It’s always an honor to make best-of lists in any industry and the thrill is real for those of us in new-construction homebuilding.

We’re super-proud that two of ICI Homes’ signature properties, Amelia National Golf & Country Club in Fernandina Beach, and Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club in Ormond Beach, have made the cut for ideal-LIVING Magazine’s 2025 Best Places to Live.

Key Takeaways

Amelia National and Plantation Bay have been named to ideal-LIVING Magazine’s 2025 Best Places to Live list, highlighting top communities for active, next-act lifestyles.
These master-planned communities stand out for their resort-level amenities, championship golf, and prime Florida locations near beaches, highways, and major cities.
Ideal-LIVING Magazine curates its list using data, trends, and reader preferences to spotlight the most desirable places to retire or relocate.
With over 45 years of experience, ICI Homes offers custom luxury homes in both communities, whether you’re looking to build from scratch or move in fast.

ICI Homes has built new custom Florida homes all over the state for 45 years and we’re known as Florida’s Custom Home Builder. We also develop our own master-planned communities and serve as preferred builders in others. So, when our work earns recognition, it gets our attention.

It should get yours too! Especially if you’re eyeing dream homes, retirement homes and active lifestyles in a new location. That’s ideal-LIVING Magazine’s focus, and the foundation of its annual Best-Places lists.

Here’s more information.

**About ideal-LIVING Magazine’s Best Places methodology**

This Wilmington, North Carolina-based media company produces research, publications and real estate shows aimed at helping buyers age 50 and older find their perfect retirement or active new lifestyle home. Its information can be found as hard copies, digitally and online.

Company researchers examine annual data about communities, their locations, amenities and popularity among ideal-LIVING readers and prospective homebuyers who use the magazine’s resources, then select the top 100 best places across the United States and internationally for that year. This annual distillation reflects current trends and buying preferences by spotlighting locations and communities that remain perennial favorites, or appear to be rising stars.

Master-planned communities on the 2025 Best Places to Live list are organized via seven regions — six in the U.S. and one internationally.

ICI Homes’ communities on the list, Amelia National and Plantation Bay, are two of the 23 communities listed in the Florida/Georgia region. A great community in a great location, with great amenities and activities, is in the wheelhouse of many ideal-LIVING Magazine users.

ICI Homes’ two properties listed among the 2025 Best Places to Live, fit those parameters.

Amelia National

This master-planned community 30 minutes north of Jacksonville is especially attractive for next-act golf enthusiasts thanks to its Tom Fazio-designed course. It’s a natural site for luxury custom homes and its proximity to Interstate 95 and beautiful Amelia Island are big pluses too.

Plantation Bay

Another dream location, this time in east central Florida, and especially for golfers. Plantation Bay boasts 45 holes of golf and two clubhouses. It’s less than 10 minutes from stunning Atlantic beaches, but its amenities are legendary, with something for all ages, and nearly every imaginable interest.