Jimmy Buffett opening a Margaritaville-inspired retirement community

You might remember US musician Jimmy Buffett’s song Margaritaville back in 1977?

It was a global hit across the globe and sparked the Margaritaville “state of mind” amongst his fans, who were dubbed “Parrot Heads”.

Think Hawaiian shirts, lazing by the beach and sipping on cocktails, and you’ve basically defined the concept of Margaritaville.

And now the Margaritaville state of mind is about to become reality in the form of a retirement community being developed in Florida.

Buffett’s company Margaritaville Holdings has partnered with Minto Communities to begin work on Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach.

Picture beach, sun, surf, sand and singing, and you’ve basically got a feel for the new retirement community.

Just like the lyrics of the famous song – ‘nibbling on sponge cake, watching the sun bake’ – Latitude Margaritaville promises a “no worries” tropical vibe.

In a statement on Buffett’s Margaritaville website, Margarita Holdings CEO John Cohlan said the retirement community would “redefine lifestyle destination living”.

“Latitude Margaritaville has the exact coordinates for those looking to live the Margaritaville lifestyle as they grow older, but not up,” he said.

You might be wondering what the retirement community consists of?

Well, according to Buffett’s website, Latitude Margaritaville will feature a private beachfront club, a resort pool area with beach access, a fitness centre, arts and learning programs for residents and indoor and outdoor dining.

Retirement village? More like relaxed lifestyle resort!

Senior vice president of Minto Communities Bill Bullock told the ABC there had already been 10,000 registrations of interest, with prices for homes starting between “the low $200,000s and $350,000 (US)”.

“It’s going to be a very fun place,” he said.

“We expect our first residents to be living in the community by late summer of 2018 (mid next-year).”

While a move to Margaritaville might not be realistic for many Australian over-60s, the development does mark a shift in the way companies are approaching the design and development of retirement communities.

As previously reported here at Starts at 60, many retirement communities are having more of a focus on lifestyle and luxury , and while their populations are ageing, their level of activity has also increased.

Who knows, maybe Buffett might one day bring a slice of Margaritaville to Australia?!

Are you a fan of Jimmy Buffett? What do you think of the concept of a Margaritaville retirement community? Would you like to live there?