Sunland Village East is a well-established community conveniently located in Mesa, Arizona. This 55+ community blends a suburban location with easy access to retail shops with a surrounding desert and mountain landscape providing an escape from big-city congestion. The local area is abundant with outdoor recreation, and nearby Phoenix can be reached within a fairly short drive.

Chances are if you live in Central New Jersey, you drive Route 9 all the time. It's the retail and restaurant epicenter of the region and connects you to the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway quickly. If you're looking to retire in the area, here are five active adult communities close to Route 9 worth considering.

College football is as much a part of Florida culture as citrus and saltwater. Schools like the University of Florida, the University of Miami, and the University of Central Florida have made the sunshine state one of the most competitive places to play football. No one would think less of a fan who chose to live near his or her favorite college football stadiums. Check out your best choices in Florida.

Asheville is a popular destination for people with diverse interests. The River Arts District is brimming with locally-made arts and crafts, while it has one of the most popular craft beer scenes in the county. Not to mention, the historic Biltmore Estate is Asheville's largest tourist attraction, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.

Throughout Illinois is a variety of fun and unique outdoor pastimes to partake in, including hiking trails, kayaking, and fishing. Fortunately, several 55+ communities are just minutes away from these scenic spots, allowing for active adults and nature lovers to truly live a lifestyle that embraces the outdoors.

Memphis, tucked into the southwestern corner of Tennessee, is a popular place for active adults looking to be near a rich history, thriving music scene, and scenic outdoor spots. Even better, settling down here means living in a mild but seasonal climate.

Retirees who want to live sustainably, adopt a farm-to-table way of life, and connect with those around them in new ways are finding great appeal in communities called "agrihoods." Short for agricultural neighborhoods, these organized communities integrate agriculture into residential life, providing homeowners with the amenities of a rural farming community along with the convenience of a larger metropolitan area.

Active adults considering Terramor will have a chance to see the resort-style lifestyle in action as the community gets ready to open the doors to The Terrace Club, a private clubhouse exclusively for 55+ residents. "The Terrace Club Big Reveal" will take place on Saturday, September 8.

For some people, living at or near the beach where flip-flops​ and sunscreen are must-haves is a lifelong dream. If you're worried that buying a home near the beach will mean breaking your budget, there's good news. Affordable 55+ living can be found on the coast. You just have to know where to look.

If you're looking for a 55+ community close to the big city of Atlanta but don't want to deal with big city headaches like traffic you can find plenty to love in Soleil Laurel Canyon in Canton, Georgia, just 40 miles outside of Atlanta. The community is home to modern amenities, open floor plans, and over 50 lifestyle clubs.