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Florida’s Top 8 Lowest-Priced 55+ Communities

by Bill Ness on January 27, 2012

After getting a great response for our new Advanced Search feature, we decided to use it ourselves to find the best low-priced communities in Florida. Our search focused on communities which met three criteria: all community sizes, an age-restriction and new construction homes. We further restricted our search to communities with homes priced in the low $100s or under.

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10 Great Low Tax Retirement Communities

by Bill Ness on January 16, 2012

Along with sunshine, gorgeous scenery and resort-style amenities, the perfect retirement destination also includes retirement-friendly tax laws. While you should consult a tax professional for more specific information, here is an overview of some of our favorite low-tax retirement communities.

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7 Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR

by Bill Ness on December 9, 2011

Whether you are buying a new construction or resale home, a REALTOR will protect your interests and help you make the best possible investment. But how do you go about choosing a REALTOR? And should you look for special skills when you plan to buy a home in an active adult community?

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4 Reasons Why Finding Rental Homes in 55+ Communities is So Damn Difficult!

by Bill Ness on October 28, 2011

Around this time each year, 55Places.com receives many inquiries from retirees who are planning to winter in a popular retirement destination and would like to rent a home in a 55+ community. Based on our experience — and the pleading tone of these inquiries — we know that finding an ideal rental home is not an easy task.

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8 Ways to Convince Your Spouse to Move to a 55+ Community

by Bill Ness on October 14, 2011

When it comes to moving to an active adult community, there are some couples who are on the same page right from the beginning. However, more often than not, the idea resonates with one person first and the remaining spouse may need a little more convincing. Here are a few suggestions for ways to encourage your spouse to see the benefits of an active adult lifestyle.

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The Pros and Cons of Condo Living

by Bill Ness on October 7, 2011

While active adult communities commonly feature single-family homes or attached villas, some developers also include the option of apartment-style condominiums. Designed as mid-rise or high-rise buildings, with features like elevators and underground parking, these thoughtfully-designed condos provide benefits which appeal to many active adults. Yet, condos in age-restricted communities also come with some drawbacks.

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Illinois’ 10 Best Active Adult Communities

by Bill Ness on September 28, 2011

The Chicago, Illinois area is home to many diverse active adult communities. There are newer developments and more well-established neighborhoods. They range from having less than 100 homes to well over 5,000 residences, including options to fit nearly any budget.

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If a Man Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include…

by Bill Ness on September 26, 2011

A few weeks ago we did a post on “If A Woman Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include…” We got an overwhelming response from our female readers, and even had some great comments about other attractions our aspiring female architects would put in their ideal retirement homes. Well, men, it is your turn. What home features do you want most?

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California’s 10 Most Affordable Active Adult Communities

by Bill Ness on September 19, 2011

If you long for a retirement in The Golden State, don’t assume that high home prices will put your California dreaming out of reach. While the West Coast does have many high-priced areas, there are also several attractive options for retirees on a budget. The following active adult communities offer condominiums, attached homes or single-family homes starting in the mid $100s (or even less!).

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8 Terrible Tax States for Retirees

by Bill Ness on September 12, 2011

Each year, Kiplinger and other financial analysts offer advice on which states are the most and least tax-friendly destinations for retirees. The criteria for these lists can vary, but they generally attempt to look at the total tax burden including taxes on income, property, sales, pension, Social Security benefits and inheritance.

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7 Awesome Tips to Sell Your Home Fast

by Susan Quilty on February 14, 2011

For most homeowners, moving into a new home is dependent on selling their current home. This means that those who have contingency contracts may lose a chance to buy their new home if they can’t sell their current home quickly enough. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to sell your home fast.

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8 Awesome Golf Communities in Florida

by Susan Quilty on November 10, 2010

Ten years ago, a conversation about retirement was sure to bring up two topics: golf and Florida. Times are changing and retirement today has a much more diverse landscape. Some active adults prefer to settle in a more urban environment which offers all four seasons; some retirees prefer basketball or online gaming over hitting the links. Yet, despite the wider range of activities available to active adults, there will always be plenty of retirees who continue to enjoy the spectacular golf courses in sunny Florida.

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