Best Resort Communities In Davenport FL: Investors in 2026 (ROI Ranked)

In Davenport, the community matters more than the house. You aren’t just buying four walls; you are buying access to a luxury lifestyle and a relaxing lazy river.  

Because of this, choosing the right location is the difference between a thriving investment and a quiet street. 

Currently, there are over 30 “resort” neighborhoods in the area. However, only a few generate the massive 10%+ yields that successful investors talk about.  

The rest have become “Zombie Resorts”, they have nice gates but empty calendars. By 2026, the “Amenity Arms War” will have a clear winner. It isn’t the cheapest house that wins; it is the house with the biggest water slide. 

This guide ranks the best resort communities in Davenport FL, by Net ROI. We factor in high HOA and club fees to find the real winners.  

Below, we compare industry titans like ChampionsGate and Solterra Resort against newcomers like Windsor Island. 

What The Other Sites Are Not Telling You?  

When looking for the best resort communities in Davenport FL, you deserve the full picture. Most lists only show part of the story.  

For example, they might show a low HOA fee of $150 but forget the mandatory $300 Club Fee and the CDD tax bond. We reveal the true monthly cost so you aren’t surprised later. 

Additionally, older communities like Regal Palms may look cheap, but they often hide insurance crises and special assessments.  

To keep your investment safe, we focus only on modern, post-2018 builds. 

Finally, we look at real occupancy data. While others give vague guesses, we provide specific estimates.  

For instance, Windsor Island currently averages 78% occupancy, while Solterra Resort sits around 68% due to its older amenities. 

Why Resort Communities Beat Condos & Standalone Homes? 

The process of choosing the best resort communities in Davenport FL gives you a massive advantage over the standard condos or the standalone homes.  

Consider The Destination Factor   

When you own a standalone home, the guests only book it as a place to sleep! However, when it comes to resorts, the families treat the community like a vacation spot.  

They might spend two days at Disney and three days at the resort pool to save money. This creates longer stays of five to seven nights rather than just three. 

Security Is A Major Selling Point  

Guard-gated communities provide peace of mind for international travelers. You can often charge a 15% higher nightly rate, because of this visible safety. 

Maintenance Is Much Easier For You 

In these resorts, the HOA handles lawn care and daily trash pickup. In a standalone home, you have to manage the “jungle lawn” yourself.  

You ensure your property stays perfect without the extra stress by choosing a resort. 

• Destination Appeal: Longer bookings and higher demand. 

• Gatekeeper Security: Premium rates for added safety. 

• Lawn Automation: Hassle-free maintenance included. 

Growth Projection: The “Amenity Arms Race” 

Now, if you are planning to maximise your investment, you have to understand the Amenity Arms Race. Currently, Super resorts are growing twice as fast as standard neighbourhoods.  

This trend is only getting stronger as we look toward the future!  

By the end of 2026, the best resort communities in Davenport FL are projected to see the home values jump by around 6-8%.  

In contrast to this, the standard condos are only expecting a growth of 2-4%. This gap still exists because families nowadays look for a mini theme park where they stay.  

Even the guests are looking for some massive splash pads as well as mini-golf on site.  

Consequently, neighbourhoods that can only offer a simple community pool will likely lose their rental appeal.  

Thus, you must focus on the high-energy resorts in order to protect your money! Alongside that, you would be able to keep your family entertained.  

Each of these properties hold their value and commands higher rates because it offers an experience, not just a bed. 

1. Higher Appreciation: 6-8% growth for top-tier resorts. 

2. Epic Universe Effect: Massive demand for on-site entertainment. 

3. Future-Proofing: Modern amenities prevent rental depreciation. 

The Rankings: Top Davenport Resorts By ROI (2026) 

To discover the best resort communities in Davenport, FL, you need to look at real numbers. Here are the top four rankings for 2026 based on Net ROI and demand for guests.  

1. Windsor Island Resort 

This is one of the newest resort communities for vacation rentals in Davenport, FL, in 2026. It has a 9.5/10 ROI rating because it is flashy and brand new.  

Moreover, it has a large clubhouse and a tropical “Aloha” tiki bar. It is best suited for investors who want to charge the highest prices per day.  

The HOA dues in this community are high, but the extra income from renting them out pays for the dues. 

2. ChampionsGate 

This resort community is called the “Gold Standard” and has an 8.5/10 rating. It is best suited for golf enthusiasts and large families.  

When comparing ChampionsGate to Solterra Resort, some homes in this community are a bit older. Thus, you may need to update the interior design to keep up with the competition. 

3. Solterra Resort 

This resort community is called the “Cash Flow King” and has a 9/10 rating. It has a world-class lazy river and a lower entry price point ($450k-$550k).  

It is best suited for high occupancy without a large mortgage.  

The only drawback to this resort community is that the streets are narrow, making it difficult for guests to park. 

4. Solara Resort 

This resort community has an 8/10 rating and is called the “Modern Choice.” It has modern architecture and a FlowRider surf simulator.  

If you are looking to attract the “Instagram Generation” to your resort community with homes that are attractive to take pictures of, then this is the best resort community for you. 

Top Pin Codes For Resort ROI 

When searching for the top resort communities in Davenport, FL, the zip code is important.  

There are two regions where the money will slow down to move, such as:  

First, 33896 is the “Resort Corridor.” This region includes ChampionsGate and Reunion. Consider this region a luxury brand.  

It has the highest appraisals and rental prices in the county.  

Second, 33897 is the “Value Corridor.” This region includes Solterra and Windsor Island. Prices in this region are 10% lower, which can increase your return on investment.  

Local professionals have one important tip: “Buy the amenities, not the house.” For instance, a 6-bedroom house in a normal neighborhood will cost $200.  

The same house in Windsor Island will cost $350. The additional $150 is the price of the lazy river. Lastly, consider your exit strategy.  

Professionals suggest that you should focus on single-family pool homes. They appreciate faster than townhomes and are much simpler to sell if you decide to leave the market. 

Expert Advice: “Buy The Amenities, Not The House” 

When you are planning to invest in the best resort communities in Davenport FL, you must remember one thing:  

But the amenities, not the house! This is because the guests are not just paying for a bedroom. They are paying for a vacation experience.  

Consider these insights from industry moguls: 

1. The Rental Premium 

A standard 6-bedroom house might rent for $200 a night! However, that same house inside Windsor Island can fetch $350.  

That extra $150 in your pocket is the pure value of the lazy river and water slides.  

2. Asset Type Matters 

The experts warn against buying townhomes in these resorts. Instead, focus in single-famile home with private pools.  

3. The Exit Strategy 

Single-family homes appreciate faster. These are much easier to sell to the regular families later. This can protect you if the rental market ever shifts.  

In short, prioritize the resort’s features to ensure high nightly rates. Then, choose a detached home to protect your long-term resale value. 

Top 10 Tips For Optimizing Resort Rental Income 

To be successful in the best resort communities in Davenport FL, your home has to stand out.  

Even in a desirable area, you have competition for similar homes. Your home has to offer an experience worth the extra money.  

Here are ten easy tips to increase your revenue and keep your calendar full: 

1. Professional Photography 

This is a must. Utilize drone photos to highlight how close you are to the lazy river, and utilize twilight photos to make the pool area look like magic. 

2. The “Disney” Room 

Provide a high-demand room. Design a room with immersive themes such as Star Wars or Harry Potter. Information from Airbnb reveals that highly themed rooms are the number one factor that makes families choose one home over another. 

3. Headline Strategy 

Always include “Free Club Access” in your headline. Families seeking the best Davenport resorts want to know they won’t be charged extra for the water park. 

4. Game Room Conversion 

Do not use the garage for parking cars. Convert it to a high-end game room or billiard room. This is a huge plus for families on rainy days. 

5. Pool Heat Upsell 

Sell pool heat as an add-on service on a daily basis. During winter, this service can generate an additional $30-$50 per day. 

6. Smart Security 

Install a keyless entry system that is integrated with the resort gate. Nothing is more frustrating than being stranded at the security gate during a vacation. 

7. Listing Stacking 

Do not limit yourself to one listing service. Integrate your calendar with VRBO and Booking.com to attract international guests. 

8. The Coffee Standard 

Install both a Keurig and a conventional drip coffee maker. This is a small but important detail that can prevent negative reviews from coffee snobs. 

9. Welcome Baskets 

A basket of goodies and a bottle of wine are all it takes to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

10. Preferred Vendors 

You can consider hiring local experts. Some property managers have a “front desk” position at ChampionsGate, which can expedite guest services. 

Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid In Resort Investing 

Even when you purchase in Davenport, FL’s top resort communities, a couple of mistakes can cost you. 

Avoid mistakes that new investors make. To safeguard your investment, avoid these ten key mistakes: 

1. Failing to Consider the HOA Deficit: Be cautious in new developments. Builders will pay part of the fees to keep costs down. When they move away, HOA fees may increase by 30%. 

2. Purchasing a Townhome Without a Pool: In today’s market, a townhome must have a splash pool. Without it, guests will select listings that do. 

3. Underestimating the Level of Competition: With a large resort like Solterra, you have 1,000 other properties to compete with. If your furniture is dull and beige, your calendar will remain empty. 

4. Overemphasizing Security: Gates can break down. Don’t advertise “100% Secure.” Instead, advertise “Gated Community” as a feature. 

5. Failing to Consider Zoning Laws: Some regions appear to be resorts but have tough rental requirements. Always ensure your area of the resort allows short-term rentals. 

6. Parking Disasters: Don’t purchase a 9-bedroom home with a small parking area. If guests park on the street, they may get towed and leave a negative review. 

7. Trash Troubles: Follow the trash valet guidelines. If you leave trash bins out on the wrong days, you’ll get a $100 fine. 

8. Renting to Locals: One-night rentals for locals can lead to loud parties and property damage. Establish a 3-night minimum stay to safeguard your property. 

9. Forgetting the Grill: Families want to BBQ. If you don’t have a grill, they may purchase a cheap, messy one and leave it behind. 

10. Forgetting Liability Insurance: Resort pools are hazardous. Ensure your umbrella policy protects you from injuries at your home and the community club. 

Conclusion: The “Lazy River” ROI 

In 2026, the strategy for the best resort communities in Davenport FL is clear. The days of buying a random house and hoping for bookings are over!  

Now, high-end amenities drive your income.  

When you invest in a top-tier resort like Windsor Island or the Solterra resort, you can actually create a moat that can easily protect your wealth.  

To get started with it, you just have to follow the action plan:  

1. First things first, you have to pick your tier. In such cases, you can choose luxury ($600k+ at ChampionsGate) or great value ($450k+ at Solara).  

2. Second comes the audit fees. You just have to look beyond the price tag. Thus, you must calculate the total cost, which includes HOA, CDD and Club Fees.  

So, are you ready to see these homes in person? You can download the Davenport Resort Comparison Matrix 2026 to start your journey today!