Studies are showing that people are looking for more out of retirement than just a pension or social security check.  Individuals are now retiring at a much younger age than before, and many are not just looking for a typical retirement community in the sun that may offer Bingo every afternoon.

More developers are studying this “Baby Boomer” age of retirees.  Much of the interest of current retirees is being able to live comfortably within their new income, have an active lifestyle, and still be near people their own age.  Many newer retirees seem to have an importance placed on staying near their families, instead of the “typical” retirement of moving to “sun and fun.”  

In order to accomplish all that, developers are concentrating on what they refer to as “active adult communities.”  These communities are anywhere from $1,000-30,000 homes, many of which allow a certain portion of their residents to be families, rather than just retirees.  Most of these communities offer a wide range of daily activities, sports, and health spas.  Some communities are large enough to have banks, medical facilities, and shopping on the premises.  Since golf is usually tied in with retirement, several communities have more than one golf course available, as well as making their community “golf-cart friendly” as far as transportation within the community.  Golf cart transportation allows an individual to remain independent, even if they have to give up a driver’s license due to health problems that may arise as they age.

These “active adult communities” are not only inviting as far as the homes available, but offer retirees the opportunity to stay involved with their community, work if they choose, live a more healthy lifestyle, and still learn to enjoy the freedom of retirement.