The weather is gloomy and chilly for many of us right now, but in Aventura, Florida, such cares are about as foreign as a snowstorm on a summer's afternoon. Aventura is about as close to paradise as you can get this time of year. This relatively small city is close to Miami and yet a world away -- free of the stress, the traffic and all-around congestion of its big-city neighbor. It's a comparatively quiet oasis in which an increasing number of older, yet active Americans have chosen to take up residence and reward themselves upon their retirement. And what a reward it is.

Approximately 34 percent of Aventura's 20,000 residents are 65 years of age and older. (Residents under age 35 and between the ages of 36 and 55 are about even in number and comprise the next largest segments of the population.) New residents are attracted to Aventura's friendly weather; its casual, relaxed lifestyle; and its abundance of shopping and entertainment options.

It's interesting to note that a whopping 67.4 percent of Aventura residents live in condominiums, according to year 2000 statistics provided by the City of Aventura. A mere 9.5 percent live in single-family residences, and 15.4 percent live in rental properties. The average home size is two bedrooms, indicating that Aventura residents, in large number, prefer low-maintenance housing; and since many of them are 65 and older and have already raised children, two bedrooms is the perfect size for their hassle-free, easygoing lifestyles.

This isn't to imply that "Aventurans" spend their days idly. That's hardly the case. While this is certainly an idyllic setting in which to spend time doing absolutely nothing, Aventura is packed with recreational venues and opportunities. Encouraging its older as well as its younger residents to enjoy the outdoors and remain active year-round, the city maintains two primary parks: Founders Park and Waterways Park, each of which have such features as jogging trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, and exercise facilities, most of them overlooking the water. Founders Park, completed five years ago, also contains a sweeping, open lawn on which an entertainment gazebo opened earlier this year. Providing a spot for leisurely picnics and relaxation, the southern portion of Founders Park is a fitting ending to a hard afternoon of play.

Of course, Aventura's location on the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway isn't overlooked by avid boaters. Several marinas in Aventura -- including Turnberry Isle Marina, Mystic Pointe Marina, Williams Island Marina and Summit Aventura Marina -- provide parking spots for residents' boats and yachts. The city's setting and its recreational opportunities (not to mention its shops) make it a magnet for tourists. Lavish accommodations such as the Turnberry Isle Resort fill this growing demand and give the local economy a significant boost. Aventura's shops are reason enough to come here. You'll find goods from all over the world here at several ornate malls as well as small, exclusive retail shops. And for a city of 20,000, Aventura has a surprisingly diverse assortment of restaurants, representing nearly every ethnic cuisine. It comes as no surprise that fresh seafood plays a starring role in many of the local restaurants.

One look at Aventura's multifamily properties, and it's easy to see why a large percentage of residents opt for condominium life. The city has several luxury developments, some of them high-rise and overlooking the beautiful waters of the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Here's a sampling of just a few:

The Point of Aventura, a high-rise apartment community located along the Intracoastal Waterway, offers units priced anywhere from $150,000 to nearly $850,000. Residents have access to such amenities as a private club and spa, three tropical pools and a tennis court and pavillion. The property has received an overwhelming response, and as a result, developers are at work to complete two new additions to the Point: Atlantic III and South Tower.

Porto Vita, an 18-acre oasis, is surrounded with an air of exclusivity because its developers limited construction to less than 400 units. The properties are divided among two mid-rise towers (sold out), 14 two-story villas overlooking the water (also sold out); and two 27-story high-rises, which represent the newest addition to Porto Vita.

Williams Island is a resort-like community situated on 82 acres of waterfront property. Amenities like a country club, 16 tennis courts, a spa and golf course enhance the residents' sense of community, as does a regular schedule of social activities. The Williams Island Ocean Club, one of the island's newest features, is a residents-only beach club, open to "landlubbers" only with a membership.

Among the island's most exclusive developments is Island Estates, which start at more than $1.5 million and sit on private islands in the Intracoastal Waterway. This community of custom homes offers its residents every luxury interior feature imaginable -- including wine rooms, boat docks, elevators and structural protections against hurricanes.

Aventura continues to grow perhaps because many of its residents signify what most of us strive to attain come age 65: an active, free-spirited lifestyle in a beautiful coastal setting. By establishing recreational facilities throughout the city, Aventura is making an investment in its future by encouraging its residents to remain vital. The over-65 population sector has reached all-time high numbers; and yet, cities that make considerable efforts to accommodate this population segment remain "niche" markets. Aventura has listened and responded to its needs, and is likely to continue reaping the rewards of an economy just as active as its residents.

Published: November 20, 2000

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