How to choose a 55 plus community

If you’re contemplating moving into a 55 plus community, finding one that’s right for you takes work. While active adult communities generally offer the opportunity for a lower-maintenance (and sometimes lower cost) lifestyle, they vary enormously.
This video highlights the top things to consider when purchasing a home in a 55 plus community.
Today’s 55 plus communities range from small city-based apartment complexes, to single-family homes situated on a gated golf course. Typically, at least one occupant of each property must be at least 55.
Before settling into an age-restricted community, ask yourself these 4 questions:

Can I Afford It?

In addition to factoring in the cost of rent or mortgage payments, you'll need to add in the cost of homeowners' association or community fees, which often run around a few hundred dollars per month and can run upwards to even $1000. Make sure you understand what those fees cover.
While some 55 plus communities have restaurants within them, your fees won’t cover meals. So budget separately for those. Monthly fees do go toward exterior maintenance, such as lawn care, basic cable TV and the care of community areas like a clubhouse or pool.
Sit down with a financial planner to run the numbers to make sure the ongoing costs of your new home won’t impact your long-term financial security.

How Active is the Community?

Some communities have huge clubhouses, dozens of organized activities and packed social calendars with everything from holiday parties to cruises to local attractions. Others might have very few structured activities. If you don’t find the popular activities in the development appealing, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.

Would I Like the Surrounding Area?

Even in communities with a wealth of recreational amenities, you'll likely want to leave the neighborhood once in a while. Make sure you can easily take advantage of things you enjoy off-campus, such as shopping, taking in a show or going to the beach.
If traveling or having regular visitors is important to you, consider the convenience of the closest airport.
Many retirees move to another state often include the weather and a lower cost of living. So make sure to explore this when considering any area for your new home.

Convenience

You should think about how the surrounding area would serve your needs in the future. Ideally, this means a walkable community or one with an area with public transportation. But even if the area does not have a robust transportation system you can still use Uber or Lyft, so I would not rule out an area for this one reason.
You’ll also want easy access to health care, including a primary care physician and specialty doctors and hospitals you might need in the future.

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[TheRealLivingWithLisa]

How many 55+ communities have you viewed?

[alain]

A good social agenda and lots of activities, fun people around should be a must. Especially if you live alone like me.

[communityguide]

One of the better videos explaining this concept. Good job!

[jessicahampton]

I'm still working but I will be 55in October I'm looking at lakes of Melbourne and have wood in pompano beach FL..

[maryjanegreen]

In a manufactured community, will there be HOA plus lot rent, or is the lot rent the HOA as well?

[VernonBCRealEstate]

Great video...we get a lot of 55 plus up here in the Okanagan

[mikeeger]

Very very helpful information thanks 🙏

[michelesimko]

Transportation is very expensive. Cheaper to keep $300 car payment than to rent taxi etc

[christopherphillips]

Great video. I am 56 not feeling my age. Will I fit in? Lots of questions.

[selecttravelvacations]

I see you are on the Atlantic side. Is the Atlantic side cooler than the gulf side in mid summer? Is it the colder side in winter? Thanks

[annmariecottone]

How is the 55 and over community called Key colony Inn Fort Pierre’s they are located off of Virginia Avenue and I’m purchasing 2090 Colonial Rd. unit two

[bluesdirt]

Made the mistake of getting a mixed breed puppy that turned out to be 110 lbs. and not all communities let you have them.

[GS-stns]

Good information. Are these communities gated? It sounds more like condominium living. There's a lot to think about. The HOA fees are more than my house payment which I guess that's not fair because the house is paid for. Balancing things out I never thought about. I just bought a house raising my kids and sat my butt down. I only do not wish to do maintenance

[bklynmiami]

Hello
Can you please tell of any condo active communities in Florida/ Broward next to a beach please?

[mojojeinxs]

What kind of activities do they have bingo card club book card club I'm 55 there is no way what I want to live in a community with a bunch of elderly people. Would have absolutely nothing in common with anyone in such a community.

[koalaish]

Are +55 properties generally cheaper than others?

[yttube]

Great information, , but why did you made face expressions that seemed negative😜

[SB-mwbg]

What 55+ community would you recommend for economy and amenities?

[laurieuebbing]

I’m just looking for a 55+ community where I can rent....

[deanc.]

Nice video, good info. What kind of drinks do you like?