When it comes to active adult communities in Nevada, Las Vegas is not the only option. 450 miles northwest of the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas is Reno. In stark contrast to the desert area surrounding Las Vegas retirement communities, Reno is a lush playground surrounded by mountains, which offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking and snow skiing. Plus, the town of Reno and its many festivals has much to offer for older adults who are looking for active retirement living options. As more and more retirees flock to Reno, Del Webb’s Sierra Canyon has emerged as a favorite community among 55 and older homebuyers.

Goodbye shuffleboard, hello pickleball! Shuffleboard, a once popular activity at retirement communities across the country now appears to be facing a retirement of its own. Active adult buyers are searching for communities that offer the latest innovative ways to stay youthful and active. Nowadays people not only live longer, but they also look younger as they seem to age slower. Active adult community developers understand this and accommodate their 55 and over residents with an appropriate lifestyle. Activities are no exception and pickleball is moving in, while shuffleboard is on its way out.

While San Diego, California may be thought of as a surfer’s paradise and unaffordable at one time with average homes going for half a million dollars, it’s time to rethink. Sunny days in San Diego during the wintertime and comfortable temperatures in the summer make the climate perfect for people 55 and over. While San Diego is known for eleven beaches with soft sand and excellent surf conditions, there is much more to do than boating, fishing, and surfing. Numerous golf courses and over 50 recreation centers cater to people from all age groups and income levels. San Diego also has the largest aquatic park on the West Coast, Mission Bay Park.

According to a new report by the AARP, Tucson, Arizona is the "Best Place to Live the Simple Life." Demographers used statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources to evaluate towns and cities on a variety of criteria such as a low cost of living, geographic diversity, and cities that offered a wide range of activities. The study also took into account the presence of a university or continuing education opportunities, and crime rate. Tucson was an ideal fit based on a number of factors that included a low rate of unemployment, “walkability” and many outdoor amenities. The University of Arizona was also a contributing factor that helped lift Tucson to the top of the list.

Baby Boomers make up 28% of the population in the United States. Over 76 million Americans were born between 1946 and 1964, and statisticians believe that this generation will live seven years longer than previous ones. Because of the size of this generation of Americans, their spending power has always swayed the national economy. As Boomers begin to retire, cities and active adult communities that house them will experience growth.

Pulte Homes, owners of the Del Webb brand of homes, recently purchased an unfinished retirement community near Tucson, Arizona from K. Hovnanian Homes (KHOV), for $8 million cash. Four Seasons at Rancho Del Lago in Vail, AZ will be known as Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago, as Pulte Homes takes over ownership. K. Hovnanian, who is the sixth largest builder in the nation, began the project in February 2008. They planned to build a total of 500 homes priced from the upper $100s. After only completing 35 homes, construction by KHOV halted due to the real estate downturn in Tucson and around the nation.