55+ Communities vs. Retirement Homes: Pros and Cons

So, you’re finally done raising the kids, and now it’s time for your next great adventure—whether that’s traveling, gardening, or picking up a new hobby. But where should you live? Should you stay in your current home or explore a senior living option that offers a built-in community of peers? Deciding where to settle next involves weighing the pros and cons of senior living communities and 55+ communities to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

Before making a move, it’s essential to understand the key differences between a 55+ community and a retirement home. While they may seem similar at first glance, these options offer distinct living experiences that can significantly impact your day-to-day life.

Pros and Cons of Senior Living Communities

Retirement homes are closely related to nursing homes. It’s designed for individuals with chronic conditions who may need some extra care. However, they don’t need around-the-clock care like someone in a nursing home would.

People who would find a retirement home suitable include anyone with balance issues, diabetes that needs to be monitored, heart problems, or anything else that might lead to further health issues if left untreated. Or, they may simply not be able to care for their conditions on their own. Here are the pros and cons of senior living communities:

Pros of a Retirement Home

1. There is medical care staff there around the clock. So if you need care, they can be there immediately. Some of the staff you’ll find at a retirement home include nurses, CNAs, and med techs.
2. Your meals are cooked for you.
3. Housekeeping takes care of things like making your bed, doing the laundry, sweeping, mopping, and all the other little details you’ve been doing on your own for years.

Cons of a Retirement Home

1. You’ll probably have a roommate, whether you want one or not.
2. The staff will want to know where you are going every time you leave the facility. Some retirement homes even have locks that require passcodes on the door to prevent patients with Alzheimer’s from leaving.
3. If you like doing housekeeping chores, you may not like someone doing everything for you. Some homes allow residents to do some things, while others consider these tasks off-limits.
4. You may not be given access to the kitchen if you prefer to cook your own meals.
5. You have to eat what is on the menu unless someone is willing to bring you something in.
6. It’s not truly your home. So if you’re sick of looking at that floral wallpaper, you’re stuck with it.
7. You can only have visitors between certain hours.

Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities

An active adult community is exactly what it sounds like. You buy a home of your own which is exclusively yours. The types of homes offered include condos, attached villas or townhomes, and single-family homes. They’re often called 55+ communities because you must be 55 or older to live there.

In many cases, there are medical facilities nearby. So if you need to visit a doctor or go to the ER, there’s one within driving distance. There are often a lot of amenities included in the facility, such as swimming pools, recreation centers, bike trails, tennis courts, golf courses, and lifestyle directors to help keep your calendar full of fun things to do.

Pros of a 55+ Community

1. It’s your home. So in most cases, you can decorate it however you desire.
2. You can come and go as you please without having to ask permission or using codes to get in and out.
3. Cook what you want, when you want it, even if it’s 3:30 in the morning.
4. You can invite whomever you want to visit, and they can even stay for weeks at a time.
5. There are tons of social events planned, so you can stay in or go hang out with your friends without having to leave your community.
6. You’re only required to have a roommate if you want one.
7. You’ve got an entire home to yourself and not just half a room.
8. The facilities, such as the pool, tennis courts, gardens, and other community property, are maintained for you.
9. There’s no bedtime, so if you’re a night owl, you won’t be disturbing anyone else.

Cons of a 55+ Community

1. Medical staff isn’t located on-site, although they are nearby.
2. Most 55+ communities don’t allow children and require at least one person to be over the age of 55 (or whatever the age restriction may be for that community).
3. There’s no housekeeping staff, although you can hire someone.

Which Should You Pick?

Choosing between a retirement home and a 55+ community will probably boil down to your overall health. If you’re still working, even if it’s only part-time, or you’re still able to live independently, then a 55+ community is probably best for you.

While there’s no way to know what the future holds, it’s important to maintain your independence for as long as you can. Being part of a community means there are people around you who can help with chores like cleaning out the gutters or opening that stubborn jar of peanut butter.

A retirement home is more suitable for someone who needs more day-to-day assistance. You may not be bedridden, but if you have health problems that require you to be monitored daily, then a retirement home might be a suitable location.

This is a topic that should be addressed with your doctor if you’re on the fence. Some chronic conditions move fast, while others take decades to fully unfold. Your doctor can easily tell you which would be the best location for you. If you’re still in good health, then a 55+ community is a great choice.

55places Is Here To Help

Choosing the right community can feel overwhelming, with countless options ranging from small, close-knit neighborhoods to large-scale developments with thousands of homes. Each offers a unique lifestyle, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons of senior living communities and 55+ communities before making a decision.

Instead of sorting through all the possibilities on your own, let 55places guide you. Our expert real estate agents specialize in 55+ communities and can help you find the perfect fit based on your needs and preferences. We’ll answer your questions, streamline your search, and make your move as smooth as possible—no commitment required. Contact us today to learn more!

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Bill Ness

Bill Ness is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of 55places.com. His real estate career began in sales for Del Webb before becoming a sales manager for Sun City Huntley. After noticing that the industry lacked a central, reliable, and unbiased resource for active adult communities, Bill left Del Webb in 2007 to start 55places.com. Having traveled to countless 55+ communities and having interviewed residents, builders, and agents around the country, Bill is considered a leading expert on the active adult lifestyle. View all authors