Want to come down in the new year to check out adult retirement communities that would offer golf, tennis, nice living arrangements...can you recommend?

Try countryside. It's 10 -15 min. from the beach and 5th / 3rd ave. Its also a great community with lots of social activities plus golf and tennis. So friendly. Check it out. (We have a place that we will consider renting. Never rented before but with young kids we find we can't get down more than a long week-end) we love it!
Sorry. I think I replied to both of your posts. Both of them ar relevant. Let me know what you think. It truly is a great community.
Take a look at Wyndemere County Club [Wyndemere.com], a private gated community ogf some 650+- single ffamily homes, villas and condos, many of which are available for rent.
The property boasts 27 holes of Arthur Hills golf, a new resort style pool, 12 har-tru tennis courts, a state of the art fitness center, and a newly redesigned, expanded clubhouse which is scheduled to open in the next few weeks. Plus, everything is 5+- minutes to Fifth Avenue S. and the beach.
Neither one of those 2 communities are really near the beach ( about 15 or so min) When I think of active retirees I think of all of Naples, you do not need to pick an actual retirement community to enjoy senior living. It really depends on your budget but Pelcan Bay boast the best of what you are looking for.
I agree with LauraBChicago, Countryside is a great community!
And we love the location! convenient to downtown,beaches, Marco Island & 75!