Active Adult Buyers Desire Community, Safety

Active adult communities draw in retirees with amenities, safety, and community—offerings that are even more important to some now due to the pandemic. One real estate agent, and a resident of an active adult community, told the Washington Post that after an initial pause in buying activity in the spring, more buyers than typical were viewing active adult communities. Buyers are also younger than before. These age-restricted communities open up to those 55 and up, and the majority leave in their 80s, so more active adults are wanting to take advantage of golf, tennis, and other social activities fully while they can. 

Buyers who were able to find a place to purchase at Sun City Huntley this spring and summer moved in and found some social life through walking groups and the community website, McGahan says.

“At least their neighbors are around and they’re all similar in age,” he says. “We get together outside in front of the house or on the golf course. It’s really important for people who aren’t working and helps them get through this stretch of staying home. It’s a nice substitute for not seeing family.”

Addressing health needs
For Joe and Maureen Brennan, who moved in August into the independent-living section at Vi at Silverstone, a life plan community in Scottsdale, Ariz., the availability of a wide array of activities was an important draw. A life plan community includes an active adult component as well as access to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities within the development for potential future needs.

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