What is the average age in a 55+ Active Adult Community?

I am often asked what the average age in a certain community is. As a licensed Real Estate Broker I cannot answer a variety of demographic-specific questions, including age.

What I do say is that in  55+ Active Adult communities the emphasis is on active. This emphasis is evidenced by the amenities in the communities.  A 55+ Active Adult Community is not an assisted living community and does not provide assisted living services. 

The Legal Definition of an Active Adult (55+) Community

I remind my clients the short legal definition of a 55+ Active Adult Community is 80% of the occupied residences must have at least one resident 55 or over. 

The age requirements for the remaining 20% is defined in the governing documents for that specific community and may be stricter than the Federal Law standard.

What is an Age-Targeted Community?

An Active Adult Community that is not a 55+ Community is age-targeted and not restricted, any persons of any age can live within an age-targeted community.  I will say it is uncommon to find few, if any, significantly younger individuals, especially those with children, living in an age-targeted community.  Many of the Covenants and Restrictions in these age-targeted communities are not “child friendly” in that they often prohibit child-related items such as swing sets, basketball hoops, and trampolines.

Touring Active Adult Communities is Important

Visiting the community and touring the amenities gives a good overall visual of the average age range and physical activeness of the residents.  When touring a community, the residents love to stop and chat and have no barriers to answering any questions including age-related. 

Some communities offer resident ambassadors to tour amenity centers with visitors for just this reason, as well as to give a resident view of the community in general.  Still, other communities have “stay and play” options where you actually stay in a model home within the community for 1-3 nights at a low to no cost.  This is a great way to experience what life is like in the community and meet some of the residents as well.

Ask your Realtor if the community you are considering has the “stay and play” option or which ones in the area you are considering offer this experience.