From the category archives:

Lifestyle, Social & Culture

After the chill of winter, active adults are often itching to get out of the house and into the spring sunshine. Fortunately, there are many activities which highlight the joys of the season. You can take in a ball game, inspire your inner gardener or take a stroll through the distant past.

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Moving to an active adult community means more than finding an affordable, low-maintenance home. Active adult communities feature a lifestyle which helps residents meet new people and try new experiences. Many residents find themselves drawn to hobbies or activities that they never considered before. Others finally find the opportunity to pursue a long-forgotten pastime.

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When picturing life in an active adult community, some people know without a doubt that the lifestyle is either their dream retirement or not their cup of tea. Before buying into (or turning down) the active adult lifestyle, it helps for homebuyers to understand what is actually available and, more importantly, what they really want to have in their own communities.

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8 Popular Activities in Active Adult Communities

by Bill Ness on February 10, 2012

If you’ve ever wondered if an active adult community could offer enough to actually keep you active, the answer is a resounding yes. These communities are designed with an active lifestyle in mind and they are full of fun activities. Here is a look at eight of the most popular types of activities, in no particular order:

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Home Versus Lifestyle: Which Is More Important?

by Bill Ness on January 13, 2012

When asked about the key to choosing a great home, real estate experts are famous for answering, “location, location, location.” That’s because they know that identical homes can have vastly different values depending on where they are located. But what do you do when you discover an amazing community, but don’t like its available homes? Or, conversely, when you fall in love with a home, but aren’t so keen on its community amenities?

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When the holidays roll around, many Baby Boomers look forward to spending time with their loved ones and sharing in long-held family traditions. Yet families grow and change over the years, and that may mean cherished holiday traditions will have to evolve as well, especially when grown children are ready to take over the holiday hosting responsibilities. Whether this is a gradual progression or an abrupt change, Baby Boomers may find the holidays have become more bittersweet.

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7 Reasons Life Is Better in an Active Adult Community

by Bill Ness on November 28, 2011

There are many reasons why empty-nesters and retirees choose to live in active adult communities. Some love the idea of living on a championship golf course, others are drawn to the wide variety of social clubs, and many are won over by the thoughtfully-designed, low-maintenance homes. Here are seven benefits to consider when imagining life in an active adult community.

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Will Florida Always be the Top Retirement State?

by Bill Ness on November 21, 2011

For generations, Florida has been known as the top retirement state. Active adult communities are abundant, there are favorable tax laws for retirees and census data shows a high percentage of residents over the age of 65. Yet several other states have recently begun to give Florida some serious competition for this top spot.

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As the world population continues to grow and the earth’s natural resources become more limited, many people are waking up to the importance of eco-friendly or “green” practices. Homebuyers look for energy-efficient appliances and systems, eco-friendly materials and green building practices when shopping for their next new home. And it seems that Baby Boomers are helping to drive this important trend.

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Active Adults Look for Love in All the Right Places

by Bill Ness on October 17, 2011

While some people assume that active adult communities are full of retired couples, that isn’t necessarily the case. Many 55+ communities have single residents which make up one-quarter to one-third (or more) of their population. In fact, many people find that active adult communities are an ideal place for singles to make friendships and even fall in love. Yet singles who don’t live in an active adult community can still learn from the social success of these happening communities.

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Not long ago, the terms “active adult community” and “golf course community” were practically synonymous. Early active adult communities were modeled after the success of Del Webb’s original Sun City development and that usually meant a sprawling community with thousands of homes and a spectacular golf course. Today, trends are changing.

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Why Haven’t You Joined Facebook Yet?

by Bill Ness on August 19, 2011

Facebook may have started on a college campus, but today it’s the most popular social networking site for people of all ages. Teenagers, singles, parents and grandparents have all signed up to reconnect and keep in touch. If you haven’t joined Facebook yet, it’s time to consider what you might be missing.

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How Important is the Age Restriction to You?

by Susan Quilty on July 29, 2011

When discussing active adult communities, people often assume that these developments will have an age restriction. While it’s true that many of these communities are only open to residents who have reached a certain age (typically 55), some amenity-rich communities do welcome residents of all ages, including children.

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It’s Like College, Without the Studying!

by Susan Quilty on July 22, 2011

Active adult communities are often billed as offering “country club living” or “resort-style living.” However, there’s another analogy which may be even more apt. Talk to the residents of many amenity-rich active adult communities and you are likely to hear them say, “It’s like college, but without the studying!” And it’s easy to see the similarities.

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Are Grandkids Allowed in 55+ Communities?

by Susan Quilty on June 24, 2011

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.

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