By: Joelle Andersen, TOMO
Adult communities, for people 55+, are booming and it’s no wonder. According to the market research firm, Nova One Advisor, the U.S. Active Adult (55+) Community market size was estimated at $589.60 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass around $875.27 billion by 2032 and poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.03% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.
As the need for adult communities has grown throughout the US, Tomo has put together a quick list of homes for sale in 55+ communities across North and South Carolina.
Let’s take a moment and highlight the first city on the list, Charlotte, NC, which is increasingly becoming a popular choice for retirees seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle in a city with diverse amenities and a favorable climate. Here are several reasons why Charlotte is attractive for retirees:
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many other major cities in the United States, Charlotte offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing costs, including home prices and property taxes, can be more reasonable compared to coastal cities or larger metropolitan areas.
- Moderate Climate: Charlotte experiences a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are generally mild, and summers are warm, making outdoor activities enjoyable throughout much of the year.
- Healthcare Facilities: Charlotte is home to numerous healthcare facilities and hospitals, including major medical centers like Atrium Health and Novant Health. Access to quality healthcare services is important for retirees, and Charlotte provides ample options.
Living in an adult community has many advantages. Some of those advantages include lifestyle amenities, maintenance-free living, social opportunities, and security and safety. As the baby boomers age, the demand for these communities have grown significantly. Additionally, as generations are living longer, the definition of retirement has changed. Today it means many things, such as maintaining an active lifestyle, traveling the world and/or learning a new skill/craft.
55+ communities often offer a wide range of amenities and recreational facilities tailored to the needs and interests of older adults. These amenities may include clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, golf courses, walking trails, tennis courts, and social clubs and activities. Also, owning your own home and the upkeep that goes along with it can get exhausting. Many communities offer maintenance-free or low-maintenance living options, where exterior maintenance, landscaping, and common area upkeep are typically handled by the community association. In a 55+ community, you can be as social as you want—many communities organize social events to build connections. Lastly, if security and safety is a main concern, some 55+ communities offer gated entrances, security patrols, and other safety features to provide residents with peace of mind and a sense of security.
Is a 55+ community the right move for you? Only you can make that decision. There are pros and cons to every major life decision, so do your research regarding locations and amenities. The pros—these communities provide a tight-knit living environment with peers at a similar stage in their life. The physically demanding responsibilities like yard work and upkeep are taken off your plate and you’ll have more time to do what you love. The cons—these communities could have strict rules regarding house uniformity and quiet hours. Additionally, there are HOA fees and lack of diversity, since every neighbor is in a similar life stage (some see this as a pro, others as a con). All in all, this is an exciting time of your life, so evaluate the benefits along with the drawbacks, to help determine if this is your next chapter.
Published by: Martin De Juan
