Retiring near the New York metropolitan area is not for the faint of heart, especially for active adults that want a community that offers new construction. New York real estate is in high demand because it’s basically close to the very best healthcare, restaurants, entertainment, consumer goods, and outdoor recreation. Most of the Empire State’s retirement communities are in its eastern regions, including the Carmel area and Long Island, and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
It’s important to keep in mind that NY’s cost of living is higher than the national average, and this is reflected in the price points for its 55+ neighborhoods that offer new homes. There are some tax breaks for retirees though, as there are no taxes on civil service, military, and local pensions or social security. Residents who are 59 and up may also qualify for up to $20,000 in pension exclusions.
The four impressive active adult communities we’ve profiled below have new home construction with thoughtfully-designed floor plans and some very appealing amenities. Read on to see what else they offer.
Regency at Wappinger – Wappingers Falls, NY
Mid $300s – Mid $500s
On a gated property near Carmel, this intriguing Toll-Brothers-built 55+ neighborhood began construction in 2014, and it will have 225 new attached and single-family homes when completed. The 93 attached models range from 1,492 to 2,005 square feet with two bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half bathrooms, first-floor master suites, and attached two-car garages. They also feature first-floor master suites, large walk-in closets, and eat-in kitchens. The eight single-family models range from 1,712 to 2,679 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, first-floor master suites, and attached two-car garages. Options include dens, second-story lofts, patios, and tray ceilings.
Regency at Wappinger’s private clubhouse will have tennis and bocce courts, an outdoor pool and patio, plus activity rooms and a fitness center (with a yoga studio) inside. The homeowners’ association (HOA) fees will cover lawn care, snow removal, and exterior home maintenance.
Wappingers Falls is about 70 miles north of Manhattan, in Dutchess County, and nearby landmarks include the city of Poughkeepsie (10 miles away) and the Hudson River. Its downtown has plenty of shops and services, like a Home Depot, groceries, restaurants, urgent cares, and drugstores. Recreation areas like Reese Park and Bowdoin Park have good trails, and one of the best local golf courses is Fishkill Golf Course and Driving Range.
To learn more about Regency at Wappinger, request info here.
The Retreat at Carmel – Carmel, NY
Mid $400s – High $600s
Also in the Carmel Area, The Retreat at Carmel is a Pulte Homes-built active adult community planned with 312 new and resale attached, condo, and single-family homes. The five condo models range from 926 to 1,744 square feet with one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and one-car garages, while the attached two-story models range from 2,021 to 2,148 square feet with two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, optional lofts and basements, and attached two-car garages. The five single-family models range from 1,957 to 2,778 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, attached two-car garages, and optional dens and basements. There’s a monthly HOA fee in place to cover community services.
Most of the resort-style amenities can be found at the clubhouse, including a modern fitness center with an aerobics room and lockers. There are also activity rooms, a heated outdoor pool, tennis and bocce, a 3-hole pitch and putting green, and a community greenhouse. Residents can also enjoy community activities like Zumba, holiday parties, book club, and clambakes.
Carmel is about 55 miles north of The City in Putnam County, and it’s surrounded by lakes and outdoor recreation areas like Lake Gilead and Centennial Golf Club. Within the county, there are many places to explore like Tilly Foster Farm, and the town’s shopping hubs are only a mile away.
To learn more about The Retreat at Carmel, request info here.
The Manors at The Colony Preserve – Shirley, NY
Low $300s – Mid $300s
The Manors at The Colony Preserve is an excellent option for 55+ home seekers who want a home in Long Island for under $400k. This gated community is being developed by The Holiday Organization, and it will have 150 new attached homes when finished. The three floor plans range from 1,322 to 1,598 square feet with two bedrooms and bathrooms, master suites with his and her closets, gourmet kitchens, and one-car garages.
The gracious clubhouse offers homeowners a modern fitness center, a catering kitchen and multi-purpose room, an outdoor pool and spa, and bocce courts. There are also walking and biking trails, plus a lake and putting green on the grounds.
Part of Suffolk County, the hamlet of Shirley, NY is in East Long Island about 70 miles from NYC. And what a stellar location: Taking the William Floyd Parkway, it’s only a few miles to the beaches at Smith Point Park. Or if the mood strikes, you can drive to the northern beaches, such as Wildwood State Park. When it’s time to run errands, there’s a King Kullen grocery store, Home Depot, coffee shops, diners, medical offices, and everything else you need just minutes away.
To learn more about The Manors at The Colony Preserve, request info here.
The Seasons at Elwood – East Northport, NY
Mid $700s
This Western Long Island retirement community of 256 new attached homes is selling fast and with its prestigious gated location, exceptional floor plans, and splendid clubhouse, it’s easy to see why. Builder Engel Burman Group offers buyers two floor plans at 2,786 or 3,559 square feet with two bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half baths, dens, covered terraces, and attached one-car garages.
The Seasons at Elwood has a welcoming community clubhouse with indoor and outdoor pools, a modern fitness center, activity rooms, an outdoor spa, and tennis courts. There’s even an outdoor playground for your grandkids. This upscale neighborhood is around 43 miles from Manhattan, close to the island’s northern shores. It’s a short drive to attractions like Sunken Meadow State Park Golf Course and the beaches of Long Island Sound. Also, if you live in this area, you’re never far from a grocery store, pharmacy, farmers market, or restaurant.
To learn more about The Seasons at Elwood, request info here.