Riverfront Resort Living: 55+ Life at Riverside Club in Ruskin, Florida

Retirenet Media Team

Discover golf, boating, and small-town charm at this 55+ waterfront community.

By Retirenet Media Team

Riverfront Resort Living: 55+ Life at Riverside Club in Ruskin, Florida

Perched along the Little Manatee River where it meets Tampa Bay, Riverside Club Golf & Marina Community in Ruskin, Florida, is the kind of place many active adults picture when they think “Florida retirement.” Palm-lined streets, golf-course views, boats rocking gently in the marina, and neighbors who actually have time to stop and chat—this 55+ community is built around that easy, waterfront lifestyle.

Operated by Sun Communities, Riverside Club is an age-qualified manufactured home community offering resort-style amenities, a full social calendar, and direct access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Sun Communities

A Premier Golf & Marina Community

Riverside Club sits at 2550 Pier Drive in Ruskin, just 25 miles south of Tampa and about 30 miles north of Sarasota, giving residents small-town charm with big-city access. Sun Communities

The community is centered around:

• 18-hole championship golf course – A scenic, 6,100-yard layout that follows a creek, meanders past open farmland, and finishes along the bluffs of Hayes Bayou. Water hazards and bunkers keep things interesting, yet the course is approachable for all skill levels. Sun Communities

• Private 48-slip marina – Residents can dock their boat or launch a kayak right on the Little Manatee River, with easy access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf for fishing, cruising, dolphin-spotting, and sunset runs. The marina includes a boat ramp, fishing pier, and storage options. Sun Communities

• Resort pool & hot tub – Overlooking the water and framed by swaying palms, the heated pool area is a daily gathering spot for water aerobics, lounging, and catching up with neighbors. Sun Communities

Riverside Club is a land-lease, seniors-only (55+) community with roughly 900+ homesites, giving it the scale to support robust amenities and a packed activities calendar while still feeling welcoming and neighborly. 

Amenities That Keep You Active and Social

Life here is designed around connection and convenience. Residents enjoy:

• Two stylish clubhouses for game nights, cards, billiards, crafts, and community events

• Fitness center with sauna, plus men’s and women’s locker rooms, making it easy to keep a regular workout routine Sun Communities

• Tennis and pickleball courts, bocce, basketball, and horseshoes for friendly competition Sun Communities

• On-site movie theater showing films and special events

• Dog park and pet-friendly green spaces, so four-legged family members feel at home too

• Lifestyle & Activities Director who coordinates clubs, classes, and outings—from fitness programs to day trips and themed parties Sun Communities

Manufactured homes in Riverside Club range from cozy 2-bedroom layouts to larger 3-bedroom designs, often with screened lanais, open-concept living areas, and carports or garages. Resale and new homes offer a variety of price points, making this waterfront lifestyle more attainable than many traditional site-built coastal neighborhoods nearby.

Dining on the Water and Around Town

You don’t even have to leave the community to enjoy a night out. Riverside Club features its own waterfront restaurant and bar overlooking Hayes Bayou, serving coastal-inspired cuisine, American favorites, cocktails, wine, and beer. It’s the go-to spot after a round of golf or as a casual gathering place with friends—especially at sunset. Sun Communities

Just down the road at 2035 Pier Drive, Riverside Bar & Grill offers another laid-back option right on the water, with outdoor seating, live music nights, and classic bar-and-grill fare. Diners praise the friendly service and fun atmosphere, making it a favorite for locals and Riverside Club residents alike. Restaurant

In greater Ruskin, you’ll find an eclectic mix of local spots:

• The Lazy Gator – A popular waterfront hangout known for seafood, sunsets, and a classic “Old Florida” vibe.

• The Fish House – A casual, well-loved seafood spot with fresh Gulf catch and a loyal following. R

• Taqueria Los 7 Hermanos – A local favorite for authentic Mexican fare and big flavor.

From barbecue and burgers to Cuban sandwiches and fresh seafood, the dining scene in and around Ruskin is tailor-made for meeting friends after pickleball, celebrating visiting family, or enjoying a low-key date night.

Things to Do Near Riverside Club

Riverside Club’s location on Tampa Bay’s south shore means you’re surrounded by natural beauty and day-trip options. The Sun Communities site highlights several standout attractions within an easy drive: Sun Communities

• Little Manatee River State Park – Just inland, this protected area offers hiking, birding, paddling, and camping along one of Florida’s designated Outstanding Florida Waters. Shady trails, boardwalks, and riverside views make it a favorite for nature walks and picnic days. 

• Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center – A small preserve and education center where you can learn about local ecosystems, walk nature trails, and watch for wildlife. Sun Communities

• Manatee Viewing Center (Apollo Beach) – In cooler months, manatees gather near the warm discharge waters of the power plant, creating a unique opportunity to safely view these gentle giants from boardwalks and observation decks. Sun Communities

• E.G. Simmons Regional Park – A beloved local waterfront park with beaches, fishing piers, boat ramps, and wide-open views across Tampa Bay—perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, or just relaxing by the water.

Travel writers also point out Ruskin’s easy access to Bahia Beach, sunset cruises, charter fishing, and day trips to Tampa or St. Petersburg for museums, pro sports, and urban dining.

Small-Town Charm, Big-Name Neighbors

Ruskin itself is a historic agricultural community turned waterfront haven, with roots going back to the early 1900s along the Little Manatee River. Today, it blends quiet residential pockets and working marinas with growing shopping and medical services—all while staying within about 30 minutes of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Sarasota via I-75.

This location makes Riverside Club attractive if you want:

• Easy access to airports – Tampa International, St. Pete–Clearwater, and Sarasota–Bradenton are all realistic options for visiting family and trips. Sun Communities

• Day-trip flexibility – Head to Tampa for a Lightning or Buccaneers game, explore St. Pete’s arts scene and pier, or spend a day on the beaches of Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key. Sun Communities

• Quiet at home, excitement when you want it – Many residents appreciate that Riverside Club feels peaceful and community-oriented, yet you’re never far from concerts, festivals, and big-city amenities.

Why Riverside Club Stands Out on Retirenet.com

On Retirenet.com, Riverside Club is presented as “the area’s premier golf and marina community”—a spot where Florida coastal living really does come to life. With an 18-hole course outside your door, a boat in the marina, a restaurant on-site, and a full menu of social activities, it offers the complete package for active adults who want to spend their days on the water, the fairways, and with friends—not stuck on maintenance chores.

If you’re searching for a 55+ lifestyle on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Riverside Club delivers that elusive mix of resort amenities, friendly neighbors, and real-world convenience—all wrapped in riverfront views and golden Gulf sunsets.