Who Can Live in a 55+ Community?

There are plenty of things to look forward to with age. Your golden years can include a relaxed lifestyle, more time with the family, travel, and time to explore interests and hobbies. These, among others, are just a few of the perks. To capitalize on these opportunities, some people have decided to live in a 55+ or Active Adult community to enrich their later years. Like any new community, however, there are a few things you should know before committing to moving in.

What Is a 55+ Community?

A 55+ community is a type of community or housing development that is designed specifically for individuals aged 55 and older. Everything from floor plans and expected home maintenance to community events and resources all cater to homeowners in that age demographic.

These communities, sometimes referred to as Senior Living or Active Adult communities, are also age-restricted, meaning residents must meet the 55+ requirement in order to purchase a property. These are places where residents can grow older, without slowing down. “Most 55-aged people are still very vivacious and very active and athletic and want to do fun things, so that’s how we are and how we would like to continue on in our retirement,” says Cheryl Drake, a homebuyer at Verano at Aliento by Pardee Homes, a gated 55-plus community inside a larger multi-generational new-home community in Santa Clara, Calif.

One advantage of active adult communities is that they offer a wide variety of conveniently located facilities and amenities like tennis, golf, and social events. Common amenities include community pools (which means no cleaning the pool or need to deal with balancing PH levels!) and lawn maintenance, so residents can have a nice yard without having to work so hard on keeping it that way. Fitness centers are also popular attractions, as residents can stay active and fit, without the hassle of a gym membership.

Residents have the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities or explore common interests without the distractions of excessive home maintenance in a community designed to enhance their quality of life. While the ultimate goal of a 55+ community is to attract permanent residents in that age demographic, there are sometime exceptions to that rule.

Can Someone Younger Than 55 Live in a 55+ Community?

It is possible for someone under 55 to live in a 55+ community, but it will depend on specific circumstances and the community’s guidelines.

The two most common situations are if a spouse does not meet the age requirement, or if there is an adult child (over 18) moving with you. In both cases exceptions are typically granted because there is one member of the household who meets the 55-year-old requirement.

While these are general exceptions, be sure to double check the specifics of wherever you are looking to move, as some of these communities do have some flexibility on determining these rules.

Why Choose a 55+ Community?

While many of those who seek out a 55-plus community are not retired, many are empty nesters who are at a stage where they want to downsize or simply want less home maintenance to deal with. Many 55-plus new-home communities also feature the latest amenities. Walking trails, concierge services and even community gardens are a few of the amenities that home shoppers can find in a 55-plus community.

Homebuyers in active adult communities say the thing that is most attractive about these communities is their neighbors; they are finding other folks who at the same life stage they are and creating new friendships. The social activities provided through community clubhouses and even through community-sponsored events mean it’s easy for residents to enjoy neighbors via hobbies.

Common Questions About 55+ Communities

I’ve heard that if 80 percent of the community is 55 and older, the remaining 20 percent of residents can be younger. Is this true?

Yes! This is referring to the 1995 Housing for Older Persons Act, or HOPA. Under this act, once 80 percent of the units are occupied by at least one person over the age of 55, communities are allowed to adjust their age requirements. However, they are not required to allow younger residents after this 80 percent threshold is met. Communities might lower the minimum age by a few years to allow more homebuyers, but there is no guarantee of this.

Can I still purchase a home in a 55+ community if I’m just under the age requirement?

It’s possible, but to be sure, you should check with a community representative. The community might require that buyers reach the minimum age within a certain timeframe, or they may have flexible age requirements due to HOPA.

My child is under 18. Can I move into a 55+ community?

Possibly. In these cases, restrictions usually have more to do with available resources and amenities and less to do with age policing. Communities with children often focus on proximity to resources like strong public schools and family entertainment venues. Because 55+ communities cater to a different demographic, these important amenities aren’t guaranteed to be nearby, potentially making it difficult for families with children to settle. If you fall into this category, be sure to reach out to specific communities you’re interested in to get answers. Just because it’s uncommon doesn’t mean it’s impossible, however; you’ll just have to do some digging to find the community that meets your needs.

Can my grandchildren come visit?

Yes! In fact, some 55+ communities will even designate weeks for children-themed activities to help keep grandkids entertained. The key point here is that these visits are meant to be short-term. If you’re used to having your grandkids visit for long periods of time, asking about the visitation policy for guests under 55 is a good place to start.

Can a person with a disability live in a 55+ community if they do not meet the age requirement?

Like other instances where age is a factor, someone with a disability that isn’t 55+ will be required to live full-time with a resident who is 55 or older. If the goal is to find a community with in-home living assistance, know that this isn’t typical of 55+ communities.

If the 55+ resident passes away, can their younger-than-55 kid/spouse/etc. inherit the property?

This will be at the discretion of the community. If you are including your home in your will and you live in a 55+ community, it is best to meet with a community representative and a lawyer to determine the details.

Can I rent the property to someone under 55?

This is a grey area, and you’re going to have to take it up with the community’s HOA guidelines. Most communities want permanent residents, not renters, to help foster connections among neighbors, so renting out the home in general is a rare occurence. To maintain the themes and personality of a community, renters under 55 aren’t often permitted.

Is a 55+ Community Right for You?

The rules and regulations can vary from community to community, so you’ll need to do some research to find the best fit. Just remember that you can always reach out to a community representative to help answer any questions you may have.

A close-knit community of neighbors in the same life stage, coupled with a community with lots of activities and security, makes a 55-plus community an attractive option for new homebuyers. To find the right 55+ community for you and learn more about these environments, visit the NewHomeSource 55+ Communities Learning Center.