Baby Boomers and Beyond: Age-Restricted Communities - Right for You or Not?

As a real estate consultant, one of the important things I must understand are the issues that face a particular target market that I am working with, so that I can better assist those clients. One of these markets is those individuals who are considering a move into an age-restricted community (also known at 55+ or active seniors, depending on region of the country).If you are one of these readers, this article is about the issues you might consider as part of your decision to move into such a community. I will also share some information about a terrific community here in Southern California where I recently helped some clients move in after their relocation from Scottsdale, AZ.

It is not uncommon for Baby Boomers and those beyond that generation to consider moving to a smaller home. So often this occurs when they have reached a time in their lives when they wish to downsize and simplify their lifestyle. They may be retired, or nearly so, and if they had children they are likely out of the house. Baby Boomers and others might decide to relocate so they can be near children and grandchildren, or live in a warmer climate such as San Diego where they can spend their time golfing year-round. One of the options that some people choose is a 55+ community - an association of homes of perhaps varying styles and sizes, where the requirement is that one or possibly both (or all) members of the household are at least 55 years of age.

Age restricted communities can provide a particular lifestyle that appeals to those who no longer wish to deal with a large home, and prefer to not handle the maintenance issues. These communities may vary in terms of the regulations about how the 55+ age requirement is met. They may require that only one member be 55 or older, but in other cases all residents in the property would need to meet the age limit. You may also find some large associations where part of the subdivision is reserved for this age group, whereas others are completely self-contained and gated communities.

The attractiveness of these communities is that there are generally a broad range of amenities that appeal to the residents. Typically, there is a clubhouse that offers a variety of activities such as bridge, dances, community events and dinners. There may be outdoor shuffleboad or bocce ball courts. A popular amentity in many of the newer communities is a golf course, restricted to residents but allowing guests in many cases. You will likely also find a variety of home styles. Some associations consist of manufactured housing (or mobile homes) while others are more tract-like, either attached or detached. Commonly these homes are single story to better accommodate the residents as they age, but some offer both single and two-story arrangements. You may also find homes that are specially designed for aging individuals.

In order to preserve the desired lifestyle, these communities often place restrictions on visitors - the number who may visit at a time and how long they may stay (either overnight or multiple nights, such as grandchildren). As noted above, golf courses are usually private (but guests may be allowed to use the course), and the greens fees may be included as part of the monthly maintenance fees the residents pay for the exterior and grounds maintenance. The overall convenience of no maintenance, a range of amenties and a group of similarly aged residents can allow for the perfect lifestyle. But it is not right for everyone, so do your due diligence before you make a final decision.

Here are some things to consider if you are inclined toward moving into such a community. Think about how you feel about the overall lifestyle you will encounter there, for the present as well as for your future. Does this appeal to you? Are there amenities that you enjoy now or would enjoy if you had the opportunity? Some people do not want to be in a neighborhood where everyone is of a relatively similar age or generation; others want that specifically. So what are your thoughts? What style of home are you seeking and does the association provide it? Commonly the homes in these communities are less expensive than in the larger area, although that may be due, in part, to their being attached as well as the type of ownership (condo vs. single family). You will also want to consider what other fees may be required for maintenance, golf, or other activities. Adn are you looking for a new home or wiling to buy smething that may need some work, or that you can customize to your liking.

Once you have given serious thought to this type of living arrangement and are willing to consider it, I strongly advise visiting various communities to get a feel for the lifesyle and amenities. As a real estate agent, I also encourage you to work with someone who has familiarity with these communities and who understands the transitional issues you are facing. Look for an agent, such as myself, who has the SRES Designation (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) and has been specially trained on the issues of Baby Boomers and beyond. You will also want to pay attention to your budget as this will detemine the communities you can or want to consider.

If you are considering Southern California (the San Diego area), I would encourage you to think about Ocean Hills Country Club in Oceanside. This is a beautiful, gated 55+ community of about 1633 mediterranean-style homes on 427 acres, with a private 18-hole executive golf course, large clubhouse (27,000 SF), and a wealth of activities and amenities. There is shuttle service to the nearby communities, round-the-clock security, and maintenance and recreation personnel. Most of the homes are single story (primarily 2 and 3 bedroom) but there are some more expensive 2-story homes. The community is divided into smaller villages with beautiful tree-lined streets and sidewalks. Some homes even have distant views of the hills or the ocean. It is truly a beautiful community to retire to. And there are other similar communities in North County San Diego to meet a range of budgets and lifestyle interests.

I hope you find this helpful in your decision making. If I can provide other information or answer any questions, please don't hestitate to ask.