Active Adult and 55+ Communities

• Less maintenance. If you’re tired of lawn care, painting, and exterior upkeep, low- or no-maintenance living may be appealing. There’s no more mowing, snow blowing or calling a plumber.
• Rightsized living space. Many people find they use only a few rooms in their homes on a regular basis. Having a residence with a smaller footprint means there’s less to worry about—and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Surrounded by your peers. In an active adult community, your neighbors are at similar stages in life with similar interests. Children and grandchildren are welcome to visit, but for the most part, neighborhoods are relatively quiet and retirement friendly.
• Convenient amenities. You’ll typically have easy access to amenities like fitness centers and swimming pools. Many communities have, or are near, golf courses, tennis courts, and walking trails. You’ll also find opportunities for socializing through events, clubs and volunteer groups.
• Health and wellness focus. Many communities emphasize health and wellness by providing fitness programs, wellness classes and opportunities to engage in physical recreation activities. This focus on well-being can lead to a healthy, more active lifestyle.
• Safety and Security. Many communities have gate entries and other security features that provide residents with a sense of safety and peace of mind.

• Location. Location. Location. Consider: Do you want to stay close to your current location (friends and community) or are you open to a new location (adventure and establishing new connections)? Do you want to be near the kids and grandkids?
• Area offerings. Are there quality medical centers nearby? Is there a university in town? Do you want (or need) to be close to a major airport? What are the shopping, dining and cultural opportunities?
• Your lifestyle needs. Do the amenities provided match your interests? Many communities offer a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, tennis, pickleball, golf, walking trails, programming, and social clubs. But remember, the more amenities offered, the higher the monthly fee may be.
• Size and design. Active adult communities typically offer condominiums, townhomes, and freestanding single-family homes – in a wide variety of sizes and floor plans. So, think about what you want – and don’t want – during this time of life. A stepless ranch, primary suite on main floor, open floor plan, outdoor living area, modern features and finish choices may all be considerations.
• Know your budget. Ask what’s included in the monthly fees, and if there are any add-on costs. When moving to a new area, be sure to factor in the affordability and cost of living in the area. Equally important, ask about local taxes and tax implications.
• Visit several communities in your area. Compare residences and amenities, but also compare programs, classes, and the general culture. Do you feel like you’ll fit in, feel at home, have plenty to do?

Active adult or 55+ communities offer a fun and fulfilling lifestyle for older adults. These communities have become a haven for those seeking easier living, companionship, new adventures, and a sense of belonging.

But how much does it cost? The cost of living in an active adult community varies depending on key factors including location, amenities, size of the residence, and the types of services and amenities provided.

If you’re looking for relatively maintenance-free independent living residences, are 55 or older and are ready to join new friends in pursuing new hobbies and activities with people your own age, then YES, an active adult community might be right for you.