First time visitors are often surprised to find that Northern New Mexico is not the arid, cactus-dotted landscape that they expected. With much of the region at a higher elevation (often above 5,000 feet), Northern New Mexico offers blue skies, spectacular mountain views and plenty of exciting activities.

Set amid Arizona’s spectacular Sonoran Desert, Continental Ranch Sunflower is a 55+ community which welcomes active adult residents with towering palm trees, distinctive desert landscaping and impressive Spanish Colonial architecture. This completed Del Webb community contains 967 single-family homes, as well as a spacious clubhouse and a wide range of amenities.

Active adult communities are certainly popular with older homebuyers, but which communities have actually been getting the most buzz? Here at 55Places.com, there are some communities which readers inquire about more often than others. By analyzing the number of inquiries we have received, we’ve compiled a list of our 55 most popular active adult communities in the country.

When visiting Carolina Preserve, homebuyers are greeted by a stately clubhouse which impresses with its meticulous landscaping, vaulted windows and terrace walkways. This beautiful building provides the hub of community activity with 34,000 square feet of amenities and many outdoor recreations.

Retired adults have many reasons for launching second careers. They may want to follow a passion, build new skills or simply have something fulfilling to do with their time. The added income can also be a great way to extend a nest egg or save up for a special event or purchase.

Though VeronaWalk is open to all ages, active adults will feel right at home in this luxurious, amenity-rich community. Along with plenty of resort-style activities, the community offers beautiful, low-maintenance homes which let residents forget the lawn care and focus instead on pursuing their passions. VeronaWalk's lakeside location adds further appeal as it is only minutes from Naples.

Active adults who venture to Central North Carolina will find several popular destinations, including the Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro and Fayetteville areas. Each of these urban centers boasts a distinctive character which comes through in its charming restaurants and shopping centers, exciting entertainment venues and varied cultural attractions.

Sun City Palm Desert makes the most of its spectacular Coachella Valley location with complementary landscaping, inspired architecture and shimmering lakes. Its 36-hole Mountain Vista Golf Club features fabulous golf and breathtaking scenery, while its three spacious clubhouses hold a bounty of resort-style amenities.

Every homeowner would love to buy a home when the market is low, sell when the market is high and walk away with a tidy profit. However, that is easier said than done. Your life plans don’t always line up with the housing market and even if they do, you have to consider the cost of your new home once you sell your current one.

With a prime location in Lewes, Delaware, Bay Crossing is a great destination for beach-bound active adults who don’t want to relocate too far south. This charming age-restricted community is on the smaller side with 250 planned single-family and attached homes. Bay Crossing has plenty of on-site amenities and it is set within five miles of Lewes Beach and Rehoboth Beach.