Retirement Communities: What Are the Differences?

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

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Choosing where to live is a big decision, whether you are moving locally or exploring a cross-country relocation. Throw in a varied assortment of retirement communities, and the decision becomes even more complex. Active adults who are contemplating where to move next should pause and consider which kind of active adult community is best for them. Not all are the same in terms of amenities, services, entertainment, programming, and more.

As you begin your search, ask yourself a few important questions, such as how comfortable you feel managing your personal care needs, whether you can safely manage your medications, and if you intend to maintain your active lifestyle. Also, consider whether you enjoy spending time maintaining your yard or if you’d rather explore other pursuits.

If you aren’t quite sure how all the different communities stack up, it helps to know common terminology and the differences between each type of retirement community. A senior living establishment, for example, differs from an assisted living community.

Keep reading to learn more about the types of communities available for retirees and which is best for you.

What’s the Difference Between an Active Adult Community and a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Sometimes called life plan or lifetime communities, continuing care retirement communities, CCRC for short, provide accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care. Residents receive a full continuum of care, giving them peace of mind that they can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC and move between care levels as needed.

Like an active adult community, a CCRC typically includes social events, group outings, a common dining room, amenity centers, gyms, outdoor recreation opportunities, and swimming pools. A CCRC may also offer additional services to make life easier for residents, such as garbage and snow removal, transportation, gardening, and housekeeping. Though communities vary, retirees can often choose between single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, apartments, and cottages.

Active adults should know that when they choose to move to a CCRC, they sign a continuing care agreement, which stands as a legal contract between the individual and the CCRC.

What’s the Difference Between an Active Adult Community & a Senior Living Community?

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Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

We're here to help! (800) 928-2055

Call us to speak with a customer service representative.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Exploring the Del Webb Communities in Tennessee

Tennessee has excellent appeal for all kinds of lifestyles and tastes. Active adults who like to spend time outdoors will find solace in state parks and urbanites love access to cities like Nashville and Memphis. Buyers who want to move to a 55+ community in TN, Del Webb is behind two communities in the state.

A side-by-side image of Charlotte, North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee.

Charlotte vs Nashville: Which Is Better for Your Retirement?

While these cities share pleasant climates, big-city entertainment, and historic charm, each offers plenty of unique features to consider. Take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the retirement destinations of Nashville and Charlotte to help you decide which city best meets your needs.

The resort-style pool at Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice, Florida

New Active Adult Communities Added to 55places.com

In this comprehensive roundup, we bring you the latest additions to 55places.com—a trusted resource for exploring active adult communities. Over the past 30 days, several new communities have joined the ranks, each offering different amenities and locations.

View of the Cumberland River and Downtown Nashville, an attractive place to retire to Tennessee.

Why You Should Retire in Tennessee

Whether you want to live in a city like Memphis or you want a small town like Jonesborough, you’ll find the ideal place to settle down in the Volunteer State. Tennessee has plenty of things to do, and here are five reasons why we think you’ll love it!

A side-by-side image of Houston, Texas and Dallas, Texas.

Houston vs Dallas: Where Should You Retire?

Both Houston and Dallas each one have their benefits and charm. It can be hard to pick one over the other. Let us help you weigh some of the factors to decide which one is right for you.

About 55places

We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

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