Discover the Best Active Adult Communities in the US
You’re not the type to let retirement slow you down. In an active adult community, you can embrace an adventurous lifestyle that matches your energy and zest for life. Continue reading to explore the best active retirement communities in the US.
Why Choose Active Adult Communities?
You want to make the most of every day, so why not choose a living environment that complements your spirited lifestyle? Active adult communities are ideal for individuals who love leading a full, exciting life. There’s always something to do, friends to meet, and an environment that thrives on the same energy you bring to the table. Read on to find out why an active retirement community might be the perfect fit for you.
What is an Active Adult Community?
An active adult community is a specially designed neighborhood or residential area for adults, typically those aged 55 and over, who are in relatively good health and wish to lead an active and engaged lifestyle during their retirement years. These communities are tailored to fit the lifestyles of individuals who want to spend their golden years enjoying a variety of activities, socializing with like-minded peers, and taking advantage of convenient services and amenities.
What are the Benefits of Living in an Active Adult Community?
There's a multitude of reasons why people choose to live in active adult communities. It's not just about the active lifestyle, but also the sense of community, convenience, and peace that these communities provide.
From game night to tasty meals, top-line health care to home cleaning services, there are so many reasons people opt to stay in an active retirement community. Read on to learn the benefits that people find when they choose this lifestyle. Then consider if it might suit you, too.
- A Healthy, Active Lifestyle: From early morning yoga to late-night game nights, active adult communities offer a myriad of activities to keep you engaged and moving. Whether it's water aerobics in the pool, a serene sail on the sound, or a competitive game of tennis under the sun, you’ll never experience a dull moment.
- A Close-Knit Community: Active retirement communities are like small towns filled with friends. Whether you're having a morning coffee at the local café, walking your dog, or participating in a club, you'll find that forming deep, meaningful relationships is easy and natural in such a nurturing environment.
- Accessible and Comfortable: You’ll find buildings and amenities designed for easy accessibility: well-paved sidewalks, wheelchair access, and plenty of lighting that make everyday activities feel safe and comfortable.
- Peaceful and Private: Escape the noise and hustle of urban living. Active adult communities offer tranquility, privacy, and a serene environment that you can call home. Rest assured, your peace of mind is a priority here.
Embarking on an Active Adult Lifestyle
Why wait? Start exploring various active adult communities spread across the US today. Whether you prefer the warmth of the coast or closeness to family and friends, there's an active retirement community waiting to welcome you.
Browse through the options below, use the information request form to contact local representatives, and get a firsthand account of life in these communities. Filter your options based on location or activities to find the community that’s perfect for you.
Research and Find the Best Active Adult Communities for You
Your journey to a fulfilling and active retirement starts here. Dive into our comprehensive list of top active adult communities, and find your perfect place to call home.
Find Active Adult Communities in the State of Your Choice
Research and Explore the Best Active Adult Communities
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Click to explore the following active adult communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Compass Pointe
Located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, only 10 minutes from Wilmington, Compass Pointe is a gated, private community that offers an unmatched resort lifestyle. Every day feels like a vacation where you can relax by our award-winning pool, float along the lazy river, join one of 100+ community clubs, or get some exercise at our fitness center, indoor pool, or golf club. Come see for yourself why Compass Pointe was honored with the 2020 Best Health & Fitness Community and America’s Best Places to Live 2021.
Amenities:
- Private, Gated Entrance
- The Grand Lanai
- Resort Oasis Pool
- Compass Pointe Golf Club
- Clubhouse (under construcion) & Pro Shop
- The Pointe Wellness Center & Spa
- Indoor Pool
- Lazy River
- Tennis & Pickleball Courts
- Recreation Lawn
- Putting Greens
- Latitudes Restaurant and Bar
- Dog Park
- Cardinal Lake with Canoe & Kayak Launch
- Outdoor Amphitheater
- Sidewalks Throughout for Walking and Biking
- Golf Cart Paths Throughout
Future Amenities:
- Club Member Pool & Bar
- Club Member Fitness Center
- Club Member Golf Simulator
Woodside
Enhanced by the region’s lucrative cost of living, mild climate, stunning natural beauty, and charming
Southern hospitality, Woodside’s 3,000-acre community is ideally located in one of the Southeast’s best-kept secrets, Aiken, SC.
Meticulously designed from concept to creation for discerning active-active adults, downsizing retirees, and anyone else with a taste for the finer things in life, Woodside’s location in one of Southern Living Magazine’s “South’s Best Small Towns” offers residents walkable access to the best of both worlds. On top of Woodside’s world-class amenities, including 4 championship golf courses, 2 clubhouses, more than 60 member-led social groups and clubs, 2 resort-style pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, over 21 miles of hiking and nature trails, 7 landscaped parks and green spaces – including a Certified Butterfly Park – Woodside residents enjoy 10-minute access to downtown Aiken’s Gilded-Age avenues filled with exceptional local restaurants, designer boutiques, art galleries, and more.
Whether you envision yourself perfecting your swing on our Nicklaus Design course, dozing by the pool,
or creating new memories with friends you’ve yet to meet, life at Woodside is designed to deliver you a
home that extends far beyond your property line!
Landmark Homes
Landmark Homes – Pennsylvania Home Builder
Cliff and Claire Weaver founded Landmark Homes in 1998. Their intention? To create a company focused on three essential values: attention to detail, hard work, and excellence. These core values quickly became the company’s foundation. And, a peek at any Landmark home and the processes therein will tell you that these values are not only upheld, but diligently adhered to today.
From lot choice, to design, build, and move-in day; Landmark keeps their eye on the target, so you can too.
View all or out communities on the Landmark Homes builder page
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing
Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing, a new active adult 55+ community in Manalapan, NJ offering single-family homes with up to 3,092 sq. ft of living space. Make lasting connections and enjoy low-maintenance living surrounded by exciting local excursions in Monmouth County. Each home is offered in one of our new interior design Looks, Classic, Farmhouse, Loft or Elements for on-trend style in your new home.
Cresswind Charleston
Cresswind Charleston brings the award-winning Cresswind active adult lifestyle to the Charleston area. This gated community is integrated within the thriving community of The Ponds while maintaining its own privacy. Cresswind features a full list of resort-style amenities, all located within a natural, Lowcountry setting.
Residents can take a short walk to the 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, enjoy pickleball and tennis or participate in activities at the event lawn and amphitheater. Additionally, homeowners have the opportunity to enrich their lives with cooking and yoga classes or bocce ball. Residents also can nurture their talent in the art room, play pool, swim in the resort-style pool, fish or kayak – and stay fit and healthy at a well-equipped fitness center.
Cresswind Charleston offers spacious homes featuring a wide range of personalization opportunities, designer choices, uniquely designed with careful attention to details. Single-family, ranch-style homes will include designer features, energy efficiency and designs complementary to active living. Tour nine designer-decorated model homes, open daily.
Riverbend
Welcome to Riverbend! 55+ Living in New Castle, DE. The perfect blend of a historic small town and modern living. Riverbend is located in the beautiful, historic riverfront town of New Castle, Delaware. New Castle has been named in the top 10 of the most beautiful small towns in the United States. Renowned for its Separation Day and A Day in New Castle events that showcase the town’s hundreds of years of history. There is never a shortage of things to see and do in New Castle, Delaware. Take your living outside the home with community amenities. The Riverbend community is a modern neighborhood with community amenities such as a clubhouse with an indoor pool and outdoor decks, a fitness center, and gathering spaces. Located along the Delaware River with access to New Castle’s many walking and bike trails, beaches, and fishing areas. This charming town is located just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington with easy access from I-95 and I-295 makes it conveniently located from many metropolitan draws such as Philadelphia (45 min), Baltimore (1.5hr), Rehoboth Beach (1.5hr), and Washington D.C (2hrs).
Callawassie Island
Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Secluded from the noise and congestion of the highway, Callawassie lies miles from Hilton Head and is also convenient to Beaufort and Bluffton (15 minutes away); historic Savannah, GA (a 30-minute drive); and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (40 minutes away). A half-mile causeway provides a relaxing, slow-paced approach to the island, where peace and quiet are as plentiful as vibrant activity.
The community hosts numerous social events, activities and clubs connecting members by their passions for nature, art and giving back locally. Members take full advantage of the island parks, historical sites and recreation areas for enjoying remarkable views of undisturbed nature. Island dwellers have access to four community docks providing leased slips, kayak launches and excellent opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. The River Club, overlooking the Colleton River, is a warm gathering center with a library and fireplace, family swimming pool, and offers seasonal dining.
For those seeking a golfing experience like no other, the 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is truly spectacular. Voted one of South Carolina’s top 50 courses, Callawassie recently enhanced the design with a four-million-dollar renovation in 2014. This renovation resulted in a brand-new pro shop with three Class A PGA Golf Professionals. The courses meander intimately along the waterways and salt marshes in a way that environmental regulations have made difficult for newer courses; visual interest is natural not manmade.
Callawassie Island is the first South Carolina gated community to have been designated a “Community Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. This coexistence brings a true community balance with nature. The island is covered with live oaks and palmettos, egrets and herons, and encompasses a thriving salt marsh ecosystem.
Today, Callawassie is one of only four South Carolina communities holding this distinguished designation. The homes and homesites, including waterfront property, are among the best values in the area.
Savannah Lakes Village
Savannah Lakes Village is on the 71,000-acre freshwater Lake Thurmond in McCormick, South Carolina with 1,200 miles of shoreline. The community boasts two championship lakefront golf courses with restaurants and pro shops, fiber-optic Internet to each homesite, a 23,000 square foot recreation center with 6 lighted tennis courts (4 HarTru and 2 hard surface), pickleball, bowling alley, indoor & outdoor pools, sauna, fitness room, private card rooms, library, 50+ social clubs, yoga studio, Rod & Gun Club, and so much more. This is active retirement in its truest form…
We are a short 45-minute drive to Augusta and a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. The community abuts three state parks and offers 100+ miles of hiking and biking trails. With no initiation fees or monthly minimums, low property taxes, and no special assessments, you can live an unexpectedly affordable luxury lifestyle.
Our preferred builders offer many custom home plans and lot-home packages to choose from at whatever price point and product type you may desire.
Come stay and play at Savannah Lakes Village. 2 nights for $199. Visit SavannahLakesVillage.com or call 864-391-5259 to book your tour.
Waterways
One of the best places to live in Georgia.
Nestled amid ancient moss-draped oak hammocks, winding freshwater lagoons and the salt marshes of coastal Georgia’s low country, Waterways is a private gated community with distinctive homes and modern amenities, just 30 minutes south of historic Savannah in Richmond Hill, Georgia. This surprising low country community offers luxury homes surrounded by a protected natural landscape.
Each Waterways neighborhood is designed with its own unique character and charm. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of interconnected neighborhoods, convenient access to community amenities, and homesites with lagoon, park, and wooded views. Homesites start in the 90s, townhomes from the 300’s and homes from the 400’s.
This is ideal living.
Just outside of Savannah, on the Georgia coast, there’s a master planned community that’s rooted in nature and built with modern amenities. Here, water’s influence is the center of the lifestyle, and health and wellness are valued along with days of adventure and exploration.Here, your family can escape from the noise of the world in a place where spontaneous get-togethers, outdoor activities, and the influence of water create a new rhythm of life.
The Waterways Marina Is Now Open….
Located along Redbird Waterway, the Marina features direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Ogeechee River, and the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring dry slip storage, a ship store, and fueling and launching facilities, Waterways residents will have all they need for endless adventure. The center of our waterfront lifestyle is found at the Marina Village, with stunning views of golden marshes, dry slip storage spaces, along with fresh water boat slips for residents. Green spaces and events lawns will complement a curated collection of quaint retail shops and casual dining. Accessible from every corner of the community via Harbor View Drive, a road with spectacular views of glistening waters, Marina Village is sure to become the heartbeat of Waterways. Choosing the perfect place for your next adventure is about so much more than finding a home. Get a feel for the Waterways lifestyle with a Discover Waterways Visit, an immersive three day, two-night getaway. Schedule Your Visit Today!
South Harbor Towns
Welcome to South Harbor Towns by Ryan Homes – Our newest 55+ community in the Isle of Wight, from the low $300s. We are now scheduling private model tours; visit our website to schedule yours today! Join the VIP list to schedule yours today!
Ideal for the active adult lifestyle, South Harbor Towns is loaded with amenities. Here's just a handful of amenities that are coming to the community:
- Clubhouse with Indoor & Outdoor Entertaining Areas & Fireplace
- Resort-style Heated Lap Pool with Waterfall & Fire Features
- Water Aerobics & Water Volleyball Areas
- Outdoor Hot Tub & Resort-like Cabanas
- Miles of Nature Trails & Sidewalks
- Two Lighted Pickleball Courts, Bocce Ball, Putting Green & Shuffleboard
- Grandkid's Playground & Dog Park
- Year-Round Activities & Events
- Golf Cart Friendly with Reserved Golf Cart Parking at the Clubhouse
The homes will feature first-floor owner's suites, chef-inspired kitchens, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2-car garages, optional covered porches, and flex space options. Plus, one of the best features…it's a maintenance-provided community, meaning we'll handle all the lawn maintenance, landscaping, and upkeep so you don't have to!
This community is located near the historic town of Smithfield, with local shopping, restaurants, military bases, and more! We can’t wait to share more with you! Our team is here to help make this big step an easy one. Visit our website to schedule a private model tour and learn more.
Winding Creek
Winding Creek is a new age-55+ lifestyle community for retirees and active adults in the south central Pennsylvania countryside.
Bordered by Killinger Creek and surrounded by quiet farmlands, Winding Creek residents enjoy life in a serene settings that’s still convenient to family, friends and business associates in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey. The nearby town of Palmyra has grocery markets, pharmacies, restaurants and shops for your everyday needs, while all of the popular attractions in the Hershey area are just a short drive away. Top-quality health care services are available at the Penn State Health Milton Hershey Medical Center.
Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in building communities for the active-adult lifestyle, Winding Creek is a low-maintenance community. Open floor plans with customizable details and energy-saving appliances are among the features that make every Winding Creek home distinctive. Amenities include a private community clubhouse for special events, plus a pool, pickleball courts and walking trails that make every day an adventure in healthy living.
Request more information below and get the latest news about your active lifestyle at an ideal location in Pennsylvania’s Winding Creek community.
Retire Tennessee Program Communities
Whether you’re ready for full-time retirement or want to relocate to a better place, Tennessee is a state that deserves your attention.
Consider these facts before deciding on another location: Tennessee collects no state tax on income or other retirement-plan benefits and no sales tax on prescription drugs. Property taxes in Tennessee are very reasonable, especially with available exemptions for retirees and age 65+ residents, resulting in the second-lowest overall state and local tax burden per capita in the nation. And Tennessee offers the eighth-lowest cost of living in the U.S.—more than 10% below the national average.
The Retire Tennessee program is a state government initiative designed to spread the word about all of the great reasons for retiring or relocating to the Volunteer State. From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the banks of the Mississippi River in the west, a total of 19 urban and rural counties in the program highlight the unique natural attractions and cultural amenities that each has to offer.
Tennessee has more than 60 state and national parks with some of America’s finest freshwater fishing lakes and hiking destinations that range from the 210-mile Cumberland Trail to Chattanooga’s 16-mile Riverwalk. The delightful four-season climate means that you can enjoy a round of golf or a kayak excursion any week of the year. And the world-famous Tennessee music scene includes Beale Street blues in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and bluegrass festivals in charming mountain towns like Kingsport and Cookeville.
Request more information below and let the Retire Tennessee program introduce you to the next great adventure in your life.
Brunswick Forest
Brunswick Forest, the Coastal South’s fastest growing community, is located on North Carolina’s Cape Fear coast, just minutes from historic Wilmington. This 4,500-acre retreat features a wide features a wide array of
neighborhoods, architecture, and price points.
World-class amenities include:
• 18 holes of golf at Cape Fear National
• Clubhouse, Restaurant & Pro-shop
• Fitness & Wellness Center with Indoor & Outdoor Pools
• Hammock Lake Park, Pool, and Fitness Center
• Reflections Fitness Center & Pool
• Town Creek River Launch
• Nearly 100 Miles of Walking, Biking & Nature Trails
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts
• Community Town Center with Shopping, Medical & Restaurants
If you would like to learn more about this vibrant, coastal community in North Carolina, you can request more information and compare this community with many others to find your ideal lifestyle, all you have to do is request more information. Discovery packages are available.
Legacy Homes by Bill Clark
Legacy Homes by Bill Clark is the crown jewel in a long line of North Carolina home building history. As one of the Nation’s “Top 100 Builders” for over a decade, the Legacy Homes division is a trusted partner in the Wilmington, NC region that spans four counties, and is a featured builder in many of the South’s premier planned communities, such as Brunswick Forest, Bluffs on the Cape Fear, Compass Pointe, River Bluffs, Riverlights, St. James, Summerhouse, with more to come. The Legacy Homes’ mission is to walk alongside each client as the dream of their new home becomes a reality… Best known for thoughtful floor plans, maximized living spaces, attention to detail, and custom trim work, any Legacy Home is destined to be a showstopper.
The goal at Legacy Homes is to make the homebuilding process as seamless for each client as possible. Whether choosing from one of the professionally designed available model homes or building from the ground up, a Legacy team member will be with you each step of the way. As a semi-custom builder, you will have the opportunity to create the dream home that fits perfectly with your lifestyle.
Keowee Key
Looking for the perfect lifestyle community for retirement or to raise your family? Keowee Key has more of what you love. Golf, tennis, fitness center, swimming, boating and pickleball are just a few of the amenities this active, gated, lakeside community offers.
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Salem, SC, and surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Keowee, Keowee Key is a 1,600-acre community carved out of a forest of hardwood and pines. You’ll find a wide variety of home styles and price points available in a natural setting with mild seasons and an abundance of local adventure.
All homes in Keowee Key are custom-built, including lakefront, mountain or golf-course views. For a maintenance-free lifestyle, you’ll find ample condominiums, town homes and cottages. Choose a lakefront home with private dock or use one of 5 community docks with 324 boat slips, pontoon and kayak rentals, and a supply store.
The challenging 18-hole, par 72 George Cobb Golf Course, features four tee boxes to match all skill levels. A clubhouse with award-winning chef, lakeside leisure trail, three swimming pools, and a dog park, contribute to Keowee Key’s country club lifestyle.
The Governors Land at Two Rivers
Beautifully built on 1,400+ acres nestled between the majestic James and Chickahominy Rivers, The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a private, member-owned country club community of distinction where new neighbors become family and peace of mind is a priority. Discover an immediate sense of serenity in our pleasantly spacious, hidden gem of a neighborhood that embodies the charm of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Enjoy membership at Two Rivers Country Club, home to our top-rated Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, first-class dining, a full calendar of social events and our deepwater, protected Marina.
The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a natural haven where our diverse community of families and retirees have discovered an undeniable allure and wish to preserve our place of beauty and tranquility. Easily access the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown and the College of William & Mary.
Schedule your Discovery Visit and experience our lively, welcoming, one-of-a-kind community in Williamsburg Virginia, consistently awarded as one of the best places to live by USA Today, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure and more!
Plan your visit
It’s time to get out there. Review the active adult communities below to see what your options are. Don’t let the list overwhelm you—once you’ve selected some communities that look appealing, plan your visit as the next step! You can chat with neighbors, tour the area, and get a feel for the active lifestyle that awaits you.







































