A 55+ community is a type of community or housing development that is designed specifically for individuals aged 55 and older. Everything from floor plans and expected home maintenance to community events and resources all cater to older homeowners.
These communities, sometimes referred to as an Active Adult community, are also age-restricted, meaning residents have to meet the 55+ requirement in order to purchase a property.
There are plenty of things to look forward to as you age: Retirement, a relaxed lifestyle, and more time with the family are just a few of the perks. In order to capitalize on these opportunities, some people decide to live in a 55+ or Active Adult community, but there are a few things you should know before committing.
Can Someone Younger than 55 Live in a 55+ Community?
The short answer is yes, but it will depend on specific circumstances and the community’s guidelines. The two most common situations are if a spouse does not meet the age requirement, or if there’s an adult child (over 18) moving with you. In both cases exceptions are typically granted because there is one member of the household older than 55 years. While these are general exceptions, be sure to double check the specifics of wherever you’re looking to move, as communities do have some flexibility on determining these rules.
Common Questions:
If 80 percent of the community is 55 and older, the remaining 20 percent of residents can be younger. Is this true?
Yes! This is referring to the 1995 Housing for Older Persons Act, or HOPA. Under this act, once 80 percent of the units are occupied by at least one person over the age of 55, communities are allowed to adjust their age requirements.
However, they’re not required to allow younger residents after this 80 percent threshold is met. Communities might lower the minimum age by a few years to allow more homebuyers, or they might not.
Can I still purchase a home in a 55+ community if I’m just under the age requirement?
It’s possible, but to be sure, check with a community representative. The community might require that buyers reach the minimum age within a certain timeframe, or they may have flexible age requirements due to HOPA.
My child is under 18. Can I move in to a 55+ community?
Possibly. This restriction has more to do with available resources and amenities and less to do with age policing. Communities with children often focus on proximity to resources like strong public schools and family entertainment venues. Because 55+ communities cater to a different demographic, these important amenities aren’t guaranteed to be nearby, thus making it difficult for families with children to settle.
If you fall into this category, be sure to ask reach out to specific communities you’re interested in to get answers. Just because it’s uncommon doesn’t mean it’s impossible; you’ll just have to do some digging to find the community that meets your needs.
Can my grandchildren come visit?
Yes! In fact, some 55+ communities will even designate weeks for children-themed activities to help keep grandkids entertained.
The key point here is that these visits are meant to be short-term. If you’re used to having your grandkids visit for months at a time, ask if there is a maximum number of days guests under age 55 are allowed to visit.
Can a person with a disability live in a 55+ community if they do not meet the age requirement?
Like other instances where age is a factor, almost always the person will be required to live full-time with a resident who is 55 or older. If the goal is to find a community with in-home living assistance, know that this isn’t typical of 55+ communities.
If the 55+ resident passes away, can their younger-than-55 kid/spouse/etc. inherit the property?
This will be at the discretion of the community. If you are including your home in your will and you live in a 55+ community, it is best to involve a community representative and a lawyer to determine the details.
Can I rent the property to someone under 55?
This is a grey area, and you’re going to have to take it up with the community’s HOA guidelines. Most communities want permanent residents, not renters, to help foster connections among neighbors, so renting out the home in general is a rare opportunity. In order to maintain the themes and personality of a community, renters under 55 aren’t often permitted.
Is a 55+ Community is Right for You?
The rules and regulations can vary from community to community, so you’ll need to do some research in order to find the best fit. Just remember that you can always reach out to a community representative to help answer any questions you may have.
To find the right 55-plus community for you contact our specialist 561 512 0459
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