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"It will be our faces you see, not our backs." ~Volodymyr Zelensky
"Israel was not created in order to disappear - it will endure and flourish." ~John F. Kennedy
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Today's Community Review
Ironwood, Casa Grande, Arizona
Casa Grande is in southern Arizona and is the setting for Ironwood Village, a gated 55+ duplex community with single level homes, Mediterranean architecture, a clubhouse, a resort style swimming pool, a croquet lawn and more.
Previous Community Reviews
Barefoot Bay, Sebastian, Florida
On Florida's southeastern coast, Sebastian is the site of Barefoot Bay, a large, settled manufactured/mobile home community popular with baby boomers, retirees and "snowbirds." It has a golf course, a private beach, RV storage, three swimming pools, a fishing pier and more.
Fairfield Glade, Fairfield Glade, Tennessee
In rolling east central Tennessee, Fairfield Glade is a resort and retirement community with five golf courses, 11 lakes, two marinas, tennis courts, beaches, riding stables and a wide range of home styles and prices.
Leisure World, Seal Beach, California Seal Beach is on the Southern California coast and is the site of Leisure World, a large, established 55+ community with attached homes, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, a health care center, six clubhouses, a golf course, a ceramics studio, a woodworking studio, dozens of clubs and activities, shuttle services and more.
National Village, Opelika, Alabama Opelika is in eastern Alabama and is the site of National Village, a wooded community with seven villages, lovely single family homes in a variety of architectural styles and 54 holes of golf built around a lake.
Crowfields, Asheville, North Carolina In rolling western North Carolina, funky, trendy Asheville is the site of Crowfields, an intimate, established 55+ condominium and town home community with spacious floor plans and a park-like setting.
Bella Vita at Green Tee, Pearland, Texas Outside of Houston in southeastern Texas, BellaVita at Green Tee is a 55+ community with brick, single story, single family and patio homes. Amenities include a lake, a putting green, a spa, a swimming pool and more.
Heritage Isle, Melbourne, Florida On Florida's Space Coast, Heritage Isle is a large 55+ community with condominiums, town homes, duplexes and single family homes. Amenities are extensive and include a pool, a clubhouse and many activities.
Beau Coast, Beaufort, North Carolina Cozy Beaufort is tucked along North Carolina's scenic Inner Banks and is the site of Beau Coast, beautiful community with eye-catching single family homes and town homes. Amenities include a zero entry swimming pool, two kayak launch sites and a day dock with direct access to the sea.
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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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