Welcome to our occasional weekend newsletter, which focuses on interesting active adult and 55+ communities and the issues related to them. A new survey conducted by the Census Bureau points to at least one positive sign ahead for the 55+ market. And after years of being beaten down, any news that isn't bad is most welcome. The positive sign is that the share of homes being purchased in 55+ communities is holding steady at about 31%, and possibly even increasing slightly. As reported on by the Met Life Mature Market Institute and the National Association of Home Builders, the report also contains a wealth of information about pricing trends, buyer motivations, and how the trend to working in retirement is affecting home purchases and features. More Masterplanned Communities A few weeks ago we reported on new urban and master-planned communities. We think these developments that emphasize walkability, a village concept, and return to traditional values are worth considering. Some of them are open to all ages, whereas others are age-restricted communities within a large development. Here are 3 to consider from the many that are available (Use "Search" or one of our Search boxes looking for "new urban" or "master plan" to find more). This active adult community is located within the much larger planned development of Estrella in Goodyear (a baseball spring training town). CantaMia has 1700 home sites and is committed to affordable sustainability. Homes start in the $150's and offer full amenities. Here is a well-established (1976) community with 2000 residents. There is a bookstore, the Duke Center for Living, great lodging and dining, wine tastings, shopping, gardens, walking trails and more. Southern Living raved about it. Fearrington Village, which is a Showcase Listing at Topretirements, attracts professionals, retirees, and young families. While Kingsmill isn't really a new urban community it does have a master plan, offering much more than homes and a few amenities (and it's just outside the very traditional town of Williamsburg). This popular resort and residential community has a luxury hotel on-site, gourmet restaurants, 3 championship golf courses, marina, and more. Formerly a project of the Busch family, no expense was spared in its development. Retire in Asheville Looking for a custom retirement report? Take our free, 10 question Retirement Ranger quiz and narrow down your possibilities. For example, select only towns in the west, or only small towns. Or, ask for towns with higher than average cultural appeal. (Note: if you have already registered at Topretirements you must login using the user name associated with your email address. Use Help or Contact us if you have trouble). Promote Your Community! Is your community listed at Topretirements? There is no charge to list your active adult or 55+ community at Topretirements.com. Call 203 415 4792 for help. Our Schedule: This weekend edition of our newsletter, which focuses on 55+ and active adult communities, is published about 20 times per year. The weekly Wednesday newsletter delivers timely articles about general retirement issues and best places to retire. |
