Introduction
Ideal retirement looks different for each person. Some choose to move closer to family or move into long-term homes. For many, moving to a community dedicated to and designed for people in retirement age is the ultimate way to live their golden years. So, what are some of the best active-adult communities after retirement?
But, choosing a senior living community is no easy task for anybody. You have no idea what kind of people you’ll be surrounded with. And whether the staff is genuinely kind and possesses the qualities of a great caregiver or not. Most importantly, if you’ll be happy at all.
To make the task a little easier for you, we compiled 31 of the best active adult communities in the US. We’ll give you an overview of the atmosphere, history, and standards of each place to make your research a little easier.
For more insights about other types of Senior Living, browse through our blog articles here.
What Is an Active Adult Community?
It is a community that offers low maintenance, independent living housing to 55 years of age and older. Residents typically have access to plenty of amenities and social activities for socializing. They can include events, clubs, fitness gyms, swimming pools, and golf courses.
Housing comes in various forms ranging from apartments, condos, houses, townhouses, mobile homes to patio homes. These communities are often near shops, hospitals, restaurants, and local attractions.
Can I Live with My Family in a 55+ Community?
Yes, you can. Most residents live with their families. There are two types of 55+ communities. In age-targeted communities, older adults are less concentrated. The housing in these communities is marketed to residents that are 55+. On the other hand, age-restricted communities have a higher concentration of seniors.
Where Are the Best Active Adult Communities?
You can find the most popular 55+ communities in New Mexico, Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, and Idaho. But the best of these communities can be found across the states.
31 Best Retirement Communities for Active Adults
Below is a list of the top 31 communities according to Boomershub:
1. The Villages
Located in scenic Florida, in historic Deland, Cresswind is a well-managed and planned community. It is brilliantly located away from the hustle and bustle of the city but close enough to enjoy all the amenities like shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The community is a collection of quiet retirement neighborhoods only a golf car ride away from each other. The residents get to fill their days with purpose courtesy of a fantastic selection of recreation facilities, social clubs, and activities, whether you want to learn something new, play board games, or enjoy some fun activities with friends.
It is one of the largest age-restricted communities in the state of Florida as well as in the world. Founded in 1978, the community has grown to accommodate 70,000 households of 55+ active residents. It is an entirely self-sufficient town complete with banks, restaurants, post offices, and health care centers and has retirees flocking to it from all over the world.
2. Sun City Hilton Head
Through the private gates of Sun City Hilton Head is a state-of-the-art 55+ active community.
It earned this recognition because of its resort-style amenities and activities, including 3 golf courses, multiple fitness centers and pools, and a performing arts theatre.
It is located in downtown Beaufort in South Carolina, with beautiful Hilton Head Island beaches just a short drive away.
3. Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado
The Khovnanian Homes presents the Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado. With a unique and beautiful setting, the community offers new single-family homes with a variety of amenities.
Four Seasons at Victory Verrado is one of the newer 55+ active adult communities. And like most established communities, it is filled with amenities and activities, offering residents a resort-style lifestyle that few can resist.
As a resident, you get to experience valley views and take advantage of the Victory Club, which features private pools, a world-class fitness center, as well as a spa. You can also participate in fun activities like Zumba classes, yoga sessions, billiards, and more.
The community boasts of a full-time lifestyle director on-site to ensure that residents are comfortable and happy with their life in the community.
4. Suncity Summerlin
Sun City Summerlin is another 55+ active adult community on the western edge of the City of Las Vegas. Created by Del Webb in 1989, it is one of the country’s premier adult communities.
Aside from its 7,779 homes, the community also boasts magnificent recreational facilities like 4 fitness centers, an Olympic-sized pool, 3 18-hole golf courses, and extensive green belt areas. Residents even get to enjoy great performances as well as movies and guest speakers. It features more amenities than any other active adult community in Las Vegas.
Suncity Summerlin is located just minutes from the glamorous action of downtown Las Vegas and the fabled Strip.
The place also has a magnificent view of surrounding mountains with tree-lined streets, great restaurants, award-winning casinos, resorts, and spas.
5. Grandview at Gateway
Somewhere in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia is the first mountain city of Jasper. In that city lies the Grandview at Gateway Community.
Grandview is a community dedicated to promoting an environment of social interaction and encouraging physical activity, mental stimulation, and just plain fun.
6. The Cottages of Brow Wood
If waking up every morning to a beautiful mountainous view sounds appealing to you, then you’ll love The cottages of Brow Wood. You’ll get to enjoy your morning coffee in a private, gated courtyard and watch beautiful sunsets from your sunroom.
Located just 20 minutes from Chattanooga, the community provides the peaceful vibe of the countryside and the convenience of city life all in one.
7. Laguna Woods
For many, spending the rest of their lives on an endless vacation in sunny California is the ultimate retirement. So, it’s no surprise that Laguna Woods Village is one of Orange County’s most desirable 55+ Active Adult Communities.
If you can’t think of anything better than spending the rest of your life in perfect weather, 10 minutes from the beach, and with access to a wide selection of world-class amenities, then Laguna Woods Village was tailor-made for you.
Located in Orange County, in beautiful sunny southern California, it is situated on 2,100 acres of rolling hills in the beautiful Saddleback Valley. Laguna Woods Village is the largest 55+ active community on the West Coast.
The quality of life offered in the community is scarcely matched by any other active adult community in the country. In addition, it provides many real estate options and a vast array of architectural diversity to fit almost any buyer’s housing preference and budget.
The 12,736-home community boasts 7 clubhouses, 36 holes of golf, 5 swimming pools, an equestrian center, and over 250 clubs and organizations.
8. Lake Providence
Lake Providence is a moderately sized gated community located in Nashville, Tennessee. If the mere mentions of Nashville and Tennessee aren’t enough to woo you to retire here, the daily view of the 15-acre lake might.
The 55+ community has just over 1,000 homes with areas to swim, eat, and enjoy an active lifestyle. The community has a friendly lifestyle director on-site to host parties and events to keep the residents socializing.
And if you just want to get away for a bit, the community is surrounded by numerous local historical attractions that you can check out.
9. Village at Deaton Creek
The Village at Deaton Creek community is for slow rural life lovers who still like the finer things in life. It’s a revered community of beautiful ranch houses in the prestigious northeast suburbs of Atlanta.
This community is an intimate, guard-gated community with 1,144 homes. It is where the world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment of Atlanta meet the rural charm of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The community boasts a bountiful lineup of amenities, rolling hills, towering trees, the Mall of Georgia, nearby attractions such as Lake Lanier, and the culture of Atlanta. Your biggest dilemma will be deciding between the countless entertainment activities available to you.
10. Sun City Huntley
Set in 2,200 acres of neatly landscaped grounds, Sun City Huntley is a thriving but moderately priced active 55+ community. It’s an affordable option for a smaller retirement budget.
Conveniently located in Illinois, this community features approximately 5,500 homes. In addition to its proximity to Chicago, community perks include an indoor walking track and spa, a 94,000 square-foot clubhouse for 80 clubs and amenities, arts and crafts studios, yoga and dance classes, as well as miles of nature trails and outdoor activities.
11. Del Webb Sweetgrass
Sweetgrass is the epitome of Southern Comfort in perfect harmony with the famous Del Webb lifestyle. Nestled in Richmond, Texas, the community spans over 500 acres of prime real estate.
The community offers over 1,500 homes, some of which you can view on virtual tours online. In addition, the residents get to enjoy numerous amenities such as gaming, dining areas, and places to socialize in a 27,000-square-foot clubhouse.
The property also has miles of walking trails and other outdoor amenities to give residents their nature fixes.
12. Solivita
Established in 2000, Solivita is a force to be reckoned with in the retirement world. The 55+ active community has over 74 excellence awards under its belt and is currently growing in popularity due to its affordability and prime location.
The master-planned community is built on land spanning about 4,300 acres in Kissimmee, Florida. It features 3 restaurants with award-winning facilities like the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center with outdoor swimming pools, aerobics center, indoor track, and cardiovascular equipment.
Amenities also include art classes in sculpture, ceramics, and pottery. And an 18-hole championship golf course at the Stonegate Golf club.
13. Stone Creek
The stone creek is a stunning development of about 3,800 active adult homes in a gated community. Known for its surrounding landscape, the facility has a recreation complex offering various fun amenities such as gaming, dining, spa, and a state-of-the-art pool and palm trees to give the community a resort feel.
The community even has ready-to-move-in homes to accommodate you while you find a home that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
14. On Top of the World
The 55+ active community lives up to its name as it has several awards such as best-selling community, community of the year, and best 55+ community in the world.
The establishment has continued success year after because of its wide variety of home styles, home prices, and a wide selection of amenities. It is also dedicated to continually improving its standards and quality of life in the community.
15. Latitude Magaritaville
Nestled in Daytona Beach, Florida, Latitude Margaritaville is a unique collection of 55+ active communities inspired by the music and life of Jimmy Buffett. It offers residents more than a community and a home; it also provides a lifestyle like no other.
Since its announcement in 2017, the community has seen its first amenities open up. These include a town square that features restaurants, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and more, as well as a pirate beach looking out into the Atlantic.
16. Sun City Texas
Everything is bigger and better in Texas, and so are their retirement communities. Sun City Texas stuck to this theme and became the largest 55+ community in the state.
But despite its size and proximity to the action and culture of Austin – the state capital, which is only minutes away, the active community has a small-city charm to it.
Located in historic Georgetown, it is an oasis of beauty and luxury amenities in the hill country. Like many of our picks, it boasts of a 118-hole golf course, outdoor pools, nine miles of trails, and so much more.
17. Pelican Preserve
If you are a golf fanatic, Pelican Preserve will be right up your alley. It boasts of a 2-hole championship golf course with striking fairways. In addition, the 1,100-acre golf course community is a botanical paradise located in Fort Myers, Florida.
The master-planned community for active adults has about 2,500 residences ranging from spacious condos and carriage homes to attached villas and single-family homes.
It is one of the first residential communities awarded the Gold Seal of Sustainability from Audubon International’s Development program.
18. Tellico Village
Located in the Tennessee Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tellico Village is one of the South East’s premier senior planned retirement communities. The active community sits on 4,800 acres of land along Tellico Lake.
Established in 1987, Tellico offers a unique combination of natural beauty, mild four-season climate, and world-class recreational facilities. The lake provides pristine scenery for boating, fishing, and swimming.
An unparalleled number of high-quality amenities help residents enjoy a high-quality and fulfilling life.
It has 3 private championship golf courses that offer outstanding play, state-of-the-art health care, and fantastic shopping centers.
19. Province – Maricopa, AZ
Between the dozens of social and interest groups and diverse mix of fitness activities, Province might as well guarantee a fun and exciting retirement.
The active community is located at the edge of the Phoenix area. Residents get to enjoy a tranquil setting while still close enough to daily conveniences just 38 miles from Downtown Phoenix. The community’s 125 acres of parks and natural space, walking, and biking trails will also add to the sense of serenity and relaxation when you need it.
Their homes range from 1,487 to 1,736 square feet and are priced between $100,000 to $500,000. These residences are either single-family or attached homes. It boasts of a wide variety of amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor pool to keep you active. It also has a clubhouse cafe, ballroom, library, billiards, card room, and a clubhouse that has a dance, ceramics, and sewing studio.
20. Sun City Shadow Hills
If you love the sun you will love Sun City Shadow hills. Located in Coachella Valley in Sunny California, the active community is just a quick 30mins from palm springs.
The gated community is rich with a variety of amenities to satisfy your fun activity desires. And has recently been climbing the active community charts. It is part of the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Area where shopping and cultural venues abound. Their amenities include golf, tennis, pickleball, bocce, fitness centers, several pools, and a library.
But what makes it popular are the social elements of the Del Webb community, which features two clubhouses, a vast variety of social events, and clubs.
21. Dell Webb Ponte Vedra
Originally known as Riverwood at Nocatee, Dell Webb Ponte Vedra is a stunning 55+ active community with carefully thought out architecture located just minutes from the Atlantic.
The community is part of the master-planned community of Nocatee that is nestled 20 miles south of the capital of retirement, Florida.
The Anastasia Club is one of the main features of the community, in its 37,800 square-foot glory. This is a community clubhouse that features a vast selection of amenities, including an ultra-modern recreation and fitness center.
It also offers a steam room, an indoor pool, a sauna, as well as other classes like yoga, Zumba, pilates, and other aerobic group classes. The club also boasts of a resort-style pool with a sun deck and a spa.
Ponde Vedra real estate has 19800 homes. Including condo buildings, carriage homes with elevators, and single-family homes, tastefully designed in Mediterranean-inspired architecture. All ranging from Mid $200s to low $600
22. Trilogy Orlando
Think luxury hotel, but permanent home – that’s Trilogy Orlando. Located at the heart of Central Florida, the community is the epitome of elegance while still managing to be affordable.
It is home to a diverse mix of residents who live a lifestyle rich with opulent amenities and a variety of activities. With 1,499 homes when construction is complete, the community is constantly improving.
Just like Dell Webb Sweetgrass, the community offers virtual tours to prospective residents who are unable to travel to tour physically.
As far as amenities go, there is something for everyone: spaces for tennis, pickleball, bocce, and watersports, as well as a resort-style pool to lounge under the beautiful blue skies and sunshine. Discover a new talent in a culinary classroom watercolor or an artisan studio, and make plenty of friends with an extensive variety of social activities.
23. Sun City Anthem
Constructed in 1998 by Dell Webb, Sun City Anthem is an active community in Henderson with a total of 7,144 homes. It offers a low-maintenance lifestyle with an endless supply of indoor activities in over 130,000 square feet of 3 unique clubhouses.
Due to its elevated architecture, the community offers a beautiful view of the Las Vegas strip and beautiful mountain ranges. In terms of real estate, the community offers 31 floor plans for residents to choose from including single-family and villa home models.
Located at the edge of Las Vega Valley, just 30 minutes from Downtown Las Vegas, Sun City Anthem offers serene small city life while still near enough to the big city to enjoy its conveniences. It has over 50 clubs, service groups, and volunteer organizations like arts, sports, crafts, and social clubs.
24. Rio Verde Community and Country Club, Rio Verde, Arizona
The award-winning Rio Verde is the very definition of luxury, and the price of membership reflects this with houses ranging from $350,000 to a million.
Located 10 miles east of North Scottsdale, the exclusive community is isolated from the hustle and bustle of city life and provides its guests with a homely feel within the country club lifestyle.
Nestled in the high Sonoran Desert, many of the 1,000 custom-built homes offer scenic views of the mountains and serenity, which is complemented by the outstanding services and amenities.
Built like a small city, the golf retirement community is designed so you never have to leave. The community is packed with endless opportunities for adventure and fun. From two world-class golf courses, hobby studios, and miles of walking and biking trailers that wind through the community.
25. Heritage Shores
If you’re considering retiring in Delaware, you won’t do better than Heritage Shores. It is not only the biggest but the only 55+ community with its own golf course in Delaware.
Located in Western Sussex Country in Bridgeville, its prime location makes it convenient for daily trips to the eastern shore, Annapolis, and Baltimore, as well as a quick trip to the beach resorts in Delaware or Ocean City.
It is a low-maintenance active community, which means you can do as little or as much as you can. If you like being active, you’ll enjoy the Aquatic & Fitness Center with indoor and outdoor pools, an Author Mills 18-hole Championship Golf Course, and tennis courts.
The active community features multiple builders with a variety of single-family detached and attached homes priced from $200,000 to the upper $400,000s. Eventually, the community will contain 1,800 homes.
26. Canal Walk – Somerset, NJ
Known for its beautiful homes, residency at Canal Walk guarantees that your new home will be state-of-the-art in design and construction. The reserve homes are constructed under the strict guidelines of the New Jersey Energy Star Program, which ensures additional comfort and lower energy expenses.
The Canal Walk’s prime location near popular destinations makes it easy for residents to plan trips to nearby New York, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, or the Jersey Shore. The establishment itself offers fine restaurants, shopping areas, and cultural attractions.
The amenities also include a massage and wellness center, an expansive clubhouse where residents can play a game of cards or pool in the billiards room, and an arts and crafts room to explore their creativity.
27. Sun City Lincoln Hills – Lincoln, CA
A long-time favorite for active community home buyers in Northern California is Sun City Lincoln Hills. Built from 1999-2008 by Del Webb, the community is loved for its well-constructed modern homes. And its beautifully manicured landscape spanning over 2,992 acres.
Like a lot of the communities on our list, the community’s recreation center, Orchard Creek Lodge, is one of its main attractions thanks to the wide selection of amenities it offers. From an indoor and outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, numerous activity rooms, and a ballroom with an entertainment stage.
If you are an active person, you will enjoy the 27 miles of fitness trails, and various activities the community offers over acres of rolling hills, wetlands, creeks, and open space.
The community offers a wide variety of real estate styles and options that include mostly single-family homes and an assortment of villa ranch townhomes. A full-time activities director ensures an exciting lifestyle for the residents filled with events, classes, and trips to nearby attractions such as Napa.
28. Four Seasons at the Lakes of Cane Bay – Summerville, SC
Four Seasons at the Lakes of Cane Bay is one of the newer 55+ communities and is located in Summerville, SC. The lakefront home community is part of the nationally acclaimed master-planned development of Cane Bay Plantation.
The 55+ community is just a few drives from downtown Charleston. Residents can enjoy walking the historic streets, visit fabulous boutiques, and get a taste of the city’s thriving restaurant scene. Just a few miles away are the white sands of Mt. Pleasant and the Isle of Palms for the residents to revel in.
Within the community are 8 miles of navigable waterways and the spectacular view of a 300-acre lake. And of course, there are countless amenities for the residents to choose from for their social benefit, including resort-style pools, tennis/bocce/pickleball courts, a fitness center, and a dog park.
The active community offers single-story homes with flexible loft space, ample storage, and energy-saving features. It has a variety of innovative 2 & 3 bedroom home designs and 2 or 3-car garages. Private suites with spacious bed/bath, living area, and a kitchenette are also available.
29. Rossmoor – Walnut Creek, CA
Rossmoor spans over 1,800 acres of picturesque landscape in the Tice Valley area of Walnut Creek, Northern California. It offers great views, lush open spaces, and pristine neighborhoods.
The award-winning active community maintains 2 beautiful tennis courts where residents of all skill levels can take lessons or take part in organized tournaments. Rossmoor also boasts 27 holes of NCGA rated golf on a 6,162 yard, par-72 Robert Muir Graves-designed Dollar Ranch Golf Course. The residents can relax in spacious clubhouses next to swimming pools or venture off to excursions, parties, or classes of their choice.
The community offers a wide variety of real estate from Co-ops, condos, single-family homes, and congregate living.
30. Savannah Lakes Village
If you like the finer things in life but don’t want to overpay for them, Savannah Lakes is your destiny. Established in the 1980s, Savanna Lakes still offers new as well as resale homes ranging from the low $200,000s to over $1 million, and homesites from $25,000 to $250,000.
Located just 40 miles from Augusta, Savannah Lakes is centrally located to all your favorite Southern Cities and just a short drive to the best shopping and entertainment in the region.
The community provides its residents with the country club lifestyle while maintaining a manicured resort-style landscape to satisfy the most particular individual.
It features two 18-hole lakefront golf clubs, which you won’t need to pay for. This is because the price of your home includes the membership fees and other amenities. And there’s no initiation cost for new golf club members.
The active community really does encourage you to be active with an array of outdoor activities. Their 71,000-acre lake is great for boating, fishing and kayaking. The parks and miles of trails will give you the option to hike, bike, or walk for as long as you want. And if you have a competitive spirit, games of tennis, pickleball, or bocce will be your daily delight.
If you aren’t all that outdoorsy, you’ll enjoy meeting with fellow community members for bridge, canasta, table tennis, book discussions, or some classes like yoga. The community is also big on events like hosted plays, holiday parties, trips, and excursions. It’s harder to be bored than to have fun. If McCormick, South Carolina is an acceptable state to move to for you, then you will love Savannah Lakes.
31. Heather Gardens – Aurora, Colorado
If you’re looking for a picturesque neighborly, you will love Heather Gardens. It is a small city setting where you can still enjoy some outdoor activities. Located in Aurora, Colorado, the community offers its residents a peaceful existence. You will also find picturesque ponds around them and a 200-acre park-like landscape. There are also walking trails wound around a 9-hole executive golf course.
Real estate consists of attached, condos, and single-family homes ranging from $100,000 – $400,000. Residents get to explore their artistic side in the arts and crafts studio, ceramics, and woodshop studio. They can choose to relax in the sun next to a resort-style pool. Or challenge friends to a game of tennis or horseshoe pits.
Are 55+ Communities a Good Investment?
These 55+ adult communities are a good way to almost ensure an enjoyable life in your retirement years. Here are the 6 benefits of living in an active adult community:
- Surrounded by Your Peers – As we grow older we tend to have fewer friends. Active 55+ communities give you the opportunity to make new friends within your age range. And they may also share the same interests. You get to live in a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, which ensures that you’ll never feel alone.
- Low Maintenance – 55+ active adult communities are built to be low maintenance or require no maintenance at all. They are for seniors who are just tired of mowing the lawn, replacing, or fixing things. If you want someone else to take over the reins of maintaining your household, active communities will be a perfect investment.
- Location – Location is one of the main factors that determine the quality of an investment. The average 55+ community is conveniently located near a gym, swimming pool, restaurants, and even local attractions.
- Ease – Most of us frequent only a few rooms in the house. So instead of having to manage a big house, an active 55+ community can help you with downsizing for seniors and provide you with a smaller, yet spacious apartment which will be easier to manage. Homes that are specifically designed for ease and comfort in mind.
- Comfort and Luxury – Most communities offer resort-style amenities, giving residents access to a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle.
- Convenience – Active 55+ communities are often strategically located near important amenities like hospitals and restaurants. They can choose from a variety of health and wellness activities that help keep their minds stimulated and strong.
Conclusion
Retirement communities come in all shapes and sizes, but for active adults, some are better than others. If you’re looking for a place where you can play golf, tennis, and swim year-round, then you’ll want to check out these 31 best retirement communities. These facilities offer plenty of on-site activities and social events, as well as first-class amenities.
Find the active adult communities you like? Or did the abundance of options confuse you even further? To successfully pick an active 55+ community, first think about what you like as an individual and what matters to you. Keep these in mind first. And then, make sure you visit at least 3 of your top options before you make your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an active adult retirement community?
An active adult retirement community is a type of housing development specifically designed for seniors 55 and older who are still active and want to live in an environment with other like-minded individuals. These communities typically offer a wide range of amenities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, golf courses, and social clubs, etc.
This type of lifestyle can be a great option for those who are ready to downsize and simplify their lives but don’t want to give up the conveniences and activities they enjoy.
What is the best active adult retirement community in Orlando?
There are many active adult retirement communities in Orlando, and the best one depends on individual needs and preferences. However, Four Seasons at Orlando, Lakes of Mount Dora, and The Villages are some of the largest and highly rated active adult communities in Orlando.
How to find 55+ communities?
There are a few ways to find 55+ communities. One way is to go to a website that specializes in listing these types of communities. Another way is to look in the phone book or online directories for businesses that deal with seniors’ housing. A third way is to ask friends or family members if they know of any good 55+ communities in the area.
Can you live in a retirement community?
Yes, retirees can often find affordable and comfortable housing in retirement communities. However, each facility has some community guidelines and pre-requisites that you must meet.
