by Ben Keal on February 23, 2025
If you are considering a move to one of the many fabulous fifty-five-and-older living communities around the country, a little planning and forethought can make the transition more seamless.
You can start by visiting the Private Communities portal and selecting the location, price range, and amenities you want in your new home. Our intuitive platform will return a list of communities that perfectly match your parameters. Then, you can book Discovery Packages to visit your top choices in person.
When you visit, assess the community’s amenities and the proximity to healthcare facilities and other needs. If you like what you see, review the homeowners association regulations and fees, how the property is managed, and its resale potential. Also, take time to meet the residents who live there already to get a sense of the community you might be joining.
Take a Closer Look at the Community
Prepare a list of the amenities that align with your lifestyle and are must-haves. As you look, you might be surprised by some perks, such as concierge services, at your top picks.
Once you have a short list of communities to consider, visit their fitness centers, clubhouses, walking trails, and other facilities to see how often they are used and how well they are maintained. Do they have all the amenities you expect in luxury fifty-five-and-older housing?
Ask about personal services you might want after you move into your new home, such as housekeeping, laundry, and massages. Also, talk with residents about how they like the community and how satisfied they are with its amenities.
Review the homeowners association documents and budgets to understand the community’s rules and regulations regarding pets, noise levels, visitors, improvements, and other lifestyle issues. If you decide to move there, you don’t want any surprises or misunderstandings to sour your experience. If you have a pet, make sure it is allowed, and find out if any pet fees are required.
Explore the community's surrounding area and its proximity to your family and friends, healthcare facilities, shopping, public transportation, sports arenas, museums, and recreational areas. Consider the climate in all four seasons and the area's overall appeal.
Take a Closer Look at the Home You’re Considering
Visit different models and home styles in the community. Make sure the one you choose can accommodate your current and future needs.
Get Your Finances in Order
Ensure the mortgage payments, monthly maintenance fees, and real estate taxes fit your budget. Ask what the fees cover and if any special assessments are pending or expected in the near future.
Buying a new home is a significant investment, and you want to protect that investment. It can also be helpful to figure out how to find senior-friendly real estate agents and ask them for a history of property resales. Your agent should also be able to help you find a lender and guide you through the purchasing process.
Weighing Your Options
After you’ve done your research and put plans in place to purchase a home in an active adult community, decide what your desires are regarding cost, location, homeowners association regulations, and home styles. Buying a home often involves some element of compromise, but everyone should have their limits. Sticking to your guidelines will ensure you choose a community that best aligns with your lifestyle and needs!
About the Author
Since 2012, Ben Keal has led PCR solidifying PrivateCommunities.com as a top source in helping prospective buyers find their ideal lifestyle community. With decades of experience in both sales and real estate, he has built lasting relationships with the country's top developers, homebuilders, country clubs, and real estate agents. A licensed real estate broker, Ben also serves as the Managing Broker for Private Communities Realty, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Private Communities Registry, LLC)—further ensuring PCR's mission to uphold the company's reputation as a responsible and trusted broker for real estate shoppers interested in amenity-rich, master-planned lifestyle communities.
