The Del Webb Construction Company was ahead of its time when it opened Sun City outside Phoenix in 1960. Sun City is a community that was designed for seniors and was billed as the first of its kind. Many more Sun Cities and other 55+ communities have been built since then. If you have lived in Orange County you know Leisure World. Here in San Diego we have a variety of 55+ communities such as 1632-home gated community of Ocean Hills on the boarder of Oceanside and Carlsbad and lovely Seven Oaks in Rancho Bernardo. These communities are made up of detached homes, townhouses and condos and many are located on golf courses or surround a community center. We also have 55+ age restricted manufactured home parks in many parts of the county.
Why would someone move to one of these areas? If you are 55+ (or the partner/care giver of someone who is) being in a community with your peers has value, particularly if you are looking for a greater social life and more support. These communities have myriad activities - think clubs of every stripe and social interaction opportunities for cards, ball game outings, health and fitness classes, and more. The majority of these homes are one story, may be wheelchair accessible, and usually have smaller lots so require less upkeep, all things that matter to someone who is aging. In some communities golf carts are the norm and owners zip between their home and the community center in their tiny electric vehicle. If you lived in a dorm in college these communities may remind you of the social life that came with dorm life but you have more space, more privacy and nicer amenities.
If you are interested in knowing more about our local 55+ communities give me a call. We can take a look at a few and see if a move like this makes sense for you.