Have you started planning for retirement or thinking about downsizing while still wanting to be surrounded by like-minded individuals? Maintaining an active lifestyle while enjoying a more peaceful setting can be very appealing features in what is often referred to as an age-restricted community.
Read Further to find out more about 55+ communities.
What is a 55-plus Community?
A 55-plus community is an age-restricted community designated for seniors who want to remain social with people of the same age. These communities vary from small populations to up to 10,000 in population.
They offer different amenities and activities that are age-appropriate like social dances, potluck gatherings, and sports such as golf and pickleball. It all depends on how much you want to be active within the community.
Restrictions in a 55-plus Community
A lot of the 55-plus communities do have deed restrictions. It is always worth looking at those restrictions to make sure that you qualify, and you’re pleased with them.
Some communities are designated for 55 plus, but if you are 60 and your wife is 50, they do allow up to 10% of their residents to be under the 55 plus.
There will be an application form that will need to be accepted before moving into a 55-plus community. In that application form, they will consider your situation and will approve or deny of your moving into that community.
When it comes to any purchase, you will need to do your research on the community. You will want to find out the deed restrictions, their financials, lot rent, and anything else applicable before you purchase the property.
Which 55-plus community is best for me?
The first thing you need to do to find the best community for you is to figure out the location in which you want to reside in.
There are 970 55-plus communities in Florida and 104 in Central Florida. There are 24 communities in Lakeland alone. That’s a lot of locations to choose from. To narrow those down, consider where in the area you want to be close to. Do you have family you want to be within driving distance to? Are there attractions or medical facilities that you prefer to live nearby?
Then, you will need to look at the amenities and activities that each community in your area offers and see which ones suit you best. It is best to compare the pros and cons of each one, and you will most likely need someone to help you figure all of that out which is why the last step is important.
Lastly, you will need to contact a local real estate agent who can help you choose a suitable community for you. Once you’ve figured out what location and amenities you are looking for, your real estate agent will find the perfect community for you that will meet all your requirements.
