Free Guide to Understanding 55 Plus Communities

What Are 55 Plus Communities?

A 55 plus community is a residential neighborhood or development designed primarily for people age 55 and older. These communities have become increasingly popular across the United States over the past few decades. The concept started gaining momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, with communities like Sun City in Arizona becoming pioneering examples of age-restricted housing.

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Today, there are thousands of 55 plus communities located in virtually every state, with particularly high concentrations in Florida, Arizona, California, and the Carolinas. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, approximately 7 million Americans currently live in age-restricted communities. These range from small developments with fewer than 100 homes to massive master-planned communities with tens of thousands of residents.

The basic premise is straightforward: at least one person per household must be 55 or older, and typically no one under 18 or 19 may reside in the home permanently. Some communities allow occasional visits from grandchildren, while others have stricter rules. These age restrictions are legally permitted under the Fair Housing Act under what's called the Housing for Older Persons Act exemption.

55 plus communities vary dramatically in style, amenities, and price point. Some are modest mobile home parks in rural areas, while others are upscale developments with luxury homes, championship golf courses, and resort-style amenities. A community might feature anything from a simple community center to multiple pools, fitness facilities, restaurants, theaters, and extensive recreational programs.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring specific communities, understand that "55 plus community" describes the age restriction and general concept, not the quality, type, or cost of housing. Communities with the same label can be vastly different, so expectations should be based on visiting specific developments rather than assumptions about the category.

Housing Types Available in 55 Plus Communities

55 plus communities offer surprising diversity in housing types. Single-family homes remain the most common option. These range from modest ranch-style houses to expansive two-story residences. Single-family homes typically sit on individual lots and offer more privacy and autonomy than other housing types. Many residents prefer them because they resemble traditional neighborhoods and allow for personalization and yard space.

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Townhomes and duplexes represent another popular category. These attached units typically offer less maintenance responsibility than single-family homes since exterior upkeep and landscaping often fall to homeowners associations. Townhomes usually cost less than comparable single-family homes in the same community. They often appeal to people who want to reduce home maintenance without moving into a fully managed facility.

Condominiums are extremely common in 55 plus developments, particularly in Florida and other regions with seasonal weather patterns. Condo ownership means you own the interior space but share responsibility for common areas and exterior maintenance through homeowners association fees. Condos typically require minimal exterior maintenance, making them attractive to people who want to eliminate yard work entirely.

Active adult apartment communities represent a growing segment. In these rental properties, residents lease rather than own. Monthly rent typically covers utilities, maintenance, and access to amenities. Apartments work well for people who prefer not to own property, want maximum convenience, or seek temporary housing arrangements. Some residents use apartments as a testing ground before committing to purchasing in a community.

Manufactured homes and mobile homes remain common in many 55 plus communities, particularly those focused on affordability. Modern manufactured homes often feature quality construction comparable to site-built homes but at lower costs. These communities often attract retirees on fixed incomes or those seeking to maximize their housing budget.

Practical Takeaway: Write down your preferences regarding maintenance responsibility, privacy level, ownership versus renting, and budget. Then seek communities that emphasize the housing types matching your priorities. Don't assume all communities offer all types—many specialize in one or two categories.

Amenities and Lifestyle Activities

Amenities distinguish one 55 plus community from another and significantly impact lifestyle quality. Golf represents the most iconic amenity in these communities. According to the National Golf Foundation, golf courses exist in approximately 40 percent of age-restricted communities. Some communities offer multiple championship courses, while others provide putting greens and short-game practice areas. Communities without golf courses sometimes offer golf club memberships at nearby public or private courses as a benefit.

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Fitness and wellness facilities have become standard expectations. Most communities maintain clubhouses with exercise equipment, swimming pools, and group fitness classes. The specific offerings vary dramatically—some feature Olympic-sized pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers, while others have modest pools and basic equipment. Many communities employ fitness instructors and organize water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and strength training classes throughout the week.

Social and recreational programming keeps residents engaged. Communities typically organize clubs based on interests like cards, hiking, travel, crafts, gardening, and dining. Many host organized activities such as dances, theater productions, holiday celebrations, and guest speaker events. Some communities have their own bus systems that transport residents to shopping, medical appointments, and off-site activities.

Restaurant and dining options vary widely. Upscale communities may feature multiple on-site restaurants and cafes, while others have community dining rooms for occasional events or weekly lunches. Nearby external dining options matter significantly for residents who enjoy eating out regularly.

Cultural and educational programs appear frequently in established communities. Residents may participate in art classes, music lessons, creative writing workshops, and continuing education seminars. Some partner with local colleges or universities to bring educational programming on-site. Libraries, computer centers, and technology training for residents reflect the modern reality that many active adults use digital devices regularly.

Healthcare-related amenities might include on-site medical clinics, fitness programs for chronic conditions, wellness seminars, and partnerships with nearby hospitals or medical practices. Communities vary in how they address healthcare—some provide it directly, others facilitate resident connections with external providers.

Practical Takeaway: Create a list of activities and amenities that genuinely matter to your lifestyle. Be honest about what you'll actually use versus what sounds appealing. Tour communities during operating hours to see amenities in action and observe whether they appear well-maintained and well-used.

Understanding Homeowners Associations and Costs

Virtually all 55 plus communities operate under homeowners associations (HOAs). Understanding HOAs is essential because they govern many aspects of community life and significantly impact your finances and freedoms. The HOA is essentially a private government that establishes and enforces rules, maintains common areas, and collects fees from residents.

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HOA fees vary dramatically based on community size, amenities, and location. A modest community in a rural area might charge $100 to $200 monthly, while an upscale community with extensive amenities could charge $500 to $1,500 or more monthly. Some communities charge annual fees instead of monthly. These fees typically cover maintenance of common areas, property management, amenities staffing, insurance, utilities for common spaces, and administrative costs.

Beyond monthly HOA fees, residents may face special assessments. These one-time or periodic charges fund major repairs or improvements not covered by regular budgets. A community might levy a special assessment of several thousand dollars for roof repairs, parking lot resurfacing, or amenity upgrades. Understanding a community's financial health and past assessment history matters significantly when evaluating total ownership costs.

HOAs establish rules covering exterior appearance, vehicle parking, pet policies, rental restrictions, noise levels, and many other aspects of daily life. Some communities have strict rules limiting paint colors, landscaping types, or exterior modifications. Others maintain more relaxed standards. Review HOA documents carefully because you'll be legally bound by their rules if you purchase or rent in the community.

HOA governance structures vary. Most have elected boards of directors chosen from the resident population. Some boards are highly involved and proactive, while others operate minimally. Consider attending HOA meetings or speaking with current residents about governance effectiveness and resident satisfaction with HOA decisions.

HOA financial health significantly impacts your investment. Request financial statements and reserve studies from communities you're considering. A community with inadequate reserves may face large special assessments soon. Conversely, a well-funded reserve suggests responsible financial management and fewer surprise charges.

Practical Takeaway: Request and carefully review HOA documents, financial statements, and reserve studies before purchasing or renting. Calculate total monthly housing costs by adding mortgage/rent, HOA fees, property taxes, insurance, and utilities to understand true affordability. Ask the HOA for a list