneola for paddlers, anglers, and boaters. Active living here is not just a community feature — it’s baked into the geography.
13.6 miles of paved multi-use path along the South Lake Trail connect Clermont and Minneola, passing near the Highland Ranch area and giving residents immediate access to one of Lake County’s best recreational corridors.
Social Calendar and Lifestyle Programming
Excellent facilities are the foundation. The lifestyle programming is what transforms them into genuine community.
Esplanade communities typically employ a dedicated lifestyle director whose role is to maintain a rich, varied social calendar — including fitness classes, hobby and interest clubs, community events, group outings, and seasonal programming that keeps residents engaged year-round. For buyers relocating from out of state, this built-in social architecture is often the most meaningful aspect of the move.
You are not purchasing a home in isolation. You are purchasing entry into a community of people at a similar life stage, with organized opportunities to connect that feel natural rather than forced. That dynamic is among the most frequently cited reasons Esplanade residents say they are glad they made the decision they made.
Pro Tip: When touring Esplanade, ask the lifestyle director for a copy of last month’s activity calendar. The variety and frequency of programming tells you more about the community’s social depth than any brochure will.
Homes at Esplanade at Highland Ranch — Styles, Features, and What to Expect
Single-Family Homes vs. Villas
Two primary product types give buyers meaningful flexibility at Esplanade. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Single-Family Homes | Villas |
|---|---|---|
| Square Footage | ~1,800–2,800 sq ft | ~1,500–1,900 sq ft |
| Best For | Guests, home office, more space to spread out | Frequent travelers, smaller footprint preference |
| Maintenance Included | Yes | Yes |
| Full Amenity Access | Yes | Yes |
Both product types are fully maintenance-included. Lawn care, landscaping, and exterior upkeep are handled through the HOA regardless of which home style you choose — the lifestyle promise applies equally whether you selected a villa or a larger single-family home.
Interior Features and Design Standards
Taylor Morrison homes at Esplanade reflect the buyer profile — quality-conscious adults who have owned homes before and know exactly what they want. Open-concept layouts, volume ceilings, chef-style kitchens with quality appliances and finishes, and owner’s suites designed for comfortable single-level living are consistent features throughout the community.
Florida-smart construction practices — enhanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and durable exterior materials suited to the state’s climate — are incorporated to reduce long-term operating costs. That matters on a fixed or retirement income more than most buyers initially anticipate.
Buyers who purchased during active new construction phases had the opportunity to customize through Taylor Morrison’s design center. In the resale market, many homes already reflect meaningful upgrades above base specifications — a genuine advantage for buyers who want a move-in-ready home with character already built in.
HOA and What’s Included
HOA fees at Esplanade at Highland Ranch have been reported in the range of approximately $1,200 to $1,400 per quarter, covering:
- Lawn maintenance and landscaping
- Full access to all community amenities — resort pool, fitness center, sports courts, and lifestyle programming
- Gated entry and security infrastructure
- Common area upkeep throughout the community
A Community Development District (CDD) fee may also apply, assessed as part of the annual property tax bill. Both figures should be verified directly through current HOA disclosure documents or with a knowledgeable local agent, as fees are subject to periodic adjustment.
$1,200–$1,400/quarter covers lawn care, resort pool, fitness center, sports courts, lifestyle programming, and gated security — an amenity package that would cost significantly more to replicate through individual memberships and service contracts outside an HOA setting.
Location Advantages — Why Clermont and Lake County Are the Right Address
Clermont’s Natural Setting and Outdoor Recreation
Clermont occupies a genuinely special place in the Central Florida landscape. Where most of the Orlando metro sits on flat terrain, Clermont rises. The rolling hills of the Central Florida Ridge create an elevated, scenic character that gives the area a visual quality residents find unexpectedly beautiful — sunsets over the chain of lakes are a regular event, not a rarity.
Lake Minneola and the broader Clermont Chain of Lakes are minutes away for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The Clermont Waterfront Park on Third Street provides a lakefront gathering space that anchors the city’s community character through farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and seasonal events. The Minneola Athletic Complex on North Hancock Road provides additional sports and recreational infrastructure just minutes from the community.
The National Training Center on US-27 — a world-class multi-sport facility that has hosted elite athletes and Olympians — reinforces Clermont’s identity as one of Florida’s most authentically active destinations. This is a city that takes active living seriously, and that orientation aligns naturally with life at Esplanade.
Shopping, Dining, and Daily Convenience
Day-to-day living from Esplanade is genuinely convenient. The US-27 commercial corridor provides immediate access to Publix at Clermont Landing for grocery runs, along with pharmacies, retailers, and dining options that have expanded steadily alongside the South Lake corridor’s growth. The broader Highway 50 corridor adds additional restaurant and retail variety within a short drive, spanning everything from casual breakfast spots to sit-down dinner options.
Lakeridge Winery, just north on US-27, is a uniquely Floridian afternoon experience with free vineyard tours and tastings — the kind of local favorite that becomes a natural stop for visiting family and friends.
AdventHealth South Lake Hospital on Don Wickham Drive in Clermont is approximately 3 to 5 miles from Esplanade — typically a 7 to 12 minute drive under normal conditions via US-27. For 55+ buyers, that proximity to a full-service hospital with emergency, cardiac, orthopedic, and surgical services is frequently one of the most important practical criteria in a community decision.
The Florida Turnpike puts Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World, and the broader metro within 30 to 45 minutes — close enough for convenience, far enough for the daily pace here to feel entirely removed from the urban core.
The Financial Case for Lake County
Lake County has grown substantially — the county’s population reached approximately 430,000 to 445,000 as of 2024, reflecting roughly 48 percent growth since the 2010 Census count of approximately 297,000, with the South Lake corridor among the most active areas in that expansion. That growth has brought infrastructure, services, and economic vitality without eroding the community character that makes Clermont appealing in the first place.
From a financial standpoint, the advantages for retirees here are substantial:
- Lake County’s effective property tax rate compares favorably to neighboring Orange County — a difference that translates to meaningful annual savings at Esplanade’s price range
- Florida levies no state income tax
- No tax on Social Security or pension income
- No estate or inheritance tax
For buyers relocating from higher-tax states, that combination makes the financial case for this location difficult to argue against.
Pro Tip: Ask your tax advisor to run a side-by-side comparison of your current state’s tax burden versus Florida’s before you finalize your decision. For many Northeast and Midwest buyers, the annual savings alone make a compelling argument for the move.
Who Is Esplanade at Highland Ranch Right For?
Esplanade at Highland Ranch is an excellent fit for active adults 55 or older who want low-maintenance living supported by genuine resort amenities, a strong and socially active community, and a beautiful Florida setting that is scenic, manageable, and well-served by everyday conveniences.
For buyers relocating from the Northeast, Midwest, or high-cost Florida markets, the combination of Clermont’s natural beauty, Lake County’s favorable tax climate, and the built-in community structure at Esplanade represents a lifestyle upgrade that is hard to replicate at a comparable price point anywhere in the region.
It’s worth being clear about fit as well. Buyers who prioritize large private acreage lots, total seclusion, or immediate proximity to Orlando’s urban core may find other options better suited to their priorities. Esplanade was designed for people who want connection — to neighbors, to amenities, to an organized and active daily life — and it delivers that experience with consistency.
One practical detail many prospective buyers weigh: grandchildren and younger family members are welcome as guests within HOPA community guidelines. The community’s location 30 to 45 minutes from Walt Disney World and other Central Florida attractions makes Esplanade a natural and enjoyable home base for family visits — a detail residents say they appreciate far more than they expected before moving.
The Esplanade at Highland Ranch Real Estate Market — What Buyers Should Know
Resale homes at Esplanade at Highland Ranch have been listed and sold in the approximate range of $350,000 to $650,000 and above, depending on product type, square footage, lot position, and upgrades. That pricing positions the community at and above Clermont’s broader median home sale price, reflecting the premium buyers consistently place on the amenity package, gated lifestyle, and Taylor Morrison construction quality.
The broader Clermont market has been running at a median of approximately 45 to 65 days on market as of late 2024 — a more balanced environment than the near-frantic pace of 2021 and 2022, but one that still reflects meaningful demand.
Within Esplanade specifically, the specialized buyer pool means that well-priced, well-presented homes attract qualified buyers from both local move-down purchasers and out-of-state relocators who have already done their research. Understanding what is currently active, what has recently sold, and what the community-specific absorption rate looks like requires access to Stellar MLS data filtered to this community — the kind of current, granular analysis a local specialist can provide.
Working with an agent who knows Esplanade at Highland Ranch specifically, rather than the Clermont market generally, is a meaningful advantage at this price point and in this segment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esplanade at Highland Ranch
What is the age requirement to live at Esplanade at Highland Ranch?
Esplanade at Highland Ranch is a 55+ community governed under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). Federal law requires that at least 80 percent of occupied homes have at least one resident aged 55 or older. In practical terms, if one spouse or partner meets the 55+ threshold, a younger partner can reside in the community as well. The requirement applies to occupancy patterns across the community as a whole, not to every individual within a specific home.
Is Esplanade at Highland Ranch still being built, or is it resale only?
The answer depends on where Taylor Morrison’s development cycle stands at the time you’re reading this. The community has been built in phases over several years, and the availability of new construction versus resale-only inventory shifts as phases are completed. The most reliable way to get a current, accurate answer is to consult a local agent familiar with the community or contact the Taylor Morrison sales office directly — this is one of the first questions worth asking, as it affects pricing, timeline, and available options significantly.
What does the HOA fee cover at Esplanade at Highland Ranch?
The HOA fee generally covers lawn maintenance and landscaping, full access to all community amenities including the pool, spa, fitness center, and sports courts, gated entry and security infrastructure, and common area maintenance throughout the community. A separate CDD (Community Development District) assessment may also apply, covering infrastructure costs associated with the original development. Exact current fee amounts should always be verified through seller disclosures or HOA documentation, as they are subject to periodic adjustment.
How far is Esplanade at Highland Ranch from South Lake Hospital?
AdventHealth South Lake Hospital on Don Wickham Drive in Clermont is approximately 3 to 5 miles from Esplanade at Highland Ranch via the US-27 corridor — typically a 7 to 12 minute drive under normal traffic conditions. The hospital offers emergency services, cardiac care, orthopedic services, surgical facilities, and a broad range of specialty care. For 55+ buyers, that level of healthcare access within a short, straightforward drive is a meaningful practical advantage of this specific location.
Are there other 55+ communities near Esplanade at Highland Ranch in Clermont?
Lake County and the broader South Lake corridor do have other active adult communities, reflecting the area’s growing appeal to retiring buyers. Buyers who compare options across the market consistently note that Esplanade stands out for the depth of its amenity package, the quality of Taylor Morrison’s construction, and the overall cohesiveness of the lifestyle experience. Rather than evaluating communities by name alone, the more useful approach is to identify your specific priorities — amenities, home size, price range, social environment — and work with a local specialist who can assess the full landscape against those criteria.
Can grandchildren or younger family members visit residents at Esplanade at Highland Ranch?
Yes. HOPA-compliant communities like Esplanade welcome guests of all ages for visits, though extended stays are typically subject to community rules outlined in the HOA documents. Residents regularly host children, grandchildren, and younger family members without difficulty. Given the community’s location within 30 to 45 minutes of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the broader Central Florida attractions corridor, Esplanade serves as a genuinely convenient home base for family visits — a detail many residents say they appreciate far more than they expected before moving.
Your Next Chapter Starts at Esplanade at Highland Ranch
There is a version of this stage of life that looks exactly like the one you described when you were still planning for it — unhurried mornings, genuine friendships, a home that takes care of itself, and a landscape that reminds you regularly why Florida was the right call.
Esplanade at Highland Ranch in Clermont delivers that version with a consistency and quality that is genuinely rare. The amenities are real, the community is engaged, the location is both scenic and practical, and the low-maintenance lifestyle is exactly what it says it is. Lake County’s South Lake corridor continues to grow, appreciate in value, and attract the kind of residents who make a neighborhood worth living in — and Esplanade sits at its center with one of the more comprehensive active adult offerings in the region.
If you’re ready to explore what life at Esplanade at Highland Ranch could look like for you, reach out to us and we’ll help you find your perfect home in this exceptional community.