Wondering where to live out your golden years? Check out these active retirement communities!
For most people, retirement comes after many decades of hard work. So they’re probably looking to set down new roots in a community designed for those seeking comfortable living. Other retirees crave a more active lifestyle.
Retirement communities can deliver a wide variety of amenities for active seniors, including on-site dining, recreation, and even travel.
Yet finding the best active retirement communities in the US hinges on several factors, including the cost of living, amenities, access to shopping and entertainment areas, and housing suitability. Choosing which option is right for you will take time.
But, as always, Retirement In USA is here to help you make all the tough decisions. On that note, here are the 8 best active retirement communities in our nation to help make your choice easier!
Latitude Margaritaville: Daytona Beach, Florida
Inspired by the loveable Jimmy Buffett, Latitude Margaritaville is a 55 and older community in the Sunshine State that makes every day feel like you’re on vacation. Resort-style amenities are plentiful here.
This active retirement community is genuinely like your very own slice of paradise, from the pool and private beach club surrounded by tiki huts to the restaurant, bar, and sports courts.
Latitude Margaritaville also has a Town Center featuring the Latitude Bar and Grill. The community has won 17 National Association of Home Builders Awards, including the best 55+ community of the year.
For an exceptional 55-plus community in Florida that feels like living on a resort property, it’s hard to beat this community.
Sun City Anthem: Henderson, Nevada
Located near Sin City, yet in a world entirely of its own, is Sun City Anthem. With over 7,000 homes created by world-famous Del Webb, this is one of the most popular retirement communities in the US.
Three clubhouses and a mixed selection of active adult amenities create a retirement living experience you won’t likely find anywhere else. And what’s even better is that Nevada doesn’t have a state income tax… merely another benefit of retiring here.
Sun City Anthem boasts a huge 77,000-square-foot clubhouse called Anthem Center, which features a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, multi-use rooms, and much more. The newer Liberty Center is over 22,000 square feet and has pickleball, tennis, and bocce courts.
As one of the largest of the retirement communities in the nation, it’s safe to say that you can add Sun City Anthem on your list of the best 55-plus communities in America!
Sun City, Texas: Georgetown, Texas
Located 35 miles from Austin is Sun City, a sprawling 4,000-acre active retirement community that deserves a spot on our list as one of the most active retirement communities in the nation. Boasting three of the best private golf courses in Texas, this place is a golfer’s paradise.
There are more than 50 Chartered Clubs and Interest Groups. So you can continue your favorite hobbies despite moving or make some new friends. Other amenities include a top-notch fitness center and over 140 fitness classes.
The community benefits from Texas having no state income tax and it’s also reasonably affordable. With a charming small-town feel and Texas hospitality, Sun City, is a 55 and over community in the south definitely worth looking into.
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton: Summerville, South Carolina
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton is designed with today’s active adult lifestyle in mind. It’s a newer, gated 55 and older community, and it’s also an award-winning master-planned neighborhood.
Brimming with recreation opportunities and quality Del Webb homes, this active retirement community is definitely worth checking out.
If you decide to live here, you have access to resort-style amenities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a huge clubhouse with multi-use rooms.
Those interested in retiring in the southeast region of the nation should consider Del Webb Charleston at Nexton as an option. It’s one of the country’s top 55 and over communities.
Laguna Woods Village: Laguna Woods, California
Well-known for being one of Southern California’s most active retirement communities, Laguna Woods Village is a mere 10 minutes away from the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a hefty 55 and over active retirement community with roughly 18,500 residents who enjoy incredible weather all year round.
And it has many amenities and activities that active adults enjoy. At Laguna Woods, you have the option of playing at two golf courses or enjoying five swimming pools, tennis courts, an arts center, lawn bowling, and many other active adult entertainment.
The community features more than 80 floor plans, most of which are condo units. So if you’re hoping for a sunny California retirement in a high-quality 55-plus community, Laguna Woods Village may be your best bet.
Sun City Huntley: Huntley, Illinois
Sun City Huntley, hidden away in Huntley, Illinois, is an active retirement community spanning across 2,200 acres.
This community features roughly 5,500 homes priced from the mid-$200,000s to the low-$600,000s, making it an inexpensive option if you’re working with a smaller retirement budget.
And besides its close proximity to the Windy City, community perks include a 94,000-square-foot clubhouse hosting 80 clubs and amenities.
These include arts and crafts studios, an indoor walking track and spa, and a ballroom that hosts various activities and events throughout the year.
If you decide to relocate here, you can enjoy many miles of outdoor activities and nature trails or head indoors for dancing, yoga, cardio, or jazzercise classes.
Sun City West: Sun City West, Arizona
Those searching for a 55 and older golf community should consider moving to Sun City West. This is a considerable retirement community with about 30,000 people.
There are seven golf courses in this active retirement community, four of which are regulation courses: Deer Valley, Pebblebrook, Grandview, and Trail Ridge. And there are also three executive courses: Echo Mesa, Desert Trails, and Stardust.
But besides the fantastic options for golf, the community boasts a resort-style swimming pool, four recreation centers, a bowling alley, and even a movie theatre.
Located in the southwestern part of Phoenix, this area gets year-round warm weather, and there are lots of things to do. With all the outdoor activities and a wide range of dining options, you’ll find it hard to be bored if you choose to move here.
Sun City Summerlin: Las Vegas, Nevada
Sun City Summerlin, a large 55 and over community in Las Vegas, is an 2,530-acre active retirement community that boasts spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip and mountains.
It’s conveniently located in the popular master-planned Summerlin community, with its very own downtown area and stunning views of Red Rock Canyon. There are more than 7,700 townhouses, single-family homes, three golf courses, and four clubhouses.
Seniors can live an active adult lifestyle with more than 80 associations and clubs to join as one of the very best active retirement communities in Las Vegas.
If you decide to relocate here, you’ll have your pick of resort-style amenities, including fitness centers, swimming pools and spas, tennis courts, pickleball courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball, movie theatre, ballroom, card rooms, and much more.
And remember that you get all the excitement and fun of Las Vegas at your fingertips. So grab your sunscreen and let’s get this show on the road!
So what do you think of all these active retirement communities? Have you had your eye on any of them? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
But don’t leave just yet! Retirement In USA has many more fantastic reads for you. For instance, we highly recommend you also check out: Looking to Retire Near the Mountains? You’ll Love These 7 Charming Places
