active adult: Our 7 Favorite Beach Retirement Destinations - 05/10/12 07:23 AM
In the chill of winter, as the snow starts to fall, many active adults begin dreaming of a warm and sunny beach retirement. Though each getaway may have its own sandy shores and sunny skies, not all beach retirement destinations are cut from the same cloth. Here are some of the highlights (and selling points) of our seven favorite coastal getaways.
1. Naples, Florida
Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Naples area offers deep blue water and white sand beaches. This South Florida destination is ideal for fishing, either from its local piers or aboard deep-sea fishing … (1 comments)

active adult: Top 10 Retirement Living Trends of 2012 - 05/03/12 03:05 AM
Each year brings changing trends, including many changes to the typical active adult lifestyle. Now that the New Year is upon us, let’s take a look at some of the expected trends for 2012.
1. Smaller, More Urban Communities
Active adults who prefer city living will be happy to hear that there may be more urban communities in the near future. Builders are moving away from sprawling mega communities and are expected to turn toward small developments of 500 homes or less — developments which easily fit into urban areas.
2. Pickleball Courts
Over the past few years, pickleball has become … (1 comments)

active adult: Phoenix Versus Tucson – Which Is a Better Retirement Destination? - 04/17/12 12:14 AM
With only a two-hour drive separating these Arizona cities, active adults will find plenty to do in both Phoenix and Tucson. Each of these retirement-friendly cities offer sunny skies, beautiful scenery, exciting attractions and amenity-rich communities. Yet there are some differences which are worth considering before relocating or planning a visit.
Though both cities have mountain views, Phoenix is a relatively flat area with rocky peaks rising in the distance. This gives the city plenty of space for a large grid of streets peppered with commercial and residential buildings. Phoenix is generally divided into distinct urban villages, each of which have … (1 comments)

active adult: Yes, Age-Restricted Communities Are Legal - 04/05/12 03:41 AM
When the subject of active adult communities comes up, people commonly wonder whether age-restricted communities are actually legal. The Fair Housing Act protects homebuyers and renters from discrimination based on several factors, so it seems like it should keep developers from closing their doors to residents under a certain age. However, as long as they meet certain requirements, these communities are not breaking any laws.
Established in 1968, the Fair Housing Act protects homebuyers and renters from discrimination based on seven different areas: race, color, sex, national origin, religion, familial status and disability. Age is not a protected class under the … (1 comments)

active adult: Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne, Florida - 04/03/12 11:48 PM
On the Central Atlantic Coast of Florida is the Indian River Colony Club. This golf course community offers Florida retirees a fantastic lifestyle in a beautiful scenic location. Located in the town of Melbourne, this completed 55+ community is made up of 770 homes, all of which overlook the community golf course or lakes and many of which include their own swimming pool.
The homes at this country club community are available in a wide price range starting from the high $100’s and going up to the mid $800’s. The homes were built between 1986 and 2006. Today’s offering of resale … (0 comments)

active adult: Must Read Advice for Retiring on a Fixed Income - 03/09/12 04:20 AM
While the idea of retiring can be exciting, it also comes with some common concerns. No longer having a job means relying on a fixed income from the savings plans and tools you put in place during your career.
When you’ve carefully planned for retirement and are right on track, it’s still understandable to have some fears about switching to a fixed income. If you find yourself retiring earlier than expected due to layoffs or a medical necessity, retirement can be even more frightening. Fortunately, there are tools which can help you generate income and navigate retirement spending.
It takes some … (1 comments)

active adult: 10 Great New Construction 55+ Communities in Central Florida - 02/19/12 10:17 PM
As a semi-tropical peninsula, Florida is often recognized for its beautiful beaches. However, Florida’s central region should not be overlooked by relocating retirees. This popular area offers scenic beauty with numerous lakes and sprawling golf courses. The Orlando area is also home to many exciting attractions such as theme parks, shopping centers and diverse restaurants.
The Central Florida region has many well-established 55+ communities, but there are also several spectacular developments which offer beautiful new construction homes. Here are 10 of our favorites:
1. On Top of the World
On Top of the World is a sprawling resort-style community known for … (0 comments)

active adult: Get Away From It All in Asheville, North Carolina - 02/03/12 01:15 AM
The beautiful area surrounding Asheville and Hendersonville is a favorite North Carolina destination for many active adults. With mountain views, artistic shops, numerous outdoor recreations and plenty of diverse attractions, it is an ideal spot for both relocating retirees and visiting tourists.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque area features impressive scenic views as well as interesting architecture and distinctive neighborhoods. While North Carolina is known for having a hot climate, temperatures are noticeably cooler when living in the Asheville area’s higher elevation. The winters are cold and do bring some snow, making it a great place for people … (2 comments)

active adult: Heritage Oaks, Georgetown, Texas - 01/29/12 03:55 AM

Heritage Oaks in Georgetown, Texas may be small in size but it’s grand in design and amenities. Gorgeous exterior architecture, impeccable interior design and lush landscaping create an impressive community ideal for the discerning Texas active adult homebuyer.  
Jimmy Jacobs is the builder of this exclusive Texas 55+ community. Plans call for just 398 custom-built homes upon completion. Since opening in 2004, Heritage Oaks has become a popular Texas retirement destination for home buyers in search of the finest in luxury amenities and high-quality construction.
All of the homes at Heritage Oaks will be single-family ranch style floor plans sized from approximately … (0 comments)

active adult: Introducing The Best Active Adult Community Search Tool, Ever - 01/05/12 03:58 AM
55Places.com is dedicated toward helping active adults find the community of their dreams, and that search just got a lot easier with our new Advanced Search feature. This intuitive search form lets you choose the elements you want in an active adult community and instantly see the results.
To get started, simply click on the “Advanced Search” link which is found below the search box in the top right corner of the home page or click on the Advanced Search icon on the search page. You will be taken to a form page with eight simple questions to help you select … (2 comments)

active adult: Are Golf Courses in Active Adult Communities Becoming Extinct? - 12/30/11 07:34 AM
Not long ago, the terms “active adult community” and “golf course community” were practically synonymous. Early active adult communities were modeled after the success of Del Webb’s original Sun City development and that usually meant a sprawling community with thousands of homes and a spectacular golf course. Today, trends are changing.
Several new active adult communities are still being built with their own golf courses. They are designed to have a more traditional country club feel, with golf being a focal point of the recreational activities. The golf courses benefit everyone, in the sense that they provide lovely scenery for the … (1 comments)

active adult: 8 Terrible Tax States for Retirees - 12/28/11 05:54 AM
Each year, Kiplinger and other financial analysts offer advice on which states are the most and least tax-friendly destinations for retirees. The criteria for these lists can vary, but they generally attempt to look at the total tax burden including taxes on income, property, sales, pension, Social Security benefits and inheritance.
While the actual implications of tax laws in any state will depend on your own particular retirement situation, there are some states which might require a closer look before relocating.
Here are our picks for states to avoid if a low tax burden is high on your list of retirement … (4 comments)

active adult: If Women Designed the Perfect Retirement Home, It Would Include… - 12/22/11 07:37 AM
In active adult communities, builders design homes to meet the needs of both men and women. But what if women were given a chance to design their own perfect retirement homes? Would they include the same features that men enjoy, or would women have their own approach?
Here are a few of our thoughts on some features that women would particularly enjoy:
A Walk-In Closet the Size of a Bedroom
The ultimate walk-in closet would be one replaced by a full fledged dressing room complete with appropriate clothing racks, shoe storage and full length mirrors. And don’t forget an upholstered chair … (4 comments)

active adult: Active Adult Communities Aren’t Just For Social People - 12/20/11 03:16 PM
Some people are drawn to active adult communities for their many social opportunities, and others stay away for exactly the same reason. They worry that 55+ communities are filled with social butterflies and cheery Activities Directors who will be beating down their door to come join a club or take up a new hobby.
While social opportunities are often touted as part of a development’s amenities, they are in no way an obligatory part of living in an active adult community. Clubs, social events and classes are available for those who want to make use of them. Those who are less … (0 comments)

active adult: 7 New Ways Active Adults Can Improve Fitness in 2012 - 12/19/11 02:32 PM
With the New Year right around the corner, many people are turning their thoughts toward healthy resolutions such as improving their fitness. Fortunately there are many exercises which active adults can use to get in shape without putting excessive strain on their bodies.
1. Yoga
Yoga comes in many flavors, but there are many styles of practice which are ideal for active adults. Gentle yin yoga improves flexibility and relieves stress, while more active yang yoga also builds strength and cardiovascular fitness. Anyone can learn to practice yoga, but the key to steady improvement is to work at your own pace … (3 comments)

active adult: Del Webb Active Adult Communities in Illinois - 12/07/11 01:47 AM
Del Webb offers fantastic active adult communities all across the country, including non-traditional retirement destinations such as Illinois.  Since the late 1990’s, Del Webb has been offering 55+ living for Illinois retirees and today there are four fantastic Del Webb communities in the greater Chicagoland area. Sun City Huntley was Del Webb’s very first active adult community in the entire Midwest. Today this resort-style community is nearly sold out with nearly 5,500 homes sold since opening in 1998.
Sun City Huntley by Del Webb This resort-style community offers a wide variety of home styles, luxury amenities and a fantastic lifestyle. … (1 comments)

active adult: How to Retire When You Are Broke - 12/05/11 01:59 PM
While retirement might be out of reach if you are truly broke, it may still be possible when your nest egg is much smaller than you had expected it would be. There are many ways to cut back on costs or supplement your income during retirement. Of course, you may have to get creative with your expenses and adjust your expectations to make it work.
Most people carry some kind of mental picture about their ideal retirement. Maybe it includes traveling the world, living in a country club community, sailing, fishing, golfing or any number of other activities. But when anyone … (0 comments)

active adult: Active Adult Community Versus Retirement Home – What’s the Difference? - 12/02/11 08:44 AM
When some people first hear the term “active adult community,” they imagine some common misconceptions. Active adult communities are often confused with elderly care or senior living, when in reality they are more like Country Clubs or living at a resort.
Although active adult communities are geared toward older residents, and often have a specific age-restriction, they are very different from retirement homes. Active adult communities promote an active social life, but they are not a collection of group homes. They may be close to excellent medical facilities, but they do not offer assisted living.
In many ways, active adult communities … (1 comments)

active adult: 5 Step Checklist to Find the Ideal Active Adult Community - 11/30/11 08:44 AM
There are many factors which go into choosing an active adult community, particularly when you are planning to relocate to a new location. Some items are more important to one homebuyer than they are for another, so it’s best for you to rank your priorities according to what means the most to you.
 
1. Rank your priorities from most important to least important.
Some typical priorities when relocating include choosing the climate (e.g. arid, tropical or four seasons), environment (coastal, desert or mountain) and population density (rural, urban or suburban). When it comes to the actual community, your priorities are … (1 comments)

active adult: Rear Load Garages Create Inviting Curb Appeal - 11/18/11 07:34 AM
When visiting suburban communities which were built in the last 20 years, you are likely to notice an endless line of prominent garage doors. This can be especially true in active adult communities where small homes often appear to be dwarfed by their two-car garages. Yet some builders have found a way to increase curb appeal by designing homes with hidden, rear load garages.
Look back a generation and you will see that a typical home was designed with an inviting front porch surrounded by lush landscaping. If the home had a garage at all, it was often detached and set … (0 comments)