Retirement communities that offer a high quality lifestyle

When it comes to retirement, many people are looking for a community that offers an active lifestyle and a high quality of life.

In this article, we will highlight ten lively U.S. retirement communities with an assortment of amenities and activities for their residents to enjoy.

From luxury living options to affordable choices, these communities cater to different needs and budgets.

Standard retirement communities

Whether you’re looking for a resort-style community or a more intimate setting, there’s something for everyone on this list.

HumanGood Valle Verde

Situated on 65 acres of picturesque grounds in Santa Barbara, California, the HumanGood Valle Verde community presents an attractive living option with its single-story garden homes.

A wide range of amenities is available for residents to promote their overall well-being through physical activity.

The entry cost varies widely, spanning a range from $172,884 to as much as $319,776.

Edgemere

Edgemere in Dallas, Texas offers one- to three-bedroom units with Tuscan-inspired design.

The initial monthly charge for these services is $5,400, and it includes numerous benefits. The community also has a fitness center, social events, and happy hours.

Willow Valley Communities

Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Willow Valley Communities spans a vast 210-acre suburban complex featuring a range of living choices.

Residents have a variety of choices when it comes to housing styles, such as apartments, villas, or townhomes.

This location offers numerous facilities for relaxation and entertainment such as twelve different dining venues.

The cost of this item spans a broad spectrum, starting at $100,000 and reaching as high as $727,000.

Lifespace Communities, Inc.

Lifespace Communities, Inc. was first established in 1992 and has since expanded to serve locations throughout the Midwest, Texas, and Florida.

The Bloomington, Minnesota property includes both one- and two-bedroom apartments along with a variety of social activities that its residents can participate in.

Residents can choose from an assortment of leisure options, such as participating in one of the social clubs or taking part in one of the weekly exercise sessions.

Moorings Park

Situated in the region of Southwest Florida, Moorings Park has developed its operations across three separate locations, covering a combined land area of 83 acres.

The community offers maintenance-free residential options with one-bedroom units to over 5,000 square feet of living space.

Beyond living spaces, residents can utilize the available amenities like a golf course simulator and artistic studios.

Active retirement communities in popular locations

Landis Homes

Retirement communities thrive in Naples, Florida, where an overwhelming percentage, nearly fifty-five percent, of residents have reached their golden years and are sixty-five or above.

A range of housing options is available to residents at Landis Homes.

Situated 114 acres outside of Lancaster City, the grounds cover a considerable space.

Many cottage homes offer the option of one or two bedrooms along with features such as patios, garages, and/or sunrooms for additional living space.

Studios and two-bedroom apartments make up the diverse selection of living quarters.

In addition, hybrid homes brings together elements of traditional cottages and modern apartment complexes.

The price point for these properties starts at $58,000 and goes all the way up to $404,000. Monthly expenses can be anywhere between $1,050 and $2,734.

Green Lake

The Hearthstone in Seattle’s historic Green Lake neighborhood is a unique community that offers residents the opportunity to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

The Hearthstone community is designed for seniors, with eligibility for residency open to individuals who are 62 years of age or older.

The community has several wellness programs, a fitness center, art studio, and salon on site.

The entry fee for a one-bedroom home is $195,000, but a two-bedroom property will require an entrance payment of up to $800,000.

Monthly costs fluctuate significantly, starting at $2,795 and reaching as high as $7,695.

Roland Park Place

As Baltimore City’s lone Continuing Care Retirement Community with accreditation, Roland Park Place sets the standard for quality care and community living in the area.

Roland Park Place boasts an impressive array of 33 different floor plan options for independent living, catering to the unique needs and preferences of its residents.

The community provides residents with the flexibility to select either a Type A Life Care arrangement or a Type C Fee-for-Service contract, both of which come with their own set of advantages and financial responsibilities.

The Type A contract requires an initial entrance fee of $245,000, with subsequent monthly service fees starting at a base rate of $4,412.

The best age for a retirement community

Ultimately, determining the best age for joining an active retirement community requires careful consideration of several key elements, such as your desired lifestyle, overall health and well-being, and financial readiness.

When weighing the pros and cons of joining an active retirement community, it is essential to carefully consider what you stand to gain in terms of amenities, social connections, and overall quality of life, while also acknowledging potential sacrifices or trade-offs that come with this type of living arrangement.

You can opt to stay in a retirement community as early as 55 to as late as 75. The living conditions, the cost of being in comfortable accommodations with access to many services related to senior living, and how it fares when you weigh it against the option of aging in place are major factors to consider.

Will you need to rely on a diverse range of financial sources, encompassing pensions, Social Security benefits, and withdrawals from various retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, in order to sustainably fund the expenses associated with enjoying a comfortable standard of living during your extended retirement period?

And how far will these funds stretch in terms of providing for all your living expenses during your post-work years?

How much to retire at 55

According to conventional wisdom, individuals approaching age 55 are generally advised to have approximately $2 million set aside as a foundation for covering typical expenses throughout an extended retirement period.

This amount might cover typical expenses during an extended retirement period, assuming a relatively stable and predictable financial situation.

Nevertheless, this amount might fall short of covering the typical expenses that many individuals incur during their extended retirement period.

Consult with a financial advisor to ensure that your retirement savings are sufficient to cover your expenses for the duration of your expected lifespan.

Finding the right community

It is essential to allow yourself ample time to explore various options, weigh the pros and cons of each community, and engage in thoughtful consideration to ensure that you choose an active retirement community that perfectly suits your needs, priorities, and financial situation.

Develop a detailed budget that accounts for all expenses related to the active retirement community you’re considering, consult with trusted individuals who can offer valuable insights into their own experiences with similar communities, and engage in self-reflection to identify what matters most to you in your golden years.

Investopedia sourced its data on top-ranked active retirement communities from Newsweek’s esteemed America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2024 listing.

A comprehensive analysis was conducted to determine the rankings of these top-rated communities, which incorporated feedback from medical professionals and individuals connected with CCRC residents, plus accreditation data.

Carefully evaluating various options is essential in order to find an active retirement community that meets your needs and budget, allowing you to make an informed decision about where to spend your golden years.