55+ Senior Housing Options To Consider

In crowded areas of the country, home prices and rents are high, but America's home-builders are busy erecting new housing options for "55 Plus." These house and condo communities are being constructed where there's both the will and the space to do so. Buying a new home or condo may be more affordable than you might think. Herein we look at different 55-plus housing options.

Home ownership is central to the American Dream, but of late there has been a housing shortage in America. Market conditions in many heavily populated areas have meant soaring home prices and high rents. Many seniors are surprised to learn about companies like Lennar, Toll Brothers, and Shea Homes that are quickly building new homes and condos for seniors fifty five and up. These “55+” communities, often called things such as “active adult” are located where you might not think to look. Active adult homes are a popular choice for seniors who want to have an active yet easy lifestyle in their golden years. Many such communities include amenities such as dog parks, community gardens, fitness centers, card rooms, bocce ball courts, and other things which may appeal to seniors who want to socialize with one another. Just because you want to retire cheaply doesn’t mean you have to live in a shack on the bayou, and senior financing options are available. Without further ado, here are some of the most attractive brand-new senior living options this year.

Pennsylvania

While not a member of the historically popular-amongst-seniors Sun Belt, Pennsylvania presents a number of great retirement living options for seniors. Landmark Homes, a developer specific to the state, has a number of 55+ living options. Prices start at $415k for single detached homes and include lawn care, snow removal, parks, gas, sewer and water; Landmark’s Sweetbriar development, 45 minutes from Cortland Park, offering a rural setting but not without the shopping conveniences of an urban area. If you prefer a gated option, check out nearby Lake Frederick (a stone’s throw away in Northern Virginia), where Shea Homes offers a gated community for 55+ seniors starting at about $470k. For more luxurious options, Anfield at Malvern from Toll Brothers has one and two story options for seniors starting at $649k, or townhome options from about $546k in Downington, PA. Lastly, budget options in Pennsylvania from Ryan Homes include their single-story, two-bedroom active-adult “Aruba” model, available in the Maple Hill development in Washington, PA. Pricing starts from $299,990; larger 3 bed-room models start at about $325k.

Florida

No list of places to retire is complete without Florida. There are a number of brand-new home options, ranging from roughly $250,000 to the $400,000 mark. The Stillwater development by Lennar at St. Johns County has homes starting from about $386k and right now is offering discounted closing costs and lower rates. Stillwater has two bed two bath homes with more than 1,500 square feet, as well as three bed options. Their single-story layout and lack of stairs or entry stairs makes it easy for seniors who use a wheelchair or a walker. If you would prefer a more luxurious option and are willing to sacrifice single-family status for a townhome, the Regency at Babcock Ranch Terra Collection from luxury home builder Toll Brothers start at about $349k in Babcock Ranch, Florida. These are attached villa-style homes with floor-to-ceiling windows and open concept floor plans. For the most value-conscious consumer, Shea Homes offers seniors the Ocala Preserve community, which is set amongst live oak trees and green spaces, a 7 acre lake, and a 600+ acre community. The best part about Ocala Preserve is the price, from just $278,990.

Arizona

Another retirement favorite, Arizona is known for warmer temps than Florida, but without as much humidity. From the gorgeous rocks of Sedona to the trees of Flagstaff and the hot desert sun of Phoenix, Arizona has a little bit of something for everyone. In 2022, more people moved to Arizona than any other state. One of America’s most affordable large cities, Tucson, offers similarly affordable living options for seniors. Starting at about $349k, Meritage Homes has a number of developments to make senior living both affordable yet desirable. The Preserve is a gated community with 50 acres of stocked lakes and 125 acres of greenbelts. 2 bed, two bath options start at $349k and up depending on square footage and options. Meanwhile, KB Home has Saguaro Haven, from $273,990 with single-story single-family units with no stairs. Larger options exist as well, including Las Patrias, with models above 2,000 square feet starting at about $302k. Similarly priced homes also exist in the more populous Phoenix metro area, with Shea homes offering multiple new developments such as Encanterra and Trilogy, the latter of which is priced from $402,900 and has not one but two golf courses! Taylor Morrison offers CantaMia at Estrella 55+ in Goodyear Arizona starting at $339,990 with special finance offers. Lastly, Cal Am Properties Inc has homes as low as $157,500 for pre-owned and $354,900 brand-new with 3.99% financing available.

Texas

Texas also offers seniors a respite from harsh winter climates, with many towns and cities that have some of the nation’s lowest costs of living. From the hustle and bustle of San Antonio, Houston and Dallas to the prairies and ranches of the old West, Texas has it all from mesquite style Bar-B-Que to very modern cities. Nationally renowned luxury home builder Toll Brothers has some of its cheapest 55+ homes in the nation in Texas, including the Regency at Santa Rita Ranch Garden Collection, from $359,995. These 55+ single family homes in Liberty Hill, Texas have 50 foot wide homesites. The community has a lifestyle director that curates senior social gatherings and events, and it is less than 35 miles from bustling downtown Austin, Texas. The clubhouse includes a resort-style pool, bocce courts, and pickleball. Toll Brothers also offers the Flamenco Collection at Esperanza outside of San Antonio which starts at $419k. Outside Fort Worth, Lennar Homes offers Viridian, an active adult 55+ community starting at $427k, with a host of offerings such as reduced closing costs and appliances. Lennar offers single story, single-family units in Princeton Texas start at $226,869 with just under 1,300 square feet, which are perfect for the 55 and up set given their flat layout. The move-in ready Sinatra home is $427k with 1,746 square feet of space and has energy-conscious features and a low maintenance layout. Shea Homes offers the Eve r green 40 in Conroe, Texas, with single family units starting at $324,990. KB home has a host of single story, single family units in Texas, with no stairs, perfect for senior mobility; these include Southton Cove in Elmendorf from $176,995, The Granary in San Antonio from $193,995, and Medina Crossing in Von Ormy from $179,995. Lastly, Del Webb offers 55+ units in Fulshear from $279,990 with resort-style amenities.

In Conclusion

While it may seem that everything is always increasing, from the social security retirement age to the price of g r oceries, there are still relatively low cost options available for seniors to retire in beautiful and brand-new luxurious homes right here in America. While your Social Security dollars certainly go farther if you decide to retire abroad, you will be further away from friends and family, and you may have to learn a second language. If you know where and how to look, you can find an amazing deal online, using the internet. Be sure to check listings in your area to see what kind of pricing you can find.

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