Great Retirement Communities
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Today's Community Review
Compass Pointe, Leland, North Carolina
Near the North Carolina coast, Leland is the site of Compass Pointe, a beautiful age-targeted, resort-style community with single family homes, an amenity center, 45 holes of golf, two swimming pools, a lazy river and more.
Previous Community Reviews
Outside of Chandler in southern Arizona, Sun Lakes is a large, established 55+ community with five neighborhoods full of single family residences, town houses and manufactured homes. A rich menu of amenities includes clubhouses, golf courses, swimming pools and more.
Boca Lago, Boca Raton, Florida
Boca Raton is a stylish town on Florida's southeastern coast and is the site of Boca Lago, a lush, gated 55+ community with condos, town homes, a golf course, tennis courts, lakes and more.
Colonial Heritage, Williamsburg, Virginia
Popular Williamsburg is in southeastern Virginia and is the site of Colonial Heritage, a handsome 55+ community with single family homes, a large clubhouse, a golf course, an athletic center, swimming pools, tennis courts and more.
Cascades at Southern Hills Plantation, Brooksville, Florida
Not far from Florida's Gulf Coast, Brooksville is the setting for The Cascades, a wooded 55+ neighborhood within a larger all ages development. Single level homes are for sale, and amenities include a clubhouse and a pool (the larger community has more amenities).
Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake, North Carolina
Spring Lake is in south central North Carolina and is the site of Anderson Creek Club, a large, lush development with a 55+ neighborhood. Single family homes are for sale and amenities include an elegant clubhouse, a golf course, tennis courts, a croquet field and more.
Outside of bustling Dallas/Fort Worth, Denton is the site of Robson Ranch, a large, handsome 55+ community with single family homes, attached homes, a sports club, a neighborhood garden, a golf course, a dog park and more.
Village Plaza, Sarasota, Florida
On the southwestern Florida coast, Sarasota is the setting for Village Plaza, a settled 55+ condominium and town home community with mature tropical landscaping, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, an adjacent golf course and nearby sugar white beaches.
Four Seasons at Kent Island, Chester, Maryland
Chester sits on Kent Island in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay and is the site of this beautiful waterfront 55+ community with single family homes, condominiums, a 24,000 square foot clubhouse and direct water access.
Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria, Arizona
Outside of Phoenix in southern Arizona, Peoria is the setting for Trilogy at Vistancia, a handsome 55+ enclave within a larger, all ages development. Homes are single level, and amenities include a golf course, clubhouses, a center for higher learning 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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