Designed to enhance and enrich the lives of adults over 55, active adult communities provide environments where you can take full advantage of an exciting new chapter of life. That said, not all active adult living communities are the same, and a community that is perfect for one person won’t always work for another. So, how do you find the best 55+ active adult communities?

The best 55+ communities focus on providing a fun, carefree, resort-worthy lifestyle. Some offer sprawling suburban campuses, while others have a more urban feel. Each community has its own highlights, such as nearby championship golf courses, pickleball courts, swimming pools, or clubhouses where you can participate in a wide range of activities.

Active adult living communities are not traditional retirement complexes. While Overture Apartments offers assisted living and memory care services, our active adult communities cater to independent adults aged 55 and above, who seek a community of their peers to foster new and meaningful relationships and create wonderful memories.

Finding the right active adult community is a process. When you’re ready to begin, make sure to consider the following:

Location, Location, Location

Deciding where you want to live is the first step when evaluating different active adult communities.  Will you relocate to a warmer climate? Would you rather stay close to familiar neighborhoods and family? Is access to a city and its amenities essential, or would you rather live in a quiet rural setting?

Remember to consider geographical factors. Are you a beach person who has always lived near the water? Or would a trip to the beach, with sand and surf, be a new experience for you? You may want to be near the mountains or in a drier, more desert-like area, such as Arizona. Once you have zeroed in on your choice of location, you can start to pare down the options.

It’s All About You

Your first impression of a 55+ community will likely come from brochures, virtual tours, or other promotional materials, which provide a broad overview of the community and its amenities.

As you peruse brochures, consider your ideal lifestyle. Do you absolutely need access to golf or tennis? Are you a fitness buff who requires a state-of-the-art gym and Olympic-sized pool as well as a wide variety of classes that will accommodate your interests and skill level? What types of continuing education classes appeal to you? The right active adult community should afford you the physical, social, and educational opportunities you are looking for.

Do the Dollars Make Sense?

It’s essential to understand the costs associated with active adult communities. Read the fine print carefully to ascertain any additional membership fees for activities, utilities, and other expenses. At the same time, consider the cost of living in the area you have chosen and how it compares to your current location.

Consider both the benefits and the costs. For instance, Overture Apartments offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, fully furnished suites, and cable TV, depending on location.

Take It for a Test Drive 

Once you have narrowed down your active adult living communities to two or three choices, it’s time to visit each location to gain a better understanding of each community’s culture, amenities, and staff. Take your time with this: you’re making a vital lifestyle decision after all. At Overture Apartments, we recommend doing the following during your visit:

  • Visit at different times of the day to get a feel for the daily routine. You might also want to visit on a weekday and on the weekend.
  • Don't just talk to sales reps. Arrange to have coffee and a chat with residents, who can give you valuable insights into the community, how attentive the staff are, and little details you might otherwise miss.
  • Request to review event calendars and newsletters to assess community involvement. Ask to attend an upcoming event.
  • Check out the general vibe of the place. Do the residents look happy, engaged, and involved with the community?
  • Are there people in your community who are close to your age? Some 55+ active adult communities have older or younger populations.
  • Consider medical and accessibility needs. Does the community have ramps, wide doorways, and walk-in showers? You may not need them yet, but they could be invaluable in the future.
  • Check out the security. Does the property have cameras, 24-hour staff presence, and sufficient lighting?
  • Take plenty of pictures and notes during your visit so that you can review them later.
  • Trust your gut. If a community doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, look elsewhere.

The best active adult communities are the ones that check all your personal boxes. With a bit of time and research, you’ll soon be rightsizing into the community that is just right!