Generally grandkids are allowed to visit 55+ communities. However, there may be restrictions on when they are allowed in the community and where in the community they are allowed to be.
One of the first questions potential homebuyers ask about active adult communities is, “Will my grandkids be allowed to visit me?” They are relieved to learn that the answer is a resounding yes. Even in age-restricted communities, kids are welcome to visit as long as they follow the community rules and don’t become permanent residents.
There are some misconceptions about active adult communities, particularly when it comes age restrictions. Many active adults choose age-restricted communities because they want to live among their peers. They may prefer living on a street that isn’t lined with playing children or frequented by teenaged drivers. But that doesn’t mean that they dislike kids or want to ban them from the community entirely.
Residents at age-restricted communities are often grandparents themselves, or they may have close friends with young children. They typically welcome a chance to meet their neighbors’ visiting family and friends, including kids of all ages. In fact, many active adult communities include playgrounds to entertain young visitors. Some active adult communities offer other special amenities as well, such as the grandchildren’s pool at PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Arizona.
While age-restricted communities are designed for active adults, there are amenities which will appeal to kids. Visiting grandkids often enjoy activities like catch-and-release fishing in communities which have stocked lakes, swimming in resort-style pools, bringing a pet to the dog park or trying out some crafts in a community art studio. Some golf communities even have junior programs for young golfers.
In general, problems with visiting kids only arise when they don’t follow the community rules, which may include limitations on the length of an extended visit. These rules are in place to support the rights of all of the community’s residents, not to make it difficult for grandparents to spend time with their young visitors.
At age-restricted communities, limitations are typically put on visitors under the age of 19, but that age can be different from one community to the next. The length of time that kids are allowed to visit can also vary, but it’s common for kids to be limited to visiting no more than 30 to 90 days out of the year.
It’s likely that there will be rules regarding how or when visiting kids can use the community amenities, such as swimming pools or sports courts. They may only be allowed during certain hours or on certain days, and they typically must be accompanied by an adult. This is both for the safety of the kids, and for the comfort of the other residents who are using the facilities.
Before kids come to visit, it’s important that residents understand the rules for young visitors. Respecting these rules is the best way to be a good neighbor, avoid unnecessary problems and ensure that your grandkids will be welcome to visit again.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I lived in one of the Sun City communities (Texas). One time, a resident brought her grandkid to the indoor pool. He proceeded to foul the pool which then had to be closed for a week for cleaning. I never went into the pool again after hearing about this incident which, thank God, I wasn’t there to witness in person. Kids should not be allowed in pools, especially at retirement communites, for the benefit of the adults who live there. I do not want to be in a pool where kids will be peeing — or worse.
That is a valid point, Marianna. My wife and I are currently shopping for a 55+ community, and so far, our favorite is The Villages in Florida. They have both family and adult pools.
Bill, I have friends in the Villages who have l lived there 10 years or more — they love it — they are my age (65). They have so many pools there, I’m sure they can reserve a few for those who love peace and quiet in an adults-only setting. I would move to the Villages myself, except I can’t stand hot, humid weather.
I think the biggest reason for the children not being allowed in the indoor pools, NOISE. The space is large and there is nothing to absorb the sound. Most of the indoor pools are designed for lap swimming and working out. Which keeps us hopefully limber. I truly enjoy watching the little ones having fun with grandma and grandpa and even found other grandparents who offer to help the little one with swimming strokes. I live in On Top of the World and we have a miniture golf course that the kids of all age love. Also have a basketball court, swings and other things grandkids love along with grandmas cooking. Judy
We live in a Del Webb community and there have been many battles amongst the residents on this subject. The children’s hours have been limited to 3-5 in the afternoon with extended hours on holidays. The battles continue and people have stopped being friends over this issue…sad, but true.
I have found most grandparents to be very territorial. In other words, “Love me, love my grandkids.” But there are many of us who desire to live without the noise and bother of children. If I’m paying a hefty community association fee to live in a peaceful retirement community, then that’s what I want — peace and quiet with no kids running loose.. I’m 65 but have never liked the noise of kids, even when I was very young. I am not alone. I think it’s time for truly adult communities without grandkids. Right now, I live in a normal, all-age subdivision with no active community association. There is a nice family with 4 kids across the street — they bother no one because the parents are responsible. The rest of my surrounding neighbors, so far, are retirement age. I have more peace here than I had at Del Webb. I guess it’s the luck of the draw who moves in next to you.
I am a Realtor who lives in one of the Valencias in South Florida and also sells the surrounding Communities. Our HOA has enacted a rule that children under 3 and incontinent adults have to wear swim diapers and rubber pants under their swimsuits when they swim in our Social Club Pool. They are not allowed to use our Athletic Club Lap Pool. Any child under 14 must be accompanied by an adult when swimming. This seems to be working.
Always a hot topic in age restricted communities and when there is only one pool it becomes far more challenging to resolve. In the original Sun Cities we have seven pools with three of them allowing children at fixed hours of the day. It solves two problems in that residents who don’t want to be around kids stay away during the hours they are allowed there. The second works well in that the hours are distributed during the day so there is never really a time they can’t get to a pool.
Wow. Kids are our future, why all the hate? Bunch of old bitties…..