The Pros & Cons of 55+ Active Adult Communities
Florida is one of the top destinations in the country for senior living. Retirees from around the world flock to the Sunshine State to live their golden years in luxury, playing championship golf, enjoying the beautiful beaches and lush natural landscapes, and visiting world-famous attractions. Florida also is home to many active adult communities. These are 55 and over age-restricted or age-qualified communities, typically meaning that someone in the residence must be at least 55 years old. Lang Realty would love to show you 55 plus homes for sale in Florida.
What defines an active adult community?
Active adult communities are designed with a retirement-friendly, low-maintenance lifestyle in mind. They can be comprised of single-family homes, multi-family patio homes, condominiums, or townhomes. Units are owned by the resident (as opposed to a rental community). These types of communities are often built close to shopping, restaurants, parks, and other attractions.
Interior maintenance and daily upkeep are up to the homeowner. Low-maintenance or maintenance-free exteriors are usually provided and are paid for through homeowners’ association dues. Most active adult communities do not provide on-site dining or healthcare, though amenities can sometimes include golf courses and tennis courts, pools, clubhouses, and more. Let Lang Realty show you some amazing Florida over 55 homes for sale in these active communities!
The pros and cons
When looking at 55 plus homes for sale in Florida, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of your options. The advantages and disadvantages of any decision are in the eye of the beholder, but here are a few key points you may want to consider for active adult communities.
Pros:
● Low- or no-maintenance exteriors: This is usually the top selling point for an active adult community. After a lifetime of raking, mowing, painting, and blowing snow, this is a very attractive feature. A smaller interior to keep clean also is attractive.
● Opportunities to make friends with other retirees: It can be scary to move somewhere new, where you don’t know anyone. In active adult communities, residents are in a similar place in life and have many of the same interests and goals when it comes to leading an active retirement.
● A quiet, mostly kid-free environment: Although adult children and grandchildren are welcome to visit, the residential age requirement means you’ll be living in a nice, quiet community. Younger visitors are encouraged to be considerate of this expectation.
● Amenities: Active adult communities provide opportunities to get exercise and socialize. Residents often organize social events, affinity clubs, volunteer groups, and other ways to stay active and involved.
Cons:
● Lack of age diversity: Because one person in the residence must be at least 55 years old, there is a lack of age diversity within the community.
● Younger family members can’t take advantage of your real estate investment: Some people are part-time residents of their active adult community, meaning they only live there for a portion of the year. Family members under 55 cannot use the property without a senior present.
● No care services are included: Active adult communities do not provide assisted living or healthcare services as part of your monthly HOA fee, and there are no on-site healthcare facilities. You can arrange these services through a third party if needed, though.
Looking for a retirement home in Florida for sale?
Whether you are looking for condos for sale in retirement communities or a single-family home in a 55+ active adult community, Lang Realty can help. We are experts in South Florida real estate and have many 55 plus homes for sale. Contact us today to find your dream retirement home.