When it comes to finding a home that fits a unique lifestyle, K. Hovnanian Homes has been a pioneer in offering communities designed specifically for those looking to enjoy their retirement years. As one of the most respected names in the homebuilding industry, K. Hovnanian has played a significant role in the development of 55+ communities—places where active adults and retirees can thrive in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
Let’s take a look at the history of K. Hovnanian and how the company became a leader in 55+ communities.
The Beginning of K. Hovnanian Homes: A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
K. Hovnanian Homes was founded in 1959 by Kevork “K” Hovnanian, an Armenian immigrant, with a simple mission: to create high-quality homes for families at an affordable price. With a keen understanding of the needs of homebuyers and an innovative approach to construction, Hovnanian quickly established a reputation for excellence in the housing industry.
In the decades that followed, the company expanded across the United States, building homes in a wide variety of regions and catering to different types of buyers. From suburban family homes to luxury residences, K. Hovnanian Homes became synonymous with craftsmanship, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
But it wasn’t long before the company began focusing on a new market—active adults seeking homes designed for the next stage in life.
The Rise of 55+ Communities: Meeting the Needs of Active Adults
As the Baby Boomer generation began reaching retirement age in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there was an increasing demand for housing options that catered to this demographic. This group of adults was looking for more than just a place to live—they sought communities that offered a fulfilling, active lifestyle. Many wanted a home where they could continue to engage in hobbies, explore new interests, and enjoy a sense of community in a stress-free environment.
K. Hovnanian recognized this growing trend early on and made a strategic decision to develop 55+ communities that would meet the unique needs of active adults. These communities would feature homes that were easier to maintain, with a focus on single-story layouts, modern amenities, and access to social activities and recreational facilities.
In 2000, K. Hovnanian Homes officially launched its 55+ brand, K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons. The Four Seasons communities quickly became popular, thanks to their commitment to offering not just homes, but a lifestyle. The concept was centered around providing a variety of social activities, fitness centers, pools, and clubhouses—all designed to help residents enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.
The Four Seasons Brand: A Signature of 55+ Living
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons brand became synonymous with the 55+ housing market. Each Four Seasons community has been thoughtfully designed to offer residents the opportunity to lead an active, social, and fulfilling life. The communities are located in desirable regions, often with easy access to nearby shopping, dining, and cultural activities, while providing a peaceful retreat that was both comfortable and low-maintenance.
In addition to the luxurious homes, Four Seasons communities are known for their impressive amenities, which may include fitness centers, walking trails, golf courses, and organized social events, all aimed at fostering a sense of community and belonging. The focus on social interaction and recreational activities allowed residents to form lasting friendships and stay active, helping to improve their overall quality of life.
One of the key selling points of Four Seasons communities is their adaptability to the changing needs of retirees. K. Hovnanian Homes ensured that the homes were designed with accessibility in mind, often featuring wider doorways, open floor plans, and low-maintenance exteriors. The idea was to create homes that would be easy to live in as residents aged while still offering a sense of independence and freedom.
Expanding the Reach: K. Hovnanian’s National Presence in 55+ Living
As the demand for 55+ communities grew, K. Hovnanian expanded its reach, developing Four Seasons communities across the country. Today, these communities can be found in key markets, from the East Coast to the West Coast, with a growing number of locations in popular retirement destinations like Florida, Arizona, and California. K. Hovnanian also began offering new models of homes within these communities to cater to a variety of preferences and budgets.
What set K. Hovnanian apart from many other homebuilders was the company’s deep commitment to ensuring that the 55+ communities weren’t just about building homes—they were about creating environments where people could live life to the fullest. This focus on lifestyle has been a key factor in the continued success of K. Hovnanian’s 55+ communities.
The Ongoing Commitment to 55+ Communities
Over the years, K. Hovnanian Homes has continued to innovate in the 55+ market. The company remains committed to maintaining the high standards of design, quality, and service that made its communities a success in the first place. Today, each Four Seasons community is a carefully curated environment where retirees can experience a fulfilling lifestyle, whether it’s through fitness classes, book clubs, day trips, or enjoying the natural surroundings.
K. Hovnanian is also committed to sustainability, with many of its 55+ homes incorporating energy-efficient features like solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures. This commitment to sustainable design helps ensure that residents not only enjoy their homes, but also contribute to a healthier planet.
K. Hovnanian 55+ Communities
As of December 2024, there are over 65 Four Seasons communities throughout the country. Many of the original communities are located on the East Coast, especially in New Jersey, like Four Seasons at Egg Harbor and Four Seasons at South Brunswick. There are also communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and in sunnier states on the East Coast, like Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks in Bluffton, South Carolina, and Four Seasons at Delray Beach, Florida.
Retirees who favor the West Coast also have plenty of options, including Four Seasons at Bakersfield, CA, and Four Seasons at The Manor in Sun City, Arizona.
Here’s a closer look at a few other Four Seasons communities
Four Seasons at The Lakes of Cane Bay – Summerville, SC
Low $400s – Mid $900s
One of Four Seasons latest offerings, Four Seasons at The Lakes of Cane Bay was opened in 2015 and has been a prime destination ever since. Located in the Charleston area of South Carolina as part of the Cane Bay Plantation master-planned community, Four Seasons at The Lakes of Cane Bay looks to offer 800 modern homes ranging from 1,320 to 2,626 square feet and including two bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two to three-car garages.
Amenity-wise, the community will include a 20,000 square-foot clubhouse where residents will find an assortment of resort-style features to explore. The building will include a state-of-the-art fitness center with an indoor pool.
Outdoors, residents will find even more, including an outdoor pool, pickleball, bocce ball, and tennis courts, and miles of walking trails. As its name implies, Four Seasons at The Lakes of Cane Bay includes a fishing and boating lake, serving as the perfect spot during the warmer months.
Four Seasons at Hemet – Hemet, CA
High $300s – High $500s
Located in the heart of Southern California, Four Seasons at Hemet is a 1,106-home active adult community that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Four Seasons at Hemet was started in 2003 and completed in 2011. Residents can choose from 12 single-family floor plans. each ranging from 1,444 to 2,775 square feet. Each home features single-level living as well as a two-car garage that comes in a variety of exterior choices and styles. Most homes allow for upgrades like granite countertops and tile or hardwood flooring.
For entertainment, residents can turn to The Lodge, Four Seasons at Hemet’s 14,859 square-foot clubhouse. Inside, residents can find a state-of-the-art fitness center, a bistro, an aerobics studio, a ballroom, a movie theater, a library, and more. Additionally, there’s also a full-time activities director who will work with residents to help them join any of the over two-dozen clubs and interest groups offered.
Outdoors features even more to do. A resort-style pool and spa are popular spots during the warmer months, while two tennis courts, pickleball, bocce ball, and shuffleboard courts allow residents to engage in some friendly competition with their neighbors. For golfers, the 18-hole Hemet Golf Course isn’t to be missed and includes a pro-shop, a driving range, and a putting green.
Four Seasons at Monroe – Monroe, NJ
High $700s – High $800s
For those seeking a more intimate community, Four Seasons at Monroe is a great community to check out. Featuring just 149 single-family homes, Four Seasons at Monroe aims to combine the best of suburban living with close proximity to big-city attractions. Offering five floor plans to choose from, homes range from 1,540 to 2,110 square feet and include two bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two to three-car garage. Each home also includes features like built-in pantry closets, granite countertops, and dramatically tall ceilings.
At the heart of the community is the 5,600 square-foot clubhouse. Filled with meeting rooms, a demonstration kitchen, a fitness center, and a game room, the clubhouse seeks to be the perfect place for residents to come together and meet new friends. Outside, there are plenty of ways to stay active as well thanks to the tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts. Meanwhile, golfers can practice their short game at the putting green.
Or, if you’re looking to take things easier, a gazebo is great for sitting out and relaxing with friends while overlooking the pool, patio, and spa areas.
Four Seasons at Orlando – Kissimmee, FL
High $300s – Low $1Ms
Last but not least is Four Seasons at Orlando. Located in Kissimmee, Florida, Four Seasons at Orlando began construction in 2017 with plans of building 530 single-family homes upon completion. The community offers 11 floor plans that range from 1,428 to 2,328 square feet of living space. Each home includes anywhere from two or three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two or two-and-a-half-car garage. All homes have large open floor plans with master suites and walk-in closets. Some homes also include options for extended lanals and sliding glass doors.
The 14,000 square-foot clubhouse is the central hub of Four Seasons at Orlando. Here, residents can sit with friends and neighbors and enjoy the game rooms, meeting spaces, and the state-of-the-art fitness center and movement studio.
The amenities continue outdoors with a pool and patio to relax. Walking and biking paths surround the area while pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts are nearby as well. Golfers will take solace in knowing that nearby is the Mystic Dunes Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course.
A Legacy of Empowering Retirement Living
As K. Hovnanian Homes celebrates over six decades in the homebuilding industry, its commitment to creating communities that enhance the lives of retirees continues to shine. Through its Four Seasons brand, K. Hovnanian has helped redefine what it means to live in retirement—providing active adults with the opportunity to embrace new adventures, make new connections, and enjoy their best years yet.
With its rich history and ongoing dedication to creating vibrant 55+ communities, K. Hovnanian Homes remains a leader in the industry, setting the standard for communities where retirees can truly thrive. As the company continues to innovate and expand, one thing is certain: K. Hovnanian will remain at the forefront of making retirement living more enjoyable, fulfilling, and accessible than ever before.
