Large multi-level homes with private yards and the upkeep that comes with them can feel like a burden for retirees who want to maximize their leisure time and maintain a thriving social life. Condominium living offers retirees the opportunity to live with fewer responsibilities and more time to focus on what matters most.
The Philadelphia area, situated in southeast Pennsylvania, is the perfect site to settle into a 55+ condominium community. This historic city is home to top-rated medical facilities and a wide variety of cultural amenities and entertainment. Philly also offers a lower cost of living than its East Coast neighbors, such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston, while still within a day trip of these popular cities and other fun locales.
If you’re an active adult considering moving to Philadelphia, 55places is here to help you learn more about the appeal and benefits of living in a condo community.
Why Condos Appeal to Active Adults
Convenience
One of the primary benefits of living in a condo is the low-maintenance lifestyle it offers retirees. In nearly all of these communities, exterior and common area upkeep is managed by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Without the need to worry about regular maintenance or unexpected repairs, the costs and responsibilities of homeownership are much simpler in a condo community.
The convenience of HOA services can also allow homeowners to spend more of their free time enjoying community amenities and social opportunities. Unlike traditional condo buildings, 55+ condo communities are designed for the unique leisure, recreation, and social activities that active adults enjoy. This makes it easier for residents to focus on their wellness, practice their favorite hobbies, or foster new friendships with neighbors.
Flexibility
For some, the appeal lies more with how accessible and flexible condo living can be. Retirees who live in larger homes may wish to downsize to a smaller condo better suited to their needs, prioritizing comfort and convenience.
Condos are also ideal for part-time residents—whether they’re snowbirds who relocate seasonally or people who travel to be near family for part of the year. For these circumstances, a condo community provides peace of mind to homeowners, knowing that their home is secure and maintenance is taken care of while they’re away.
What to Expect From 55+ Condo Communities Near Philadelphia
Building Types
Condo communities come in a variety of building styles, and understanding the differences is important for finding the best fit. Some communities may be a single building containing all the homes and amenities, while others might be made up of several buildings with a separate amenity center. The three most common condo building types are low-rise, mid-rise, and attached condos:
- Low-rise buildings are typically two to four stories tall and contain multiple single-level condo homes on each floor with a shared front entrance. These buildings typically have fewer units, creating a more intimate sense of community.
- Mid-rise buildings are typically four to twelve stories tall, with multiple single-level homes on each floor and a shared entrance. Because mid-rise buildings are larger, some condo communities in these buildings may have entire floors dedicated to amenity space.
- Attached condos are single or multi-level condominiums that share one or more side walls, each with its own front entrances. The distinction between attached condos and townhomes is that homeowners in attached condos are not responsible for exterior maintenance, whereas owners of townhomes own both the interior and exterior of the building.
Amenities
One of the central features in most 55+ condo communities is a clubhouse or multipurpose gathering space, where residents can meet up with neighbors for casual socializing or organized clubs and activities. Other common amenities may include hobby-specific spaces such as craft studios, game rooms, libraries, kitchens, theaters, and more.
Wellness-focused amenities are also prevalent in many 55+ communities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and studio spaces for aerobics, yoga, and dance.
If outdoor space permits, some condo communities may also feature resort-style pools, walking trails, and space for sports such as tennis, pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, and golf.
Accessibility and Floor Plans
Most 55+ condo communities and the homes within are designed specifically for the long-term needs of active adults, with a focus on accessibility and mobility. For instance, elevator access is common even in low-rise buildings. Other accessibility features may include wider halls and doorways, wheelchair ramps in common areas, or easy-to-reach counters, cupboards, and outlets.
Floor plans and interior appointments of condo homes vary widely by community, but most are single-level. Condominiums also come in a range of sizes, from cozy studios with a few hundred square feet to 3,000-square-foot units with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Check out some of the featured communities below to see more specific examples of what kind of amenities and floor plans are available in 55+ condo communities in the Philadelphia area.
55+ Communities With Condos in the Philadelphia Area
- Salem Manor – Bensalem, PA
- Creekside Village – Boothwyn, PA
- Hearthstone at West Bristol – Bristol, PA
- Villas at Greenbrook – Bristol, PA
- Traditions at Ridley Creek – Brookhaven, PA
- St. Joseph Court – Fallsington, PA
- Foxfield – Garnet Valley, PA
- Windsor at Glen Mills – Glen Mills, PA
- Athertyn at Haverford Reserve – Haverford, PA
- Victoria Gardens – Kennett Square, PA
- The Reserve at Gwynedd – Lansdale, PA
- The Greens at Westover – Norristown, PA
- Delaire Landing – Philadelphia, PA
- The Villages at Pine Valley – Philadelphia, PA
- Bucktown Crossing – Pottstown, PA
- Village of Southampton – Southampton, PA
- Centennial Station – Warminster, PA
- Heritage Creek – Warminster, PA
- Bluestone Creek – Warrington, PA
- Forest Ridge – Warrington, PA
- Meridian of Valley Square – Warrington, PA
- Westtown Reserve – West Chester, PA
- Yardley Point – Yardley, PA
Things to Consider When Choosing a 55+ Condo Community
Condo vs. Single-family Ownership
First, it’s most important to consider whether a condo or a single-family home is the best fit for your needs. One key distinction to remember is that purchasing a condo only gives you ownership of the interior of your home, and common areas are shared property. Condo communities may have rules to restrict or prohibit any exterior modifications or decorations, among other things.
So while condos provide more physical and financial freedom when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, it does not offer as much autonomy as owning a single-family home.
HOA Fees and Services
If you think a condo is right for you, be aware that condo ownership includes HOA expenses beyond the cost of the home. Depending on the size of the community and services offered, HOA fees can range anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars a month to over $1,000. Some HOAs also require fees to be paid annually, rather than monthly. However, these fees help cover upkeep costs, allowing residents to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. HOA benefits can include:
- Roofing and siding repairs
- Snow and ice removal
- Lawn care and landscaping
- Trash and recycling services
- Common area and amenity maintenance
Other Accommodations
There are plenty of other miscellaneous features that vary significantly between condo communities. For instance, active adults who own vehicles will find a variety of parking options depending on the community. Some offer covered, assigned parking spots, other buildings may have shared or private garages, while some buildings just have open lots.
Additional storage can also vary for those who need space beyond what’s in their unit, such as bikes or other personal belongings.
Because condo communities have many residents and a lot of shared space, there may also be restrictions on keeping pets, as well as regulations on the number of guests allowed and how long they may stay in your home.
While you search for your perfect condo home in the Philadelphia area, it’s important that you keep your personal, social, financial, and lifestyle needs in mind and ensure that any features, rules, or regulations fit those needs.
Contact 55places to Find the Right Fit
55+ condo living offers active adults an appealing combination of convenience, flexibility, and community. With low-maintenance living, thoughtfully designed living space, and built-in opportunities for social engagement, condo ownership allows residents to focus on enjoying life rather than managing a property.
The Philadelphia area enhances these benefits with its rich local culture, excellent health care facilities, and proximity to other cities and cultural hubs. Whether you’re looking to downsize, simplify homeownership, or embrace a more social lifestyle, 55+ condo communities near Philadelphia provide options to suit a wide range of preferences.
To explore available condominium communities and find the right fit, contact 55places and connect with a real estate expert today!
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