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
Search Filters:
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.
River Bluffs
A Unique Waterfront Community with New Homes from the $500s – $2.5M+ and available homesites starting at $150k.
Located just 10 minutes north of Downtown Wilmington, NC (by boat or car) sits River Bluffs, a gated community that overlooks the Northeast Cape Fear River. River Bluffs offers a wide variety of home plans, including affordable cottage-style homes for a growing family, single-level homes with retirement-smart features, low-maintenance townhomes, and even fully custom homes built by the area’s most prestigious builders. River Bluffs boasts a variety of luxurious amenities such as a 2,700-foot river walk with covered gazebos, 188 slip marina, miles of walking trails and parks, luxury pools, high-end fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, over 30+ resident clubs including kayaking, boating, an onsite restaurant, and much more.
Enhance Your Quality of Life by Moving to River Bluffs:
• No city tax and no traffic!
• Low county & state taxes. North Carolina residents enjoy some of the lowest cost of living expenses on the Eastern seaboard!
• Enjoy low HOA dues which include yard maintenance, trash service, recycling, and access to all community amenities.
• 4.75% flat income tax and 0% estate or inheritance tax.
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.
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.

