As one of the largest active adult communities on the West Coast, Laguna Woods Village boasts an impressive array of amenities, activities and social clubs. This sprawling community is set on 2,100 acres of rolling hillside in California’s beautiful Orange County, and offers 12,736 residences. While Laguna Woods Village has seven clubhouses, which feature familiar resort-style amenities, the community offers many additional features such as two golf courses, a fully stocked library, and its own Equestrian Center.

When choosing a new home many active adults opt for a single-story, low-maintenance home. Yet years of living in a detached single-family home may cause them to shy away from attached home options. There are several perceived disadvantages, many of which are rooted in a fear of annoying neighbors. However, there are also enough advantages that can make an attached home an attractive living option.

When choosing an active adult community, potential residents are often drawn to a community’s recreational activities. It’s easy to be impressed by a massive clubhouse, sprawling championship golf course, extensive tennis facilities, and luxurious homes. However, most active adult communities offer one amenity that is often taken for granted, or overlooked entirely: the Lifestyle Director.

When Sun City Arizona opened its doors on January 1, 1960, the American active adult community was born. Del Webb, the developer behind Sun City, envisioned a different kind of retirement community, one where residents could pursue an active lifestyle among neighbors of their peers. Since that time Sun City has blossomed into a brand of active adult communities which have spread across the nation, bringing the Del Webb vision to new generations of active adults.

Online retirement calculators can be a great tool for planning your retirement. There are numerous free retirement calculators, such as Ballpark E$timate, and also paid calculators like RetirementWORKS’ RW2 for You. Keep in mind that an online retirement calculator will not ensure your financial future, but it can help you make informed decisions about your retirement investments.

The American dream of homeownership is alive and well, although smaller in square footage than years past. The U.S. Census recently found the average square footage of an American single-family home dropped from 2,541 square feet in 2007 to 2,343 square feet at the end of 2008. In addition, a January survey by the National Association of Home Builders found 88 percent of its members plan to build smaller homes this year.

The city of Baltimore offers many recreations for visiting active adults. Set on the Patapsco River, which is an arm of the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore boasts a thriving Inner Harbor area and historic shopping districts. Sports fans can take in a baseball or football game, and music lovers can enjoy jazz, opera, symphony, or other musical performances. Those who frequently visit Baltimore can even find a few active adult communities within easy distance of the city.

Active adult communities come in a range of sizes and styles, from intimate neighborhoods to sprawling resorts. The largest age-restricted communities contain more than 10,000 homes and feature a wide selection of amenities, including shopping centers that make it easy to manage day to day living. While sprawling resort-style communities are usually found in popular retirement states such as Florida, Arizona and California, newer developments in Texas, Nevada and South Carolina are becoming more common.

Many active adults are animal lovers, and research has shown that the love of a pet can enhance a person’s physical and emotional happiness. Yet those who are considering moving to an active adult community often worry about the potential restrictions on pets, particularly when it comes to dogs. While it is important to find out about a specific community’s rules before moving in, animal lovers will be relieved to know that there are many pet-friendly active adult communities located throughout the country.

Though not your typical active adult community, Callawassie Island offers a quiet, secluded lifestyle that will appeal to many older adults. Callawassie Island, set in South Carolina’s famed Lowcountry, is open to residents of all ages. It neighbors the well-known Hilton Head area, and shares many of the same qualities while retaining its own distinct charm. Its unique island amenities offer unlimited recreational opportunities in stunning surroundings.