by Robert Borges on January 28, 2025
Active adult communities are designed for those who meet certain age requirements and want to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle and a range of activities tailored to their interests. When you’re healthy, active, and not tied to a job, your housing options are nearly boundless and include apartments, condominiums, townhouses, patio homes, or single-family homes.
A Closer Look at Different Living Arrangements
It might not be easy to leave the home where you spent much of your adult life. However, if you’re looking for a change or the upkeep of your current home is becoming too much to handle, there are some exciting alternatives in the more than 2,000 active adult communities in the United States.
Once you decide what state you want to live in, make lists of the amenities (e.g., clubhouses, golf courses, mountains or beach locations, social clubs, retiree eco-friendly bathrooms) that are must-haves and nice-to-haves. Use these parameters as part of your Private Communities portal search to identify communities that might meet your needs and dreams.
When you take a closer look at these communities, here are some different types of housing you might run across:
Apartments
Apartments are perfect for those who don’t want a large space to take care of or are looking for a more economical solution. Senior apartments are usually rentals, but sometimes, you can purchase them.
Condos and Townhomes
Condominiums are purchased and usually refer to apartment-style living spaces in multi-dwelling buildings. They often have an elevator in the building and interior common areas.
Townhouses are attached, multi-level homes built in clusters separated by outdoor common areas and green spaces. Bedrooms can be on the upper or ground-level floors. They are usually larger than condominiums and may have special design features in fifty-five-plus attached homes.
Patio Homes
Patio homes are like townhouses but are usually smaller and single-story. They are also called ‘cluster homes,’ ‘garden homes,’ ‘carriage homes,’ and ‘courtyard homes.’
Single-Family Homes
You may find single-family homes in an active adult community on smaller lots. The homeowner’s association maintains the property, but there is a larger interior living area and more space between homes. This type of housing is more expensive but a popular option for those who aren’t quite ready to downsize to an apartment or condominium.
Staying Active in an Active Adult Community
Active adult communities are all about being active, having fun, and maintaining health. Moving around, staying engaged, and socializing are all proven ways to boost energy and wellbeing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also says seniors need regular physical activity to prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
In addition, healthy leisure activities such as volunteer opportunities, book clubs, gardening, and trips to cultural events are great for mental health and cognitive agility. Regardless of your living arrangement, you will have full access to the resort-like amenities and activities at a master-planned community that guarantees a high quality of life.
Wrapping Up
Various housing options at active adult communities allow you to find a home perfect for your current stage of life. The amenities and activities you’ll enjoy will be close and easy to access, and you’ll be surrounded by people with similar interests.
Before taking the plunge and relocating, visit the active adult communities that match your goals and are in your price range. Even better, book a PCR Discovery Package and experience living in the community firsthand!
