by Al Heavens
There was a time when
the phrase "active-adult" was synonymous with the term "retirement,"
and by "retirement" many people meant a certain location such as
Florida or the desert Southwest.
But with many Americans seeking an active-adult lifestyle long before
they retire, the choice of where to buy increasingly means not moving
far away. Recent surveys have shown that more and more buyers ages 45
and older are sticking closer to home, choosing communities an hour or
so from where they now live, rather than moving hundreds of miles from
familiar places, family and friends.
Some older buyers -- those 65 and up -- who had chosen to move to the
Sun Belt are now reconsidering their decision. Again, a longing for
family and friends plays a role, and the increase in the number and
variety of active-adult communities in areas closer to home has given
them a new option.
These are the "boomerang" buyers -- so called because they return to
the place where they started -- and they fall into two categories: The
first group keeps the place in Tampa or Tucson as a winter residence,
and buys a second house or condo in a new active-adult community in the
area from which they moved.
Those in the second group sell the Sun Belt residence, using the equity
to buy a place in an active-adult community back home, and maybe a
second, smaller house or condo a similar community at the shore or in
the mountains for use as a summer home or a weekend getaway in the
winter.
So what are some of factors that can help you determine which location
is best for you?
Age 45 to 65
If you're between the ages of 45 and 65, it's a good bet that you
remain employed. If you have children, it's likely that they are either
nearing high school graduation or in college.
This means that whatever you buy must be within a reasonable commute
from work. If you can work by computer a couple of days a week from
home you can live farther away: working from home increases your
options for traditional -- and perhaps more distant -- resort areas
such as the mountains or the seashore.
With at least one child still at home, educational opportunities can
still be factor in location, although of less importance than to a
household just starting out. There are enough active-adult communities
being built these days that finding a new school might not be necessary
-- there might be such a community near where you now live.
Age 65 And Above
While it's always difficult to make sweeping generalizations about
various age groups, it's safe to say that many people age 66 and above
have either retired or want to find part-time employment. For those in
this group, location depends on personal preferences such as keeping
the friends and facilities they now have or moving to another location
and starting fresh.
Finding a community close to the doctor or a specializing hospital can
be a major factor, and transportation becomes increasingly important as
retirees age and no longer drive.
While active-adult buyers in all age groups want to remain on their own
for as long as they can, illness can undercut independent living.
Larger communities are able to offer a variety of options, including
assisted living and continuing care arrangements that can be tailored
to the buyers' needs.
Some active-adult buyers prefer a community with a mix of generations
rather than an age-exclusive setting dedicated to those aged 55 and
above. These "inter-generational" settings are growing in popularity,
and, if they are large enough, they give people a chance to change
residences within the same community as their needs evolve.
As more and more builders open Web sites, the Internet is a perfect
place to search for an active-adult community. Once you develop a list
of possibilities, make appointments to visit the sites. Check out the
neighborhoods. Find out how long it takes to drive or walk to the
nearest store or to reach the nearest major highway that will provide
easy to access those places which are important to you.