Active Adult Communities
If you’re over the age of 55 and don’t require health care services, an active adult community may be a good fit for your retirement lifestyle. With social events, amenities and maintenance-free living, it’s understandable why those on their way to retirement might consider an active adult community. Consider the pros and cons before selecting a community near you.
- Written by Lindsey Crossmier
Lindsey Crossmier
Financial Writer
Lindsey Crossmier is an accomplished writer with experience working for The Florida Review and Bookstar PR. As a financial writer, she covers Medicare, life insurance and dental insurance topics for RetireGuide. Research-based data drives her work.
Read More- Edited By
Lamia Chowdhury
Lamia Chowdhury
Financial Editor
Lamia Chowdhury is a financial content editor for RetireGuide and has over three years of marketing experience in the finance industry. She has written copy for both digital and print pieces ranging from blogs, radio scripts and search ads to billboards, brochures, mailers and more.
Read More- Reviewed By Bart Astor
- Published: June 13, 2022
- Updated: May 23, 2023
- 4 min read time
- This page features 4 Cited Research Articles
- Edited By
What Is an Active Adult Community?
An active adult community is a social-oriented, independent senior housing option, with resort style amenities and little to no house maintenance. While most active adult communities have an age restriction to only allow those over age 55 to join, others are more lenient, only having a suggested age.
For a senior living community to be considered 55 and up, at least 80% of the residents must be over 55 and the community must follow all rules established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Part of what makes an active adult community appealing to older Americans is the location — many are near shopping centers, medical centers, hospitals and restaurants. Some communities are even built within, or reside nearby, a college that allows residents to take courses and continue their education for free.
- Biking
- Arts and crafts
- Social pastimes
- Golfing
- Yoga
The average cost for an active adult community range between $1,500 to $4,000 a month, depending on the community you choose and where you live. Make sure you consider the pros and cons of an active adult community before taking the next step in choosing your new home.
Pros and Cons of Active Adult Community Living
Your overall health will likely overrule most pros and cons when considering an active adult community as the biggest con is not having health care assistance on site.
Even if you’re in decent health right now, you may have a family history of illnesses that will require long-term health care assistance in the future. If so, other options that have health care services available, such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), may be a better option for you.
Senior housing options with on-site health care assistance can be costly. If you don’t require any medical assistance or help with daily living activities, then an active adult community may be the next best step for you. These communities allow you to bond with new companions and removes the burden of handling home maintenance tasks.
- Resort-style amenities
- Social and fitness activities
- Grounds maintenance
- Opportunity for free college courses at some communities
- Quiet environment
- Home repair for appliances
- Affordable compared to other senior housing options
- Typically located next to shopping centers and restaurants
- No on-site medical care
- Typically doesn’t assist with housekeeping or transportation
- Doesn’t provide help with daily living activities (eating, bathing or mobility tasks)
- Little to no age diversity
- Younger family members cannot stay at your property without a senior present
Some of the common amenities for adult living communities include a pool, golf course, tennis court, ballroom, pickleball court, and a clubhouse for arts and crafts.
If you’ve considered the pros and cons and found an active adult community to be aligned with your retirement goals, there are several tips that can help you find the best community for your lifestyle.
Tips for Choosing the Right Community for You
It can be a lengthy process to find the perfect home for your retirement. Here are five tips that can help you determine which active adult community may be right for you.
- Confirm all costs
- While most active adult communities have an all-in-one fee, some may require additional costs. The monthly fees vary, typically being on the higher end if you have ample amenities and services. You’ll need to account for all costs when determining your budget for an active adult community.
- Find out what rules are enforced
- Some communities are stricter than others with their rules. For example, some communities don’t allow anyone under the age of 18 permitted in the pool — others close amenity access earlier than usual. If you plan on having grandchildren or young family members, then some rules could influence which community you choose.
- See if transportation services are available
- While some older Americans can still be mobile and active, driving may no longer be a safe option. If you think you can still live independently but need occasional transportation, then confirm with your community if this service is available.
- Compare communities in your area
- You should try to visit and compare at least three active adult communities at minimum. While touring each community, try to talk with some of the residents and see if they enjoy living there. Take note of the cleanliness of the amenities and how close the nearest medical centers are.
- Research company’s financials
- You can request the annual report of the active adult community to confirm how stable the organization is. If you come across questionable results, then you should consider a different community.
Take all factors into account when deciding on a long-term living solution. Costs, amenities, rules, benefits and staff can all play a big role in which route you choose.
- Special focus on content about life insurance, Social Security, Medicare and certificates of deposits (CDs)
- Research-based data drives her work
- Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Central Florida
4 Cited Research Articles
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). The Fair Housing Act: Housing For Older Persons. Retrieved from https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_housing_older_persons
- Bella Vita. (n.d.) What is Active Adult Living? Retrieved from https://livebellavita.com/active-adult-community/
- Assisted Living. (n.d.). The Average Cost Of Senior Living: Can You Afford It? Retrieved from https://www.assistedliving.org/senior-housing/the-average-cost-of-senior-living/#:~:text=Depending%20on%20your%20location%2C%20living,%243%2C500%20to%20%2410%2C500%20a%20month
- Private Communities Registry. (n.d.). Florida Active Adult Communities. Retrieved from https://www.privatecommunities.com/florida/active-adult-communities.htm
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