Your Free Guide to 55 Plus Apartment Rentals

Understanding 55 Plus Communities and Rental Options

A 55 plus community is a residential area designed for people aged 55 and older. These communities offer housing specifically built with the needs of older adults in mind. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 56 million Americans are currently age 55 and older, and this number continues to grow. Many of these individuals are exploring rental options in communities tailored to their lifestyle and preferences.

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Rental apartments in 55 plus communities differ from standard apartment complexes in several ways. These properties typically feature single-story floor plans or buildings with elevators to reduce the need for climbing stairs. Common amenities often include fitness centers, community rooms, landscaped grounds with walking paths, and organized social activities. Some communities provide services like shuttle transportation, on-site maintenance, and wellness programs.

There are different types of 55 plus rental communities available. Active adult communities cater to people who want social engagement and recreational activities. These often feature golf courses, swimming pools, and clubs. Independent living communities focus on providing a safe living environment with basic support services. Some communities are designed specifically for people who need assistance with daily activities, though this guide focuses on standard rental options rather than care facilities.

The rental market for 55 plus housing has grown significantly. Real estate data shows that demand for age-restricted rentals increased by approximately 30 percent between 2015 and 2023. This growth reflects both the increasing population of older adults and the appeal of community-focused living environments. Understanding what these communities offer can help you determine whether this type of housing might suit your situation.

Practical takeaway: Before exploring specific communities, consider what features matter most to you—whether that's social activities, accessibility features, maintenance-free living, or proximity to healthcare and shopping.

Locating 55 Plus Apartment Communities Near You

Finding 55 plus rental communities requires knowing where to search and what resources provide reliable information. The internet has made this process more straightforward than in the past. Websites dedicated to senior housing, general apartment search platforms, and community websites themselves all offer listings of 55 plus rentals across the country.

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Major apartment search websites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and ApartmentGuide allow you to filter by age-restricted communities. Simply enter your location and select "55 plus" or "55 and older" as a filter. These sites typically display photos, floor plans, lease terms, and rental prices. Many listings include virtual tours, which can be helpful if you cannot visit in person or want to preview properties before scheduling a tour.

Specialized senior housing websites focus specifically on communities for older adults. Sites like A Place for Mom, Senior Housing Net, and AARP's housing search tools maintain databases of 55 plus communities organized by state and region. These resources often provide detailed descriptions of community amenities, nearby services, and resident reviews. Some allow you to narrow results by specific features you want, such as pet policies, fitness facilities, or proximity to medical centers.

You can also search directly by visiting the websites of communities you are interested in. If you know of specific neighborhoods or towns where you want to live, searching "[town name] + 55 plus apartments" in a search engine will show what communities operate in that area. Local real estate agents sometimes specialize in senior housing and can provide personalized guidance about available properties and market conditions in your region.

When researching communities, make note of contact information, lease terms, current availability, and pricing. Many communities have specific move-in dates or seasonal variations in pricing. Keeping organized notes will help you compare options as you narrow your choices.

Practical takeaway: Create a list of three to five communities you want to learn more about, noting their contact information and key features that appeal to you. This focused approach is more effective than reviewing dozens of properties at once.

Key Features and Amenities to Consider

55 plus communities offer a wide range of amenities designed to support an active and engaged lifestyle. Understanding what different communities offer will help you determine which environments match your interests and daily needs. Amenities vary considerably depending on the community's location, size, and target demographic.

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Recreational and social amenities are among the most common features. These typically include fitness centers with equipment and classes, swimming pools, golf courses or putting greens, tennis courts, and walking trails. Many communities host regular activities such as book clubs, game nights, educational classes, and group dining events. According to research from the National Association of Home Builders, social engagement opportunities are a top priority for 71 percent of adults aged 55 and older when choosing a community.

Practical amenities make daily life more convenient. On-site management and maintenance staff handle repairs and upkeep, so you do not need to manage these tasks yourself. Many communities offer package receiving services, which is particularly useful if you shop online. Some provide transportation services for shopping, medical appointments, or community events. Laundry facilities may be in individual apartments or in common areas, depending on the community design.

Safety and accessibility features are important considerations. Well-lit pathways, emergency call systems in apartments, gated entrances, and 24-hour security personnel provide peace of mind for many residents. Apartments are typically designed with grab bars in bathrooms, step-free entries or ramps, wide doorways to accommodate mobility devices, and kitchens accessible from a wheelchair if needed. Elevators are standard in multi-story buildings to eliminate the need to climb stairs.

Healthcare-related services and proximity to medical facilities matter significantly. Some communities have visiting nurse services, physical therapy facilities, or wellness programs on-site. Being located near hospitals, doctors' offices, and pharmacies is valuable for ongoing healthcare needs. A few communities partner with local healthcare providers to offer health screenings or educational seminars.

Practical takeaway: Make a list of amenities that would genuinely enhance your daily life. Prioritize the three to five features that matter most, rather than trying to find a community with every possible amenity.

Understanding Rental Costs and Financial Considerations

Rental costs for 55 plus apartments vary widely depending on location, community size, apartment size, and included amenities. According to Zillow data from 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a 55 plus community ranges from $1,200 to $2,800 monthly, depending on the region. Costs are generally higher in major metropolitan areas and lower in rural or mid-sized communities. For example, a one-bedroom in a Florida or Arizona community may cost $1,400 to $2,000, while similar housing in a northeastern city could range from $2,200 to $3,200.

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Several costs beyond base rent should be included in your budget planning. Many 55 plus communities charge additional monthly fees ranging from $100 to $500, covering amenities, maintenance, utilities, or services. These are sometimes called "amenity fees" or "service fees." Utilities such as water, electricity, and gas may be included in rent, partially included, or billed separately. Your lease will specify what utilities are covered. Internet and cable television, if desired, are typically separate costs ranging from $50 to $150 monthly.

Pet policies vary among communities and may affect costs. Communities that allow pets often charge pet deposits ranging from $200 to $500 and monthly pet fees from $25 to $75. Some communities have restrictions on pet size or type. Understanding pet policies is important if you have companion animals.

Lease terms typically range from 6 months to 2 years. Some communities offer month-to-month leases after an initial term, though this may come with higher monthly rent. First month's rent, last month's rent, and security deposits are standard move-in costs. Security deposits typically equal one month's rent. When budgeting for a move, plan for these upfront costs in addition to ongoing monthly expenses.

Many communities offer move-in specials such as reduced first month's rent or waived fees. These promotions are common during slower rental seasons, typically in fall and winter months. Asking about current promotions when contacting communities can result in cost savings. Some communities also provide lease discounts for paying rent annually rather than monthly, though this requires having the full year's amount available upfront.

Practical takeaway: Request a detailed breakdown of all costs from communities you are considering, including base rent, amenity fees, utility charges, and any other monthly expenses. This allows you to compare total monthly costs across different communities accurately.