The process of visiting active adult and 55+ communities is potentially intimidating. This is especially the case when you roll up to a gated entrance and speak to a patrol guard. After all, you just want somewhere fun and relaxing to retire. Please bear in mind that the security measures are for safety reasons and it is the interior of a community that really counts.
The best active communities offer an array of amenities including golf courses, exercise centers, swimming pools, parks, bike trails and more. Essentially, you want a location that feels as if you are permanently on vacation! In this article, we look at 5 of the very best 55+ active communities in the country in 2017.
1 – Del Sur Living in San Diego, California
Del Sur Living’s Auberge community offers a number of neighborhoods to 55+ active adults. Each location features single-family living with optional dual master suites, second-story bedrooms, lofts and bonus rooms. Auberge has three options including The Cottages which offers ranch-style living to residents with open interiors that provide a lot of light and easy to maintain home designs.
The Summer House option comes with huge Great Rooms, dedicated dining spaces, a gourmet kitchen and Del Sur Rooms ideal for indoor and outdoor entertaining. At The Villas, you will own one of 74 homes designed in a courtyard-style. Features include a cook’s kitchen with an oversized island and the option to add a den or a loft.
Regarding lifestyle, you will love the 14 neighborhood parks and 11 pools in the community! Each location has its own unique charm and amenities including a meditation garden, picnic area, basketball half-court, Jacuzzi and a stage for community events. With San Diego’s beautiful weather to enjoy, life at Del Sur will feel like a tropical vacation every single day.
2 – Sun City West in Sun City, Arizona
This is a huge 55+ community with almost 17,000 homes spread across a vast area. It took Del Webb almost 20 years to complete Sun City West, but the developer finished construction in 1997. It succeeded in creating a community that matched the needs of the evolving retiree population and is the perfect location for healthy and active seniors.
Sun City West has a stunning array of amenities including nine golf courses, nine restaurants, and four recreation centers. Its famous R.H. Johnson Center covers 48 acres and has a remarkable 118,000 square feet of amenities. There are fitness centers, a computer lab, theater, ballroom, athletics track and much more within the community.
There were an incredible 140 models offered to homeowners during the near two-decade construction process with the largest properties having over 4,600 square feet of living space. Admittedly, some of the older models show their age, but you can design them to meet your lifestyle needs. All interests are catered for in Sun City West with over 100 chartered clubs, and you are less than 20 miles from the city of Phoenix.
3 – Robson Ranch in Denton, Texas
This gated community is ideal for seniors who love golf because it is home to the 18-hole Wildhorse Golf Club, one of the best courses in the region. There are approximately 7,200 homes, and while it is primarily for residents aged 55+, there is a section for 40+ individuals. Robson Ranch doesn’t just offer you a home; it gives you the chance to enjoy a carefree lifestyle.
Fitness enthusiasts will benefit from the state of the art fitness center known as the Sports Club. It has a giant free weights section and a cardio room, and there is also a basketball court, sauna, whirlpool and other facilities within the club. The Creative Arts and Technology Center has an arts & crafts studio, library and computer lab among other amenities.
You should find the property of your dreams at Robson Ranch as there are 25 different floor plans with some houses offering over 3,700 square feet of living space. Homes contain 2-4 bedrooms, 2-3.5 bathrooms, and 2-3 car garages. There over 60 clubs you can join, and Robson Ranch is just 35 miles away from Dallas and Fort Worth.
4 – The Villages in Florida
The Villages is the largest age restricted adult community in the world with over 56,000 households spread over 20,000 acres. Its sheer size means you will never get bored because there is so much to see and do. In reality, The Villages is less an adult community and more its own town; it is self-sustaining and spreads across three zip codes!
It has gained the nickname ‘Florida’s Friendliest Hometown’ as you are guaranteed a warm welcome if you decide to move there. There are too many amenities to mention in full but include several Town Squares that offer entertainment every night of the year. There are enough shops, retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants to ensure you don’t need to leave the community.
Construction began in 1978, and there are 100-floor plans in seven different categories including premier homes, designer homes, and patio villas. There are less expensive homes for residents on a budget, but even these units offer comfort. If you have more money to spend, treat yourself to a luxury upgrade. There are approximately 1,800 clubs to choose from, and the community’s weekly newsletter is 50 pages long!
5 – On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida
With a total of 10,000 homes, On Top of the World is one of the largest active adult communities in Florida. It is located near Ocala, the Horse Capital of the World, so if you love thoroughbreds, this is the place for you. As well as offering world-class amenities, this community is just 6.5 miles away from Interstate 75.
On Top of the World features three golf courses including the exceptional Candler Hills Golf Club. While it is semi-private, the other two courses are for residents and their friends only. The Circle Square Commons is the epicenter of activity in the community and provides residents with a concert-style atmosphere. There is a health and fitness spa, adult learning center and a weekly farmer’s market where you can enjoy fresh locally made produce.
If you choose this community, you can purchase a maintenance-free home with up to 3,000 square feet of living space. There are two separate communities: Meridian Preserve and Candler Hills and there are several neighborhoods to choose from according to your budget and lifestyle needs. With over 200 clubs, there is no danger of being bored when you’re On Top of the World.
Final Words
You have worked hard your entire life and now is the time to enjoy the fruits of this labor. The money you’ve saved will help you afford a home in one of the numerous 55+ active adult communities in the United States. Although you want to rest, you also want to remain energetic so pick a location that offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure.