The Core Question
Tampa Proximity vs. Beach Access
Del Webb Bexley and Latitude Margaritaville are frequently compared by Northeast buyers in the $380K–$550K range who've narrowed to Florida but haven't committed to a coast. Both are sold out of new construction. Both have strong resort amenity programs. Both draw heavily from the NY/NJ/PA/CT buyer corridor.
The decision usually comes down to one question: is the private beach club at Latitude Margaritaville worth the higher insurance cost and east-coast orientation — or does being 25 minutes from Tampa's hospitals, airport, and metro infrastructure matter more? There's no universally right answer. It depends entirely on how central beach access is to your retirement vision.
Side-by-Side
Every Key Difference
| Category | Del Webb Bexley | Latitude Margaritaville |
|---|---|---|
| Location / Coast | Land O'Lakes — Tampa metro, Gulf side, inland Pasco County | Daytona Beach — Atlantic coast, Volusia County |
| Beach Access | None | Private oceanfront beach club + shuttle Unique |
| Lawn Maintenance | Included in HOA | Not included |
| HOA Fee | ~$290–$488/mo (includes lawn) | ~$343–$393/mo (does not include lawn) |
| Homeowner Insurance | Moderate — inland Pasco County | Higher — Volusia Atlantic coastal county |
| Nearest Airport | Tampa Intl (TPA) — ~35 min | Daytona Beach Intl — 5 miles |
| Major Medical | BayCare/AdventHealth — ~15 min in Wesley Chapel / Land O'Lakes | Halifax Health Medical Center — ~15 min in Daytona Beach |
| To Tampa | ~25 min | ~90 min |
| Golf | No on-site golf | No on-site golf (LPGA International nearby) |
| Scale | ~850 homes — intimate | 3,763 homes |
| Lifestyle / Vibe | Del Webb professional — structured programming | Jimmy Buffett brand — casual, tropical, social bar culture |
| CDD | Varies by section — verify per parcel | Yes — on Volusia County tax bill |
Verdict
Who Each Is Right For
Choose Del Webb Bexley if:
Tampa access + lawn-free + smaller community
- Tampa's hospitals, airport, and metro are a meaningful part of your retirement logistics
- Lawn maintenance permanently off your list is a real quality-of-life priority
- You prefer a smaller, more intimate community — ~850 homes vs. 3,763
- Lower coastal insurance rates matter to your budget
- Del Webb brand and structured programming resonate more than Margaritaville's casual vibe
Choose Latitude Margaritaville if:
Beach lifestyle + airport proximity + casual culture
- Private beach access is genuinely central to your retirement vision — not just a nice-to-have
- You travel frequently and Daytona Beach International at 5 miles is a real advantage
- The Jimmy Buffett lifestyle culture fits — you've visited and the vibe resonates
- Your family and social orientation is east coast, not Tampa
- Budget for Volusia coastal insurance before finalizing your numbers