What is an Active Adult or 55+ community? More and more, active adults are leaning towards a new way of living. Instead of staying in isolated single-family homes, active adults are making the move to 55+ communities, and neighborhoods specifically designed for their needs and preferences.
Active Adult communities allow for the perfect balance between assistance and independence. Residents can remain autonomous while still enjoying the perks of community living. Added security, various amenities, maintenance services, and social activities allow residents to engage as much or as little as they want within their new community. Here are the top 5 reasons to move to an Active Adult community.
1. Sense of Community
One of the biggest draws of an Active Adult community is the sense of community and belonging that comes with a cultivated neighborhood. These are age-restricted communities (usually 55 and up) meaning that all residents living within the community will be in a similar age range, allowing you to build a strong sense of community and connection.
Living with peers has many benefits. It can be a great way to make friends, join clubs or activities with new neighbors, and enjoy the company of others in your age group. This also means that amenities, services, and activities are also targeted to active adults, so you get exactly what you need, without paying for anything you don’t.
Community living can also have a profound effect on your mindset and overall well being. Residents can make new friends and form bonds with one another, helping to combat potential feelings of isolation or loneliness that older adults often experience as they age in their own homes. Residents can work together for the betterment of the community, and often find like-minded individuals who share their interests and passions, further helping to enrich their lives.
The best part is the choice is yours. You can engage as much or as little as you want. Individual homes or apartments give you privacy and independence, but the camaraderie of living in a peer community allows for opportunities to connect and grow with one another when and if you want to. Whether you are looking for an active lifestyle, low-maintenance living, or the security of a gated community, choosing a new home in a community setting has many benefits.
2. Live a Maintenance-Free Lifestyle
Living in a maintained community allows you to enjoy the many benefits of a neighborhood, without the home upkeep. Active Adult communities usually include lawn and garden maintenance such as taking care of landscaping, snow or leaf removal, lawn maintenance, and all sorts of home repairs. Residents never have to worry about fixing major appliances, painting, roofing, or home upkeep since these standard services are covered by the property management.
Not only does this make life easier and more hassle-free, but removing these costs often lowers the overall cost of living for residents as well, meaning you get to live a more carefree lifestyle while spending even less money.
3. Great Amenities
Along with maintenance, most active adult communities also feature a variety of community amenities. Because these apartments, condos, townhomes, or independent homes are part of a larger community, they usually include features such as outdoor pools, gardens, tennis courts, clubhouses, patios and courtyards, walking trails, on-site fitness centers, and more! The idea is to provide resort-style living where you can pick and choose how you want to spend your day. Having a variety of amenities on site brings both convenience and connection. Residents can use these amenities on their own terms, working out or relaxing as they please, or meeting up with friends and neighbors if they prefer to interact more socially. The choice is up to you, meaning you can create the perfect lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
4. Better Life Balance
Because these communities usually start at 55 and up, they aren’t just retirement communities for those no longer working. Residents can enjoy the benefits of community living, while still maintaining their own lifestyle including working, social activities, volunteering, family obligations etc. Because these communities are also situated in convenient locations close to major cities or desirable neighborhoods, they make it easy to live a more stress-free life at home, while still enjoying the benefits of the surrounding area.
Whether it is shopping, visiting restaurants, checking out local entertainment, enjoying nearby amenities and recreation like golf courses and recreation centers, or relaxing at cafes or bars, these communities are located close to everything you need to live life to the fullest. And on days when you’d rather stay in, Active Adult communities include a variety of amenities on site that can make your day even easier.
5. Downsize Your Way
One of the most common sentiments of those who move into active adult communities is “why did I wait so long to move here?” Making the move from a family home to a community may seem daunting, but for many, it is a liberating and wonderful experience. Downsizing on your terms puts you in control of your future, and your lifestyle. Rather than waiting until it is necessary to move to a senior living community, downsizing to an Active Adult community lets you make the move with ease, and allows you to take your time. You can find exactly the community, floorplan, that makes you feel most at home.
Many Active Adult communities also have additional services or neighborhoods with further levels of care, meaning you can choose a community you love, knowing you can transition from independent living into assisted living or any other care options down the line. As you build a sense of community and friendship with your peers, you have the confidence and peace of mind that you can live out your retirement years in that same community, whether you later need healthcare assistance, additional amenities, or other services. These communities are designed to grow and change with you, so you always get exactly what you need to thrive.
If you’ve never considered community living, think again. Far from just ‘senior apartments’ or ‘retirement facility,’ active adult communities are vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods where like minded adults can comune and enjoy a sense of security, community, and stress-free living. Live life to the fullest, in an active adult community.
Want to learn more about Active 55+ living at Pacifica Senior Living? Reach out to us! Our team is always on hand to answer any questions, show you around our community, or provide you with more information. 
