What a 55+, or age-targeted community is not, is a retirement facility. In fact, most of the people who buy homes in these communities are far from retiring, yet find the lifestyle, and amenities the perfect fit for their active lives. Basically, you get to pick your flavor whether you’re a serious golf enthusiast, a nature lover, or a gym rat. These communities are scattered throughout the country with a variety of geographic locations from urban to rural. Some provide lavish resort-style amenities, and others are simpler offering only exterior home maintenance. Age-targeted or age-restricted, active lifestyle communities are made for today’s on-the-go boomers, and empty nesters wanting less maintenance and a peer community atmosphere.
Choose Your Lifestyle. Imagine living in a community where your passion is a way of life? Niche communities such as Shanti Niketan in Tavares, Florida a cultural celebration of Indian-Americans, or the Burbank Senior Artists Colony in Burbank, California devoted to 55+ artists, have created communities where like-minded residents share a common interest or culture. Golf is probably the most popular activity within any community, and those that feature a sprawling putting green as a primary feature are why so many choose this lifestyle. Many of these championship courses were designed by big names such as Tom Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones, and some are equipped with gift shops, and their own bar and grill.
It’s not all about single-family homes. 55+ homebuyers can find a variety of options, including manufactured, apartments or condos, and townhouses. For the affluent 55+ crowd, estate, and luxury communities on sprawling acreage offer lavish amenities such as parking for private jets and luxurious on-site spas. Reputable 55+ community builders like Del Webb, Toll Brothers, and Shea Homes know exactly what today’s active adult is looking for, and have seamlessly incorporated thoughtfully laid out floor plans, within communities rich in exciting amenities.
Other considerations when choosing the ideal lifestyle community are whether you prefer the company of age peers or an all-age environment shared with younger generations. Some communities are maintenance-free where you’ll never worry about mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway again. Before making the move to an active lifestyle community, find a realtor familiar with neighborhoods in your area, and make a list of features that are important to you. These are the best years of your life, and making dreams come true should begin at home.
