The real estate market has fluctuated wildly in recent years, and during that time, a new trend emerged: a hot renter’s market. Retiree renters are in better positions now, as property owners are minimizing rent increases to keep tenants from moving out, and more 55+ rental communities have opened. Today’s renters may also have more negotiating power. According to U.S. News, the annual growth rate of rents has decreased by 10%.
Active adult homebuyers had a significant advantage starting in 2020, with historically low mortgage rates and high inventories. Even though prices kept climbing, there seemed to be an endless supply of homes to tour. Things turned around since then. Mortgage rates increased, inventory dwindled down, and buyers are still struggling to find options. Others are holding off, hoping this limited buyer’s market will change.
To see if renting might be better than buying for you, compare 55+ rental communities and homes for sale. There are distinct advantages to renting 55+ apartments. And if you agree after reading about the pros and cons, we have a large number of rental communities worth considering.
Renting vs. Buying
Owning a home offers a sense of stability, pride of ownership, plus mortgage interest tax deductions. Over time, owners build up equity, and when property values increase, it can be a considerable amount. Homeowners generally need to live in homes for years for equity to accrue significantly, but sometimes, they buy and sell quickly, earning a profit.
The theory that renters throw their money away is not true. There won’t be any equity, but the cost of homeownership can add up. 55+ rental communities don’t normally charge tenants for new appliances, updated carpeting, and other structural and cosmetic changes. Tenants might spend money painting a wall, but they don’t make major investments. As for rent prices going up each year, homeowners often face property tax increases that up their monthly payments.
Why Renting Can Be Better for Retirees
55+ apartments can be the right choice for retirees, especially those who are ready to stop maintaining the lawn and garden, shoveling snow, and making repairs. Signing a lease agreement is also less involved than buying a home since there’s no mortgage or downpayment.
55+ rental communities do require security deposits that generally equal the sum of the first and last month’s rent and renter’s insurance, but this is often less than homeowner’s and mortgage insurance. Monthly rent payments can exceed principal and interest payments, but without ongoing costs for taxes, maintenance, and insurance, the total can be lower. Selling a home can also be much more involved than moving out after the lease ends.
Recommended Rental Communities
As the rental market keeps growing, active adults have more 55+ rental communities to choose from than ever before. Below, we have profiled 70 appealing age-restricted properties across 17 states. This is an excellent resource for home seekers looking for rentals or just browsing to see if it’s an option.
Arizona
Sage Mesa
This age-restricted, gated apartment community is 30 minutes from Phoenix, with eight floor plans and resort-style amenities. It has a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, an outdoor pool, a business center, a pet park, and onsite bike rentals and storage. The 55+ apartments range from 615 to 1,285 square feet and feature open floor plans with stainless steel appliances and nine-foot ceilings.
Mera Chandler
Also close to Phoenix, Mera Chandler is a 55+ gated apartment community with 184 units sized from 615 to 1,341 square feet. There’s a lovely clubhouse onsite with an outdoor pool, a fitness center, sports courts, and a private movie theater.
Mera Goodyear
Located in Goodyear, this friendly apartment community offers 188 new units and the same amenities as other Mera neighborhoods. It’s located in Central Arizona and close to grocery stores, pharmacies, medical centers, and attractions like the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Mera Westgate
Mera Westgate is a welcoming, gated retirement community with 189 apartments ranging from 615 to 1,285 square feet. The impressive list of indoor and outdoor amenities includes a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, a wellness and fitness studio, and of course, a resort-style pool. It’s about 10 miles northwest of Phoenix, so getting in and out of this city takes mere minutes.
Amberlin Arrowhead
Amberlin Arrowhead is one of the state’s finest 55+ rental communities, and it’s just 10 minutes from Phoenix. The plans call for 203 new apartments ranging from 615 to 285 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and bathrooms. There’s also a great clubhouse with an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and hobby rooms.
Amberlin Queen Creek
This new 55+ apartment complex is about 40 miles southeast of Phoenix, close to the Arizona Museum of Natural History and State Farm Stadium. There are 205 comfortable apartments sized from 615 to 1,285 square feet. There will also be a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse when the work is complete.
Colorado
Overture 9th + CO
This Denver 55+ rental community is gated, pet-friendly, and will have 207 luxury apartments. These units range from 510 to 1,356 square feet with one or two bedrooms, and the buildings have underground, heated parking. Options for these luxury apartment homes include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and glass-tiled backsplashes.
Florida
Overture Hamlin
This Winter Garden community will have 163 maintenance-free apartments starting at $1,400 a month. These will range from 753 to 1,141 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and bathrooms. The property is just outside of Orlando and plans call for a private clubroom, an outdoor pool, a theater, and group activities like day trips and happy hours
The Pointe at Lakewood Ranch
This active adult rental community is in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, with 160 one- to two-bedroom apartments starting at $2,140. Its property management company takes care of common area maintenance and some unit repairs. These apartments range from 602 to 1,498 square feet and include granite countertops, patios or balconies, and stainless steel appliances.
Diamond Oaks Village
Diamond Oaks Village in Bonita Springs is a 55+ rental community near the Gulf Coast and Fort Myers. It offers active adult renters plenty of amenities, floor plan options, and a leisurely lifestyle. The area boasts beautiful beaches, parks for outdoor activities, and a variety of cultural attractions, ensuring endless fun for residents.
Georgia
Everleigh Halcyon Village
With prices starting in the $1,700s, this new 55+ apartment complex offers great value. There are more than 20 floor plans ranging from 972 to 1,416 square feet, with one or two bedrooms, patios, and balconies. This pet-friendly community has an outdoor pool, golf practice facilities, and onsite retail shopping.
Overture Barrett
Built from 2016 to 2018, Overture Barrett has 175 cozy 55+ apartments sized from 701 to 1,472 square feet. Its modern clubhouse offers a restaurant, an outdoor pool and patio, golf practice facilities, and a fitness center. Residents also enjoy spending time in the pet park, movie theater, and onsite restaurant.
Overture Buckhead South
This Atlanta-area active adult apartment community has 190 units starting at $1,595 as well as sought-after amenities like a clubhouse with a fitness center, a restaurant, and a lovely salon and spa. The units range from 618 to 1,797 square feet, and features include stainless steel appliances and large windows.
Overture Powers Ferry
Overture Powers Ferry is a 55+ apartment complex that was built in 2021 near Downtown Atlanta. There are 18 floor plans sized from 555 to 1,403 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and optional dens. Residents can park their cars in carports located throughout the property and enjoy the outdoor pool, walking and biking trails, and community theater.
Everleigh Duluth
As one of the state’s nicest 55+ rental communities, Everleigh Duluth offers low-maintenance living at its best. The 180 new apartments offer 624 to 1,344 square feet, and it’s about an hour from Atlanta, with plenty of nearby shopping. Some of the standout amenities at Everleigh Duluth include an outdoor pool, a pet park, a fitness center, plus a bar and lounge.
Illinois
Everleigh Naperville
Located 33 miles west of the Windy City, Avenida Naperville welcomes tenants ages 62 and up, with thoughtfully-designed apartments ranging from 1,058 to 1,335 square feet. The amenities here include a clubroom, an outdoor pool, and a media lounge, plus dozens of group activities like holiday parties, writing classes, and “yappy hours” for community dog lovers.
Avidor Evanston
Avidor Evanston is a 55+ rental community north of Chicago, offering low-maintenance, age-restricted living with one- and two-bedroom options. There are exciting amenities, events, and classes all on-site. Enjoy the best of both worlds at Avidor Evanston!
Massachusetts
Everleigh Cape Cod
Located in one of the country’s premier East Coast vacation destinations, this wonderful 55+ rental community was completed in 2017 with 225 maintenance-free apartments. They range from 733 to 1,328 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and balconies or patios. Prices start at $2,950 and include use of the outdoor pool, gardening plots, fitness center, and pickleball courts.
Nebraska
Avidor Omaha
Welcome to Avidor Omaha, a premier 55+ rental community in Nebraska. Situated on the west side of the city, Avidor Omaha provides active adult renters with a diverse range of one- and two-bedroom apartment floor plans, along with a host of events, groups, and appealing on-site amenities. Enjoy the convenience of living close to Omaha’s abundant dining, entertainment, and shopping options, while also relishing the ample greenspace that envelops the city.
North Carolina
Overture Cotswold
This gated retirement community is in Charlotte and offers 55+ apartments sized from 649 to 1,285 square feet. Options include balconies or patios and gourmet kitchens with granite countertops. Prices start at $1,749 a month. This appealing complex has a heated pool, a fitness center, a movie center, and an onsite bistro and hair salon.
Overture Providence
Also in Charlotte, Overture Providence has 175 apartments starting at $1,849. These range from 677 to 1,165 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and bathrooms. In addition to the onsite amenities, there are many group activities to enjoy, including meditation classes, happy hours, and day trips.
Overture Centennial
Here’s one of Raleigh’s favorite 55+ rental communities, with 13 floor plans ranging from 598 to 1,058 square feet that feature options like gourmet kitchens, private balconies, and soaking garden tubs. The long list of indoor and outdoor amenities includes a fitness center with a yoga studio, a movie theater, and a heated swimming pool and sun deck.
Overture Crabtree
Overture’s second Raleigh 55+ rental community has 203 thoughtfully laid out apartments with monthly prices starting at just $1,630. It’s only 15 minutes from the downtown area, with 13 floor plans sized from 660 to 1,366 square feet. Residents can be found socializing outdoors by the resort-style pool and grilling area or attending community movie nights, computer courses, or fun potluck dinners.
Overture Chapel Hill
Homes in this affordable 55+ apartment complex start at $1,200 a month, and that’s a great value when you consider the onsite swimming pool, fitness center, movie theater, and cafe. There are 188 units with 20 floor plans ranging from 598 to 1,365 square feet—spacious closets and roomy kitchens are included.
Album Huntersville
Located 14 miles north of Charlotte, this active adult rental community offers 168 units ranging from 567 to 1,503 square feet and priced at $1,375 a month and up. Album Huntersville has a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a coffee bar, and fun resident activities like happy hours, cooking demonstrations, and potluck dinners.
New Jersey
Icon Riverwalk
Here’s a wonderful 55+ rental building with 260 apartments ranging from 527 to 1,131 square feet with garage parking. These modern units have options like hardwood floors and quartz countertops, and all come with full-size washers and dryers. Some of Icon Riverwalk’s most-enjoyed amenities are the indoor heated pool, private theater, art studio, and dog park.
New Mexico
Overture Albuquerque
This retirement community has 174 apartments ranging from 595 to 1,373 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and one to two-and-a-half baths. These upscale units include oversized walk-in closets, private balconies or patios, and large windows. Residents enjoy a great selection of amenities, including an outdoor pool, business center, and arts and crafts studio.
Nevada
Mera Rhodes Ranch
Active adults seeking 55+ rental communities in Nevada will be impressed by this Las Vegas apartment complex because of its affordable prices, new construction, and private entrance. It will have 172 apartments ranging from 615 to 1,341 square feet with carports or detached garages, and a 12,000-squre-foot clubhouse with sports courts, an outdoor kitchen, a dog park, and a resort-style pool.
Mera Henderson
Located 30 minutes south of Las Vegas, Mera Henderson is a gated property with 189 apartments starting at $1,525 per month. There are six floor plans ranging from 615 to 1,285 square feet with one to two bedrooms and options like balconies and garden tubs. The 9,000-square-foot clubhouse has all the amenities you’d expect, and it’s where residents head to go swimming, play pickleball, and spend time in the media room.
Ohio
Hawthorne Commons
First on our list of Ohio 55+ rental communities is Hawthorne Commons, a lovely neighborhood of 86 apartment homes. They are sized from 1,206 to 1,623 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and attached garages. Hawthorne’s property management company takes care of the maintenance, and there’s a clubhouse, gardening plots, a business center, and a concierge for residents.
Redbud Commons
Complete in 2019, this complex has 95 55+ apartments ranging from 1,223 to 1,589 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and attached garages. Some units have upgrades like front porches, private patios, and dens. Redbud is in the Columbus metro area, close to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Ohio Health Pickerington Medical Campus, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
Burr Oak Commons
Also close to Columbus, this intimate community of 92 apartments has its own clubhouse with a fitness center, business center, and bar. The comfortable units range from 1,213 to 1,578 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and attached garages. Look for features like breakfast bars, patios, and dens in these affordable 55+ apartments.
Dogwood Commons
Dogwood Commons is in the Dayton area and offers 110 apartment homes sized from 1,213 to 1,578 square feet. All of these apartments have attached garages, luxury finishes, and vaulted ceilings. The private clubhouse has a modern fitness center, a business center, and an outdoor patio for socializing. This property also offers a pet park, walking and biking trails, and a barbecue area.
Oklahoma
Sage Cobblestone
Oklahoma also has 55+ rental communities, including Sage Cobblestone. It’s about 20 miles south of Oklahoma City and has 168 units ranging from 615 to 1,285 square feet. Be sure to visit the clubhouse, which features an outdoor pool and patio, a fitness center, a hobby studio, and a performance theater.
South Carolina
Overture Greenville
This Greenville property will have 189 beautiful 55+ apartments just 10 miles from the downtown area. Its biggest draw might be its 10,000 square feet of community space including a bistro, fitness center, demonstration center, fitness center, pool, and outdoor terrace. There are one- and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 598 to 1,251 square feet, and all have either balconies or patios.
Overture West Ashley
Heading towards the Charleston 55+ rental communities, we have Overture West Ashley with 198 well-built apartments ranging from 681 to 1,272 square feet. These units include washers, dryers, walk-in closets, and plenty of storage. There’s also a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse with a resort-style pool and whirlpool spa as well as a theater, fitness center, and an outdoor kitchen.
Overture Daniel Island
Also in Charleston, this inviting active adult rental community has 197 apartments starting at $1,770 per month. They come in one- and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 678 to 1,331 square feet. Residents enjoy keeping busy here, attending group events like cooking classes, day trips, movie nights, and holiday parties. Many of these events take place in the community’s state-of-the-art amenity center.
The Grove at Coastal Grand
The Grove at Coastal Grand is a vibrant 55+ rental community in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Located conveniently within the city, this active adult oasis presents a remarkable array of amenities, diverse apartment floor plans, and an engaging events calendar to cater to various interests. With the Atlantic Ocean and numerous beaches nearby, residents of The Grove at Coastal Grand can indulge in abundant recreational opportunities year-round.
Tennessee
Album Indian Lake
As one of the Nashville area’s top 55+ rental communities, Album Indian Lake is about 30 minutes north of the city. There are 138 units ranging from 627 to 1,192 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and bathrooms. Home features include dens and balconies. Residents enjoy spending time at the outdoor pool, game lawn, pet park, community garden, and pickleball courts. There’s even an onsite electric vehicle charging area.
Avenida Watermarq at Germantown
Closer to Memphis, this active adult community offers 161 one- to two-bedroom 55+ apartments sized from 782 to 1,341 square feet. The indoor and outdoor amenities include a theater, creative arts studio, fitness studio, an outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, and a pet park.
Everleigh Cool Springs
Everleigh Cool Springs is a premier 55+ rental community in Franklin, Tennessee. Located south of Nashville, this community provides 55+ renters with a host of indoor and outdoor amenities, a diverse range of floor plans, and a serene lifestyle that perfectly combines the convenience of city living with the tranquility of Central Tennessee’s scenic beauty.
Texas
Overture Arboretum
Austin’s Overture Arboretum is a 60+ apartment rental complex, with 184 units ranging from 619 to 1,342 square feet. The one- and two-bedroom floor plans offer granite countertops, upgraded appliances, plush carpeting, and garden tubs. Rental fees start at $1,575 per month and include access to all the community amenities, like the pool and fitness center. Popular group activities include potlucks, movie nights, and holiday parties.
Overture Domain
This 55+ rental community has apartments starting at $1,643 a month. Features include granite countertops, garden tubs, and full-sized washers and dryers. The 12,000-square-foot clubhouse has its own cafe, library, fitness center, putting green, and outdoor pool.
Overture Flower Mound
Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this Overture property has 200 apartments with prices starting at $1,775. There are 13 models ranging from 616 to 1,425 square feet, with full-size washers and dryers and stainless steel refrigerators. Amenities include an onsite hair and nail salon, whirlpool spa, business center, and theater.
Overture Fairview
Here’s the perfect 55+ rental community, with 195 maintenance-free 55+ apartments. They offer one or two bedrooms, nine-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, and granite countertops. Overture Fairview has 13,000 square feet of amenity space, with a business center, a dog park, and a large multipurpose room for community gatherings.
Overture Highlands
This Arlington active adult apartment complex has 167 units starting at $1,780 per month. They’re sized from 724 to 1,273 square feet, with private balconies or patios and one or two bedrooms. The resort-style amenities include an outdoor pool and patio, a fitness center, a hair salon, and a movie theater.
Overture Mueller
Returning to the Austin area, Overture Mueller has 201 apartments and an affordable starting price of $1,113. There are one- and two-bedroom floor plans with options like granite countertops and glass-tiled backsplashes. The onsite perks include a cafe, business center, hair salon, and outdoor pool.
Overture Plano
With 169 55+ apartments and 16,000 square feet of amenity space, Overture Plano is an outstanding choice for active adult retirees. The units range from 553 to 1,548 square feet with individually-controlled heating and AC. Residents also spend quality time at community activities like game nights, water aerobics, and social hours.
Overture Stone Oak
This San Antonio gated 55+ apartment community is close to the airport and was built with 143 cozy units. These start at $1,800 and include features like en-suite bathrooms, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. Stone Oak also has an internet cafe, fitness center, hair salon, and outdoor pool and spa.
Overture Sugar Land
Overture Sugar Land is outside of Houston and was finished in 2016 with 200 55+ apartments in nine floor plans from 676 to 1,143 square feet. Some of the most highly reviewed amenities include the outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, fitness center, and business entertainment room—monthly rentals start at $1,645.
Overture Frisco
Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this age-restricted apartment complex has 162 maintenance-free units and resort-style amenities. The four floor plans range from 730 to 1,125 square feet, with open-concept layouts and options like balconies, patios, and en-suite bathrooms.
Everleigh Forestwood
Here’s another Dallas 55+ rental community, complete with wonderful indoor and outdoor amenities like a fitness center, a putting green, a theater room, and an outdoor spa. This gated property has 190 apartments, priced at $2,100 and up per month.
Everleigh Lakeline
Available to tenants ages 60+, this newer community offers 191 affordably priced apartments and a desirable Austin locale. The onsite amenities feature a fitness center, a pub, a heated swimming pool, plus a business center and hair and nail salon.
Album Keller Ranch
Fort Worth’s Album Keller Ranch has everything that 55+ home seekers need in apartment living: Affordable prices, a gated entrance, and 180 new units ranging from 675 to 1,226 square feet. There’s also a private clubhouse with a pool, theater, and fitness center.
Album Benbrook
Here’s another Dallas-Fort Worth area 55+ apartment complex, with 179 units starting at $1,315. Homes offer one to two bedrooms and baths as well as a private carport or garage parking. Residents can be found at the clubhouse, enjoying the heated outdoor pool, movie theater, and fitness center.
Mera Vintage Park
Heading back to Houston, we find Mera Vintage Park, an impressive 55+ apartment community with 179 units ranging from 616 to 1,433 square feet. Community members like the property’s dog park, clubhouse, business center, sports courts, and other amenities.
The Luxe at Rowlett
The Luxe at Rowlett is also close to Dallas, and it’s on the smaller side with 126 cozy 55+ apartments. These range from 502 to 1,053 square feet with one to two bedrooms. The onsite amenities feature a salon, an outdoor pool, and a wellness cafe.
Sage Plum Creek
Not far from Austin, Sage Plum Creek is a gated 55+ apartment property with 185 units starting at $1,390. Its indoor and outdoor perks include a fitness center, an outdoor pool and sun deck, and a community garden.
Amberlin Georgetown
This welcoming active adult community offers 188 new apartments in the Austin-Georgetown area. The open floor plans range from 615 to 1,285 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and bathrooms as well as detached garage or carport parking. There’s also a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse, plus a dog park and community garden.
Amberlin at the Station
Located in Sachse, this Amberlin property has 193 apartments split up into mid-rise buildings with elevators. The units range from 615 to 1,285 square feet, with carports or detached garages. The long list of amenities includes a large clubhouse with a 24-hour fitness center, a resort-style pool, and a clubroom lounge.
Amberlin Pflugerville
This Austin-area Amberlin property includes 196 apartments with features like stainless steel appliances, private yards, and walk-in closets. Be sure to see the clubhouse, where you’ll find the 24-hour fitness center, pickleball courts, and wonderful outdoor pool.
ArborView Circle C Ranch
Also in the Austin area, ArborView Circle C Ranch is restricted to renters ages 62 and up. It has one- and two-bedroom floorplans starting at $1,460 and an impressive clubhouse with indoor and outdoor amenities.
Aviva Fort Worth
Aviva Fort Worth is an exclusive 55+ rental community in Fort Worth, TX. Just ten miles southwest of Downtown Fort Worth, this active adult haven offers a plethora of amenities and well-designed floor plans for 55+ renters. Nestled between town and country, Aviva Fort Worth allows residents to relish the best of both worlds.
Virginia
Overture Fair Ridge
Our last age-restricted apartment property is in Fairfax, VA in the Washington, DC metro area. It’s for tenants ages 62 and up and has 200 new units ranging from 675 to 1,008 square feet plus its own restaurant, movie theater, pool, and day spa.
