An active adult community, sometimes called a 55+ community, provides housing, services, and amenities for independent older adults who can handle most daily activities by themselves. Residents can buy or rent an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home, and these communities typically require monthly dues or fees. Active adult communities don’t provide care, but they may allow residents to hire medical and nonmedical care services from in-home care agencies. Amenities can include pools, tennis courts, and theaters.
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Active adult communities offer age-restricted housing and amenities for adults who are able to live independently. Unlike independent living communities, they don’t provide care services, though residents may hire outside care providers, depending on the rules of the community.
Housing options in active adult communities can include apartments, condos, single-family home subdivisions, and mobile home parks, and offer:
Active adult communities are best for people who are independent, don’t have young people living with them, don’t need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing or bathing, enjoy senior-focused amenities, and are comfortable keeping up with maintenance responsibilities that aren’t covered by the community.
Active adult housing isn’t appropriate for people who need assistance with ADLs and managing their medications, who can’t perform household tasks by themselves, or who have a household arrangement that’s prohibited by community rules. It’s also not an appropriate choice for someone who requires dementia-specific daily support such as supervision, security features, and cognitive assistance.
Here’s a simple breakdown of different types of senior living:
Active adult communities and independent living communities are both designed for older adults who can live independently, but they differ in housing types, services, and costs. Active adult communities offer housing for rent or purchase and community amenities that are supported by homeowner’s association (HOA) or community fees. Independent living residences usually charge rent or a monthly fee that includes care and other services.
| What to know | Active adult or 55+ community | Independent living community |
|---|---|---|
| Types of housing available for rent or purchase | May include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, mobile homes, or apartments for purchase or rent | Usually private apartments, cottages, or similar residences rented through the community |
| Who can live there? | Age and occupancy rules apply; policies for spouses, children, guests, and younger residents vary | Usually intended for older adults; age and occupancy policies vary by community |
| Who handles maintenance? | Residents may be responsible for some home or unit maintenance; included services vary | The community typically handles building, grounds, and routine maintenance |
| Are meals are included? | Usually not included; optional dining may be available | One or more meals may be included or available through a dining plan |
| Is housekeeping included? | Usually arranged and paid for separately | May be included on a schedule or available for an additional fee |
| Is transportation available? | Usually not included | Scheduled transportation may be available for appointments, shopping, or activities |
| What are the activities and shared amenities? | May include clubhouses, pools, fitness facilities, and organized activities; varies by community | May include dining, fitness, social activities, and shared spaces; varies by community |
| Is help with personal or medical needs provided? | Not usually | Not usually |
| Can outside caregivers visit? | Residents may be able to hire outside providers, subject to community rules | Outside care may be permitted; access and provider policies vary |
| What do residents pay for? | Mortgage or rent, possible HOA or community fees, and separate household expenses | Monthly rent or fees that may bundle housing, maintenance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, or activities |
| Are there options if care needs change? | Residents may need to arrange outside care or move if their needs increase | Some campuses offer additional care onsite, but options and costs vary by community |
Independent living and active adult communities structure costs differently, so compare both upfront and ongoing expenses, including what services are included, how often fees have increased, and optional charges.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost? A State-by-State Guide How Much Does Independent Living Cost? A State-by-State Guide
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Active adult communities may appeal to older adults who want age-restricted housing and shared amenities without bundled daily services. Depending on the community, residents may buy or rent their homes and may be responsible for some household costs, maintenance, and HOA or community fees. This option can offer more control over housing and expenses, but fewer services are typically included.
Independent living communities may be a better choice for older adults who want to remain independent while having more household tasks handled for them. Monthly fees often include services such as maintenance, housekeeping, meals, transportation, and activities. Residents generally rent their homes, and personal or medical care usually isn’t included unless the community is part of a campus that offers support for additional levels of care needs.
Active adult communities generally don’t provide personal care or medical services, but some residents can remain in their homes as their needs change by bringing in outside support. What’s possible depends on the community’s policies, the home’s accessibility, and the level of care that’s needed.
People who want the option to move from independent living to assisted living or memory care within the same senior living campus may instead consider a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).
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Create your own criteria for the best choice of active adult community, starting with your needs and preferences, such as:
If you’re interested in an active adult retirement community or independent living program, contact A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors who can help you explore the options in your area. Advisors can connect you to independent living communities in A Place for Mom’s network, but they don’t provide referrals to active adult communities where residents purchase their homes.
No. Although active adult communities often have age restrictions, they generally don’t have rules about residents’ employment status.
Grandchildren are typically allowed to visit, but each 55+community may have unique rules about how long they can stay and whether or not they can live there.
Congress.gov. H.R.660 – Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995.
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