We have neighbors who own there for years .

If you have an open mind, you might consider Sunny Rest Resort, near Palmerton, Pennsylvania. A number of Villagers have been there and loved it. It’s in beautiful mountains a half hour from Allentown and ninety minutes from Philadelphia. While it’s not a retirement community, a lot of people there are retired. It’s gated and fenced. While some people live there year round, the resort is mostly open summers. Weekdays are quiet, weekends buzzing. Most permanent residents own cabins or single-wide permanent trailers fixed up however they like. One comes up for sale now and then. Some are there every day in the summer and others on weekends. Lots of people rent camping sites and bring in an RV or trailer. Most people have golf carts for getting around. There’s one pool, big hot tubs, a small restaurant and a snack bar, volleyball, pool tables, a bar, a nightclub. It’s super friendly, especially if you are there all summer, as so many people hang out on their decks and invite you over. There are hiking trails in the woods. No golf course or club meetings to choose from, but there is still plenty to do, and there is so much community. If you buy a small used trailer, you can rent a nice site for under $5,000 for the summer, then store the trailer there for the winter. Buy a cheap used golf cart and you are all set.
Sunny Rest

This is not what you asked, but I agree with the gentleman who recommended an RV. Consider buying an RV and explore ALL the North. I liked the Poconos, but I hear some of the mountain and lake views in the North are a spectacular sight. There are women’s groups of ladies that camp/RV recreationally and full-time. You can find them on FB groups! Happy Retirement!!!

Try Pinehills in Plymouth Massachusetts. https://www.pinehills.com/
 

Pinehills in Plymouth MA is very similar to The Villages.

Any place in New York along Lake Champlain is beautiful. Adirondack Mountains are nearby too. Great beaches, fishing, golf, etc. Montreal to the north, Burlington Vt right across the lake, and Maine and New Hampshire make great day trips.

My son lives in Cape Cod. Lots of water sports. Buzzard's Bay area is good. Stay away from the Atlantic - sharks. Cooler than Boston in the summer with nice breezes. He lives a block from a swimming pond, has a small stream behind his house, and is close to the Bay. There are condos in the area (not huge developments) which would be nice for a part timer.

Not in Connecticut. Taxes!

Ohhhh. NYC! All the things to do! Gets my vote😄

As others stated, there's nothing like The Villages anywhere. However, a cool place for the summer is Frye Island on Sebago Lake in Raymond, ME. It's not a retirement community, but most everyone rides golf carts to get around. (approx. 475 houses) The only access from the mainland is by Ferry. It has a 9-hole championship golf course, but only one store/restaurant on the island. They also have entertainment various nights at the clubhouse and restaurant near the ferry. There are plenty of other stores/restaurants off the island when desired.

Rent in various areas
 

Every place has it's up and downs. Personally, I would rent in various parts of the country for 1-4 months depending on the area and your want for adventure. Switching starting locations each year. My husband and I traveled for a year and a half renting at places for a month using AirBnB or similar services. One of the things I use the most in these services is skimming through the reviews. This gives you a good idea of what to expect in the area and the rental. I always look for at least some negatives - more believable. I also prefer ones being rented by a nearby person. I have always found them much more helpful than any agency. Once there for a month you will make contacts if you want to have a return visit. Spring and fall are very different even in the same spot. Cottages along lakes or rivers are a personal favorite. Downtown's often have some great vibes. We traveled with our computer bag, 1 suitcase and an overnight bag each - these days you can buy what ever you may run out of our forgot just about anywhere.
Have a wonderful time !

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Upper Michigan , Montana, or North Dakota. Maybe Wyoming.....If it was me......

How far north? Lakes, shore? Poconos PA, Hamptons NY,SIC NJ, Delaware? Best of luck!

Summers up North
 

I'm a Villager 7 months a year and go North for the summer to Cape Cod. I have a small 2 b/r condo in a mini Village atmosphere. 750 units, pickleball, tennis, par 28 golf, rec center with indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, woodworking, pool tables, bocce, shuffleboard, and many more activities. 13 minutes to the beach. Great restaurants in the area. Lots of lobster. Also many 18 hole golf courses nearby.

It' an over 55 community called Southport in Mashpee, MA.

Beautiful Summers on Lake Michigan!
 

Door County Wisconsin!!
You would love love love it!!

we intend to be reverse snowbirds at some point too