WHAT ARE ACTIVE ADULT
COMMUNITIES?
Active Adult Communities are for older
adults seeking a carefree retirement or semi-retirement
lifestyle, who do not need personal or
health care services like those found in assisted
living. Active Adult Communities do not offer
meals, housekeeping, laundry, and similar services
found in Independent Living Residences.
CHARACTERISTICS
Active Adult Communities are generally
classified as Age-Restricted or Age-Targeted.
Understanding the difference and evaluating
your needs should be a factor when making
your living choice.
Age-Restricted Communities are designed
according to the Fair Housing Act which requires
at least 80% of residences to be occupied
by at least one person over the age of 55.
Age-Targeted Communities are marketed to
the 55+ age bracket, but aren’t limited to those
over age 55.
Active Adult Communities can be structured
in many ways. The most common are:
• Single-Family homes
• Patio homes • Townhomes
• Condominiums • Manufactured homes
• Rental apartments and communities
LIFESTYLE
Amenities
A carefree, low maintenance lifestyle makes
Active Adult Communities very attractive to
many. Residents trade home maintenance
responsibilities for social events and outings,
fun hobbies, and interests. Communities
feature programs and amenities that encourage
social engagement, including clubhouses,
swimming pools, recreation and fitness centers,
and walking, jogging, and biking paths. Some
even have golf, tennis, and pickleball courts.
There are activities and opportunities to
broaden the mind. The excitement of learning
new skills doesn’t stop at retirement. It’s just the
beginning and is only limited by the number of
hours in the day. Join a book club, take cooking,
photography or art classes, and explore new
destinations by joining a travel group, or start
your own class, club, or activity.
Services
Services vary depending on the type of
housing, ownership, and community amenities
offered. Many services are covered by monthly
community HOA fees, if owned, or through
monthly rental fees. Typical services offered:
• Trash and recycling pickup
• Exterior home maintenance
• Lawn care and landscaping
• Security and surveillance
• Cable, streaming, or satellite TV
• Internet & Wi-Fi access
Cost
The cost of Active Adult Communities can
vary greatly. Similar to conventional real estate,
cost will depend on community features and
you will pay more for unique, resort-style
amenities. Some factors that affect price are:
• Community location and neighborhood
• Location of the residence within the
community
• Type and size of residence
• Amenities and services offered
Retirement Living
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES
For more information
ElderCareGuide.com
8 www.ElderCareGuide.com
/ElderCareGuide.com
/www.ElderCareGuide.com
