Stop right there and forget everything you thought you knew about "retirement homes." Americans have put aside the dated notion that retirement means endlessly quiet days ahead, just waiting for the grave. Just because you're grandparents doesn't mean you have to act like a cartoon granny! Retirement, for many folks, is when they really start living.
Retirement communities for residents who are 55 years and older are all the rage. Popping up all over the country, these are the top 5 cited not as the most expensive retirement homes, but as the very BEST retirement communities with the most amazing activities and resident life.
Pack my bags…I'm going to Florida!
#5: The Village at Sherman Oaks
An enormous swimming pool is just one of the marvelous amenities at the super-luxe retirement community in the San Fernando Valley of California. Folks who are lucky enough to call this swank resort home enjoy on-site housekeepers, a full-service spa, and fine dining restaurants on the premises. Can I move here NOW?! The swank resort/community will set you back a cool $4,600 per month.
#4: The Atria at Rye Brook, New York:
At nearly $6,000 per month, wealthy Manhattanites flock to this gorgeous suburb of the city to live out their golden years in style. Featuring both an indoor and outdoor pool, The Atria has an onsite spa for the ladies and a classic barbershop for men!
#3: Del Webb at Lake Oconee in Georgia
Fishing is a favorite activity at this retirement community centered on the second largest lake in Georgia. Del Webb is praised for it's rural charm combined with a resort-like atmosphere. While residents live independently in their own homes, the community is tight knit.
Pristine bocce ball courts are homes to raucous tournaments...
Residents seeking more peaceful vibes can enjoy long laps is the tranquil indoor pool.
…But don't worry, there's an outdoor "resort-style" pool as well!!
#2: The Villages in Florida
The Villages prides itself on being the friendliest rather than the most expensive retirement community in America, and boasts its very own exclusive golf course that only residents can enjoy for free, as well as 1,000 different clubs. This is a retirement community for truly active seniors!
By night, residents enjoy cheap drinks and dancing on the square.
Some folks say that every night is Saturday night at The Villages. Best of all, there are few cars on the premises and most use golf carts with personalized plates as a mode of transportation.
This is not an uncommon site if you retire at The Villages!
People who live at The Villages say it feels more like an extended vacation and less like "retirement."
#1: Sun City & Sun City Festival, AZ
Sun City doesn't call itself a retirement community – they prefer the term "55+" After all, most community members in this sunny, private community in Arizona enjoy full-time volunteering after they stopped working their full-time jobs.
Of course, residents also take time out for pool life.
5. Sun City Festival, Arizona
Just next door to Sun City, Sun City Festival features all the same amenities and more. Residents also have their very own softball field with a wireless scoreboard and double-decker seating.
The less athletic types enjoy an enormous craft studio the size of a small American home
Sun City Festival is yet another 55+ community that sees retired life as the opportunity to really start living.
Retirement homes have never looked so good, and senior living has never seemed so exciting. SHARE if this opened up your eyes to a type of senior living that you never knew was possible!
