Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities

December 12, 2023 – We are often asked about the pros and cons of 55+ communities vs. retiring in a traditional community. In fact just last week one of our Members criticized the usefulness of our new Community Explorer because of its concentration on 55+ and active adult communities, to the exclusion of cities and towns. It is clear that people of retirement age are split – some want the 55+ or active adult lifestyle for their retirement, some want to live in a traditional community, and another significant portion isn’t sure about what to do.

The Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities

We might not change any minds with this discussion of the pros and cons of 55+ communities, but at least we can help those who are on the fence decide on which option is better for them.

First let’s look at the pros of living in a 55+ development with the active lifestyle.

The activities you enjoy. If you love golf, there are many, many communities with great golf courses. If you like clubs or arts related activities, a 55+ community might be for you. And to get to those facilities and activities, just hop in your golf cart or bike.

Built in social life. It is hard not to meet people in a 55+ community. Just like you, your neighbors are in a new situation looking for friends. The various activities, like pickleball, cards, or golf, are a sure way to meet new folks.

Lower maintenance. A big selling point for 55+ and active adult lifestyle communities is that they take care of the pesky maintenance issues like roofs, sidewalks, landscaping, etc. Leaving you with more time for fun.

Aging in place. The homes in most of these communities are designed for baby boomers. Most have first floor masters, limited steps or one floor living, and low maintenance.

Like minded neighbors. Most people choose a 55+ community because of the type of housing and activities. You won’t have noisy families with young children. Some communities have frequent driveway parties – everybody brings a chair and their favorite beverage out and have a meet.

Activities at your fingertips. Walk down the street (or take your bike or golf cart) to the fitness center, community center, or swimming pool. No need to drive on busy roads every morning.

Often golf cart friendly. In many communities you can use your own golf cart to get to activities, dinner at the clubhouse, sometimes even shopping.

Then there are the cons of living in a 55+ community

Lack of diversity. You probably won’t see many young people or children in a 55+ or active community. Then there is economic and racial homogeneity – you will be living amidst people who look an awful lot like yourself, and often have the same political views.

Home Owners Associations (HOA) and rules. Many people have an aversion to rules – how many and what type of pets you can have, the color of your front door, where guests can park, what kind of vehicle can park, etc. If you hate rules, an active community is not for you! Likewise, some boards are better run and more reasonable than others.

Pay for activities you don’t use. Some communities have very reasonable fees, others do not. Usually you get what you pay for. The fees cover a lot of common expenses, like roads, insurance, taxes, elevators, building maintenance, staff, amenities, etc. If you don’t play golf and that is included in your HOA fees, you might resent it.

Located far out of town. Most active communities are located far from any established town, a factor driven by the availability and price of land. While that keeps you far from crime and the hustle and bustle, it also means firing up the Oldsmobile to go into town for shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc. As you age, that will become more and more difficult.

Life in a fishbowl. There can be pressure in an active community to take part in social activities. If you want to go your own way and don’t enjoy other interested people, stay away.

Comments from Members – what they say about the choice between 55+ and traditional.

Like anything else, you really doesn’t know what it is like to live somewhere unless you actually do. But the next best thing is hear from folks who have. Here are some Member comments on both side of the issue:

Pro: There will be the Camp like schedule of daily events- much like a TV schedule- but just as with a TV…you can change channels at will or simply not watch the thing and do whatever the heck you want. We like the idea of being able to explore new hobbies, and easily meet like minded folks, which we think amenity rich adult Communities provide.

Pro: No hassle activities. In most communities it is really easy to sign up for golf, pickleball, classes, etc. Or, you just show up. No need to make endless calls to set things up, or to travel to them.

Pro: When I moved to The Villages I thought I would play a lot of golf like I do up north. Two years later, I hardly ever play because I am so busy with other sports and activities. Pickleball is my new passion – perfect for aging baby boomers!

Pro: If you live in an adult community at least you have option to participate in all it has to offer. No one is going to beat down your door and force you to join the bridge club or golf league or whatever. But if you choose to live in a non-adult community you won’t even have that option and you may always wonder “what if.”

Con: In some 55+ communities there are folks concerned about ‘increased’ HOA fee’s (which look pretty small to me) and want them reduced even more by eliminating amenities and activities – just the opposite of what I would prefer. But if enough ‘fixed income’ people have the vote, you can find yourself in a pretty bare bones environment.

Con: I like it where I am. We live in the same house we bought in our 20s in the same small town. And the neighbors do as well…. they were our friends them and are still now. I would never trade it. Anyway, the only 55+ communities in the area we live in are trailers.

Con. The Right Fit. Indeed, some people want a community with strict rules, others don’t. People simply need to ask themselves what they want. And the time to do it is while they are checking out 55+ communities (See Best Stay and Play packages below).

Bottom line: Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities

Do you think you could live in an active adult community? Or, if you do live in one, what are the advantages and disadvantages that you see? What type of person is the right kind of person for this type of community? Please comment below.

For further reading:
Is a 55+ Community Better Than an All Ages Community

Who Builds the Best 55+ and Active Adult Communities

The Best Stay and Play Packages

Is an Active Adult Community Right for You
Are You Active Adult Community Material?