From the category archives:
by Bill Ness on December 19, 2011
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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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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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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by Bill Ness on October 24, 2011
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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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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by Bill Ness on September 9, 2011
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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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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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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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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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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by Susan Quilty on May 25, 2011
For most homebuyers, “community” is the most desirable part of active adult communities. Social clubs, classes, events and amenities are strong selling points, and that often means choosing a community with a large central clubhouse. However, several developers are taking the clubhouse concept one step further with the evolution of community town centers.
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by Susan Quilty on May 21, 2011
For some social butterflies, meeting new friends is one of the more exciting aspects of moving to a strange town. Yet other retirees may be nervous about building their new social circle. Fortunately, relocating to an active adult community often makes it quite a bit easier to find friends who share similar interests.
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by Susan Quilty on April 25, 2011
When active adults retire from their careers, they often find that they aren’t ready to stop working completely. Some retirees opt to start a second career or even launch their own businesses. Yet many active adults see retirement as the perfect time to give back in the form of volunteering.
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by Susan Quilty on April 18, 2011
Active adults have many factors to consider when choosing a retirement location, and those features are likely to be different for every retiree. Some are set on a community with a range of amenities, some want an affordable home, and others value a sunny climate above all else. Here are the Top 6 we compiled.
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by Susan Quilty on March 28, 2011
Canadian retirees often seek warmer climates by taking extended vacations south of the border in many different areas of the United States. While this may be a great way to enjoy the best of both countries, it is important that you understand how each country’s rules will apply to your situation.
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