retirement: Concordia, Monroe Township, New Jersey 55+ - 01/24/12 05:10 AM
Budget-minded active adults in search of a welcoming 55+ community in New Jersey will want to visit Concordia in Monroe Township. This completed community is open to resident’s age 55 and better. It offers a nice sense of security thanks to its private gated entry.
Concordia is located in Middlesex County and features 1,757 homes in a wide variety of styles including single-family, attached homes and condominiums.  Built between 1983 and 2000, the community has been honored with many awards over the years and is a popular retirement destination for New Jersey active adults.
The homes at Concordia New … (0 comments)

retirement: Heritage Todd Creek, Thornton, Colorado - 01/23/12 04:15 AM
Heritage Todd Creek is a gorgeous active adult community featuring Craftsman-style design and meticulous attention-to-detail. From the impressive décor throughout the lodge to the lush landscaping throughout the community, special attention was paid to every detail to create this active adult community masterpiece.
Since opening in 2006, this Lennar community has become one of the most popular age-restricted communities in Colorado. Residents can be as young as age 45 in this exclusive gated community.  The homes at Heritage Todd Creek are priced from the high $200’s to the low $700’s.  In total the community is planned to have 1,300 homes upon … (0 comments)

retirement: Retirement and Active Adult Living in Fort Myers, Florida - 01/22/12 04:24 AM
Set along Florida’s southwest coast, the Fort Myers area is known for its fishing, beaches, golfing, shopping and other outdoor recreations. There are attractions to capture the imagination of any active adult retiree, and the sunny climate offers mild winters and long, hot summers. With both urban and coastal attractions, the area may be an ideal destination for many active adult retirees.
The city of Fort Myers sits on the south bank of the Caloosahatchee River, just 15 miles from Fort Myers Beach, which enjoys the warm waters of the southern Gulf coast. The area is about 30 minutes north of … (1 comments)

retirement: Soleil Laurel Canyon, Canton, Georgia Active Adult - 01/17/12 03:55 AM
In the scenic surroundings of the North Georgia Mountains sits the highly sought-after 55+ community of Soleil Laurel Canyon. Residents enjoy world-class amenities, wonderful outdoor recreation and an exciting lifestyle all just 40 miles from Atlanta.
The collection of amenities at this popular Georgia active adult community are centered in and around the fantastic Grand Clubhouse. The 28,000 square foot clubhouse features a casual yet elegant craftsman-style design and boasts stunning lake views from the grand sundeck as well as inviting social spaces on gracious balconies. Inside the clubhouse is a state-of-the-art fitness center with aerobics studio and private massage … (0 comments)

retirement: Heritage Creek, Milton, Delaware Active Adult - 01/15/12 01:33 PM
The tax-friendly state of Delaware is ideal for retirement living and offers a wide variety of communities perfect for active adult living. Heritage Creek Delaware is a popular community among active adults yet it is open to residents of all ages. Schell Brothers opened this community of beautifully designed homes in 2008. Today interested homebuyers can select from new construction or resale homes priced from the mid $200’s to the mid $300’s.
Heritage Creek is located within the town of Milton in Sussex County, Delaware. The charming historic district is just a short walk from the community as are plenty of … (1 comments)

retirement: What is the Best Age to Claim Social Security - 01/14/12 11:09 AM
If you’ve begun thinking about claiming Social Security benefits, you probably have many questions. Should you claim them as soon as you are eligible or wait to maximize your benefits? What are the tax implications and how do benefits differ if you are married?
While visiting Social Security Online is the best way to get up to date information and find detailed answers to your questions, the following information will help you start thinking about what might be the best age to claim your benefits.
When it comes to Social Security, you are eligible for early retirement at age 62, and … (2 comments)

retirement: CrossRidge, Glen Allen, Virginia Active Adult - 01/13/12 03:51 AM
Virginia active adults in search of an elegant 55+ community to call home will want to visit CrossRidge in Glen Allen. This beautifully designed community built by Eagle Construction offers a wide variety of home styles all boasting quality construction features both inside and out. CrossRidge opened in 2001 and is planned to have 756 homes upon completion.
Home styles in this gated Virginia active adult community include single-family homes, townhomes and duplex condominiums. The community is comprised of six unique neighborhoods each offering its own collection of homes. Sizes range from 1,760 to 2,360 square feet with two, three … (1 comments)

retirement: California’s 10 Most Affordable Active Adult Communities - 01/12/12 06:33 AM
If you long for a retirement in The Golden State, don’t assume that high home prices will put your California dreaming out of reach. While the West Coast does have many high-priced areas, there are also several attractive options for retirees on a budget. The following active adult communities offer condominiums, attached homes or single-family homes starting in the mid $100s (or even less!).
1. Laguna Woods Village — Built between 1963 and 1986, Laguna Woods Village is known for its architectural diversity and luxury resort-style amenities. This beautiful development includes 12,736 residences, seven clubhouses, 36-holes of golf, five swimming pools, … (0 comments)

retirement: Surfside Beach Club, Surfside Beach, South Carolina Active Adult - 01/11/12 02:07 AM
Live the coastal lifestyle just two miles from the Atlantic Ocean at the Surfside Beach Club in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. This amenity filled community is open to residents of all ages yet is mostly appealing to the active adult homebuyer. Residents enjoy a beautiful clubhouse and a vibrant lifestyle with plenty of social clubs similar to those found in traditional active adult communities.
Bill Clark Homes opened the Surfside Beach Club in 2004. Today homebuyers can select either new construction homes or resale homes priced from the high $100’s to the high $300’s.  The community is planned to have … (0 comments)

retirement: Haverford Place, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Active Adult - 01/09/12 03:58 AM
Haverford Place is a small 55+ community located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. This completed community of just 184 single-family ranch homes is popular for its premiere location near the bustling town of Schaumburg. Schaumburg offers visitors enjoy world-class shopping at the Woodfield Mall plus countless of other national retailers, restaurants, outdoor entertainment and much more.
Ryland Homes built the Haverford Place community between 2004 and 2009.  Today there are wonderful options to purchase a well-cared for resale home priced from the mid $300’s to the high $400’s. The home pricing at this particular community is higher than other IL active … (0 comments)

retirement: Green Valley Recreation, Green Valley, Arizona 55+ Communities - 01/08/12 05:47 AM
Green Valley Recreation is a massive collection of active adult communities designed for adults age 55 and better in Green Valley, Arizona. The town is comprised of over a dozen 55+ communities built by various home builders offering a wide variety of homes priced from below $100,000 to the mid $500’s.  In total there will be just over 12,300 homes in this amazing town dedicated to offering the ultimate in active adult living.
GVR (Green Valley Recreation, Inc) is a unique organization offering residents access to a staggering collection of amenities including 13 recreation centers, 8 golf courses and a lifestyle … (0 comments)

retirement: 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)

retirement: Robson Ranch, Eloy, Arizona Active Adult - 01/04/12 03:46 AM
Robson Ranch is a fantastic active adult community located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson in Eloy, Arizona. Since opening in 2005, Robson Ranch has become one of the most sought-after active adult communities in Arizona with plans calling for 4,600 homes upon completion. Residents enjoy high-end amenities, a vibrant lifestyle and attractive home prices from the high $100’s to the high $200’s.
The single family homes at Robson Ranch Arizona are available as new construction or resale. There are 14 single-family ranch floor plans to choose from sized from 1,200 to over 3,200 square feet. With so many options to choose … (1 comments)

retirement: Shorewood Glen by Del Webb: Illinois Budget Friendly Active Adult Living - 01/02/12 03:53 AM
Retirees in search of a Del Webb community in Illinois will find fabulous options including Sun City Huntley, Edgewater, Grand Dominion and Shorewood Glen. The most budget-friendly option is Del Webb Shorewood Glen with ranch homes ranging from the mid $100’s to the mid $300’s. Residents appreciate the luxury amenities and exciting lifestyle offered at an attractive price in this intimate sized 55+ community.
Del Webb opened Shorewood Glen in 2004. Today home buyers can select from new construction or well-cared for resale homes, all of which offer single-level ranch living. Shorewood Glen is planned to have just 765 homes … (0 comments)

retirement: Want to Buy a Short Sale? Better Be Patient. - 01/01/12 08:21 AM
With the recent housing market turmoil, many potential homebuyers have begun to wonder if short sales are a good way to make the most of the current buyers’ market. While a short sale can sometimes lead to a great deal, the process is far from simple. It’s also less likely to be an option in active adult communities, where short sales are often harder to find.
In real estate, a home listed for short sale means that the lender has agreed to take a discounted payoff to release the mortgage. There are many reasons why a home may be listed as … (0 comments)

retirement: 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)

retirement: Braddock Preserve at Winslow, Berlin, New Jersey - 12/29/11 02:44 AM
New Jersey retirees have wonderful choices when it comes to active adult communities. Braddock Preserve at Winslow is one such community offering beautiful curb appeal, elegant amenities and finely crafted homes. Located in Berlin, New Jersey, Braddock Preserve is an intimate sized community of just 222 homes built by DeLuca Homes between 2005 and 2008.  Today, interested home buyers can select from a variety of well-cared for resale homes priced from the high $200’s to the low $300’s.
The Braddock Preserve community was thoughtfully designed with all telephone, electric and gas lines running underground leaving nothing but beautiful homes and landscaping … (0 comments)

retirement: 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)

retirement: Sun City Lincoln Hills by Del Webb, Lincoln, California Active Adult - 12/27/11 06:08 AM
Sun City Lincoln Hills is a west coast retirement destination community built by Del Webb. Located in Lincoln, California, just northeast of Sacramento, this 55+ community is the largest active adult community in California with 6,783 homes. Del Webb built Sun City Lincoln Hills between 1999 and 2008. Today, interested home buyers can select from a wide variety of resale homes priced from the high $100’s to the high $600’s.
The amenities of Del Webb Lincoln Hills are centered within and around two fantastic clubhouses. The Orchard Creek Lodge features 68,000 square feet of luxury amenities. There is a state-of-the-art … (1 comments)

retirement: The Orchards of East Cherokee, Woodstock, Georgia - 12/24/11 03:12 AM
The Orchards of East Cherokee in Woodstock, Georgia is an attractive community open to residents of all ages yet is very appealing to the active adult homebuyer. Beautiful amenities, impeccable landscaping, welcoming curb appeal and finely crafted homes all combine to create a wonderful Georgia retirement retreat.
Golfers will appreciate the ideal location just minutes from six golf courses throughout the Woodstock area. The community is close to everyday conveniences and the nearby towns of Roswell, Canton, Atlanta and Decatur. Other popular area attractions include art galleries, museums, fresh produce farms and sparkling lakes ideal for boating, fishing and outdoor recreation. … (0 comments)