Adult communities are growing in popularity, ESPECIALLY in Monmouth County, NJ. These 55+ communities offer security, minimal maintenance, many activities, and numerous amenities. Many even have full-time activity directors and offer residents a fun-filled schedule of programs and events. Some examples are clubhouses, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, shuffleboards, bocce courts, walking trails, community centers, exercise facilities, golf courses, and much more!
In adult communities, residents are usually in the same place in life, having raised a family and worked hard for many years. For many 55+ communities, they are now looking to retire, relax, and enjoy life. When you move to an adult community, it is easy to find people who share your interests and are at the same point in life.
The pros and cons of choosing an active 55+ community
When deciding whether or not an adult community is for you, weighing the pros and cons is important. And while the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages for many far, this is a personal decision that only you can make. There are, however, a few important facts that you need to consider.
Cons:
- They are all very similar in age: Adult communities usually require at least one person in the residence to be at least 55 years old. This does cause a lack of age diversity, which can have a negative impact on some people. They prefer a community with people of all ages, including children.
- Health care services are NOT included: Active adult communities should not be confused with assisted living or nursing homes. Although there are no doctors or nurses on the grounds, that does not mean that you can’t arrange for special care if you need it.
- Many places don’t allow rentals and family members to live in your home: Many people living in adult communities, especially in New Jersey, are snowbirds. They only live up here 1/2 the year and spend our cold winters somewhere else, usually Florida. If you are only here 1/2 the year, you may feel it’s not a great investment.
Pros:
- Low—or no-maintenance exteriors: This is possibly the top selling point for people who choose an active adult community. After years of mowing, snow-blowing, raking, and painting, ditching exterior maintenance is very appealing! Many residents are downsizing from the homes they raised their families in, and the smaller interior square footage to keep clean is attractive as well.
- Opportunities to make friends with other retirees: When you move someplace new, there’s something to be said for having a conveniently located group of potential friends. In active adult communities, residents are all pretty much in the same place in life, having worked hard for many years, raised a family, and now looking to enjoy a relaxed retirement, so it is easy to find people with whom you have much in common and wonderful friendships can result.
- A quiet, mostly kid-free environment: While adult children and grandchildren are of course welcome to visit, the 55+ age requirement for residents means that active adult communities are usually nice, quiet places to live. Younger visitors are usually encouraged to be considerate of this expectation.
- Amenities: An active adult community will provide many opportunities to exercise, socialize, and stay spry into your retirement years. In addition to the amenities above like pools and fitness centers, these communities’ residents will often organize social events, affinity clubs, volunteer groups, and other ways to stay active and involved.