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.
Kingfish Bay
Discover Kingfish Bay: A Coastal Retreat in Calabash, NC
Welcome to Kingfish Bay, one of the Carolina Coast’s premier private communities, located in the charming village of Calabash, North Carolina. Overlooking the serene Calabash River, this gated community spans over 60 acres of hardwood forest, wetlands, and picturesque coastal bluffs. Nestled near the vibrant attractions of North Myrtle Beach and the peaceful shores of Sunset Beach, Kingfish Bay offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility, all within walking distance of Calabash’s renowned restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Exceptional Amenities for Relaxed Living
Residents also enjoy exclusive access to the Oceanfront Beach Club at nearby Sunset Beach—a rare HOA-owned beachfront escape, offering premium beachfront parking. Enjoy breathtaking views and serene moments at the private Waterfront Park, complete with walking trails, picnic areas, fire pits, bocce ball, and a pier extending into the river. A second pier with day boat slips and a kayak launch is in development, adding even more opportunities for recreation and wildlife watching.
Residents also enjoy exclusive access to the Oceanfront Beach Club at nearby Sunset Beach—a rare HOA-owned beachfront escape. At the heart of Kingfish Bay, the 5,000-square-foot Community Center boasts a resort-style pool, spa, fitness center, cinema room, putting green, and spaces for social gatherings, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Diverse Home Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
Kingfish Bay offers a variety of home plans tailored to coastal living. Choose from charming coastal cottages or larger single-family homes, each nestled among lush palm trees and beautifully landscaped spaces. Build your dream home through our Custom Home Program, with options for waterview or single-family lots that highlight the natural beauty of the area. Move-in-ready homes are also available, offering convenience without sacrificing charm.
A Community Rooted in Coastal Charm
Kingfish Bay is more than a place to live—it’s a lifestyle rooted in the coastal charm of Calabash. Known for its seafood and warm hospitality, this top-rated town enriches the community’s close-knit, relaxed atmosphere. Discover a life where every day feels like a retreat at Kingfish Bay, where you’re not just living—you’re Living Relaxed.
Fairfield Glade & Fairfield North
Fairfield Glade is perched high atop the Cumberland Plateau, and offers serene mountain beauty as it sits on the highest point between the Rocky and Smoky Mountains. One of the favorite features of this area is the moderate year round temperatures. The pleasant summer days and the cool summer nights can be attributed to the Cumberland Plateau’s 2,000-foot-elevation, allowing for more comfortable temperatures and much lower humidity than most areas of the south.
What to do with all the fabulous weather and beautiful scenery? Golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, walking, swimming, tennis/pickleball-the list of fun activities available is simply endless! Plus, an outdoor amphitheater and biergarten just opened to host live music, movies, food and community events – it’s a great gathering place for neighbors to come together.
The community offers multiple subdivisions with a wide range of home sizes, price ranges, and views that include mountain, lake, golf and protected woodlands. Another attribute is the incredible cost of living in Fairfield Glade – no state income tax on wages, very reasonable home prices, and extremely low property taxes and club dues.
Fairfield Glade is just 6 miles from the city limits of Crossville, a small town, but bustling with activities. Crossville’s central location on Interstate 40 has made it a hub for many outlying areas and has given rise to a booming retail environment, offering shopping, dining and entertainment choices. The community is also located right off I-40, less than an hour from Knoxville, and an hour and a half from either Nashville or Chattanooga.
Testimonial
“The biggest deciding factor for choosing Fairfield Glade was the people, both in the Glade and in the town. When we came to visit the first time, we had no appointment and no agenda – we just popped in and wandered around. Folks stopped us everywhere we went – Food City, the Wellness Center, Villa Pizza – and just chatted. No one was in a hurry, everyone was interested in our story, everyone had some tidbit to share. The same thing happened on our second visit, and then on every visit we made once construction started. We felt like we had become part of the community before we were actually part of the community.” Michelle and James Bayless
Fairfield Glade has 11 lakes and two marinas.
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.