Active Adult Communities

Active adult communities are a type of neighborhood designed to make life easier for people at or near retirement age. The communities feature low-maintenance residences ranging from condos to single-family homes, rentals and purchases. While active adult communities do not provide meals or housekeeping, they offer premium amenities – and sometimes even social engagement opportunities – for a diversity of interests and activities for active adults.

What Are Active Adult Communities?

Most active adult communities are age restricted or age targeted. Age-restricted neighborhoods limit residents to a certain age and above – often 55, but specific age varies. Age-targeted neighborhoods, on the other hand, cater to a certain demographic, often around age 55. They offer age-targeted amenities, services, and activities but do not require a minimum age.

All homes feature amenities suited to older adults, such as first-floor bedrooms and aging-in-place considerations. If residents purchase their homes, the communities are usually managed by a homeowners’ association (HOA).

These communities are primarily private and located in upscale areas designed and built with active retirees in mind. Though they are typically their own neighborhood, some are within larger planned communities including single family homes while others are part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community campus.

What Do Active Adult Communities Look Like?

Active adult communities are often a neighborhood of single-story homes with a variety of amenities, well-groomed landscapes, and lawn maintenance services. Many are gated, with security guards and 24-hour surveillance systems. Such services enable residents to travel for long periods of time without concern of home safety or home maintenance.

Types of homes in these communities can vary in size and price point by neighborhood, and can include one of the following, or a combination of these styles:

Sprawling custom-built homes with first-floor living
Single-story cottages
Condominiums
Duplexes
Townhouses with a downstairs master
Apartments
Manufactured homes

They generally offer-first floor living, leaving a second story (if there is one) for guest bedrooms. Each unit is designed to be low maintenance and easy to navigate with open floor plans: the open design of the floor plan is intended to allow for aging in place with wide doorways and accommodations in case mobility needs change over time.

Most neighborhoods are equity based, meaning that these homes are purchased and owned by the resident. There are, however, a few neighborhoods that offer rental options.

Amenities vary by neighborhood, and may include:

Swimming pools
Golf courses
Clubhouses
Recreation centers
Walking, jogging, and biking paths
Pickleball courts
Tennis courts

In addition to on-campus activities, communities are often located near shopping centers, libraries, hospitals, pharmacies, and churches to foster a walkable lifestyle. Many also offer shuttle buses going to and from shopping areas.

What Is It Like to Live in an Active Adult Community?

While active adult communities may feel almost resort-like – especially since yard work isn’t a concern – residents typically maintain their interior spaces, cook their own meals, and run their own errands. Some communities will offer housekeeping and butler services, while others are appropriate for the more price-conscious consumer. Some residents choose to work full or part time.

Lifestyle

Without having to worry about yard work or exterior maintenance, residents have the freedom to pursue their own hobbies and interests. Many communities offer social activities such as:

Cooking classes
Arts and crafts sessions
Book clubs
Card tournaments
Exercise groups
Travel groups

Active adult communities aim to foster a social environment, regularly offering planned social events and gatherings. Many neighborhoods accommodate a variety of communal spaces, which can be made available to residents (though sometimes a small fee will apply). And because these communities are filled with residents of similar lifestyles and interests, friendships often form easily. Furthermore, outside friends and family can visit at any time.

Services

Since active adult communities are designed for the comfort and leisure of their residents, many services related to homeownership are covered in the monthly homeowners’ fee; these are typically higher than a single-family community HOA fee.

The services covered may vary, but generally include:

Trash and recycling pickup
Exterior home maintenance
Lawn care
Security and surveillance
Cable or satellite TV
Wi-Fi
Transportation

Cost of Active Adult Communities

The cost of active adult communities can vary greatly among neighborhoods. Similar to conventional real estate, these factors are often based on:

Community location
Location of the residence within the community
Type and size of residence
Amenities
Whether accommodations are shared or private

When evaluating whether a neighborhood is a good fit, it may be helpful to review the covenants and historical board meeting minutes. These documents will provide insight into the priorities of the community board and the culture they are facilitating. Reviewing the financials of their reserve fund and ongoing operating cost may also be insightful.

Questions to Ask When Researching Active Adult Communities

Are there a variety of floor plans within the community?
What activities and social clubs are available?
What other amenities are offered?
Is everything included with the cost, or is there any à la carte pricing?
What is the surrounding area like?
How close is the community to places you frequent, like church, gym, or family?
What is the monthly HOA fee, and what services does it cover?
How frequently does the fee schedule increase? Are there any anticipated special assessments planned in the next two years?
What is the resale process?