Benefits of a 55+ Community—What You Need to Know
When people think of “retirement communities,” they might automatically think of skilled nursing or assisted living communities. But there are far more senior living options available, including options for active older adults who want to enjoy life with fewer responsibilities and greater freedom. If you are 55 or older and want to live in a community of like-minded peers, then you may reap the benefits of a 55+ community lifestyle, like Summerville of St. Andrew’s.
All About 55+ Communities
What is a 55+ community?
A 55 plus community is an age-restricted active adult community. It is a type of retirement community for active seniors, not unlike an independent living community.
Unlike other types of senior living communities, like assisted living facilities, 55+ communities are not for seniors who have significant healthcare needs. 55+ residents are fully active, mentally alert, and can handle their day-to-day lives just fine on their own. They simply want to live in a low-maintenance community with their peers.
What are the benefits of a 55+ community?
- Maintenance-free living. No upkeep, housekeeping, or home maintenance—that’s what 55+ residents can enjoy. Residents of these communities can reap the benefits of great landscaping with no exterior maintenance responsibilities, for example, leaving older adults time to do what they want, when they want.
- Enhanced social opportunities. 55+ communities, as the name implies, are great for building a sense of community. With regularly scheduled social events and spacious common areas, these communities are great places for retirees to make new friends.
- Great on-site amenities and services. Pickleball and bocce ball courts, clubhouses, fitness centers to help residents lead an active lifestyle, transportation to local outings, and much more are all often found at these communities, such as Summerville of St. Andrew’s.
- Variety of floor plans. Variety lets communities suit the tastes and styles of a myriad of residents.
- Makes downsizing easy. Many older adults are in a stage of life where it’s time to move out from the old family home where housekeeping responsibilities are too much to handle. 55+ communities, while spacious, allow older people to downsize without sacrificing a rewarding and comfortable lifestyle.
What is it like living in a retirement community?
55+ communities, like Summerville of St. Andrew’s, can be whatever the residents want them to be. At Summerville, residents have access to pickleball courts, cycling paths, and an on-site fitness center to help them stay active each and every day. Relaxing is a breeze too with well-appointed common areas, clubhouses, and gardens.
What are the downsides of a 55+ community?
- Costs. Living in one of these communities isn’t free. In addition to base rent/mortgages, there may be other added monthly fees, like HOA fees, that residents have to pay. Furthermore, not all amenities are always included at base prices, leading to even higher monthly payments.
- Age requirements. 55+ communities are for older adults, with some being more restrictive with who can live in them than others, which may create obstacles for couples where one partner is under 55 or if the household has another young family member.
- Other restrictions. Many of these communities have homeowners associations or similar organizations that place limits on what residents can and cannot do in their home, apartment, or condo.
Where can I find a 55+ community near me?
If you or your loved one wants to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest, explore Summerville of St. Andrew’s, where it’s possible to reap all the benefits of a 55+ community.
