[2015] 55 and Over Lifestyle [communities]

[DonnaD]

Thank you! I thought that was a current thread. Now that you say that, I do remember that. She was a great source of info and support.
Donna

QUOTE="Pat H, post: 2246204, member: 118"]Donna,
Fern died a few years ago.[/QUOTE]

 

[TravelTime]

Hence it is called Active 55, not senior living community.

I do not understand why they market these communities to 55+. Most people in their 40s, 50s and 60s can live anywhere and connect. I would think these "active" communities would be best for folks over 70.

 

[Panina]

I do not understand why they market these communities to 55+. Most people in their 40s, 50s and 60s can live anywhere and connect. I would think these "active" communities would be best for folks over 70.

I understand why. I moved to a different state when I was in my 50’s, out of family necessity. I live in a community where the average age is in their 30’s with lots of community activities geared towards families with young children. I made friends with the two couples near my age. They are still working, I am not. I joined meetup clubs where members already had their clicks. I have many friends all over the states but found it very hard to establish real friendships like I am use to in my 50’s. Most people my age already have their circle of friends.

I took another friend to a Del Webb community 55 + as she was thinking of relocating to my area. It took minutes and we met friendly people living there. I have met others who live there in their 50’s, waiting in waiting rooms of doctor offices, at hair salons, manicures, etc. Everyone near my age loves living in a 55+ and many have told me they knew no one when they moved in and now have a large circle of friends. Many clubs and activities are only available to those living there.

I would move to one is a second. My other half initially would have but I said we couldn’t because his daughter was only 12 and I wanted to make sure if she had to come live with us she could. Now he has everything he wants in the house we live and doesn’t want to move, he is more of a loner, I am not. I believe in time I will be able to convince him if I can get in while it is being built so he gets everything he want. All I want is lots of things to do and a larger circle of friends.

His compromise to me is traveling with me to timeshares. Good enough compromise for now. I will try again to convince him in our 60’s.

 

[Pat H]

Not retirement or senior living communities, they are called Active Adult Communities.

 

[rapmarks]

Our community does not have an age limitation but the overwhelming majority of residents are over 55
This morning we went on a walk around the loop, two miles. On the way we passed many walkers, a few joggers, lots of bicycles . We passed a busy tennis court, people playing racquetball on another court. We passed a horseshoe game, and a bocce game. Of course, we saw numerous golfers out on our course and loads of people at the five pools. One pool had a surprise birthday party going on. We passed many people leaving the restaurant when we stopped in the pro shop to check our teetimes. We checked the card room signups also, bridge, poker, hand and foot, samba, euchre, and mahjong. Water aerobics and tai chi and yoga groups during the week as well as the knit wits and book clubs and crafters. We have a concierge who arranges special events at the club, entertainment, etc.
Our association dues are $235 a month and include cable tv, lawn irrigation, golf club membership, restaurant subsidy, roads, pools, tennis courts,etc.

 

[WinniWoman]

Our community does not have an age limitation but the overwhelming majority of residents are over 55
This morning we went on a walk around the loop, two miles. On the way we passed many walkers, a few joggers, lots of bicycles . We passed a busy tennis court, people playing racquetball on another court. We passed a horseshoe game, and a bocce game. Of course, we saw numerous golfers out on our course and loads of people at the five pools. One pool had a surprise birthday party going on. We passed many people leaving the restaurant when we stopped in the pro shop to check our teetimes. We checked the card room signups also, bridge, poker, hand and foot, samba, euchre, and mahjong. Water aerobics and tai chi and yoga groups during the week as well as the knit wits and book clubs and crafters. We have a concierge who arranges special events at the club, entertainment, etc.
Our association dues are $235 a month and include cable tv, lawn irrigation, golf club membership, restaurant subsidy, roads, pools, tennis courts,etc.

Where? This sounds great!

 

[WinniWoman]

I understand why. I moved to a different state when I was in my 50’s, out of family necessity. I live in a community where the average age is in their 30’s with lots of community activities geared towards families with young children. I made friends with the two couples near my age. They are still working, I am not. I joined meetup clubs where members already had their clicks. I have many friends all over the states but found it very hard to establish real friendships like I am use to in my 50’s. Most people my age already have their circle of friends.

I took another friend to a Del Webb community 55 + as she was thinking of relocating to my area. It took minutes and we met friendly people living there. I have met others who live there in their 50’s, waiting in waiting rooms of doctor offices, at hair salons, manicures, etc. Everyone near my age loves living in a 55+ and many have told me they knew no one when they moved in and now have a large circle of friends. Many clubs and activities are only available to those living there.

I would move to one is a second. My other half initially would have but I said we couldn’t because his daughter was only 12 and I wanted to make sure if she had to come live with us she could. Now he has everything he wants in the house we live and doesn’t want to move, he is more of a loner, I am not. I believe in time I will be able to convince him if I can get in while it is being built so he gets everything he want. All I want is lots of things to do and a larger circle of friends.

His compromise to me is traveling with me to timeshares. Good enough compromise for now. I will try again to convince him in our 60’s.

I understand how both of you feel. I, like you, really want to be in an active adult community. Heck- we will be pushing 70 anyway by the time we move from here. That is also why I am looking at the CCRC's, though they are expensive.

On the other hand, I understand your husband. From what we have seen so far in NH in our price range, we could never have as nice a home as ours. Ours has lots of windows everywhere- beautiful scenery- woods and wildlife -central ac, whole house generator, steam shower, updated kitchen and bathrooms, porcelain Vermont Castings wood stove and the nicer type brick (not the ugly brick you see a lot in older homes) and nice wood floors throughout, a security system, ceiling fans in most of the rooms. A ground level deck and a screened in porch, an outdoor patio, a huge dog pen, big 2 car garage. Tons of land and a brook with a drive over bridge and stone walls. We ain't going to get anything close to this anywhere for like $250,000, even leaving the land out of it- which we would not expect to have in a 55+ community anyway and that's ok.

In NH, being there are long winters like here in NY, we would be spending a lot of time indoors and no way could I stand giving up what we have to living in an old and tired condo or house.

Only problem is- here there is no one else around and it gets lonely and we cannot age here. So the search will continue.

 

[rapmarks]

We live in Southwest Florida. We had a fundraiser for HopeHospice, Hats off to Golf. 96 ladies, some went all out on the hats.

 

[rapmarks]

There was a clinic for lady golfers, about 25 from our subdivision went. Only three ladies in this picture are under 70, oldest 80.

 

[Panina]

I understand how both of you feel. I, like you, really want to be in an active adult community. Heck- we will be pushing 70 anyway by the time we move from here. That is also why I am looking at the CCRC's, though they are expensive.

On the other hand, I understand your husband. From what we have seen so far in NH in our price range, we could never have as nice a home as ours. Ours has lots of windows everywhere- beautiful scenery- woods and wildlife -central ac, whole house generator, steam shower, updated kitchen and bathrooms, porcelain Vermont Castings wood stove and the nicer type brick (not the ugly brick you see a lot in older homes) and nice wood floors throughout, a security system, ceiling fans in most of the rooms. A ground level deck and a screened in porch, an outdoor patio, a huge dog pen, big 2 car garage. Tons of land and a brook with a drive over bridge and stone walls. We ain't going to get anything close to this anywhere for like $250,000, even leaving the land out of it- which we would not expect to have in a 55+ community anyway and that's ok.

In NH, being there are long winters like here in NY, we would be spending a lot of time indoors and no way could I stand giving up what we have to living in an old and tired condo or house.

Only problem is- here there is no one else around and it gets lonely and we cannot age here. So the search will continue.

I doubt we will move for another 8-10 years when we are in our later 60’s.

Wherever you end up it will be smaller but think of it as a better lifestyle. Less to clean, less surprises in bills to maintain the property, hopefully less taxes, someone else cleaning your snow and cutting your grass or better yet go south and have warmer winters where you can go out everyday. South will definitely get you more choices.

My cousins live in Florida an love the lifestyle of 55+ communities and the best they say is not being lonely as there are clubs and amenities to enjoy and to meet friends. When I lost my first first husband, my friends most of who were all married didnt include me in activities with the married folks. Took alot of work to make new friends and I did. Never want to be in that position again. My current hopefully will live a long and healthy life but if he goes before me and we are not in a retirement community, I give everything away and buy a home in one right away.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

Our community does not have an age limitation but the overwhelming majority of residents are over 55
This morning we went on a walk around the loop, two miles. On the way we passed many walkers, a few joggers, lots of bicycles . We passed a busy tennis court, people playing racquetball on another court. We passed a horseshoe game, and a bocce game. Of course, we saw numerous golfers out on our course and loads of people at the five pools. One pool had a surprise birthday party going on. We passed many people leaving the restaurant when we stopped in the pro shop to check our teetimes. We checked the card room signups also, bridge, poker, hand and foot, samba, euchre, and mahjong. Water aerobics and tai chi and yoga groups during the week as well as the knit wits and book clubs and crafters. We have a concierge who arranges special events at the club, entertainment, etc.
Our association dues are $235 a month and include cable tv, lawn irrigation, golf club membership, restaurant subsidy, roads, pools, tennis courts,etc.

Wow, I love the low HOA fees... Are there any homes in your neighborhood in the low $200"s?

 

[Sugarcubesea]

Isn't Sun City-Grand in Surprise? If you like Scottsdale, have you considered Sun Lakes? Much easier to enjoy Scottsdale from there.
I have a friend who lives in Sun City-Grand and he is on the golf cart patrol to make sure your garage door is closed. He loves it. Plays Pickle ball and organizing bus trips to the cheap music shows at the casinos. There's good hiking up there, but there' good hiking everywhere out here.
It's different if you are retired and can avoid the crowded roadways during commute times. For working slugs like me, here's what we say about Surprise - you'll be Surprised how long it takes you to get there!
On the other hand, I have several friends who live in Maricopa, Queen Creek, East Mesa and Sun Lakes who all regularly meet for lunch in Scottsdale and the city. They volunteer at the Desert Botanical Gardens and enjoy the theaters and museums and navigate the distance easily. So, it depends what you are looking for.

Yes, it is in Surprise AZ...Thank you for the suggestions of Sun Lakes

 

[rapmarks]

Wow, I love the low HOA fees... Are there any homes in your neighborhood in the low $200"s?

Villas, and manor homes, condos are 165 to 185

 

[Sugarcubesea]

Villas, and manor homes, condos are 165 to 185

Dang, those are some great prices... We might be neighbors after all....thanks for all of the great help....

 

[Snazzylass]

Yes, it is in Surprise AZ...Thank you for the suggestions of Sun Lakes

You're welcome! And, another popular consideration is proximity to your favorite MLB team's Spring training field. My buddy in Surprise enjoys working at the Royal's stadium. My son attended a White Sox game in Glendale. The Cubbies are in Mesa, Giants in Scottsdale, and I'm about a block from the Angels.

 

[rapmarks]

I always chuckle when I hear Sun City West, my mother in law called them uppity

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I understand why. I moved to a different state when I was in my 50’s, out of family necessity. I live in a community where the average age is in their 30’s with lots of community activities geared towards families with young children. I made friends with the two couples near my age. They are still working, I am not. I joined meetup clubs where members already had their clicks. I have many friends all over the states but found it very hard to establish real friendships like I am use to in my 50’s. Most people my age already have their circle of friends.

I took another friend to a Del Webb community 55 + as she was thinking of relocating to my area. It took minutes and we met friendly people living there. I have met others who live there in their 50’s, waiting in waiting rooms of doctor offices, at hair salons, manicures, etc. Everyone near my age loves living in a 55+ and many have told me they knew no one when they moved in and now have a large circle of friends. Many clubs and activities are only available to those living there.

I would move to one is a second. My other half initially would have but I said we couldn’t because his daughter was only 12 and I wanted to make sure if she had to come live with us she could. Now he has everything he wants in the house we live and doesn’t want to move, he is more of a loner, I am not. I believe in time I will be able to convince him if I can get in while it is being built so he gets everything he want. All I want is lots of things to do and a larger circle of friends.

His compromise to me is traveling with me to timeshares. Good enough compromise for now. I will try again to convince him in our 60’s.

That’s why I really want to move to a 55+ community. I feel that when you move to another state in your 60’s ( which is what I will be when I retire) it’s hard to make friends.

I want to be an active retiree

 

[VacationForever]

We live in a resort-like community where there are more retirees than working folks, guessing something like 4:1. Between our neighbors in our condo building and the sports and social club, we make alot of friends who are similarly retired and some whom we consider as close friends. It does not need to be labelled as active 55+, for a community to be mainly for retirees. We love where we live.

 

[WinniWoman]

Villas, and manor homes, condos are 165 to 185

This is the price range we need.

 

[WinniWoman]

We live in a resort-like community where there are more retirees than working folks, guessing something like 4:1. Between our neighbors in our condo building and the sports and social club, we make alot of friends who are similarly retired and some whom we consider as close friends. It does not need to be labelled as active 55+, for a community to be mainly for retirees. We love where we live.

I still keep your community on my list of possibilities. Right now I am so confused thinking about it all the time- where to move- what to do- how to do it.

 

[rapmarks]

I still keep your community on my list of possibilities. Right now I am so confused thinking about it all the time- where to move- what to do- how to do it.

It is a big decision. We looked for four years or more.

 

[riverdees05]

We moved to one in Tenneessee about 6 months ago and love it. We are in our early 70s and have met so many nice people and have wonderful neighbors. The one we moved to is relatively new and still growing. It is just south on Nashville.

 

[WinniWoman]

We moved to one in Tenneessee about 6 months ago and love it. We are in our early 70s and have met so many nice people and have wonderful neighbors. The one we moved to is relatively new and still growing. It is just south on Nashville.

Did you move out of state? Are you in close proximity to family at all?

 

[bogey21]

It is a big decision. We looked for four years or more.

I took the 4 years before I retired (1) to check out CCRCs in 4 different states; (2) to understand the tax situation in these states; and (3) to understand the financial implications of moving into a CCRC. If all goes well, this should be one's last move and it needs to be done right...

George

 

[lovetotravel77]

We are hoping to semi retire to the Orlando area to begin, still good employment drivers in Orlando. We will rent for a year or two and if we don't like it for some reason, we will look on the West Coast, Tampa area, another good area for employment. Both cities have good hospitals, important for us. We are planning to eventually purchase in Florida, no income tax, no estate tax, relatively low real estate tax compared to the tri state area. We hopefully will be lucky enough to get a short term rental for 2 months in the summer to spend with our kids and hopefully future grandchildren back in NJ. Hopefully, will be the "best of both worlds". Now with the Tax Reform cap of $10K of state and local tax, we are getting killed. Tired of cold, shoveling. We are very active people and miss the outdoors for 6 months a year, too cold to spend quality time outside.