5 Negatives of Active Adult Retirement Communities

There are many advantages to retiring in active adult communities. In fact, sometimes it sounds like it’s all positive. So, for the last few months, I have been asking people, especially those who live in active adult communities, “what are the negatives?”

A recent 15-day cruise gave me a lot of time to talk with some wonderful people we met who live in active adult communities in California and Arizona (these were mostly Del Webb communities). They could talk for hours about the positives. When I finally asked about negatives, it actually took these folks a long time to come up with anything. But, there were some!

1. Homeowner Associations

The number one complaint I heard was about homeowner associations. The HOAs were too restrictive, too noisy, too petty, or too political. I know in any subdivision that has an HOA they can become like little dictatorships and really tend to irk residents. Think about all of the usual restrictions an age-qualified community must have – then add the headache of an HOA on a power trip. Retirement is suddenly not as relaxing as it should be!

The issue lies not just with the HOA itself, but with the frequent reporting of violations by neighbors, sometimes even leading to vigilante-style inspections. This can create an atmosphere of tension and unease, detracting from the sense of community that retirement communities are supposed to foster.

Sheesh!

2. Quality Concerns

Another issue raised by residents, particularly those living in communities originally built by Del Webb, is a perceived decline in the quality of new homes built after Del Webb sold out to Pulte. This has led to dissatisfaction among some residents, who feel that the standards they expected when they moved in are not being maintained.

3. Age is Sometimes an Issue

Active adult communities are often marketed towards a broad age range, typically 55 and up. However, this can lead to a significant age disparity among residents. Some younger residents have expressed feeling out of place, finding the majority of their neighbors to be significantly older. This can impact the overall community dynamic and may not provide the social environment that younger retirees are seeking.

4. Gossip

For myself, living in an active adult community for some time now, I would say the gossip turns me off. There are many social gatherings that can be fertile grounds for gossip. This can create an uncomfortable environment for those who prefer to keep a low profile or are not interested in becoming part of community drama. Lucky for me, the gossip doesn’t usually hit the outdoor sports I usually participate in!

5. Location Limitations

Many of the larger active adult communities are located in small towns on the outskirts of larger metro areas. While this provides a quieter, more relaxed living environment, it also means that residents may have to travel further to access certain amenities. They may not have all the nice restaurants you’re used to or the upscale specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, or Trader Joe’s. But, then again, those places aren’t usually too far away!

Does the Bad Outweigh the Good?

That all depends on you! There are a lot of misconceptions about active adult retirement communities. Some may say residential communities are “too old.” HOA horror stories turn some people off too. But, as an active adult community resident myself, I genuinely feel that the bad does not outweigh the good. Your retirement experience in one of these communities is usually what you choose to make it!

It’s important for potential residents to thoroughly research and visit several communities before making a decision, ensuring they find a place that meets their lifestyle needs and expectations.

Living in an active adult community gives you many wonderful opportunities to meet new friends and socialize! I know that I value the friendships I’ve made with some amazing people who are 10 and even 20 years older than me.