Advantages to 55+ Living

Look around many of the suburban areas, and you are likely to find age-restricted communities catering to adults who have hit the magical age of 55.

At this age you may be thinking of retirement or are ready to put in a few more years on the job. What you may be looking for is a home that is less maintenance, affordable, meets your needs (instead of the needs of kids who have long left the nest), and offers convenience items all in one package. That is just what 55+ communities, also known in some places as "active adult" or "lifestyle communities," offer.

Forget preconceived notions about "senior living." These are not nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They are simply subdevelopments that traditionally offer affordably priced living and amenities to an age-restricted group. Some communities will even allow individuals ages 18 and older to live in the homes, provided there is at least one other individual in residence who meets the age requirement.

55+ housing offers many advantages to interested individuals:

* Cost factor: Many 55+ homes are priced considerably lower than homes of similar sizes that are not in age-restricted communities. For individuals on a fixed salary or preparing for retirement, this feature alone can be a major advantage for purchase.

* Proximity to friends and family: Active adult homes are cropping up in suburban areas all around the country. Their popularity and availability has grown as more baby boomers reach age 55. Because of this, individuals can still live close to friends and family -- and continue all of their social visits -- but have the convenience of adult living.

* Amazing amenities: Active adult communities are more than just homes. They typically are built on a sprawling campus complete with clubhouse, pools, exercise rooms, and nature trails. Most offer recreational activities such as craft classes, movie trips, card games, and much more.

* Desireable home designs: New homes are being built with open floor plans in a variety of styles. Many feature single-level living, to eliminate the need for scaling steps. Energy efficient materials and many other features make these homes desireable and attractive.

* Security and safety: Many communities are gated with announced visitors and have private security patrols. Some are located in close proximity to hospitals and other medical care in the event there is an emergency.

* Social gatherings: It's easy to meet friends of similar ages and like-minded interests in a 55+ development.

* Transportation convenience: If you don't like to drive, that's taken care of in an active adult community. Transportation to stores, places of worship, and even doctors' appointments can be arranged, with costs generally covered in monthly association fees.

* Maintenance-free: For those who want to forget about snow shoveling or lawn mowing, 55+ communities are perfect. Dues cover most exterior maintenance, such as snow removal, trash pick-up, lawn/garden maintenance, pool care, and general grounds maintenance. Depending upon the development and ownership of the home, interior repairs may also be covered.

News reports suggest now is a good time to buy a home. If you are 55 years of age or older, now may be the right time to buy a home in an active adult community near you.