It’s no secret that active adult communities are booming, thanks to boomers! Frequently referred to as a 55+ neighborhood, these popular developments are sprouting up all over Greater Philadelphia–and for good reason! These homes are typically low-maintenance, convenient, located in friendly neighborhoods, and offer lots of exciting events and activities. Since every association and development operates a bit differently, so we recommend asking your EveryHome agent the following:

55+ Neighborhood in Greater Philadelphia

  1. What are the exact age restrictions? Every community is a bit different, and some allow just one household member to be 55, whereas other neighborhoods might require the entire household to be over the specified age limit. Additionally, some offer the flexibility of allowing college students to live at home or even those under the age of 18, but many neighborhoods operate a bit more strictly and can impose fines if violated.
  2. Consider the activity schedule, fees and your lifestyle.  Love the idea of a 7am yoga class, a weekend bocce tournament, wine tastings, and a Friday afternoon tennis match? You’ll be in luck with many local retirement communities that offer an exciting event schedule, but be sure to inquire about any membership fees or additional costs. Other quieter communities offer fewer opportunities for activities, but may be far more affordable. Aside from activities, it’s also worth asking if there are any annual fees, food and beverage minimums (if a restaurant is on-site) or any other membership dues.
  3. What are the restrictions? Like all homeowners’ associations, a 55+ neighborhood can operate based on a set of policies and rules for members, although we’ve found that some of these active adult communities tend to be a bit stricter than the townhouse development you enjoyed a decade ago. We recommend that prospective buyers request (and read!) all policies, manuals, and documents. Be sure to especially tune in to information about pets and outdoor space use. For example, some communities impose restrictions on gardening in your yard, grilling, cigar smoking, getting your grass fertilized, and the like. Ensure that the neighborhood’s policies fit into your lifestyle before submitting an offer.

Thinking of living in a 55+ neighborhood? We’d love to help out. In fact, EveryHome is lucky to have multiple agents who are Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) and are especially knowledgeable about local active adult communities. Just give us a call at (215) 699-5555!