For many adults over 55 looking for their next home, downsizing is a natural step. With kids out of the house and no need for extra bedrooms or a large yard, active adults often look to smaller homes with less maintenance. In the Mid-Atlantic region, some people may be looking for a second transitional home before they retire, their retirement home, or simply a smaller place in a quieter community.
Throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, age-restricted and active adult communities offer just enough living space to be comfortable but not crowded. Here are six great communities in the Mid-Atlantic region for downsizing.
Maryland
Cedar Ridge at Piney Orchard – Odenton, MD
Low $200s – Low $300s
In Maryland, most active adult communities with smaller homes are located in the Baltimore/Washington area. Cedar Ridge at Piney Orchard is an age-restricted condo community within the greater planned community of Piney Orchard. The eleven four-story buildings include 450 homes that range from 1,400 to 1,963 square feet.
Homeowners don’t have to worry about outside maintenance since the community maintains the buildings and lawns. The buildings have elevator access and secure entry for convenience and safety. Residents have attached garages and spacious closets for extra storage. Residents also have access to age-restricted amenities of Cedar Ridge, and the clubhouses, sports complexes, and facilities of Piney Orchard.
Learn more information about Cedar Ridge at Piney Orchard here.
Colonial Charles – Waldorf, MD
Mid $200s – Mid $300s
Colonial Charles in Waldorf, Maryland offers both attached and single-family home models in the 1,500-square-foot range. The townhomes include first-floor master suites, and homebuyers can customize floorplans and storage space options. The two single-family home models under 1,500 square feet can have two to four bedrooms and an attached two-car garage.
Although the community is smaller and will have just 240 homes when complete, residents can still enjoy many amenities, including a large clubhouse with a fitness center, pools, and meeting rooms.
Learn more information about Colonial Charles here.
Virginia
Heritage Hunt – Gainesville, VA
Low $400 – Low $600s
Heritage Hunt is a large age-restricted community in the Northern Virginia suburb of Gainesville. As a well-established community with over 1,800 homes built between 1998 and 2009, Heritage Hunt now offers a variety of home styles for resale.
Prospective homebuyers can find carriage homes, condos, and villas under 1,500 square feet with at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one attached garage. Residents don’t need to spend a lot of time in their homes, with two clubhouses and fitness centers within the gated community. Residents can play golf, tennis, and bocce ball; swim in the indoor and outdoor pools; or stay active in the fitness center. Both clubhouses provide plenty of space for activities, classes, and clubs.
Learn more information about Heritage Hunt here.
The Atrium at MetroWest – Fairfax, VA
Mid $400s – Low $600s
The Atrium at MetroWest offers active adults a downsizing option close to Washington, D.C. in Fairfax, Virginia. This new community will feature 206 condominium homes when complete.
The models are all under 1,550 square feet and include one to two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master suites have en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets. Onsite, residents will be able to enjoy a clubhouse with a fitness center, meeting rooms, and a library. However, the community is also within walking distance of the Fairfax Metro station, providing easy access to Washington, D.C., while Tysons Corner and multiple shopping centers are a short drive away.
Learn more information about The Atrium at MetroWest here.
Delaware
Heritage Shores – Bridgeville, DE
Low $200s – Low $400s
With plans for over 1,800 homes from three builders, Heritage Shores offers homes in almost any style and size. Brookfield Homes and Ryan Homes offer new and resale attached and single-family homes under 1,500 square feet. These models allow homebuyers to scale down in home size, while still keeping an extra bedroom and two-car garage.
The age-restricted community also features a resort-style clubhouse with restaurants and a wine bar, in addition to craft and meeting rooms. Residents also enjoy a fitness center, an 18-hole golf course, and scenic walking trails around the community.
Learn more information about Heritage Shores here.
Nobles Pond – Dover, DE
Mid $200s – High $300s
Nobles Pond also offers new and resale attached and single-family homes under 1,500 square feet. Even these more compact homes include features like en-suite master baths, walk-in closets, and two-car garages. Located in Delaware’s capital Dover, the community will include 800 homes built by Regal Homes when complete.
In addition to entertainment in the quaint city or recreation in outdoor areas along the Delaware Bay, residents also spend time at the 28,000-square-foot clubhouse. Residents gather for clubs, classes, and activities in the ballroom, meeting rooms, and creative center, while the fitness center, pools, and putting green provide opportunities to stay healthy and active.
