Active-Adult Living at its Best
For active adults not yet ready to stop their active lifestyles, these and more Las Vegas retirement communities are great for keeping the golden years rolling on in style and comfort.

LIVING IN A 55-AND-OVER COMMUNITY

For most people, it is important that where they live reflects the lifestyle that fits them and meets their desires. Some communities cater to young families just starting out; others attract active singles leading a carefree lifestyle. As people get older, one attractive community concept is a 55-and-over community. The concept is straightforward: people 55 or older living in a planned community with a variety of amenities that cater to the more mature resident. Generally, these residents still live an active and healthy lifestyle, and the amenities are geared toward keeping that going.

Even so, there are a number of variations on this concept. For instance, some communities require only a minimum number of residents to be 55 or older, making it possible for young families to move in and be a neighbor. Maybe that’s fine, but maybe it’s not; it’s just something to keep in mind.

Deciding whether a 55-and-over community is right for you is like any other major decision. Do some research, explore your options and recognize potential pitfalls of your possible decisions. And, of course, visit any communities in which you have interest.

— THE APPEAL OF 55-AND-OVER COMMUNITIES
Why would someone choose a 55-and-over community? For starters, these well-designed communities have all of the older residents’ needs in mind. These communities generally are close to hospitals, shopping, dining and local attractions; and many are gated or have onsite security patrols that offer a great sense of physical security. Some people choose them to live in them to be near similarly aged peers without the busyness and chaos that comes with families with young children. Many communities also have conveniences that seniors find irresistible, including all of life’s little expenses (e.g., taxes, insurance, utilities) being wrapped up in one fee or the maintenance and care of the property being taken care of by the community.

— TYPES OF 55-AND-OVER COMMUNITIES
In general, 55-and-over communities are meant for active adults who desire to live with their peers, but the particulars vary by community. While many offer general amenities in a suburban setting, others are more focused on a particular lifestyle or location. Following are a few examples:
  • Golden Girls housing caters to older women who are divorced or widowed who are interested in sharing a home with others in similar situations.
  • Luxury high-rise condos in a city is for active adults wanting to be close to the urban action but live in a building with people their own age.
  • Manufactured homes community in the country appeal to seniors wanting to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city and desire only a simple residence or mobile home to meet their needs.
  • College town communities offer lots to do in a nearby stimulating and youthful environment yet at home with others of the same age.
  • Golf and resort communities are luxury environments for active older adults with a particular interest in golf or the country club lifestyle.
  • Sailing retirement communities allow older residents to take to the water and live aboard a sailboat or near the water with plenty of water-based activities.

— TYPICAL AMENITIES IN 55-AND-OVER COMMUNITIES
Amenities found in 55-and-over communities vary greatly from location to location, but in general, most have a clubhouse and exercise facilities, indoor or outdoor pools, a hobby and craft clubs, security and maintenance. Others also may offer golf courses, marinas, tennis courts, onsite health care and restaurants, professional entertainment, walking trails, billiards and card rooms, a library or media center, bocce courts, lakes for fishing and other lifestyle-related options. Some communities even offer care for seniors requiring some assistance with daily living.

GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES
At its most basic level, a golf course community is a residential development built around a golf course. Many of the residences have direct access to or views of the course’s fairways and greens, and the residents typically benefit from routine use of the course and whatever clubhouse amenities come with it. Master-planned golf course communities boomed in the 1990s and are still sough-after today. While some golf course communities have residents that live there only seasonally or for vacations, many residents choose to make this home their primary residence. Living on a golf course comes with premium amenities and services, so most golf course community residents tend to be in the upper-middle to upper class and enjoy playing golf.

Not all golf course communities are made equally, so it is important to understand what to look for when considering a home in this environment. The first factor that draws people is the golf course; a well-respected and renowned course designer will attract avid or aspiring golfers. However, consider where your prospective house is located on the course and what that means for daily life. Maintenance crews are up early to mow the fairways, so learn where that falls in your morning schedule, particularly if you sleep in. Errant golf balls also can be a hazard, so learn if the windows have protective coverings and check the house exterior for excessive ball marks. The housing developer and location of the community also are important. Is the builder reputable? Is the community close to a metropolitan area or out in the picturesque country? The community’s atmosphere should match your living style. While the golfing might be good, the clubhouse and its staff and members should have a vibe that makes you feel part of it.

   
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
 
Chapters
You’ve determined that the time is right to ...
Your Toolkit to Prepare for Home Ownership For the ...
One of the most important decisions parents can ...
For serious foodies and shoppers, there is no ...
Learning Resources for the Entire Family One of the ...
Plugging Into the Las Vegas Job Market Your spouse ...
Your Guide to Financing a Home Although a ...
Quality Health Services for Southern Nevada Residents With a ...
Protecting Your Family and Property In this chapter, you’ll ...
Enjoying the Las Vegas Valley’s Unique Location The city’s ...
Managing Your Move to Las Vegas While just the ...
While many long-term residents are amazed by the ...
Staying Organized Before The Move You’ve just received exciting ...
Buying a House and Making it a Home While ...
Las Vegas—Renting and Leasing If you are relocating to ...
Nevada consistently ranks high among the favored states ...
Ease of Living With a View It’s easy to ...