55+ Communities

[Jordan Schmitt]

Anybody who lives or has lived in a 55+ community, would you recommend it? My husband and I are going to be moving closer to our kids soon, and we're not sure if a 55+ community is the right choice for us.

 

[drjean]

I have, and my mother did. They have many benefits, and some drawbacks too. The ones in Florida cannot be simply ONLY 55 or older, but must have a percentage of younger allowed. Some main ones here only built 2 bedroom apartments/condos to help limit the family sizes that moved in (laws about how many people can live, how many children etc....) You want to check and see these things.

They have small busses within the community, and a hall where activities are offered... some are free, some are minimal fee (like a $2 movie), and some are priced by outsiders offering special programs. Some have easy access to city bus service, or even to local grocery, mall, hospital etc areas. My mom could not do stairs/steps and the bus did not kneel... she was forced to travel by wheelchair when a cane would do simply because they would not allow her to use the lift on the bus unless in a chair.

They might offer on site emergency medical personnel who arrive before the fire rescue... often there is a button on the wall in addition to a pendant option for signalling them... but this also means they have a key to enter your home in case you ca't get the door....

It's good to be living with others you own age. One drawback is... everyone begins to die around you...

Some have access to worship services... are you in an area that when you no longer drive that the local church always has volunteers to pick elderly up? Losing fellowship when you are aged reduces your lifespan fwik.

Some places do not allow any pets, so they are kept hidden inside. This is contrary to what we know extends life... and increases enjoyment in that life: animals!

There are some other items I'm sure I've forgotten.... but this will get you started.

 

[dysert]

My wife and I live in a Del Webb community. It's very nice. It's not nearly as large as the one described in the previous post (which I'm guessing is The Villages), but I'd say the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

In our community we all have single-family houses on (very) small parcels of land. The HOA takes care of almost all the outside stuff - mowing, clearing snow, weeding the flower beds. Every parcel has built-in irrigation, and the HOA pays for the water, so all the grass in the community is nice and green. There are somewhat over 1000 homes in our community, and there's always something going on.

The main "clubhouse" (affectionately called the Château) has an exercise facility, two pools, a billiards room, a ballroom, a small library, a room for arts & crafts, and a large gathering room where people meet to play cards, chess, and other table games.

You can be as busy as you want, or you can be reclusive. There is a full-time social director who is always planning trips, get-togethers, outings, etc. And there are several clubs residents can belong to (tennis, ping-pong, chess, billiards, disc golf, automobiles, travel, et al.).

We're been here about 6 years, and we really like it.

 

[creslaw]

I also live in another over 55 community ... and love it. When I mention Bing Crosby people actually don't say Bing who?

Honestly, I don't regret my move one bit ... there is a different attitude than what you find in the general community. Nobody would think of passing me without saying hello ... or stopping for a chat if we both feel so inclined.

There is a great variety of social activities you can join in (or not) ... we even have a small Bible study group once a week.

I had one friend who moved out because he found the regulations too restrictive (eg letting admin know if you are having people to stay) but that sort of thing has never worried me.

The grounds here are very well maintained and a nice stroll around the gardens is very pleasant.

 

[Lee Elizabeth]

Anybody who lives or has lived in a 55+ community, would you recommend it? My husband and I are going to be moving closer to our kids soon, and we're not sure if a 55+ community is the right choice for us.

I live in a 55+ plus community. I like it but lately I,ve been longing to be near more young couples with children. We get some in our community but it is still too quiet for me.