A 55 plus community is an independent, communal, and active alternative to assisted living, in-home care, and memory care facilities. 

For a community to earn the legal designation of 55 plus housing, at least 80% of units must have at least one resident aged 55 or older. These communities serve independent adults who meet a certain age threshold and typically do not offer medical care or dining halls. Instead, they provide a peer group of a similar age and lifestyle. 

There are two main forms of 55-plus communities — senior apartments and lifestyle communities, which usually blend different types of housing with specific amenities. Housing is typically senior-friendly, with single-floor living, wide entryways, handholds, and minimal sets of stairs. Staff members at 55 plus communities typically handle landscaping, lawn care, and handiwork, while residents manage their own transportation and meals. 

 

If you are wondering at what age you should downsize, Caring.com offers personalized support and guidance from our team of experts to help you navigate your care journey with confidence. Talk to our expert Family Advisors at (800) 558-0653, and they'll help you find the right community.

An age-restricted 55+ active adult community could be the ideal next step if you meet the following criteria:

• You remain fully independent and active. Residents of 55+ communities should not need personal or medical assistance on a daily basis. 
• You want to live surrounded exclusively by peers of a similar age. These 55+ communities offer opportunities to relate to your neighbors, who will all be at a similar point in life.
• You don't want the hassle of exterior home maintenance. Staff at 55-plus communities handle all exterior maintenance, including lawn care, landscaping, repairs, and security.
• You have recently retired but haven't taken steps to slow down yet. The amenities and social activities at 55+ communities make it easy to stay active, engage in hobbies, and form new friendships after retiring.

On the other hand, a 55+ community may not be the best if:

• You require regular medical care or personal assistance. Licensed medical staff do not work in 55+ communities, so you need to be able to live independently with no assistance required.
• You want an all-inclusive lifestyle with amenities such as dining and transportation. With 55+ communities, you typically do not receive interior maintenance or meal plans. If you want these additional services, you will need to sort them out yourself. 
• You anticipate increasing care needs soon and need a long-term home. Unless the community allows third-party care services to attend to your needs, you would likely need to eventually move to a facility with a higher level of care. A continuing care retirement community may suit your needs better if you aim to age in place.

 

While 55 plus communities promote an active, engaged lifestyle among peers, they are not a good fit if you require regular medical care, personal assistance, or supervision. Consider other senior living options if you have additional needs. 

If an age-restricted active adult lifestyle sounds appealing, you'll need to do significant research to find the right 55 and older community fit. Here are five steps to help you along:

• Use Online Directories: Kick off your search using our online directory through the search bar at the top of this page. This tool can provide a sense of 55-plus communities in your area and filter for your preferred amenities, location, home types, and budget. Reading reviews is also helpful.
• Take Tours: Once you've identified some top contenders, schedule tours to see the communities in person. Visiting communities can provide a clear look into aspects like campus atmosphere, amenity quality, and staff friendliness.
• Speak With Residents: Speak directly with current residents in addition to staff during your tours. They will give you an unbiased perspective on the community experience and social life.
• Understand All Costs: Be sure to have a very clear understanding of all potential costs and fees you'll be required to pay, including any buy-in/entrance fees, HOA or amenity fees, move-in/move-out costs, pet fees, parking costs, etc. Make certain you know what services are included in the fees.
• Don't Rush: Moving to a 55+ community is a big lifestyle decision, so take your time to thoroughly explore different options. Unless your situation is urgent, you can remain patient and selective in choosing your ideal community fit. Tour as many as you need.

All 55 plus communities are unique, and it's important to choose the best option for you. Consider asking some of the following questions when you visit to determine which one fits you best: 

• What's the typical resident age range and overall vibe?
• Are there any regular or popular social events or interest groups?
• What exterior maintenance services are included in the costs?
• Are there any extra fees residents pay beyond the baseline costs?
• How is security/safety in 55-plus communities? Has that been a concern in the past at a given provider?
• Have you had any issues or complaints about the community?
• What nearby attractions, stores, or medical facilities are easily accessible?
• How is parking arranged? Are there assigned spots, guest parking, etc.?
• Does the community offer any transportation services, even just for groceries?
• How well does the community accommodate differing mobility levels?
• What's the process for guests/visitors coming and going?
• How responsive and communicative is the management to resident requests?

With research and an understanding of personal priorities, you're sure to find a 55+ active senior living community that suits your needs and budget.