A 55+ community is a residential neighborhood designed for adults age 55 and older, with low-maintenance homes and shared amenities that make an active, easygoing lifestyle simple. At Temple Companies Lifestyle Communities, our 55+ neighborhoods pair beautifully designed manufactured homes with a friendly hometown atmosphere, so residents can downsize, cut back on home upkeep, and spend more time on what they enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- A 55+ community is a residential community of low-maintenance homes with shared amenities for active adults, retirees, and older adults.
- You may also hear it called a 55-plus, age-qualified, age-restricted, active adult, planned retirement, or lifestyle community. They all describe the same basic idea.
- Many people choose 55+ living for a higher-quality home at a lower cost, a lower monthly payment, and a quieter pace of life.
- Fewer home maintenance responsibilities means more time for hobbies, friends, and family.
- Homes in our 55+ communities are designed with modern features and with aging in place in mind, and many allow some customization.
- Added safety and security, a vibrant social life, and easy access to organized recreation round out the appeal.
- Details such as home designs, amenities, and age-qualification requirements vary by community, so the best next step is to talk with the community team and take a tour.
So, What Exactly Is a 55+ Community?
In its most basic form, a 55+ community is a residential community that combines beautifully designed, low-maintenance homes with a variety of shared amenities that matter to active seniors, retirees, and older adults. Instead of managing a large property on your own, you live in a neighborhood built around ease, comfort, and connection with neighbors at a similar stage of life.
Our 55+ communities feature manufactured homes built by The Temple Companies, a leading name in the field. The result is a home that looks and feels like a place you would be proud to come back to, in a setting designed for the way you want to live now.
Other Names You May Hear
Because this style of living has been around for a long time, it goes by many names. If you see any of these terms while you search, they are all pointing to the same kind of neighborhood:
- 55-plus communities
- Age-qualified communities
- Age-restricted communities
- Active adult communities
- Planned retirement communities
- Lifestyle communities
Why Do People Choose 55+ Living?
There is no single reason, and most people have a few. Here are the ones we hear most often.
Value and a Home That Fits
- A home of higher quality at less cost
- A lower monthly payment
- A home design that fits the way you live and allows some customization
- A place to downsize and enjoy more personal time
A Simpler, Quieter Lifestyle
- A less busy and noisy environment
- Fewer responsibilities related to home maintenance
- Homes with modern features
- Homes purposely designed for aging in place
Community, Safety, and Things to Do
- A more vibrant and active social life
- Heightened safety and security
- An atmosphere that is welcoming to people 55+, seniors, and retirees
- Easy access to fun, organized recreational activities
In essence, many people find 55+ communities appealing because of the opportunity to live a more carefree, and in many ways more upscale, lifestyle.
How 55+ Living Compares to a Traditional Neighborhood
Every situation is different, but this side-by-side look shows why so many people make the move. Specifics vary by community and by home.
| What matters | 55+ Community | Traditional Single-Family Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|
| Home maintenance | Low-maintenance homes and fewer upkeep responsibilities | Typically all upkeep falls to the homeowner |
| Home design | Designed with modern features and aging in place in mind | Varies widely by age and style of home |
| Monthly costs | Often a lower monthly payment | Varies by home and location |
| Social life | Neighbors at a similar stage of life and organized activities | Depends on the neighborhood |
| Recreation | Shared amenities and recreation close to home | Usually requires traveling to amenities |
| Safety and security | Heightened safety and security as part of the community | Depends on the neighborhood |
Common Questions About 55+ Communities
Is a 55+ community the same as assisted living?
No. A 55+ community is a residential neighborhood for active adults who live independently in their own homes. It focuses on lifestyle, convenience, and community rather than medical or personal care services.
Does “manufactured home” mean a basic home?
Not in our communities. Our homes are beautifully and distinctively designed, include modern features, are designed with aging in place in mind, and many offer some room for customization.
Do all 55+ communities work the same way?
No. Home designs, amenities, pricing, and age-qualification requirements differ from one community to the next. That is why we recommend visiting in person and asking questions about the specific community you are considering.
Why do people say they want to downsize into a 55+ community?
Many people want a smaller house to maintain. Downsizing into a low-maintenance home can free up time, reduce monthly costs, and make it easier to enjoy hobbies, travel, and time with family.
The Temple Companies Lifestyle Community Difference
Distinctively designed, reasonably priced homes define a Temple Companies Lifestyle Community. We have created a friendly hometown atmosphere in each of our 55+ neighborhoods. Along with all that the surrounding area has to offer, residents enjoy unmatched home values, a comfortable lifestyle, and easy living in an attractive environment that is hard to resist.
Ready to Explore a 55+ Lifestyle?
A Temple Companies Lifestyle Community could be the right direction for your 55+ lifestyle. Explore our communities to find the one that fits you best, then contact the community team to take a tour.
Home designs, amenities, pricing, and age-qualification requirements vary by community. Please contact the community directly for current details.