Communities that cater to those age 55 and older have always
been either loved or hated. Let’s explore this further.
The planned housing communities that cater to the empty
nesters have been around for a number of years. The first
age-restricted community in the U.S. was in Youngtown,
Arizona, which opened in 1954.
Although Youngtown was the first development to have a
minimum age requirement, Del Webb’s Sun City Arizona,
which is adjacent to Youngtown, remains as the longest running
55+ community in the country.
Del E. Webb pioneered the active adult concept with the idea
that retirees should be able to live in a self-sustaining
community with access to every amenity and necessity they
could want or need. Sun City opened on January 1, 1960 and
attracted 100,000 visitors in its opening weekend. Retirees
toured the active adult community and witnessed all that this
vibrant development had to offer, including five home models,
a shopping center, golf course, and clubhouse.
Today, 55+ communities—both large and small, from coast to
coast—maintain the active lifestyle and social element that
make these communities stand apart from typical retirement
homes or suburban cities. More baby boomers seek
communities where they can lead exciting and vibrant
lifestyles. Retirees seek to belong to communities where they
can be as active as they please, share hobbies with other
like-minded adults, and spend their best years relaxing and
not worrying about exterior home maintenance.
Some of the most popular 55+ communities continue to offer
attractive amenities, elegant homes, and great social
atmospheres. When all of these components are combined,
they make for the perfect retirement lifestyle.
On the other hand, many retirees prefer to age in place,
meaning they plan to remain in the same home and leave only
if severe health issues force them to leave. Other retirees will
buy a “lock n’ go” condo and then winter in warmer climates.
Whatever your preference, you have options. Making wise
housing decisions requires good data. When you’re ready to
start the decision-making process, we suggest consulting
with trained, knowledgeable professionals such as your
financial planner, CPA, and Realtor. When selecting your
Realtor, it may be helpful to hire a Realtor with a Seniors
Real Estate Specialist designation (or SRES). By earning the
SRES designation, Realtors are prepared to approach mature
clients with the best options and information for them to
make life-changing decisions.
When you’re ready to Move Forward, Camarata Numrich are
the only SW Metro Realtors who combine experience, integrity,
and professionalism to elevate your Lifestyle and Exceed
your expectations. Call us for a consultation.
