What the 55+ Lifestyle Is Not!

Active Adult Living vs Assisted Living

The 55+ Active Adult Lifestyle is not assisted living. Some people wait until they can no longer live on their own in their present home to consider moving to a 55+ community. News flash, you cannot live on your own in a 55+ community either. Active Adult communities do not offer levels of care and unless you are able and willing to hire in-home assistance this lifestyle is not for you.

The perception that 55+ communities are for “old” people is the opposite of true. 55 Active Adult Living is for persons 55 and over (or as I like to say 55 and better) who are young at heart. Some residents are retired others still working. All are looking to enjoys interests and pursuits they have not had time to indulge in because of family and/or work obligations in a home where they do not have to deal with lawn maintenance, one of the hallmarks of 55+ living.

If you are happy being a recluse, do not move into a 55+ community. A percentage of a home’s value (up to 15%) and higher HOA dues in a 55+ community are directly attributable to amenities typically found in these types of communities. If you are not going to participate in the social, fitness and educational opportunities found in 55+ Active Adult communities, save your money. You can have a bigger home and low or no HOA dues which you can use to pay for your lawn maintenance in a traditional neighborhood.

In short don’t wait until you are too old to enjoy the multitude of social, physical and mentally stimulating opportunities, activities and amenities designed to enhance and prolong the Autumn phase of your life. I have never had a client say they wished they had waited to buy in a 55+ Active Adult community, and most say they wished they had embraced the lifestyle sooner.