In California, Orange County is known for its sun-drenched beaches, impressive golf courses and upscale living. But the area also boasts distinctive shopping centers, fantastic restaurants, diverse entertainment venues and beautiful active adult communities. Orange County is an ideal destination for active adults looking for an exciting vacation or a sunny retirement location.

Located in Cornelius, just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, Baileys Glen is a lovely North Carolina community which welcomes residents aged 55 or better. While this small community features numerous resort-style amenities, one of its main selling points is the builder’s willingness to customize the homes to meet each homebuyer’s needs.

The Durham News recently reported that PulteGroup has won City Council approval for a new active adult community in Durham County. While the plans are in their early stages, the new Del Webb community has been zoned for 1,314 units. This is great news for active adults in North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham area, and another step in the right direction for the recovering housing market.

Located in Mt. Juliet, just outside of Nashville, Lake Providence is a Del Webb community which welcomes residents aged 50 or better. Highlights of this community include a spacious clubhouse which overlooks a 15-acre lake, upscale homes and over 80 different social clubs.

When some people first hear the term “active adult community,” they imagine some common misconceptions. Active adult communities are often confused with elderly care or senior living, when in reality they are more like Country Clubs or living at a resort.

Located in the Houston area, Windsor Lakes is an age-restricted enclave within a larger master-planned community known as The Woodlands. This gated community of 572 residences offers a tranquil, village-like atmosphere which has all of the amenities needed to support an active adult lifestyle.

Though many people imagine sunny shorelines or arid deserts when picturing ideal retirement destinations, not everyone wants to lie on a beach or live under the clear desert sky. In Oregon, the city of Portland offers a lush, Northwestern getaway which appeals to many active adult retirees.

Situated amid the picturesque vineyards of Brentwood, California, Trilogy at The Vineyards offers breathtaking scenic views, resort-style amenities and luxurious single-family homes. There are social clubs to meet nearly any interest and amenities to support a healthy lifestyle, making Trilogy at The Vineyards an inviting community for homebuyers aged 55 or better.

While retirement might be out of reach if you are truly broke, it may still be possible when your nest egg is much smaller than you had expected it would be. There are many ways to cut back on costs or supplement your income during retirement. Of course, you may have to get creative with your expenses and adjust your expectations to make it work.

Centered around the spectacular 120-acre Lake Frederick, Shenandoah is a great community for homebuyers who are looking for a picturesque lakeside development. This lovely community is planned to contain 2,130 homes and numerous amenities which are specifically designed to support active adults aged 55 or better.