Where are the best retirement communities?

Fred, I am going to be more useful to you than a list of places, and I say that as an SRES, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, which is the designation for agents who work this transition specifically. Every ranked list of retirement communities is somebody's opinion built on somebody else's criteria. What I can give you is the structure underneath them, so you can judge any community you look at. Start with the thing that surprises people after they have already bought. An age-restricted community is legal because of a specific carve-out in fair housing law called the Housing for Older Persons Act. The core requirement for a 55 and older community is that it is intended and operated for people 55 and over, AND that at least 80 percent of its occupied units have at least one resident aged 55 or older. That 80 percent is the number to hold onto, because it means up to 20 percent of units can be occupied by people under 55. Why that matters to you in practice: whether your under-55 spouse, a live-in caregiver, or an adult child or grandchild who might one day inherit can actually live there is NOT answered by federal law. It is answered by that specific community's recorded governing documents, operating inside that 80 percent allowance. Some communities are generous. Some say every occupant must be 55 or over with almost no exceptions. This is the single most common unpleasant surprise in age-restricted living, and it is entirely avoidable by reading the CC&Rs before you buy rather than after. Second, know which of three things you are actually shopping for, because they get talked about interchangeably and they are very different: - Age-restricted, the 55 and older communities described above. You own a home, there is an HOA, and the age rule is enforceable. - Age-targeted. Marketed to older buyers, single-level homes, low maintenance, but no legal age restriction at all. Often a better resale pool, because your buyer does not have to be 55. - Continuing care retirement community, often called a CCRC. This is a different animal entirely. You typically pay a substantial entrance fee and sign a contract for escalating levels of care as you need them, from independent living through skilled nursing. This is as much a financial product as it is housing. Have an attorney and a financial advisor read the contract, and ask specifically about entrance fee refundability and what happens if the operator has financial trouble. Third, my actual criteria, in the order I would weight them: - Distance to the people who will show up. Not the people you talk to, the ones who would drive over on a Tuesday. This ends up mattering more than climate, more than amenities, more than almost anything. - Distance to specialist medical care, not just a hospital. If you or your wife have a condition that involves a specialist, find out where that specialist is. - The HOA's financial health. Reserve study, reserve balance, assessment history, and any planned special assessments. A beautiful community with underfunded reserves is a future bill. - Whether the home works if mobility changes. Single level or a bedroom and full bath on the main floor, no-step entry, wide doorways, a walk-in shower. Buying a home you can age into is worth more than any amenity. - Resale. Age-restricted homes sell to a narrower pool. Ask a local agent for days on market in that specific community, not the metro. One last thing, and it is the piece people underestimate. Rent for a season before you buy, if the community allows it. A winter somewhere is worth more information than ten visits. I am a real estate professional, not an attorney or a financial advisor, and I do not work Minnesota or wherever you land, so please have a local agent and an attorney review the governing documents before you commit. My name is Zoltan Peresztegi, SRES, and I work in Los Angeles, the South Bay and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Happy to help you find someone good wherever you are looking. Zoltan

The “best” retirement community really depends on your lifestyle, budget, healthcare needs, and the climate you’re looking for. Some retirees prioritize warm weather and golf, while others want walkable communities, cultural activities, or proximity to family. Popular retirement destinations include: * Florida for its warm climate, active 55+ communities, and no state income tax. * Arizona for sunny weather and well-established active adult communities. * South Carolina for its coastal lifestyle and relatively affordable cost of living. * Tennessee for a lower cost of living and no state income tax on wages. * North Carolina for its mild climate, beaches, and mountain communities. Before deciding, consider factors such as: * Cost of housing and overall cost of living. * Access to quality healthcare. * Property taxes and state tax laws. * Recreation, clubs, and social activities. * Proximity to family and friends. * Whether you prefer an active 55+ community or a traditional neighborhood. If you’re just beginning your search, I’d recommend visiting a few areas for several days to get a feel for the community before making a decision. Spending time there can tell you much more than photos or online reviews ever will. Juan Picos Realtor | JohnHart Real Estate Burbank, CA www.juanpicos.com

Fred, the “best” retirement community depends on budget, climate, healthcare, taxes, and how close you want to be to family. Popular retirement states include Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Delaware, and the Carolinas, but don’t pick by ranking alone. Visit first, compare HOA fees, medical access, safety, and cost of living before deciding.

Fred, this depends on a number of factors; most importantly, where you are looking. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

For warm weather, low cost, active lifestyle, and good healthcare all together, a few areas consistently rise to the top. The Villages in Florida is the largest active adult community in the country with golf, recreation, and on site healthcare, though Florida's rising insurance costs and property taxes are worth factoring in. Scottsdale and the East Valley in Arizona offer warm weather, world class golf, and excellent medical facilities with a lower cost of living than coastal markets. Sarasota FL hits a sweet spot of culture, beaches, healthcare, and affordability relative to other Florida metros. For lower cost with warm weather, consider the Carolinas. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and the Asheville area attract retirees for different reasons. Asheville specifically draws active retirees who want outdoor recreation, arts, and four seasons without extreme heat. Chattanooga TN is another strong option with low taxes, outdoor access, and a growing healthcare infrastructure. The most important thing beyond any list is visiting before you buy. Spend a week or two in your top two or three markets at different times of year. Summer in Arizona and summer in the Carolinas are very different experiences and knowing which climate actually suits you long term matters more than any ranking.

It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how close you want to stay to family. Here are some of the most popular options my clients consider: Popular retirement spots: • Florida – warm weather, no state income tax, tons of active adult communities • South Carolina – coastal lifestyle, more affordable than Florida, growing retiree market • North Carolina – great balance of mild seasons, healthcare, and affordability • Arizona – dry climate, golf communities, very retiree-friendly What really makes a “best” retirement community: • Low-maintenance lifestyle (HOA covers exterior, landscaping, etc.) • Access to healthcare and hospitals • Social environment and activities • Walkability or easy transportation • Property taxes and overall cost of living The right choice comes down to whether you want to stay local and close to family or start a new chapter somewhere warmer or more affordable.

That really depends on what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for, but Florida continues to be one of the top choices for retirement—and for good reason. In Central Florida, you have a wide range of options depending on your preferences. Communities like The Villages are very active and social, while areas around Winter Park, Lake Mary, and Clermont offer a mix of 55+ communities and traditional neighborhoods with great access to healthcare, dining, and recreation. What I usually tell clients is to focus less on “the best community” and more on what fits you: • Lifestyle (active vs. quiet) • Proximity to family • Access to healthcare • Budget and cost of living • Maintenance level (low-maintenance vs. single-family home) A lot of people relocating to Florida are also surprised by how many options there are beyond just 55+ communities. The best first step is narrowing down the area and style of living you want—then identifying the communities that match that.

Depending on if you are searching for a 55+ community or a beautiful area to live in with a lower cost of living, I would still choose East Texas every time. No state income tax: Texas does not have a state income tax, which can help retirement savings stretch further. Affordable cost of living: Housing, utilities, and other costs are generally lower than in many other parts of the country. Affordable housing: The cost of real estate is often significantly lower than the national average. Lifestyle and recreation Outdoor activities: East Texas offers numerous opportunities for fishing (especially bass), boating, hiking, and camping in its parks and on its many lakes. Mild climate: The region has mild winters with opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Cultural scene: There is a rich cultural scene with local festivals, art events, and a focus on community. Healthcare and community Strong healthcare: The area provides access to quality medical services and hospitals. Welcoming community: Many retirees find the people friendly and the community welcoming, with a slower pace than big cities. Charming towns: Many smaller towns offer a slower-paced, cozy setting with easy access to nature and community events.

Maui! See listings at www.mauieliteproperty.com

The "best" retirement community is subjective and depends on personal preferences, such as climate, cost of living, healthcare, activities, and proximity to family.

Reno Nevada is the best place on earth if you ask me. Other that Reno, some good options are Tampa Florida, Sedona Arizona, and Las Vegas Nevada. Some things to consider when retiring is affordability, taxes, weather, activities available and access to good healthcare.