Q. What is an active adult retirement community?

A. Retirement communities are age-restricted and often located near metropolitan areas or nearby suburbs. The minimum age is typically 55, with one member of the household qualifying. Some communities restrict ownership to those age 62 and older, and all occupants must be at least 62. Driving by, though, you might think it's just another subdivision.

Many are gated and private. Homes are closer together and lot sizes smaller. Most of the homes are based on particular models, so they tend to resemble each other. Almost all offer a laundry list of activities and amenities.

Senior Living in Style: Amenities

Home owners in active adult retirement communities pay into a homeowner's association, which cares for the grounds and handles maintenance. Part of the homeowner association fees pays for such amenities as:

The list is endless. Retirement is a time to play and, for many, a time to enjoy meaningful work. Seniors over 55 know how to have fun and enjoy the social aspect of being surrounded by friends who like to do the same things that they do.

Benefits to Seniors Living

Why move out of a perfectly comfortable home that has served you well for a decade or more and into a retirement community filled with strangers? There are plenty of benefits that lure seniors into these 55-plus subdivisions.

The process of Buying a Home in an Active Adult Community is no different then buying a home any place else: Most people don't realize that even when buying new construction from a builder, it's a good idea to hire your own professional real estate agent to represent you: An experienced agent who understands 55-plus communities.

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