Active Adult Communities

Retirement Community and Facility Types

Active Adult Communities include single-family homes, town homes, cluster homes, manufactured housing and multifamily housing. There are two types: age-restricted and age-targeted. Age-Restricted Communities are specifically aimed at persons age 55 and older. Under rules set down by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) in the Fair Housing Act, the housing must include at least one person who is age 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units. Anyone under the age of 19 is restricted from being a permanent resident. Residents typically lead an independent, active lifestyle in a country club setting where they can take advantage of amenities such as a clubhouse, a golf course, walking trails, hobby centers, computer labs, and other recreational spaces. These communities are usually not equipped to provide increased care or health-related services. Outdoor maintenance normally is included in a monthly homeowner’s association or condominium fee. Age-Targeted Communities are similar to Age-Restricted Communities except their marketing targets adults age 55 or older but they are not explicitly age-restricted. Leisure Communities are another option for retirees. Homes in leisure communities are designed for empty nesters. There are no age restrictions. The environments often include amenities such as clubhouses, golf courses and community pools in resort-like settings. These communities offer predominately two and three bedroom homes and are perfect for those whose children have grown and moved away although children are welcome. They offer an array of homes that typically include features designed for a changing lifestyle.

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