If you are thinking about living in a different place after retirement sooner or later the question will probably enter your mind: “Should I live in an active adult community or in a mixed generation (traditional) community”. In our experience most people’s ideas on the subject are fluid – as they explore the options and the various pros and cons about active adult communities, their opinions often change. This article will explore some of the issues that form or change people’s opinions. To do that we will actual people’s words from various Retirement community Discussion Forums, including the one here at Topretirements.com. (See links to other Forums at end of article)
Here was our original question, which we used to get the discussion going at one of these sites:
“Do you think you might move to an active adult community (or over 50 community), in retirement or do you think you would prefer to live in the general community? The general community might be a traditional neighborhood, or it might be a planned community that was designed for people of all ages. And if you wouldn't mind sharing the why of your thinking, which would be very interesting.”
The reaction to this question produced a mini-avalanche of incredibly thoughtful comments covering all possible sides of the argument. The balance of pro to con was fairly even, although tilted slightly to the positive side. Positive comments were varied, but activities and social life topped the plusses. A lot of the negatives centered on rules and HOA’s.
Accent on the Positive
Here were comments on some of the issues commented about positively:
Low maintenance and hassle.
“I would consider an adult community if it offered 1 story ranch houses. I don't want a townhouse or anything where we would have to climb stairs. The reason for my change of thought is when I started thinking ahead to when I wouldn't be able to mow the lawn or shovel snow and also when we get older it might be more comforting to live in close proximity to people.”
Getting away from teenagers:
“We lived two doors down from a kid who all but lived in the Evil Mustang with the Subwoofer. We don't want to be surrounded by teenagers anymore; been there, done that, and we don't want to have to experience the teens years for a third time.”
Active Lifestyle:
"Luckily we chose a very active place and we have a varied and interesting life."
“There will be the Camp like schedule of daily events- much like a TV schedule- but just as with a TV...you can change channels at will or simply not watch the thing and do whatever the heck you want. We like the idea of being able to explore new hobbies, and easily meet like minded folks, which we think amenity rich adult Communities provide for.” “There are so many things to do that we have problems ...
Click here to read the rest of the article from TopRetirements.com
