Resort Style to High Rise: How Do You Decide?

Navigating the active adult living housing market is like choosing between your favorite menu items, do you want the swimming pool, your own golf club, or the Friday night happy hour? Many offer it all, some are simplistic. Age targeted, or age-restricted is a matter of personal preference whether you’d rather be surrounded by your age peers, or hang out with the younger generation. What these lifestyle communities do have in common is nobody’s sitting around, and if a vacation every day of the week is your idea of a good time, there are plenty of options for that too. If you asked most homeowners how they’re enjoying their retirement, they’ll probably say retiree status is on the far distant horizon. These folks are on the go whether they’re out hiking, dancing, or training for the Tour De France, so rocking chairs are pretty much obsolete.

What’s drawing the growing baby boomer generation to these communities anyway? Many are empty-nesters, some are looking to downsize, and some are still active in the workforce. 55+ executives love the idea of coming home after work and having the yard work already done for them, and if they want to squeeze in a workout, the gym or pool is literally outside their door. The beauty of an active adult community is there is no one-size-fits-all. Apartments, and manufactured homes, to attached homes, and lavish estates, the options available to suit any budget or lifestyle are virtually limitless. Available to rent or buy, many folks choose an active adult community as a part-time vacation home, or because they want to relax, and leave the maintenance to the experts. Depending on how much they want to spend, they’ll typically find the more amenities are offered, the higher the HOA fees. Builders are finding that most boomers are willing to pay for the lifestyle because they feel they’ve earned it, and would rather spend more time doing what they love.

Whether or not the home has an on-site golf course, a hair salon, or a ballroom, most active adult communities are designed to age in place. Floor plans aren’t necessarily limited to single-story layouts, but many offer innovative designs for maximum accessibility such as main floor master suites, zero-entry thresholds, and walk-in showers. Some luxury homes even provide elevators and other bells and whistles including countertops designed to accommodate a wheelchair and concierge services. It’s also all about location. Designed to be near must-have amenities, and services, 55+ communities are tucked away in all corners of the country whether it’s a neighborhood for the coastal dreamer or a getaway in the mountains. Tailored to suit everyone from snowbirds to surf pros, 55 + communities are stepping up to meet the demand.