Modern retirees want more out of their golden years than ever before and retirement communities are stepping up to the plate all over the US. Whether you're buying a plot or home, or renting a room in a ready-made social hub, these villages are the ideal way to relax, unwind and get active with like-minded people. We've searched to find the retirement communities with the best amenities in the best locations across America.
Located on Lake Oconee, this active adults community is less than two hours from Atlanta and offers a gated hub with handy golf carts to zip around in. It's the perfect base for retirees who want to amp up their social lives and keep up with all of their favourite sports and activities.
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Lake Oconee is a man-made reservoir, created in 1979 from the Oconee River. It's a beautiful, tranquil part of the country and attracts a mix of holidaymakers and retirees. The lake offers a wide range of watersports and outdoor activities including fishing and sailing. The area also offers horseriding and skiing in the winter and features an array of restaurants and shopping opportunities right on its doorstep.
Homes within the community are well thought out, with accessible floor plans and thoughtful additions such as arts and crafts rooms, games rooms and home cinemas. Close to amenities such as dog parks and playgrounds, the location is ideal for when the grandchildren come to visit. Listing prices for properties stretch from $226,990 (£174k) to $496,375 (£381k). Rental prices start at $3,895 (£2.9k).
With a strong sense of community spirit, Del Webb certainly has a knack for creating spaces that allow residents to meet others who share their passions. From golf clubs to book groups, there's something for everyone. The location is close to lakes and mountains, so outdoor enthusiasts can make the most of some of America's most beautiful landscapes.
Covenant Shores is a faith-based retirement community nestled in a beauty spot that you'd be forgiven for thinking is out in the sticks. In reality, the community is just minutes from the Space Needle and Pike Place Market of Seattle. Located across the bridge from the Mercer Island Community, there's also easy access to great shopping, theatre, live music and the restaurants and boutiques of downtown Seattle.
Surrounded by majestic firs and panoramic views, this is the place for adventurous types. The site itself offers plenty of activities, including a putting green and a private marina overlooking Lake Washington, ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
Inside the properties, large windows open up to create sunlit living spaces. Most have a patio or balcony, with kitchens fit for keen chefs, huge walk-in closets and the opportunity to decorate and furnish your home as you wish. The average monthly cost of a one-bedroom property here is $3.3k, assuming a general level of independence and no major health requirements.
Built on more than 5,000 acres of sun-drenched South Carolina woodlands and lagoons, Sun City Hilton Head offers its 14,000 residents an engaging lifestyle. A daily schedule of activities is run from the community's impressive facilities which include three golf courses, fitness centres, indoor and outdoor pools, a sports park and a performing arts centre.
The living is easy in Noir Coast, one of the community's traditional single-story designs. Cook up a feast and entertain guests while enjoying the kitchen's tranquil views. A bright informal living room leads off to a peaceful outdoor space, perfect for alfresco dining.
A luxurious Owner's Suite benefits from a walk-in closet and wide, expansive windows. Gorgeous granite countertops add a touch of opulence to the kitchen, while casual and more formal dining areas add flexible spaces. You can customise the layout to your specification by opting for a sunroom, second-floor loft or third bedroom.
Wellness comes first at Sun City Hilton Head. Equipped with a state-of-the-art gym and three fitness centres, there'll always be space for a dip with six pools, plus classes for every fitness level. If you're a fitness newbie then personal trainers are on hand to help fine-tune your programme.
With its picturesque winding streets and rolling woodlands, the majority of the homes in the Great Island Community have large private backyards. Minutes from historic Plymouth and Cape Cod, the area has dozens of great small towns to explore within a short drive.
Each home has been created with active adults in mind, offering open plan living and low-maintenance exteriors. There are various models on offer but The Franklin is one of the comfiest, with two bedrooms and bathrooms and a double garage. Ideal for a couple who like their own space, you can choose from a range of designs with up to four bedrooms. Prices start at around $350k (£274k) and go to just over $500k (£393k).
The community consists of approximately 600 homes, spread out across a large development. Properties are given plenty of room to breathe and offer bespoke, personalised living spaces. The majority of homes are situated on idyllic winding streets, with almost all enjoying wooded forest views.
The hub of the community revolves around the huge clubhouse, where there are regular gatherings for parties, card games, arts and crafts and other activities. There’s also access to the 75-acre Great Island Pond, which features a canoe club as well as other water sports.
Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida, is a 4,300-acre community and thanks to its sunny climate, it's got to be top of many lists. The award-winning gated community ranks top for active retirement villages in the US. Its beautiful setting features lush lakes and the superb semi-private Stonegate Golf Club - which includes two championship 18-hole courses.
Arranged in welcoming neighbourhoods, prospective retirees can choose from a variety of Tuscan-inspired home models. Expansive rooms, gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and inviting outdoor spaces are characteristic of both existing and custom-built options.
Available properties offer a variety of layouts, from smaller dwellings to larger designs with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There's also plenty of expansive home plans that can accommodate couples with large visiting families. There are prices to suit every budget, starting at a few tens of thousands going into the hundreds.
Enjoy your retirement in style at The Riviera Spa and Fitness Center, featuring an indoor walking track and heated lap pool. The state-of-the-art exercise room includes a modern workout suite, while the dance studio offers a variety of weekly classes including aerobics, yoga, Zumba, stretch and low-impact aerobics.
The Clare in Chicago is the perfect place for city-loving retirees to settle. It's not suitable for everyone, but for those who love the cosmopolitan life, it's a great location to make the most of the windy city's cultural, culinary and retail hot spots. Residences are rented on a monthly basis ranging from $2,440 (£1.9k) for a small one-bed, to $5,615 (£4.4k) for a large two-bed, with various options in between.
Inside, The Clare is a luxurious and thoughtfully-designed community. Beautifully crafted spaces offer comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Benefits include several dining options, communal spaces, outdoor zones and stunning views of the city. The 53-story building is designed by Perkins and Will and it's one of the tallest developments for senior citizens in the world.
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Living at The Clare means access to its highly rated health and wellness center, as well as state-of-the-art fitness and swimming facilities too. There are art rooms, a fabulous library and business centres, all with monthly activities to fill the calendar.
Dining with a view is something The Clare prides itself on, with three restaurants and two bars in the building offering a combination of fine dining and casual fare. As part of their monthly fee, residents receive credits that can be spent however they wish at The Clare's exclusive eateries.
About 45 miles north-west of Orlando, The Villages has been described as Disney World for the retired. Billing itself as Florida’s friendliest hometown, it's a community that's all about fun. Its 118,000 like-minded residents use the site's 50,000 golf carts to zip between residences and amenities.
The development has a small-town community vibe, revolving around three town squares which have become the heart of life at The Villages. There are numerous dining options available, along with dancing, drinking and live entertainment every night of the year.
Children are welcome to visit and the popular grandparent-and-grandkids summer camps are booked out months in advance. However, kids cannot reside inside the development for more than 30 days in any year. Make no mistake, this is a playground for older folks - age 55 or better as The Villages’ own sales literature points out. This home is on the market for $412,900 but prices vary depending on size and amenities.
The Villages boasts 48 golf courses and 80 pools (with more being built), with more than 2000 activities happening each month. The homes are hugely varied, but in general you can expect waterfront views, car and golf-car garages, gourmet kitchens and stylish decor.
Just east of Scottsdale, Rio Verde is known for its spectacular mountain views and outstanding amenities, including two expansive golf courses. The main boast of the retirement community here is the friendships it fosters - over a game of golf, a glass of wine or even during an art class.
Its cultural efforts are noteworthy too, with an extraordinary series of speakers on all sorts of topics from spirituality to science and politics. Popular wine discovery dinners are held between October and May, showcasing local vintners from around the world.
Homes are decorated in true southwest style, with bright, open rooms and tiled terraces for outdoor gatherings. The master suite has its own sitting area and bathroom with a jetted bathtub, along with plenty of extra space for visitors. Homes start at around $351k (£274k) or can be rented for around $2,000 (£1,500) a month.
One unique benefit of this cowboy country community is the Saddle Club. Established in 1979, the member-owned luxury stable provides facilities and full-time horse care. Located at Rio Verde Ranch near the Verde River picnic area, the club’s facilities include a 14-stall barn, pens, exercise paddocks, a tack and food storage shed. Still hungry for more? These ranches for sale will bring out your inner cowboy