{"id":162295,"date":"2011-09-02T15:16:00","date_gmt":"2011-09-02T15:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.seniorliving.org\/basics\/corporateseniorcare\/senior-retirement-communities\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T21:59:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:59:36","slug":"senior-retirement-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/retirement\/communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Retirement Communities in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Retirement community&#8221; is a broad term covering many <a href=\"\/housing\/\">housing options for seniors<\/a>. There are active senior communities, age-restricted (e.g., 50-plus, 55-plus, 62-plus) communities; lifestyle <a href=\"\/care\/language\/spanish\/\">communities catering to Spanish-speaking seniors<\/a>, RVers, or people of faith; and independent living communities. Though these communities vary, they\u2019re all tied together by their residents: older adults who want to remain as independent as possible through their retirement years.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll look at different types of retirement communities, plus how to find and pay for your future retirement home.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-229248 size-full\" title=\"senior-living-spectrum-diagram\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"senior-living-spectrum-diagram\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-300x233.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-1024x796.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-768x597.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-1536x1194.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/senior-living-spectrum-diagram-2048x1592.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"anchor-section\">\n<h4>Table of Contents<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is\">What Is a Retirement Community?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#types\">Types of Retirement Communities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tips\">Tips for Choosing a Retirement Community<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#paying\">Paying for Retirement Community Living<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#questions\">Questions to Ask When Touring Retirement Communities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-is\">What Is a Retirement Community?<\/h2>\n<p>A retirement community is a community designed just for seniors. What your house or apartment looks like, where it\u2019s located, and how much it costs vary. However, we\u2019ve found that all senior retirement communities offer four main features: security, convenience, senior-focused amenities, and a sense of community.<\/p>\n<p>Security ranges from<a href=\"\/retirement\/gated\/\"> gated facilities<\/a> to in-home emergency alarm response features. Conveniences include neighboring hospitals, shopping centers, an on-site restaurant, and nearby public transportation. Further, homes or apartment units may have easy-to-reach cabinet doors, higher toilets, open and single-level floor plans, and other features to make senior living easier.<\/p>\n<p>And of course, there\u2019s the fun stuff: amenities and friends! Amenities are based on the age, abilities, and interests of adults age 55 and older. They might include fitness centers,<a href=\"\/life\/activities\/crafting\/\"> craft classes<\/a>, billiards rooms, walking trails, indoor\/outdoor pools, tennis courts, golf courses, religious services, game nights, and many other ways to stay active. All of this is offered in an environment where you can connect with other residents who are in the same stage of life.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"types\">Types of Retirement Communities<\/h2>\n<p>There are four main types of senior retirement communities:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assisted living retirement communities<\/li>\n<li>Independent living retirement communities<\/li>\n<li>Age-restricted retirement communities<\/li>\n<li>Lifestyle retirement communities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-239830 \" title=\"How To Choose An Independent Living Community\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-To-Choose-An-Independent-Living-Community.png\" alt=\"How To Choose An Independent Living Community\" width=\"945\" height=\"315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-To-Choose-An-Independent-Living-Community.png 1800w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-To-Choose-An-Independent-Living-Community-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-To-Choose-An-Independent-Living-Community-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-To-Choose-An-Independent-Living-Community-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-To-Choose-An-Independent-Living-Community-1536x512.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Assisted Living Retirement Communities<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/assisted-living\/\">Assisted living retirement communities<\/a> provide a moderate level of care. Seniors live in their own space (i.e., apartments, condos, or single-family dwellings), but they also receive assistance with basic and vital needs, such as help with getting dressed, meal preparation, taking medication, and transportation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"page-tip pro-tip pro-tip\"><div class=\"tip-icon\"><div class=\"tip-title\">Pro Tip:<\/div><div class=\"icn\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"copy\"><p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Visit our <a href=\"\/retirement\/\">guide to planning for housing in retirement<\/a> for tips on finding the best home for you, your lifestyle, and your budget.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p>According to the National Center for Assisted Living, these communities may also specialize in <a href=\"\/memory-care\/dementia\/\">dementia care<\/a> or provide tailored care for certain diseases. These diseases include diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Keep in mind that an assisted living facility doesn\u2019t provide most healthcare services directly. However, these facilities will work with healthcare providers, such as dentists, hospice nurses, podiatrists, counselors, and physical therapists. So you still benefit from specialized care while living in assisted living, rather than <a href=\"\/compare\/assisted-living-vs-nursing-home\/\">having to move to a nursing home<\/a> or inpatient setting.<\/p>\n<h3>Independent Living Retirement Communities<\/h3>\n<p>Simply put, independent living communities are designed for active, healthy seniors who can live on their own. You can live in a home, townhouse, condo, or even a mobile home or motorhome. You can own, rent, or live as part of a cooperative. Think of it like living in your old neighborhood, except these communities have age restrictions \u2014 usually over 55 \u2014 and most offer amenities like clubhouses, gyms, yard maintenance, housekeeping, and security.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/independent-living\/\">Independent living communities<\/a> also typically offer transportation, laundry service, group meals, and social and cultural activities.<\/p>\n<h3>Age-Restricted Retirement Communities<\/h3>\n<p>Age-restricted communities are often marketed to certain ages, such as <a href=\"\/retirement\/55-plus\/\">55+ communities.<\/a> Some communities \u2014 marketed as \u201cage-qualified\u201d\u2014 require at least one person who is 55 to live in at least 80 percent of the occupied units. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Fair Housing Act regulate these properties. Individuals under the age of 19 also cannot be permanent residents.<\/p>\n<p>Communities that market to a certain age group without formal age restrictions are called \u201cage-targeted.\u201d These communities focus on the senior demographic with amenities and conveniences, but anyone can live there regardless of age.<\/p>\n<h3>Lifestyle Retirement Communities<\/h3>\n<p>By 2030, all baby boomers will be at least 65 years old, so the demand for retirement communities is greater than <span class=\"citation-wrapper\">ever.<span class=\"citation\" data-citation=\"#citation-1\">1<\/span><\/span> That\u2019s why you can find senior living options for a wide variety of lifestyles. Here\u2019s a sampling of some specialized retirement communities:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/retirement\/university\/\">University and college-based retirement communities<\/a>:<\/strong> Some American colleges, like Duke University and Dartmouth College, sponsor university retirement communities that neighbor college campuses and provide seniors with advanced educational opportunities. Seniors don\u2019t need to be alumni to move into a college\u2019s retirement community.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/care\/faith\/\">Faith-based retirement communities<\/a>:<\/strong> Along with providing typical senior living amenities such as a gym, dining services, and social activities, these communities offer religious and spiritual care. This may include on-site worship services, pastors, bible study, and religious holiday celebrations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Golf retirement communities:<\/strong> Spend your retirement years hitting the green and befriending fellow golfers by living in an active adult community on a golf course. Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina house most of these communities, but you can find options in many states.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/retirement\/houseboat\/\">Boating retirement communities<\/a>:<\/strong> If boating is your thing, consider moving into a houseboat during your retirement years. This lifestyle works best for very active seniors who prefer living a simple life on the water. And it\u2019s estimated that this housing option costs only about $6,000 per year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Artist retirement communities:<\/strong> Sometimes called senior arts colonies, these communities provide creative outlets, showcases, and continuing professional education for artists of all types. Some operate like colleges, with different courses offered each semester. Classes might include dance, poetry, film and video editing, and life drawing.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/retirement\/lgbt\/\">LGBTQ+ retirement communities<\/a>:<\/strong> These communities cater to seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ with the goal of ensuring they feel celebrated, heard, and included during their retirement years. They\u2019re generally for active older adults age 55 and older.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/mobile-home-parks\/\">Manufactured\/modular home communities<\/a>:<\/strong> Senior-friendly mobile home communities offer amenities and services geared toward older adults. In many cases, no one under the age of 55 is permitted to live there. Great for life on a fixed income, many charge only $200 to $300 per month for the lot (plus the cost of your home).<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/luxury\/\">Luxury apartments<\/a>:<\/strong> Seniors with money to spend can feel like they\u2019re on vacation all the time by moving into a luxury retirement community. Along with high-end units, these communities offer gourmet kitchens, salons and spas, housekeeping services, golf courses, swimming pools, and 24-hour concierge services. You can also find luxury assisted living, nursing homes, and <a href=\"\/memory-care\/what-is-memory-care\/\">memory care facilities<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Senior cooperative housing:<\/strong> With this housing type, the co-op is a corporation, and residents own stock in the corporation, becoming shareholders. In exchange, they live in one of the units; gain access to shared spaces, such as fitness rooms, libraries, and laundry facilities; and have a say in how the community is run. Most are in Minnesota, but you can find co-ops in several states.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"tips\">Tips for Choosing a Retirement Community<\/h2>\n<p>When <a href=\"\/retirement\/best\/\">choosing the best type of retirement community<\/a> for your needs, consider the options available to you based on location, financial resources, level of care, and expectations.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-239831 \" title=\"Independent Living\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/What-Is-Independent-Living.png\" alt=\"What Is Independent Living\" width=\"987\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/What-Is-Independent-Living.png 1800w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/What-Is-Independent-Living-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/What-Is-Independent-Living-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/What-Is-Independent-Living-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/What-Is-Independent-Living-1536x512.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Location<\/h3>\n<p>Many retirement communities provide everything you need within the community. However, that doesn\u2019t mean you should overlook the physical location. Consider the proximity of the community to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Friends and family<\/li>\n<li>Your house of worship or a similar house of worship<\/li>\n<li>Your doctors or a comparable hospital system<\/li>\n<li>Transportation, such as airports, train stations, and public buses<\/li>\n<li>Recreational opportunities that align with your interests, such as the ocean, mountains, hiking trails, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And, of course, you can\u2019t forget about the weather! Assess how you feel about staying in the same climate or moving to a different one. Many older adults find themselves drawn to <a href=\"\/florida\/\">warm-weather states during retirement<\/a> to avoid the safety risks that come with snowy, icy weather.<\/p>\n<div class=\"page-tip pro-tip fyi\"><div class=\"tip-icon\"><div class=\"tip-title\">FYI:<\/div><div class=\"icn\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"copy\"><p><strong>FYI:<\/strong> The location you choose could even come with financial incentives. For example, 29 states don\u2019t tax Social Security benefits, and another eight don\u2019t have income tax at <span class=\"citation-wrapper\">all.<span class=\"citation\" data-citation=\"#citation-2\">2<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Financial Resources<\/h3>\n<p>Moving into a retirement community can be costly. If you have unlimited funds and are an active senior, finances won\u2019t necessarily affect your choice. Choose between luxury retirement communities, active senior communities, and <a href=\"\/continuing-care-retirement-communities\/\">continuing care retirement communities<\/a> (CCRCs) anywhere in the nation.<\/p>\n<p>For seniors who live on a fixed income, note that most CCRCs have two major fees: a one-time lump sum to pay for the housing and a place within the facility (this ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 at the more modest senior retirement communities) and a monthly fee that covers services such as food, housekeeping, and activities.<\/p>\n<p>If you are considered low-income, look for <a href=\"\/care\/cost\/affordable\/\">affordable senior housing<\/a>. HUD housing programs and nonprofit housing organizations provide low-income housing to seniors who meet specific eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n<div class=\"page-tip pro-tip did-you-know\"><div class=\"tip-icon\"><div class=\"tip-title\">Did You Know?<\/div><div class=\"icn\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"copy\"><p><strong>Did You Know?<\/strong> If you qualify for a HUD housing voucher, you\u2019ll pay no more than 30 percent of your adjusted income on rent and <span class=\"citation-wrapper\">utilities.<span class=\"citation\" data-citation=\"#citation-3\">3<\/span><\/span> The government will subsidize the rest.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Level of Care<\/h3>\n<p>Many retirement communities cater exclusively to active older adults. They may or may not offer assisted living services, such as meals, laundry assistance, and help with <a href=\"\/caregiving\/activities-of-daily-living\/\">activities of daily living (ADLs)<\/a>. Others, like CCRCs, offer increased care services and supervision as your needs change. For example, you can move from independent living into assisted living into a nursing home within the same community. This cuts back on moves and helps you maintain social connections even as you require more care.<\/p>\n<div class=\"page-tip pro-tip pro-tip\"><div class=\"tip-icon\"><div class=\"tip-title\">Helpful Hint:<\/div><div class=\"icn\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"copy\"><p><strong>Helpful Hint:<\/strong> Navigating long-term care can be confusing. But it doesn\u2019t have to be! Read our <a href=\"\/care\/\">guide to long-term care for seniors<\/a> to learn more about your many options.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Consider the type of care you currently need and anticipate needing in the future. Then, compare those needs to the services offered by a specific retirement community.<\/p>\n<h3>Expectations<\/h3>\n<p>Think about why you want to move out of your current living situation into a retirement community. What are you looking to gain? Make a mental list (or a physical one!) of what you want your retirement years to look like \u2014 everything from the amenities you\u2019re excited about to the people you want to be around to the activities you\u2019d like to pursue.<\/p>\n<div class=\"page-tip pro-tip fyi\"><div class=\"tip-icon\"><div class=\"tip-title\">FYI:<\/div><div class=\"icn\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"copy\"><p><strong>FYI:<\/strong> Love the beach? Well, why not retire there? You can find <a href=\"\/retirement\/beachfront\/\">oceanfront and beachside retirement communities<\/a> along the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p>You should also think through your expectations about the cost, size, layout, and feel of your new home or apartment. Some communities offer a choice between townhomes, single-family homes, and apartments. Others simply offer only one option.<\/p>\n<h4>Retirement House Communities<\/h4>\n<p>Retirement house communities are perfect for older adults who want to live in single-family housing. This type of senior housing can be found in specialty communities, such as university-based retirement communities, senior golfing communities, senior living co-ops, and CCRCs. You\u2019ll be paying the mortgage on your home in addition to homeowners association (HOA) or membership community dues.<\/p>\n<p>In essence, you are living in a stand-alone home in a neighborhood where you have total freedom and autonomy. Yet your neighbors are all older adults who may have the same interests and lifestyles, allowing for a cohesive community. Your HOA will typically provide services geared toward older adults, such as inclusive lawn care and wheelchair-approved walkways and paths. This type of senior housing is best suited for individuals with a minimal level of care. However, you do have the flexibility to hire a private in-house nurse who can<a href=\"\/home-care\/\"> care for you in your home<\/a> if needed.<\/p>\n<h4>Retirement Apartment Communities<\/h4>\n<p>The most common type of senior housing in retirement communities is apartment units. An apartment unit for luxury retirement communities is typically referred to as a condo. Meanwhile, low-income older adults can live in apartments commonly known as Section 8. Ultimately, with a senior retirement apartment, you would be living in a building where all (or at least 80 percent of) the residents are seniors over the age of 55.<\/p>\n<p>Living in an <a href=\"\/apartments\/\">apartment for seniors<\/a> allows for a tighter-knit community since the units are connected, allowing residents to interact more regularly. Also, apartment managers may be hired to provide additional services, such as meal preparation or social activities.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"paying\">Paying for Retirement Community Living<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-239832 \" title=\"Independent Living\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-Much-Is-Independent-Living.png\" alt=\"How Much Is Independent Living\" width=\"987\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-Much-Is-Independent-Living.png 1800w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-Much-Is-Independent-Living-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-Much-Is-Independent-Living-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-Much-Is-Independent-Living-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/app\/uploads\/2011\/02\/How-Much-Is-Independent-Living-1536x512.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Seniors who move into retirement communities may incur a few different expenses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Initial buy-in or home purchase:<\/strong> A lump-sum payment to purchase shares in a co-op or to buy a home in a retirement community<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rent:<\/strong> Monthly apartment rent or lot rent fee in a senior mobile home park<\/li>\n<li><strong>HOA or membership community fees:<\/strong> Yearly or monthly fees that go toward the homeowners association, maintaining community spaces, activities, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Perhaps you already know how you\u2019ll cover those expenses. Or you might still be trying to figure it out. Either way, let\u2019s take a look at common ways that seniors pay for living in a retirement community:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reverse mortgage:<\/strong> Some homeowners <a href=\"\/finance\/mortgages\/\">take out a reverse mortgage<\/a> on their primary home or property. Then, they use their home equity as cash to pay for a home in a retirement community.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Property sale:<\/strong> Other homeowners sell their primary home outright and use the proceeds to cover the cost of their new home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social Security and retirement income:<\/strong> The average Social Security benefit in 2022 was $1,669 per <span class=\"citation-wrapper\">month.<span class=\"citation\" data-citation=\"#citation-4\">4<\/span><\/span> Many older adults use this along with other retirement income to make monthly apartment rent payments or pay HOA fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Housing vouchers and charitable organizations:<\/strong> Low-income seniors might qualify for government housing vouchers or for housing assistance from nonprofit organizations. Typically, you\u2019d pay no more than 30 percent of your adjusted income on rent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Family and friend contributions:<\/strong> Depending on your needs and financial situation, you may need to rely on help from friends and family.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Combination of methods:<\/strong> In many cases, seniors who owe monthly rent for their retirement community or assisted living facility cover their bills with funds from several of the above sources as well as savings and investment accounts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"questions\">Questions to Ask When Touring Retirement Communities<\/h2>\n<p>You can learn a lot about a retirement community by perusing its brochures and website. However, you can learn even more by taking a tour and talking to residents. Don\u2019t skip this important step as you evaluate <a href=\"\/retirement\/best\/\">which retirement community is the right fit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some considerations and questions to ask as you tour a retirement community:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Talk to residents. Do they live there part time or all year round? Are they happy with where they live? What do they dislike about the community? Were there any surprises? Is the property management company responsive to issues or requests?<\/li>\n<li>Ask the residents about the HOA. Do they attend meetings? If so, how are the meetings held? Do residents get ample time to speak?<\/li>\n<li>Is the developer financially solid? Are there resources in place to resolve any construction issues? What are the plans for further development? Have they built other communities? How are those communities functioning?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a reserve fund (aka \u201csinking fund\u201d) for maintenance? This is set aside money for repairing or replacing things like roofs and air conditioning systems. This fund is typically a line item on the HOA\u2019s budget.<\/li>\n<li>If there is surrounding, undeveloped property, who owns it, and how will it be used in the future? Is it a commercial property? Mixed-use? You probably don\u2019t want a shopping center or airport to be built on the adjacent land.<\/li>\n<li>Get a copy of the HOA\u2019s bylaws. Are there any rules you couldn\u2019t live with? Some communities won\u2019t allow any changes (like painting or modifications) to the exterior of the property without HOA approval. Others won\u2019t allow any flags \u2014 even the American flag \u2014 to be displayed outside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"page-tip pro-tip pro-tip\"><div class=\"tip-icon\"><div class=\"tip-title\">Helpful Hint:<\/div><div class=\"icn\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"copy\"><p><strong>Helpful Hint:<\/strong> If you\u2019re unable to tour a community in person for whatever reason, call and ask to be put in touch with a current resident or a member of the HOA. That way you can get your questions answered from the comfort of your home as you compare the different communities you\u2019re considering.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"how-can-i-find\">How Can I Find Communities or Retirement Homes Near Me?<\/h2>\n<p>Finding local retirement communities is as easy as doing a simple internet search for \u201cretirement communities near me.\u201d You can also take a look at our <a href=\"\/directory\/\">senior living directory<\/a>. Simply type in your ZIP code and answer a few questions, like which senior living options you\u2019re interested in. You\u2019ll receive a curated list of options in your area (or the area that you\u2019d like to move to).<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that if you\u2019re interested in a niche type of lifestyle retirement community, such as a faith-based or golf course community, you may not find options in every state. You\u2019re better off searching by type rather than focusing solely on communities in a single location; for example, \u201csenior golf course retirement communities\u201d or \u201c<a href=\"\/care\/faith\/jewish\/\">Jewish senior living facilities.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For low-income retirement communities, contact your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/public_indian_housing\/pha\/contacts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local HUD public housing authority<\/a>. It can help you with the application process. Plus, you can use tools on its website to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/topics\/information_for_senior_citizens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find affordable rental units and public housing for seniors<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Retirement community&#8221; is a broad term covering many housing options for seniors. There are active senior communities, age-restricted (e.g., 50-plus, 55-plus, 62-plus) communities; lifestyle communities catering to Spanish-speaking seniors, RVers, or people of faith; and independent living communities. Though these communities vary, they\u2019re all tied together by their residents: older adults who want to remain&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":230373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"page_templates\/layout-template-2023.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[14925,14903],"class_list":["post-162295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporateseniorcare","tag-retirement","tag-retirement-community"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Retirement Communities and Housing Options for Seniors<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Retirement communities are designed for seniors. Learn the best options for every lifestyle, remain independent, and find a retirement community near you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.seniorliving.org\/retirement\/communities\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Retirement Communities and Housing Options for Seniors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Retirement communities are designed for seniors. 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