What is an Active Adult Community? Find Out Here!

We often work with clients that want to downsize due to kids growing up and not wanting to take care of a large home and yard.  Therefore, we usually suggest that they may want to look at an active adult community.  The response is often “I want my own place”.  So what is an active adult community?{[}]{[}]An active adult community is a neighborhood built primarily for mature adults.  Some neighborhoods have age restrictions; however, most do not in the metro Atlanta area.  When these communities are initially marketed by the builder, their advertising emphasizes the features attractive to active adults and does not encourage families with children.  Most active communities are one story ranch homes with two or three bedrooms.  These homes are designed for comfortable living with Great Rooms and Dining Area – you can make the layout as formal or informal as you choose.  Most floorplans will have a sunroom or den.  They include garages, generally with space for two cars.  Some homes have basements and some are designed with permanent stairs to attic storage.  Presently some builders are adding a bonus area over the garages.  Patio styles vary per neighborhood.   Also, the homes are generally attached so that at least two are connected.  In some cases, the homes are side by side while in others neighborhoods there are several homes under one roof, usually 2 or 4 units.  Each home will have its own front door and driveway.{[}]{[}]These communities range in size from 30 homes to several hundred.  There are clubhouses in most neighborhoods including a common room for neighbors to gather, a workout room, and kitchen.  Swimming pools and tennis courts will be found in many.  You can be as active as you are so inclined.{[}]{[}]Most active adult communities have Homeowner Associations with covenant and deed restrictions and monthly fees.  The association takes care of the landscaping maintenance – no more leaves to rake or grass to mow, generally no exterior maintenance – roofs and painting are a thing of the past, trash pick up, termite bond, water and sewer.  In some neighborhoods, cable  tv and internet service are included.  Pricing starts around $180,000 and up.{[}]{[}]If you are looking to downsize or want a lifestyle change, an active adult community could be the perfect place to call home.  In the Metro Atlanta area, these neighborhoods are usually referred to as ranch condos. In other areas of the country, they may be called patio homes or garden homes.   Some examples of these communities would be The Willows in Woodstock, Arbor Oaks in East Cobb/Marietta, and The Orchards of Windward in Milton. There are many such communities in Woodstock and surrounding areas, so look for more information here in future posts.