Your community is crucial to your personal growth and relationships throughout life. As you age and your children grow up, maintaining that sense of community becomes even more important. Some older adults choose to surround themselves with folks in similar stages of life by transitioning into a 55+ community. These age-restricted neighborhoods or facilities are specifically designed to serve older adult residents.
Age-qualified communities provide amenities and social stimulation to active adults, retirees or older adults who are looking for low-maintenance living. Many of these establishments prioritize a vibrant lifestyle for seniors, making them enticing for anyone looking to transition from solo living.
If you’ve been considering moving into a 55+ community, Bekins Van Lines has plenty of experience with senior relocations. We’re Silver Certified Experts in Senior Moving, backed by the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), so we’re specially trained to move older adults. Rest assured that moving logistics are one less thing on your checklist.
What Is a 55+ Community?
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prevents discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin or familial status. In 1995, the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) was passed, which amended the Fair Housing Act to protect familial status in residential age-qualified communities that cater to and meet the needs of older adults—typically those 55 years of age or older.
Living spaces often include townhouses, small homes, condos or apartments with accessibility ramps and senior-friendly modifications.
If you’re not familiar with these communities, they can take on different forms. Here’s a quick breakdown of different age-restricted, 55 and up communities:
- Independent living: Often appearing as an entire neighborhood or “mini town,” independent living communities offer extensive social options, on-site dining, community spaces and indoor housekeeping services. They encourage self-sufficiency and socialization without much day-to-day assistance.
- Active adult communities: Also referred to as a 55 and over community, active adult communities offer homes, townhomes or condos with amenities and access to shopping, dining and entertainment. They are best for adults who want to maintain a vibrant lifestyle without worrying about exterior home maintenance (which is often included in monthly fees).
- Assisted living: Staff at assisted living facilities may help more with daily tasks, such as getting dressed, medication management and meal planning. Not to be confused with a traditional nursing home, assisted living provides assistance, not full support.
Benefits of Living in a 55+ Community
Living in a community for older adults has plenty of perks. While you may be responsible for keeping your living space clean, there is low overall home maintenance. The exterior is upkept by staff, meaning you won’t need to handle the lawn mower anytime soon.
The on-site 55+ community amenities also prioritize a positive quality of life. In most cases, staff organize social events and clubs to foster community among residents. Depending on the facility, residents may stroll along walking paths or take advantage of fitness centers and pools to engage in exercise and physical therapy. Recreation centers on the property also allow for social events and learning opportunities.
If you’re considering making the transition, another benefit of 55+ communities is the sense of community. Your neighbors are in similar stages of life, fostering long-term friendships along the way. Bekins can handle the move with ease, so you can spend more time exploring everything the community has to offer.
Why Are 55+ Communities Cheaper?
If you’re on the fence about transitioning into a 55 and up community, remember that it could be a more affordable option than aging in place. These communities are often built into apartment complexes, condos or neighborhoods with smaller homes. And because they exist on a shared-amenity basis, you might be able to reduce the cost of a private gym membership or other individual home costs.
While the cost of shared 55 and above communities will vary from institution to institution, it may be worth considering how it fits into your budget. According to industry data, monthly fees for 55+ communities can range anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on location, amenities, home type and community type.
Problems With Over 55+ Communities: Consider the Cons
As with any new living situation, it’s best to research and consider potential roadblocks. Pros and cons will depend on the facility and your preferences, but here are some potential problems with over-55 communities.
If you decide that a 55+ community isn’t for you, reselling may pose a challenge. Because the residents are restricted by age, the buying pool might come up short at selling time. Residents may also be subject to homeowners association (HOA) fees, special assessments and any extra amenity fees, which should be factored into your budget.
While being surrounded by those in your age group can garner a strong sense of community, you should also consider the limited generational diversity. However, you may supplement this with family visits with the grandkids!
It’s worth noting that while these communities are excellent spaces for active adults or those who need minimal living assistance, they might not be ideal for those needing full assisted living care. 55+ communities still encourage independence in later stages of life, and around-the-clock assistance might not be available in every facility.
Common 55 and Older Communities’ Rules and Regulations
Specific guidelines will vary by facility. Most commonly, however, you’ll find an enforced age requirement for residents, usually 55 years of age or older for at least one unit occupant.
That’s not to say you can’t have guests, as most 55+ communities allow guests to stay for short-term visits (up to 90 days per year). Just don’t invite the grandkids to live with you, as many facilities restrict those under 18 and long-term visits.
You’ll also need to adhere to quiet hours and common courtesy rules throughout the community grounds while living there. After all, it is a shared environment, so respect for neighbors is key.
And while you may feel inclined to decorate your lawn freely, landscaping regulations and HOA governance may limit your creative freedom.
Can People Under 55 Live in a 55+ Community?
Short answer: sometimes. Specific age restrictions will vary by community, but often depend on HOPA occupancy ratios and community policies. No facility aims to exclude or discriminate based on age, so there are some exceptions.
HOPA requires that 80% of units have at least one occupant who is 55 years or older. Families are welcome! Often, the only caveat is that many communities have minimum age requirements of 40 years old for spouses and 18 years old for children.
The purpose of 55+ communities is to serve older adults. While there may be flexibility for younger caregivers, age verification is often used to ensure that everyone in a unit meets the requirements.
Questions to Ask Before Moving to a 55+ Community
Moving to a 55+ community takes patience, trust and time. As you make appointments with different communities in your area (or even consider a snowbirding lifestyle), refer back to factors that can help determine your decision to move.
Here are some questions to ask when moving to a 55+ community to use for inspiration:
- What amenities are included?
- Can I bring needed medical equipment?
- Are pets allowed? Do you charge pet fees?
- What are the monthly fees I’ll be responsible for?
- Are there any hidden costs that may come up later?
- How does the community (residents and civilians) feel about this facility? Does it have a good reputation?
If possible, speak with real community members during your visit to gather honest experiences without a sales pitch.
Is a 55+ Community Right for You?
Deciding whether a 55+ community is right for you will require some reflection. While aging in place is a possibility for many older adults, fostering a sense of community outside family relationships may be key to a better quality of life. More active adults find that 55+ communities are a great fit for their lifestyle because of the access to social groups, amenities and safe living.
Consider your long-term needs. Are you physically able to live and participate in an active community? Can you support your health care needs based on the access the community provides? Have you considered moving to a community in another state?
The good news is, this isn’t a decision you need to make alone. Have an open conversation with family members or friends who are in a similar phase of life about how you feel about transitioning into a 55+ community. And once you’re ready, Bekins will take care of the rest.
Planning Your Move to a 55+ Community with Bekins
If you decide that a 55+ community is your next chapter, Bekins is here to help you get there. Hiring an experienced moving partner is essential to a smooth transition, and Bekins’ full-service moving will take care of all the details.
We offer a white-glove approach to moving older adults, so you can rest assured knowing that your items will be treated with the respect they deserve. Get in touch with a local agent for a free estimate and take the first step toward your new home.
