Not having to worry about the upkeep of a big house translates into less stress and more time to really enjoy your well-deserved retirement. One of the easiest ways to scale back is to find a condo in an active adult community; you won’t need to mow the lawn, shovel snow, or worry about exterior maintenance.
Other benefits to condo life can include access to a private clubhouse with amenities like a swimming pool, exercise facilities, and gathering rooms. You’ll also have new friends and neighbors to socialize with, whether in your building, in the clubhouse, or at any of the community events and social clubs.
One of the best locations for a happy retirement in the northeast is West Long Island. Many New Yorkers have second homes here since the area is only about 45 miles from Manhattan and offers spectacular scenery, charming small towns, historical and cultural attractions, and all the modern conveniences one may need. Take a look at the ones we’ve chosen below and see if this lifestyle is for you.
The Greens at Half Hollow – Melville, NY
High $400s – Mid $1Ms
The Greens at Half Hollow is an established 55+ golf course community with 1,200 resale condo and attached homes. This property is almost equidistant from Long Island’s northern and southern shores, and it’s just outside of scenic West Hills County Park.
Along with its 18-hole golf course and a driving range, The Greens at Half Hollow also has an exclusive clubhouse with a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, a bar, and tennis courts. The two condo models featured range from 1,040 to 1,140 square feet with open floor plans, two bedrooms, one-and-a-half or two bathrooms, and walk-in closets.
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The Seasons at East Meadow – East Meadow, NY
Low $400s – Mid $500s
Also located towards the center of Long Island, The Seasons at East Meadow is minutes away from Hofstra University and Nassau University Medical Center. This gated 55+ neighborhood of 404 resale condos was completed in 2012. homes. There are three floor plans ranging from 1,030 to 1,300 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Upper-level units have lofts, while ground-level units feature basements. Other desirable features include outdoor patios and assigned parking spots in the front of each building.
The Seasons at East Meadow’s resort-like amenities include a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse with its own cinema room, fitness center, dance studio, activity rooms, and outdoor pool area. There’s also a dog park outside, and a long list of clubs and activities for a full social calendar year-round.
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The Coves at Melville – Melville, NY
Low $400s – Mid $500s
Convenient to the Long Island Expressway yet surrounded by natural space, The Coves at Melville is a peaceful, gated 62+ condo community. It’s about 20 miles north of Jones Beach State Park and has 175 resale condos and a welcoming clubhouse with a fitness center, a library, game rooms, and an outdoor pool.
The condo units are sized at around 1,170 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Options include hardwood floors, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances.
Request more information about The Coves at Melville.
The Villas at Narragansett – Lindenhurst, NY
Low $300s – High $300s
The Villas at Narragansett is another mid-sized, reasonably priced 55+ community. Built from 2004 to 2005, it has 138 condos and puts residents close to Bergen Point Golf Course and Great South Bay Shopping Center.
The two floor plans are around 1,200 to 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms and bathrooms, open-concept kitchens, stainless steel appliances, wood floors, and plenty of on-site parking. The community’s friendly clubhouse has a multipurpose room, catering kitchen, library, bocce ball court, and outdoor pool.
Request more information about The Villas at Narragansett.
The Bel Aire at East Meadow – East Meadow, NY
High $200s – Low $400s
The smallest and most affordable retirement community in this list is The Bel Aire at East Meadow, which is across the way from Eisenhower Park. This intimate 55+ neighborhood has 95 resale condos housed in one four-story brick building with elevator access.
Units range from 908 to 1,153 square feet with one or two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Features like spacious master suites, in-unit laundry, additional storage, and granite kitchen countertops make these homes comfortable. The building’s amenities include computer and media rooms, an exercise facility, a multipurpose room, and a heated outdoor pool. Residents also enjoy the benefits of having an amenity center, concierge service, and a valet.
