Does anyone live in a 55+ large community with lots of amenities?

[Billy]

Billy and I moved into an Active Adult Community when we were not yet 40. Our community was not yet age qualified when we first moved there. Sure, we will be 55 next month but I don't consider myself to be 'old'. That being said, even when we were in our early 40's we could barely keep up with all the 'old folks' who wanted to party and have something going on all the time.

OTOH, B and I are both very private. I'm an artist, I like to read and to write, and we both like the sounds of nature. I do not feel either the pressure to join in on activities or that I am missing something if I don't do them. However, if I am needing some company, there is always someone friendly close by and friendships have developed over the years.

There are many singletons in our community for various reasons. I have not heard from any of them that they feel left out or isolated by the 'couple mentality' - much too much to join in on and not just in our community. We have museums, restaurants, pro and college sports arenas available, lots of different churches with their volunteer activities, fairs, music and theater, nature hiking, biking, golf, tennis, and so on.

Our 'Lifestyle Fees' are all we pay (they cover maintenance and all the amenities) and they have not reached $300 a month (we have lived there since the early '90's). Our taxes for our place is approximately $200 per year.

I know some of you have already read our 'Worry Free' Housing piece, but for those of you who haven't, take a look: Worry Free Housing

and be sure to take a look at the 2nd page where we list a Resource page: A A Com Lists

For us, this lifestyle works because we do a lot of international travel. We are able to have a home in the States, and this setup allows us to afford comfortable lodging while on the road without much worry about the safety of our place back home.

In the end, I suppose it depends on what you need and want. Our community is pet friendly, grandchildren are allowed to visit, we have plenty of singles in the community, and we are surrounded by nature, great restaurants and libraries are close by.

I can have my peace and quiet or become as involved as I like.

Be well,
Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement

[Brat]

A CC community is not an assisted living facility. If you are in the mid-west look at Twin Towers in Cincinnati for an urban example. There are duplexes and apartments as well as care resources. There is an Olympic sized swimming pool and a performing arts theater. When I visited my aunt who lives there a tour bus pulled out and disgorged a bunch of very active residents. The library had computers, there were yoga and exercise programs.

I think most residents are in their 60s, but these folks are busy living... no sign of to-bed-by-8 there.

Warning... it isn't cheap.

[Mysto]

We wanted to try a 55+ community, so we found one that had leasing. Next year we will be staying in a cottage in an active community with various ammenities (pool, clubhouse, exercise room,etc.) From what we could see when visiting - each person could participate or not as desired. The people that we met seemed very nice and we have the option of having younger friends visit (although the length of visit is restricted).

We are looking forward to the experience and will report back as we gain experience.

[cj]

Originally Posted by Mysto

We wanted to try a 55+ community, so we found one that had leasing. Next year we will be staying in a cottage in an active community with various ammenities (pool, clubhouse, exercise room,etc.) From what we could see when visiting - each person could participate or not as desired. The people that we met seemed very nice and we have the option of having younger friends visit (although the length of visit is restricted).

We are looking forward to the experience and will report back as we gain experience.

It sounds great to be able to try it out before committing.