[2015] 55 and Over Lifestyle [communities]

[silentg]

Hello,
We spent yesterday visiting an Aunt who lives in a popular 55 and older community in Florida. Was wondering if any Tuggers live in these type of communities. I am not talking about assisted living or nursing homes. These would be active adult communities. There seems to be lots to do and see, and so many clubs and activities. We qualify age wise but not sure it is for us. My sister is looking into this type of place. Just want some unbiased thoughts from any of you?
Thanks, Silentg

 

[x3 skier]

I thought about that but I'd rather be in a "normal" community with kids, young adults and people my age just to keep "tuned in".

Cheers

 

[PStreet1]

A lot of us do; we live in Arizona. You'll hear from others who live in Nevada and the Carolinas--and there may be more. There have been a couple of long threads on communities of this sort, and you may be able to find them with a search.

These might give you a place to start:
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64921&highlight=communities
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212624&highlight=communities

 

[geriduffin]

I'm 56 and my husband is 57. Our kids are still in high school so we laugh when these communities advertise "55 and older". My mom, who is 85, lives in one about a mile from our house. It is really nice. She loves her neighbors, goes to morning coffee, Bingo night, and Pot Luck Thursday's, etc, at the clubhouse. Additionally, those that still drive take groups out to dinner or a movie occasionally (scarey, lol!, but they are a really close knit bunch!) It's a much smaller community than something like "The Villages" in Florida, so there isn't the range of activities. There are a few singles and couples who live there who are in the younger 55-60 age bracket that just downsized and still work full time. I would say if you are really active you need a big community to live in to get the most out of living in a 55 and older setting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DeniseM]

This has been a popular topic in the past - if you use the search function, you will find some long threads on the topic.

 

[Pat H]

I live in Sun City Hilton Head. I am single and moved here without knowing anyone. That was very unusual for me since I do not like change and I am 800 miles from my family. However, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love it here. I have made a ton of friends and have developed new interests. I have read articles that say that people who live in this type of community live longer due to the social interaction and activities.

SCHH has a 3 day program where you can come and stay on property or in a nearby hotel and have access to all amenities. You are also assigned an ambassador couple who show you around, take you to dinner and answer questions. Of course, you also have to do a sales tour. I would suggest you give one of these communities a try for a few days or rent for a few months.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

A lot of us do; we live in Arizona. You'll hear from others who live in Nevada and the Carolinas--and there may be more. There have been a couple of long threads on communities of this sort, and you may be able to find them with a search.

These might give you a place to start:
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64921&highlight=communities
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212624&highlight=communities

I'm in MI until we retire but I plan to retire to Arizona… I'm looking for some great places that are close to medical facilities and then after I can't drive, a location that is easy walking distance to grocery and banks...

 

[WinniWoman]

We will be looking for something like this in New Hampshire in a few years. Anyone know of a place that does not involve manufactured homes and has a pool?

 

[ibcnu]

My aunt and uncle lived in a 55+ community. They disliked it, every time the ambulance drove down the block with sirens (every day), they worried who it was for.

 

[zinger1457]

Make sure to read the CC&R's of the HOA thoroughly and be willing to abide by all the rules. Some rules may seem trivial, like restricting how long you can keep your garage doors open, but they will be enforced. There's usually a group of retirees in these community that have way too much time on their hands and spend their day walking around the neighborhoods looking for violations.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

A lot of us do; we live in Arizona. You'll hear from others who live in Nevada and the Carolinas--and there may be more. There have been a couple of long threads on communities of this sort, and you may be able to find them with a search.

These might give you a place to start:
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64921&highlight=communities
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212624&highlight=communities

Pat, I just wanted to thank you for all of your help via PM, your a gem….

 

[Sugarcubesea]

Make sure to read the CC&R's of the HOA thoroughly and be willing to abide by all the rules. Some rules may seem trivial, like restricting how long you can keep your garage doors open, but they will be enforced. There's usually a group of retirees in these community that have way too much time on their hands and spend their day walking around the neighborhoods looking for violations.

Good Point….LOL

 

[VegasBella]

Plenty of them here in the Vegas area. They range from being regular apartments to full subdivisions. All the age-restricted housing that I know of offers reduced rental rates or lower mortgages. The homes are designed for older people in some small ways like door knobs that are easier to open and higher toilets, things like that. Most are one-story, no stairs. Some are in golf communities so that residents can drive golf carts around (I guess that's useful for people who have lost their driver's licenses). Age-restricted communities seem like a pretty good idea for many older folk who can live independently.

 

[rapmarks]

we don't technically live in a 55 and over community, but I would guess about 90 per cent would qualify. we do have strict covenants in our community. and it looks very nice because of those covenants. we have a golf course, a restaurant, 5 pools tennis court, pickle ball courts, all kinds of social activities and events. Rooms in the club house for all kinds of organized card games, sewing and craft clubs, etc.
We do have children in the neighborhood and have watched the girl across the street grow up over the last 13 years.
Best thing we ever did is find this community. two big clubs are the Care Bears, who assist anyone that needs help, and the CC Charities who raise money for local charities. The biggest membership is in bocce with over 330 members. But the most wonderful club is the volunteers who do work projects like curbing, sidewalk, bridge, retaining wall repair, etc. and save the community many tens of thousands of dollars a year.
All this said,I am sure 30 percent of the community never participates in any of the above mentioned activities.
When you visit Lehigh Acres for your timeshare, pm me and we will arrange golf at our club in Estero.
I wonder if you visited the Villages. That is way too big for my liking.

 

[Joe33426]

I thought about that but I'd rather be in a "normal" community with kids, young adults and people my age just to keep "tuned in".

Cheers

This is what we've come up with also. Although we just "qualified" for this as an option, I would be well below the age requirement and don't think I'm ready for this type of lifestyle, yet.... We wouldn't use the amenities at this point in our lives and I hate paying for stuff we don't use.

I think a big consideration in the decision are the HOA fees for these types of communities which can be in the ~$500 per month area depending on the amenities. Add a golf course, and the fees can really add up. Add 24 hours gated entries $$$. Condo fees in South Florida 55+ can range from $300 to $900 per month. You have to ask yourself if the amenities are things you'll likely use, because if not, you're paying for the social director, yoga classes, movie night, etc. even if you don't attend.

 

[Mister Sir]

My mom and dad live in one of those communities in Florida. He's 97 and she's 86. There are LOTS of activities; mom is out almost every day playing cards, bingo, whatever... my dad is active in the garden club and he walks every morning around the entire park. They love it there but I would never live in a "tin" house.

 

[rapmarks]

our houses are all cement construction . not all communities are mobile homes.
also whenever their is a turnover, people in their 50's or 60's are buying in.

 

[sun starved Gayle]

The older I get, the more appealing this sounds. Kind of like being at college with all your peers........ but no homework!

 

[Ann-Marie]

We love living in Sun City Hilton Head S.C. We have been part time for 5years and will be moving full time next year. We can't wait. Someone mentioned hearing all the ambulance sirens. My husband has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 35 years. Every time his radio alerts him to a call we wonder who it is. It's a fact of life. We hear less sirens in Sun City because of its large size than we hear in a normal day in NY.

 

[NKN]

Check out Solivita in Poinciana FL. About 45 minutes SW of Kissimmee.


Nkn

 

[joewillie12]

Hello,
We spent yesterday visiting an Aunt who lives in a popular 55 and older community in Florida. Was wondering if any Tuggers live in these type of communities. I am not talking about assisted living or nursing homes. These would be active adult communities. There seems to be lots to do and see, and so many clubs and activities. We qualify age wise but not sure it is for us. My sister is looking into this type of place. Just want some unbiased thoughts from any of you?
Thanks, Silentg

One bit of advice I can offer is really make sure you want to be in a 55+ community. The reason being is that reselling a home in a 55+ community can be more difficult and time consuming because of the age restrictions. Your limited to the amount of buyers you can sell to. I've had clients thinking they would love that type of community only to realize it wasn't for them and wanted out.... usually quickly too. I can't speak for all locations and communities as some are more desirable and sell quickly but we have quite a few here in southwest Florida and some do take awhile.

 

[Fern Modena]

I don't know where you get your information, but age restricted housing doesn't offer necessarily offer reduced rates or lower mortgages. In fact I've never heard of lower mortgages for age restricted houses, unless somebody qualifies under the GI Plan, and that may not even be less these days. Nevada HAND provides lowered rate apartments for low income seniors, but you do have to qualify, of course.

The houses I've seen are all one story communities. The apartments are not, but all provide elevators.

Fern

Plenty of them here in the Vegas area. They range from being regular apartments to full subdivisions. All the age-restricted housing that I know of offers reduced rental rates or lower mortgages. The homes are designed for older people in some small ways like door knobs that are easier to open and higher toilets, things like that. Most are one-story, no stairs. Some are in golf communities so that residents can drive golf carts around (I guess that's useful for people who have lost their driver's licenses). Age-restricted communities seem like a pretty good idea for many older folk who can live independently.

 

[Fern Modena]

We do have CC & Rs, and that is something that you should check out before moving into a planned community. You should obtain a copy of the CC & Rs, and read them carefully.

I can accept "the rules" because it keeps our neighborhoods looking nice. Is some of it picky? Yup. Can I live with it? Most assuredly. Do I ever "break the rules?" Yes, and I think many people do, but in small ways and only occasionally.

About people dying in age restricted communities...I've lived here twelve years now, and many people I've known have died, including spouses of friends of mine. It is a fact of life if you live in a place where many people in their seventies, eighties and nineties live, and even younger. People die. I will die some day, too.

But living in this place means that when my husband died I have close friends who understand. Our community is as Pat Hart says hers is. Everybody moved here from somewhere else, and it is easy to make friends.

Fern

 

[Fern Modena]

I live in a small gated area in a larger community. My HOA fees are about $1200. a year. We have three large community centers with meeting rooms, a theater, and more. For that we have four swimming pools including one which is "therapeutic temperature." We have bocce, tennis, pickleball, table tennis, an indoor walking track, an exercise room with all the latest equipment, exercise classes, a computer lab with classes and computers for members use, including a free fax machine. We have many clubs, including lifelong learning, current events, both major political parties, veterans, finance, and all the arts and crafts, plus maj jong, poker, pool, etc.

We also have a Community Service Club which gives people who need it rides to the doctor's or the grocery store. They provide volunteers to replace furnace filters and smoke alarm batteries, and we have the largest wheelchair, cane, crutch, and medical supply library in all of Nevada.

We don't own the golf courses, but they are in our community and we get discount rates to them.

Fern

 

[Patri]

Make sure to read the CC&R's of the HOA thoroughly and be willing to abide by all the rules. Some rules may seem trivial, like restricting how long you can keep your garage doors open, but they will be enforced. There's usually a group of retirees in these community that have way too much time on their hands and spend their day walking around the neighborhoods looking for violations.

That can be true in any subdivision that has an HOA. And they don't have to be retirees.