Treasure Coast Senior Living Options

Learn About 55+ and Active Adult Communities 

Caring.com, post contributor

Looking for a retirement community in Florida? Port Saint Lucie, on Florida's Treasure Coast, offers a variety of 55+ communities. Our team of local experts can help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, whether you're seeking an active social scene or a peaceful retreat. Start enjoying your golden years in Port Saint Lucie today! 

Search Homes for Sale in Active Adult and 55+ Communities

What Are 55+ Communities?

If you're considering moving to a 55+ community or senior apartment, remember that these residences differ significantly from other senior living communities. Although designed for older adults, senior lifestyle communities typically do not offer on-site medical care, personal care assistance, or communal dining as part of the monthly cost. Instead, residents live a completely independent lifestyle, similar to what they had in their former homes. 

The main difference between living in a standard apartment complex or planned community, and the primary appeal for many, is that all your neighbors are around the same age and ability level, and are likely in the same life stage. Additionally, senior lifestyle communities handle exterior maintenance for residents and may offer assistance with interior work, thereby relieving some of the stress associated with traditional homeownership. Active adult communities are also frequently equipped with senior-friendly features, such as grab bars and single-floor living, to help residents stay safe without requiring modifications to their homes. 

Several different types of communities and residences fall under the umbrella of "55+ communities." Retirement communities each have their own unique feel and may comprise apartments or condos, townhomes, single-family homes, or a combination of these. As the individual unit grows, costs typically will, too, and community or amenity fees will be higher for more luxurious communities. The good news about this variation in price between communities is that it gives prospective buyers plenty of options and enables most people to find a 55+ community that fits their preferences and budgets.

What Are the Different Types of 55+ Communities?

To help you understand the different types of 55+ communities, we've divided them into two categories: senior apartments and senior lifestyle communities. For this guide, "senior lifestyle communities" refer to age-restricted communities that include single-family homes or a mix of multiple housing types. 

Senior Apartments 

From the outside, senior apartment complexes may appear to be any other apartment complex. Senior apartments are rental units reserved for adults aged 55 or older, or in some cases, 62 or older. These buildings typically do not offer many amenities beyond common areas for residents to socialize or a fitness center, and most do not provide communal dining facilities. However, many organize social interest groups and on-site social events for residents to facilitate the formation of friendships with their neighbors. They may also coordinate transportation for group shopping trips or other outings. Housekeeping services may also be available for an extra fee. 

Unless the community receives subsidies to offer lower rents to low-income seniors, living in a senior apartment will be similar to standard apartment rental costs in your area. But with neighbors around the same age and units designed with helpful features such as wide doorways and no-slip flooring, many older adults may find they're more comfortable in a senior apartment than in a standard unit.

Senior Lifestyle Communities 

These planned communities differ from senior apartments in that they contain a mix of housing styles, ranging from single-family homes to duplexes and condos. Rather than occupying a single building, senior lifestyle communities often span several acres and feature recreational facilities, such as pools or tennis courts. The homes and community grounds are designed with older adults in mind and may feature a secure gate, well-lit sidewalks, and wheelchair ramps where necessary. Although some residents may have their own yards, the community typically handles outdoor maintenance, offering older adults a low-maintenance lifestyle. 

Because the units in these communities are typically larger than apartments, expect to pay more than you would for a senior apartment. Some senior lifestyle communities offer homeownership rather than rentals and may have a "buy-in" and monthly HOA fee, for which residents are responsible.

Read the full article at www.Caring.com

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