by Robert Borges on January 29, 2024
There’s no doubt about it, major perks and benefits come with mountain living. The lifestyle promotes health, wellness, peace of mind, and so much more. Along with tranquil serenity and panoramic vistas, many mountain communities feature luxury homes and distinct amenities such as lodge-style clubhouses, hiking/biking trails, ski lifts, national parks, fishing streams, and lakes. If you’re thinking about retiring above the clouds where clean air and unspoiled wilderness reign supreme, here are 5 unique mountain retirement communities to consider.
Hot Springs Village- Hot Springs Village, AR
The nation’s largest gated community, Hot Springs Village is spread across 26,000 acres in West Central Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains and offers the natural beauty of sweeping vistas, lush forests and sparkling lakes. A unique mountain retirement community in every way, residents have access to nine signature golf courses, a 13-court tennis center, 14-court pickleball facility, 11 lakes and two beaches for swimming, boating and fishing, 30 miles of hiking trails, a fitness center, numerous club sports and over 200 clubs and civic organizations. Amenities also include a 650-seat performing arts center, recreational library, and community centers.
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains on 4,100 acres, Glade Springs is a retirement community in southern West Virginia. The community offers affordable homes with scenic views, including fairway, lake, gorge, or wooded landscapes. Residents enjoy amenities like championship golf courses, fitness center, swimming pools, fishing, and 26 miles of walking or biking trails. Retirees and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the quick access to recreational activities like skiing, fly-fishing, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, is just over an hour away, offering cultural and entertainment attractions.
Victory at Verrado- Buckeye, AZ
Discover mountainside retirement living at its finest in Victory, nestled in the White Tank Mountains of Arizona, just 25 miles from downtown Phoenix. Designed for active adults aged 55 and over, Victory is an exclusive district within Verrado, offering a blend of classic and contemporary homes that complement the stunning desert landscape. Residents enjoy access to Verrado's amenities and the private Victory Club, featuring resort-style pools, racquet sports pavilion, Life Performance Training Center, The Vic Bar + Kitchen, The Spa, and more. Verrado itself offers over 80 parks, 21 miles of paths, and a beautiful Sonoran Desert location for outdoor activities. Resident clubs, with over 75 diverse options, provide opportunities for recreation, service, socializing, creativity, and networking. Verrado is a vibrant community that celebrates life with festivals, picnics, block parties, concerts, and parades. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two Tom Lehman-designed championship courses right in their backyard, offering stunning views and attracting diverse wildlife.
Verterra™—a Trilogy® Boutique Community™- Bonney Lake, WA
Verterra™, a Trilogy® Boutique Community™ within Tehaleh®, offers an active adult 55 and over community in the Pacific Northwest. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, Verterra provides a base for outdoor exploration and a vibrant 55-plus lifestyle. Close to Tacoma and 40 minutes from Seattle, the unique retirement community combines easy urban access with the tranquility of Tehaleh’s 1,800 acres of open space. As Shea Homes’ first Trilogy Boutique Community, Verterra aims to create a lively 55+ lifestyle with approximately 483 homesites and a central Club offering diverse activities. Inspired by the surrounding forest, Verterra's name combines Latin roots for Green (Veridis) and Earth (Terra), reflecting the lush, sought-after environment.
The Coves Mountain River Club- Lenoir, NC
Mountains and a scenic river. A rare combination to find in western North Carolina real estate developments, but this 3,600-acre gated mountain community checks both boxes—featuring five miles of river frontage along the Johns River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amenities include 39 miles of horse, biking and hiking trails, two community gardens, four community parks, four cascading waterfalls, a two-story mountaintop lodge with infinity edge saline swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center and well-appointed entertainment area.
Interested in exploring more mountain communities? PCR features dozens of additional community listings in U.S. mountain ranges from coast to coast. Learn more here.
