Great Retirement Communities
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Today's Community Review
Dataw Island, Dataw Island, South Carolina
On the southern South Carolina coast, beautiful Dataw Island is popular with baby boomers and boasts golf courses, tennis courts, an elegant clubhouse, restaurants, spa services, a marina, and town homes and single family homes in a wide price range.
Previous Community Reviews
Lakes of Mount Dora, Mount Dora, Florida
In rolling north central Florida, charming Mount Dora is the location of Lakes of Mount Dora, a gated 55+ community with a large clubhouse, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a theater, planned tennis courts and RV stoarge. Single family homes are for sale, and most sit next to a lake or canal.
Rancho Viejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Beautiful, artsy Santa Fe is in northern New Mexico and is the site of stylish Rancho Viejo, a large master planned community with adobe style homes, walking paths, six parks, mountain views and more.
Bulle Rock, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Along Chesapeake Bay in northern Maryland, gated Bulle Rock is an elegant community on the grounds of an old thoroughbred farm. Single family homes, town homes and condos are available, and amenities include a championship golf course and a huge clubhouse with a restaurant, tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness center and more.
Diamondhead, Hot Springs, Arkansas
In lush central Arkansas, Hot Springs is the setting for Diamondhead Resort, a lakeside community popular with empty nesters and baby boomers. Amenities include a golf course, tennis courts, a marina and more.
Sun City Apple Valley, Apple Valley, California
Apple Valley is in south central California and is the setting for Sun City Apple Valley, a large 55+ community with single family homes, two recreation centers, a golf course, swimming pools, an art studio, a crafts studio, an activities director and more.
Cottages at Autumn Lake, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah sits on Georgia's northern coast and is the site of Cottages at Autumn Lake, a cozy community with town homes, a lakeside pool, an airy clubhouse and the beautiful beaches of Tybee Island just a few miles away.
Bent Tree Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
The cute little waterfront town of Ocean Isle Beach is on the southern North Carolina coast and is the setting for Bent Tree Plantation, a peaceful, leafy community with single family homes and condominiums, boat docks, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, tennis courts, RV storage and more.
Pecan Plantation, Granbury, Texas
Outside of Fort Worth in north central Texas, Granbury is the location of Pecan Plantation, a large community with brick single family homes, tall trees, river access, a golf course, a marina, a dog park, an air park, a village center and more.
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Retiring in a Regular HOA Community vs. in a 55+ Community
For many retirees, choosing the right place to live is one of the most important lifestyle decisions they will ever make. While some prefer the freedom and diversity of a traditional neighborhood, others are drawn to the amenities and structure of an age-restricted development. Two of the most common options are regular HOA (homeowners association) communities and 55+ communities. Both can provide security, amenities, and a sense of neighborhood pride, but they differ significantly in purpose, demographics, and day-to-day living. Understanding these differences can help retirees make the choice that best suits their lifestyle and priorities.
Regular HOA Communities
A regular HOA community is a residential neighborhood governed by an association made up of homeowners. These associations exist to maintain shared spaces, enforce rules, and preserve property values. They are not age-restricted, which means residents can include young families, professionals, retirees, and even renters. The diversity of ages and household types often creates a more traditional neighborhood atmosphere, with children playing outside, families hosting gatherings, and a mix of lifestyles coexisting side by side.
HOA fees in regular communities typically go toward maintaining common areas such as landscaping, pools, parks, or clubhouses. Rules may cover exterior paint colors, lawn upkeep, or even parking restrictions, all designed to create a cohesive and orderly environment. While some retirees appreciate this structured approach, others may find HOA rules restrictive or inflexible. One advantage of a regular HOA neighborhood is that retirees can remain integrated into a broader community that reflects society at large, maintaining connections with people of all ages rather than being surrounded primarily by peers.
However, traditional HOAs vary widely in the services and amenities they provide. Some offer little beyond basic landscaping and rule enforcement, while others operate more like resort-style communities with pools, fitness centers, or golf courses. Importantly, HOAs do not focus specifically on senior living. Healthcare access, age-friendly amenities, or social programming geared toward retirees may not be a priority. For older adults seeking a quieter, more age-tailored lifestyle, this can be a drawback.
55+ Communities
In contrast, 55+ communities are age-restricted developments created specifically for active adults. By law, at least 80 percent of occupied homes must have one resident aged 55 or older, which ensures the community maintains its retirement-focused environment. The result is a neighborhood primarily made up of people in midlife or later years, with similar schedules, interests, and priorities. This shared stage of life creates an atmosphere that many retirees find comfortable and socially rewarding.
Amenities in 55+ communities are designed with older adults in mind. Clubhouses, fitness centers, pools, and walking trails are common, as are organized social activities such as yoga, pickleball, card clubs, and group outings. Many communities also emphasize low-maintenance living, with services like lawn care or exterior upkeep included in HOA fees. This allows retirees to spend more time on leisure and socialization rather than home chores. The sense of community is often stronger because residents share similar goals: to enjoy an active, stress-free retirement among peers.
Another key difference is noise and activity levels. In a 55+ community, residents will not encounter the same level of children’s play or late-night parties that might be present in a traditional neighborhood. For many retirees, this quieter, more predictable environment is a major benefit. On the other hand, some may find the lack of age diversity isolating, especially if they enjoy being around younger generations or have visiting grandchildren who may feel out of place.
Weighing the Differences
Ultimately, the decision between a regular HOA community and a 55+ community depends on personal priorities. A retiree who values diversity, enjoys the presence of families and children, and does not mind a less structured retirement environment may thrive in a traditional HOA neighborhood.
Meanwhile, someone seeking an age-targeted lifestyle with abundant amenities, organized activities, and minimal maintenance may find a 55+ community to be a perfect fit. Both options can provide security, stability, and attractive surroundings, but the daily experience of living in each is quite different.
By carefully considering lifestyle preferences, social needs, and financial goals, retirees can choose the community that makes their golden years truly fulfilling.
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