Active Lifestyle Retirement Communities: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Community for Your Retirement

Sohel Rana

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Active Lifestyle Retirement Communities

Are you nearing retirement age but don’t want to slow down? Active adult retirement communities allow seniors to continue an engaging, community-oriented lifestyle. Read on to learn about the top active-lifestyle retirement communities in 2024.

Introduction

Retirement often conjures up images of leisurely days filled with relaxing hobbies, travel, and time with family. However, many seniors today want to maintain an active lifestyle even after retiring from work.

Active adult retirement communities are designed for seniors who want to stay active mentally, physically, and socially. These communities offer amenities like fitness centers, continuing education classes, community events and outings, and more. Residents can pick and choose how they want to spend each day from a variety of engaging options.

The number of active adult communities has grown exponentially over the past decade. In 2022, there were over 1,200 active adult communities in the United States. With so many to choose from, it can be challenging to identify the best options.

This article will highlight ten of the top-rated active lifestyle retirement communities in 2024 based on factors like amenities, home options, location, resident satisfaction, and affordability. If you’re looking for a vibrant community to call home in your retirement years, read on for the inside scoop!

What Makes a Great Active Lifestyle Community?

When evaluating the best active adult retirement communities, there are several key features to look for:

  • Amenities: Top-notch fitness centers, pools, clubhouses, and sports facilities allow residents to stay active. Educational classes, community events, and outings provide mental stimulation.
  • Home options: Look for a range of home types and sizes to suit different needs and budgets. Attached villas, apartments, condos, and single-family homes should be available.
  • Location: Walkable neighborhoods near attractions promote an active lifestyle. Access to metro areas is ideal for culture, dining, and entertainment.
  • Resident satisfaction: Pay attention to resident reviews on factors like management, maintenance, and sense of community. High satisfaction indicates a well-run community.
  • Affordability: While services and amenities may increase costs, fees should still be reasonable, with options for different budgets.

Using these criteria, let’s count down the top ten active lifestyle retirement communities for 2024!

10. Sun City Huntley, Huntley, IL

Key Features:

  • Over 100 clubs and groups
  • Aquatic center with indoor and outdoor pools
  • 18-hole golf course
  • NeAns: ar Chicago for convenience

Sun City Huntley is a picturesque community with a robust lineup of amenities and activities. Natural scenery, walking trails, and golf surround the neighborhood. At the heart of the community, an impressive clubhouse hosts events, classes, and social gatherings.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Townhomes From the $200,000s to $400,000s

Sun City Huntley makes the list for its proximity to Chicago and abundance of amenities right in the neighborhood. Residents rave about the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

9. Peachtree City, GA

Key Features:

  • 90+ miles of golf cart paths
  • 3 championship golf courses
  • 700-acre Lake Peachtree
  • 20+ miles of nature trails

This Georgia community has a unique claim to fame—more golf cart paths than roads! Residents zoom around via electric golf cart on the 90+ miles of trails. Three top-notch golf courses offer play right in the neighborhood.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Condos<br>Apartments From the low $100,000s to $500,000+

Peachtree City’s idyllic setting and fun golf-cart lifestyle provide a one-of-a-kind active living experience.

8. Victory Lakes, Lindenhurst, IL

Key Features:

  • Beachfront clubhouse with pools, dining, and live entertainment
  • Over 200 clubs and activities
  • 18-hole championship golf course
  • Minutes from Chicago

This Chicago suburb features a private 500-acre lake surrounded by amenities. The beach club offers swimming, boating, dining, and more. Six unique neighborhoods scattered around the lake provide a variety of housing options in a natural setting.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Duplex villas<br>Condos From the $200,000s to $500,000s

Victory Lakes earns a spot on the list for its private lakefront lifestyle and proximity to Chicago attractions. Residents rave about the charming, friendly community.

7. Sun City, Texas, Georgetown, TX

Key Features:

  • Over 240 clubs and activity groups
  • A creative arts center with studios
  • Multiple pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts
  • 27-hole golf course

This expansive Texas community boasts a full slate of amenities across its 2,000 acres. Seven recreation centers peppered throughout the neighborhoods give residents easy access to pools, fitness equipment, arts studios, and more.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes From the high $100,000s to $300,000s

Great amenities and community spirit make Sun City, Texas, a standout active adult community in the Austin metropolitan area.

6. Trilogy® at Lake Frederick, Lake Frederick, VA

Key Features:

  • Clubhouse with indoor and outdoor pools
  • Marina with boating and kayaking
  • Over 120 clubs and social groups
  • Near wineries, farms, and small towns

Nestled along Lake Frederick, this Virginia community emanates a resort-style vibe with lodge architecture. Two clubhouses, the marina, pools, and more provide prime amenities. The surrounding scenery lends itself to an active outdoor lifestyle.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Townhomes From the $300,000s to $700,000s

Stunning natural beauty and a robust amenity lineup make Trilogy at Lake Frederick a one-of-a-kind active living community.

5. The Villages, Central Florida

Key Features:

  • 3 downtown squares with dining, shopping, and entertainment
  • Over 2,500 clubs and activities
  • Movie theaters, bowling, fitness centers
  • 3 golf courses, pools, and tennis courts

This famous mega-community covers three Central Florida counties with numerous neighborhoods connected by golf cart paths. Abundant amenities across the three town squares offer endless options for fun in one of the largest active living communities nationwide.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Villas<br>Condos<br>Apartments From the $200,000s to $1M+

With more amenities than most towns, The Villages offers big community living at its best.

4. Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC

Key Features:

  • Over 200 clubs, classes, and social groups
  • 30,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with pool, dining, and entertainment
  • Creative arts center and workshops
  • 47 miles of hiking and biking trails

This lowcountry community features expansive amenities and plenty of opportunities to embrace the outdoors. Golf, tennis, fitness, and water sports cater to an active lifestyle. The clubhouse and creative arts center provide spaces to learn, socialize, and have fun.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Condos<br>Cottages From the $200,000s to $700,000s

Stunning natural surroundings coupled with abundant amenities make Sun City Hilton Head one of the top active living communities.

3. Tellico Village, Loudon, TN

Key Features:

  • 36 holes of golf, swimming pools, and tennis courts
  • Over 200 clubs and activities
  • Boating, kayaking, and canoeing on Tellico Lake
  • Smoky Mountain views

Nestled on Tellico Lake with mountain views, this lakeside community provides a picturesque, active lifestyle. Three recreation centers, 36 holes of golf, pools, trails, and more amenities offer endless options. The lake locale lends itself to boating and water sports.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Condos<br>Cottages From the $200,000s to $700,000s

Natural beauty and abundant amenities earned Tellico Village a spot among the top active communities.

2. Sun City Palm Desert, Palm Desert, CA

Sun City Palm Desert, Palm Desert, CA
Sun City Palm Desert, Palm Desert, CA

Key Features:

  • Over 200 clubs and activity groups
  • 38,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with pools, arts, and dining
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • 27 holes of golf, 45
  • 27 holes of golf, 45 tennis courts
  • Near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree

This desert community brings resort-style amenities to everyday life. The grand clubhouse acts as an entertainment epicenter with pools, restaurants, a ballroom, and more. Beautiful landscapes encircle neighborhoods, along with several golf courses.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Condos<br>Casitas From the $200,000s to $600,000s

With an unbeatable amenity lineup and beautiful desert scenery, it’s easy to see why Sun City Palm Desert is a premier active living community.

1. The Villages, Florida

Key Features:

  • 3 vibrant town squares with nightlife
  • Over 2,500 clubs and activities
  • Sophisticated regional recreation centers
  • 3 golf courses, dozens of pools

Earning the #1 spot is The Villages’ original Florida location, which started the nation’s largest active living community. Three lively town squares serve as centers for dining, nightlife, and entertainment in a friendly, safe atmosphere.

Home Types Prices
Single-family homes<br>Villas<br>Condos From the $100,000s to $1M+

With endless amenities, activities, and entertainment, The Villages in Florida takes the top spot on our list of the best active lifestyle communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What types of homes are available in active adult communities?

Ans: Active adult communities offer a variety of home types to suit different needs and budgets. Typical options include single-family homes, villas, townhomes, condos, apartments, and cottages.

Q. What amenities do these communities offer?

Ans: Top active adult communities provide amenities like fitness centers, pools, golf courses, tennis, clubhouses, recreation centers, hiking trails, marinas, and more. Educational, social, and entertainment options are also abundant.

Q. What is the average cost?

Ans: Costs vary significantly based on location, amenities offered, and home types. In general, expect to spend $100,000 to $700,000. Fees average $200 to $400 per month.

Q. How active do I need to be to join one?

Ans: Active adult communities cater to all levels of abilities. While active lifestyles are encouraged, there is no requirement to participate. You can be as active or relaxed as you desire.

Q. Do I have to be 55+ to join?

Ans: Age requirements vary, but most active adult communities start at age 55. Some accept younger residents, while others are for 62+. Check the individual community requirements.

Conclusion

Active adult communities allow you to reinvent retirement on your terms. Whether you enjoy golf, tennis, fitness classes, community events, or just relaxing by the pool, today’s top active lifestyle communities have amazing amenities and activities.

Consider factors like location, home types, amenities, and budget as you shop. Thorough research will help identify the perfect community for your active retirement lifestyle.

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