About Active Adult Retirement Communities
Active adult retirement communities are planned for men and women 55 years of age and older who may retired or semi-retired. Their aim is to promote a close-knit society that offers activities for the mind and body that appeals to those who are still relatively healthy and want to retain an independent lifestyle.
In today's world, many people are living longer and although many have retired or are still working, they want to pursue interests that include recreation, culture, art and build relationships among their peers. These types of communities meet that need.
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History
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The history of active adult communities is fairly short. It began in Phoenix, Arizona, by developer Del Webb in the 1960s. His plan included social clubhouses, golf course and other recreational amenities. As retirees and couples outgrew their homes where their children were raised, they sought other communities that offered social programs and housing that required less care and maintenance.
The 1995 Housing for Older Persons Act allowed development of communities that could exclude school-age children that were built for the 55 and older homeowner. With a longer life span, the active adult market developed and it continues to this day.
Function
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The purpose of an active adult community serves several functions. As an age-restricted community, one member of the household must be age 55 or older, but no one under the age of 18 can live there. Often these communities have a clubhouse, a swimming pool and spa, a program of activities that include art, music, sports, health and physical fitness.
They might also have a full-time social director. The communities are designed so that there are many common areas open to all residents to enjoy such as walking trails and areas where they can socialize.
Often, the main building has a full-time staff to assist residents with issues concerning their homes, guests, repair matters, and such. The main entrance has a security guard. Children are not entirely restricted and residents are allowed children to visit for varying lengths of time and use the amenities pursuant to rules and regulations of the community. -
Geography
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Active adult communities can be found throughout the United States in warm climate areas such as Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. Del Webb Communities, now owned and built by Pulte Homes, exist in over a dozen states and include northern states such as Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut and mid-Western states like Nebraska and Illinois. Within these states there are a number of active adult communities that offer a range of home styles from apartments to single family structures and a variety of amenities.
Considerations
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An adult considering a change of living arrangements from a large home to a smaller community such as an active adult one should weigh the pros and cons. These can include resale value of a home in an active adult community due to its buyer-specific nature, as well as costs involved in living in such a community.
There are monthly association dues which cover certain recreation activities and amenity use, lawn maintenance, security and staff support. These communities are located in different climates and geographical locations which may be a concern if there are grown children one wishes to remain near. There are also wide ranges in home costs to consider. A visit to different communities and chats with residents will help with answering questions on whether this would be a good move or real estate investment.
Benefits
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Active adult communities can provide a sense of security and membership with a community that connects 55 and older seniors and retirees into a comfortable relationship with each other and share interests. Many of these communities offer a wide range of activities that will keep residents mentally and physically active and busy all day long if they wished. The Villages in Central Florida is almost a city unto itself, complete with a variety of shops, grocery stores, a post office and other services. Residents hardly need leave the compound for anything. Medical help, security and support staff are available round the clock. These communities do have a lot to offer.
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