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The Pros & Cons o + Active Adult Communities
By Brad Breeding I April 9th, 2018 u
As you are exploring your senior living options, you may have looked at what is referred
to as an "active adult community." These are 55 and over "age -restricted" or "age -
qualified" communities, typically meaning that someone in the residence must be at
least 55 years old.
Active adult communities aren't much different than any other residential community,
aside from their age requirements, but most are designed with a retirement -friendly,
low -maintenance lifestyle in mind. (dote: There are other types of age -qualified
communities for seniors as well, among them continuing care retirement communities
[also called CCRCs or life plan communities], rental retirement communities, and senior
apartments.)
Active adult communities can be comprised of single-family houses, as well as multi-
family patio homes, condominiums, or townhomes, with units that are owned by the
resident (as opposed to a rental community). Often, this type of 55 and over communit
will be built near shopping, restaurants, parks, and other attractions, since residents
are still eager to live an active lifestyle into their retirement years.
Interior maintenance and daily upkeep are the responsibility of the homeowner within
active adult communities, however, low -maintenance or maintenance -free exteriors
are usually provided, paid for by the resident through their monthly home owners'
association (HOA) dues. Residents are able to enjoy other aspects of their retirement
years, without the burden of maintaining a yard or dealing with other exterior home
maintenance chores or repairs. Other than the HOA dues (and a mortgage payment, if
applicable), there are no other monthly fees required for residents in an active adult
community.
Unlike some other senior living options, active adult communities do not have on -site
dining facilities for residents, nor do they provide any type of healthcare services,
however the HOA dues of these communities frequently do pay for certain communal
amenities. From golf courses and tennis courts, to pools, clubhouses, and more, these
shared facilities put the "active" in active adult community!
>> Related: Distinguishing Between Types of Retirement Communities
The pros and cons
When looking at the many different senior living options that are out there, it is
important to weigh the pros and cons of your various choices. And while the
nt-a es;_��, s and dldvantafyes of any decision are in the eye of the beholder, for active
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he -re arc a fevj key points you may want to consider...
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oppottunities to inake friends with other retirees: When you move someplace
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a to be said for having a conveniently located group of
t.jitCOrifflUnities, residents are all pretty much in the
d hard for many years, raised a family, and now
iz -i« to enjov a rielaxed retirennent, so it is easy to find people with whom you
h-')Ve frouch '11) COMIn'lor) and vionderful friendships can result.
A quiet; mostly kid -free environment: While adult children and grandchildren
they age requirement for residents means that
4
C" 1"nunit_&,': are usually nice, quiet places to live. Youngervisitors
i,_ c; u ad I c De onsiderate of this expectation.
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I � -11 provide You with many opportunities
��;VO �K)Ljl CO a�c mmunity will
-0 c ahz(:,, and sty.;,{ spry Into your retirement years. In addition to
ki<e pools and fitness centers, these commun
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soc ial everts, affinity clubs, volunteer groups, and
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seni Orpi.org
Home Mobile Home Parks
Updated August 22, 2022
j eff Hoyt, Editor in Chief
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When it comes to senior living options, mobile homes and RVs are options
that represent a wide range of seniors. Mobile home parks and RV parks
offer small lots and community space that is maintained by the park.
A mobile home park much like a condominium association where the
common spaces are maintained by the park owners and staff and where
tenants have a small lot which they care for. When a park is deemed to b,-
a senior mobile home park, they have rules about the minimum age of the
people who live there. Most parks offer senior living for people aged 55 and
older and do not permit those who are younger to live there. The park and
its amenities are geared towards seniors and may have noise and usage
restrictions. As military as that sound, these parks create an environment
that is senior friendly and designed to enhance the quality of life for those
who live in the park.
A senior RV park is somewhat different and yet, very much the same. The
big difference is that there are not mobile homes in an RV park and the idea
is that the tenant population is transient and not temporary. In a senior
mobile home park, the majority of the people who live there, do so long-
term.
What are the Benefits of Living in a Senior Mobile
Home Park?
Senior living mobile home parks are often affordable alternatives to living in
a single family home. Most tenants pay rent on their space and own the
mobile home. That means they pay a low monthly rent and can live in a
larger home. Mobile homes come in single, double, and triple wide width.
They can be one bedroom and largerjM,�gcros are.small offering encc�
} :� acefar the rriobfte home crud a >srnall�
Another benefit is that the community is organized around the needs of
seniors. People here can enjoy the park's amenities without having to
compete with those amenities with kids and families.
The park's amenities are designed around senior needs and they provide an
opportunity to socialize with people in the same age range.
Written By
j eff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
Since graduating from Harvard with an honors degree in Statistics, Jeff
has been creating content in print, online, and on television. Much of his
work has been dedicated to informing seniors on how to live better lives.
As Editor -in -Chief of the personal... Learn More About Jeff Hoyt 0
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HoUsing > Find Senior Mobile Home Parks for 55+ Communities
suits for Senior Apartments 55
Mim
Golf carrsare a cornmon way to get around in larger.sgnior mobile home parks.
The most prominent benefit of living in a senior mobile home park is how, affordable it can be. Althc
you own your residence, you don't have to worry about property tax or land maintenance.
Unlike an apartment or assisted living facilities, you're not literally living on top of your neighbors in
senior mobile home park. Many communities allow you to have pets. Some mobile home communit
even have dog runs.4La:rea.'catrtes.Euvrth a small yard that:requires_mirmal
Mobile homes are more accessible for seniors since everything is on the same level. Some mobile h,
come equipped with safety features as well, such as handrails. If you need a ramp for mobility purpi
you can have one installed at the entrance to your home. if you own your mobile home, you can
remodel anytime and add the accommodations that you need.
Many senior mobile home parks are nestled in picturesque settings, near lakes `or surrounded by ga
lands, but are close enough to civilization that errands are simple and quick. A number of mobile he
parks have pools, fitness centers, and regularcommunity events. Some communities boast softball
fields, hiking trails, golf courses, and even boat docks. Other mobile home parks arrange for
transportation to and from town for seniors that have given up driving through the homeowners
association.