Retirement Villages in America

Retirement villages have become increasingly popular in America today. Yet, many people aren’t aware of these communities and their benefits. As you reach the end of your career, you may want to consider their accommodations.

So, what are retirement villages? They’re unique housing communities that provide specific services and 24-hour assistance for seniors. They can accommodate various lifestyles and provide features that tend to your specific needs.

Nobody has the same interests, passions and needs in retirement. Therefore, most of these independent living communities offer various types of programs to meet your medical, recreational and overall requirements.

Some individuals are looking for little assistance outside of medical care. Others may require around-the-clock support. Either way, all your necessities will be satisfied, along with 24-hour assistance for medical emergencies.

Where are the Best Retirement Villages?

While these communities are popping up across the country, there are a few retiree housing developments that stand apart from the rest. Moreover, you can also find “specialty villages” that have specific requirements or amenities. These include LGBTQ, pet friendly, luxury, military veterans and religion-specific villages.

Below is a list of the top ten best retirement villages you can find in America today. This list is comprised of communities from various states that hold the highest standards in medical assistance, offer numerous recreational benefits and present a wide-variety of accommodations.

10. Covenant Shores in Washington State

Covenant Shores is a faith-based retirement community. Located on Mercer Island, it’s just across the bridge from Seattle. This waterfront community is only minutes away from the Space Needle and the famous Pike Place Market.

Covenant Shores gives you easy access to downtown Seattle. Therefore, you can find some of the best food, shopping and entertainment in the state. The community has its own private marina which is perfect for any retiree who enjoys water sports and boating on Lake Washington.

Housing options include studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments that are specific to senior living. There’s also a creative arts center and fitness studio.

9. The Clare in Chicago, Illinois

Not ready to give up on the big city lifestyle? Then The Clare is the perfect retirement community for you. In the heart of Chicago, this is easily one of the best options for urban retirees.

The Clare provides “world class comfort” with access to Chicago’s vibrant cultural, culinary and entertainment destinations. You will also benefit from the highest-quality healthcare, skilled nurses on-staff, and assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. This unique residence can also provide relocation services if necessary.

The Clare promotes an energetic lifestyle with its very own health and wellness center, social clubs, group outings and even musical performances from local artists. The Clare regularly invites opera singers, pianists, jazz musicians and more ensembles to perform for residents.

8. NoHo Senior Arts Colony in North Hollywood, California

The NoHo Senior Arts Colony is a specialty community that goes well beyond senior living. The colony offers one- and two-bedroom apartments in the NoHo arts district for adults aged 62 and older. These are luxury-style apartments that provide a wide range of amenities, programs and social activities.

The unique features of the NoHo Senior Arts Colony include a stadium-style performing arts theater, a visual arts studio, a digital arts room and numerous wellness programs. There aren’t many other retirement villages that can bring out your creative and artistic passions with such quality resources.

7. Lake Weir Retirement Community in Ocklawaha, Florida

Lake Weir is a self-proclaimed “toy-friendly” community for retirees. This means they are open to and even encourage their residents to enjoy their bikes, boats, cars and more. If you want to add a pool to your backyard, go for it. If you want a larger garage for your classic cars, it’s yours.

No matter what “big toys” you enjoy, Lake Weir has little to no restrictions. This community allows you to customize your home as you see fit. There’s also no homeowner association fees or restrictions.

Beyond the amenities within the retirement village, the Lake Weir Preserve offers an outdoor lifestyle with scenic roadways, parks and recreational areas. This retirement village is perfect for active retirees looking to move to Central Florida.

6. The Atria in Rye Brook, New York

Atria Senior Living has more than 227 communities in 27 states and 7 Canadian provinces. The Atria in Rye Brook specifically has grown into prominence for New Yorkers. Manhattan’s finest are leaving the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple to retire at The Atria near Rye Lake.

It’s a relaxing and luxurious community that has its own cinema-style media room, salon, barbershop and pottery studio. It also has a 24-hour staff that accommodates your every need.

The Atria in Rye Brook has been named the Best Senior Residence in Westchester for three years in a row. This independent living option is right up the road from the Greenwich horse farms, and you can venture into the city whenever you’re up for it.

5. Del Webb at Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia

Del Webb at Lake Oconee is one of the most beautiful retirement villages in the country. It’s a gated community on the lake that has its own private clubhouse, tennis courts and ranch-style homes.

Del Webb at Lake Oconee is less than two hours outside of Atlanta. Therefore, you have easy access to the entertainment, dining and cultural aspects of the big city.

It’s a resort-style community with houses up to four bedrooms, stunning pools and direct lake access. Furthermore, the clubhouse provides community activities and sports clubs for residents.

4. Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, South Carolina

Sun City Hilton Head is also a Del Webb community. It’s a golfer’s paradise retirement, as the Hilton Head area is home to some of the best golf courses you can find. The area also made it on our list of the best places to retire in South Carolina.

Sun City Hilton Head has a club for everyone. From billiards and bocce ball to fishing and hunting, the sporting lifestyle is in full force.

The community also promotes performing arts and general hobbies. You can learn ballroom dancing, join the community’s chorus and concert band, or collect and restore classic vehicles in the car club.

3. Solvita in Kissimmee, Florida

Solvita opened in 2000 as an active community for adults over the age of 55. It’s 21 miles from Walt Disney World in Orlando, and it provides over 70 clubs and community organizations for its residents.

Solvita has its own Village Center with three restaurants and an award-winning 32,000 square-foot Riviera Spa & Fitness Center. The fitness center has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an aerobics center, indoor running track, and state-of-the-art strength training facilities.

2. The Villages in Sumter County, Florida

Known simply as The Villages, this Sumter County community is the most active retirement village in Florida. It’s also the most popular and for good reason.

The Villages has it all, and everything is just a “golf-cart ride away.” The dining and shopping options include nationally known brands and locally-owned companies. There’s a movie theater, a performing arts center and entertainment on the squares each night.

You can always find live performances from artists and bands on each of The Villages’ three town squares. Have a drink at the outside bar or enjoy the unique festivals, wine walks, holiday celebrations and parades.

1. Rio Verde in Scottsdale, Arizona

The Rio Verde Community and Country Club is a natural beauty with a southwestern style. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and stunning scenic views. The golf courses are world-class, the amenities are endless, and the community itself is vibrant and engaging.

Rio Verde has many hiking trails in which you may come across wild horses or the occasional jackrabbit. You can enjoy cycling, horseback riding and more at the nearby Tonto National Forest or McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Rio Verde also has an on-site art studio with professional drawing and painting classes, and sporting clubs such as tennis and bocce ball. To top it all off, the resort-style heated pool has its very own waterfall, lap lanes, free-swim area and plenty of deck space to lay out and relax. Rio Verde is truly a desert oasis that is the premier retirement village in the country.

Why Are Retirement Villages Growing in Popularity?

A traditional retirement experience is becoming less enticing for many Americans. Instead of remaining home, more couples are looking for resort-style amenities and easy access to medical care. Who can blame them?

These retirement villages are relaxing, secure and safe. They provide resources that you cannot find anywhere else as a retiree, such as:

• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Private recreational clubs and events
• Private health and wellness centers
• Like-minded communities with special accommodations
• Lifestyle solutions and activities for seniors.

The privacy, security and safety alone are very attractive to retirees. You also gain a sense of community unlike ever before. These independent living models are built for individuals with common interests in retirement. Whether you want to downsize or upgrade, there’s a retirement village for you.

What Matters Most in Retirement?

Deciding what matters most for you and your family in retirement is the first step. As a guide, we have put together lists of the best places to retire, including in Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina. If you are looking to move abroad, visit our guide on retirement in Mexico.

With retirement villages gaining popularity, now is the time to consider these communities in your post-career planning. Each destination has its own benefits, accommodations and amenities. Thus, it’s important to begin building out a list of your specific needs and interests in retirement. Find the perfect place to settle and find a joy in retirement that wasn’t accessible until now.

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