Home ownership is central to the American Dream, but recently there has been a housing shortage in America. Market conditions in many heavily populated areas have led to soaring home prices and high rents. Many seniors are surprised to learn about companies like Lennar, Toll Brothers, and Shea Homes that are quickly building new homes and condos for those aged fifty-five and up. These “55+” communities, often referred to as “active adult” communities, are located in unexpected places. Active adult homes are a popular choice for seniors who want to enjoy an active yet easy lifestyle in their golden years. Many such communities offer amenities like dog parks, community gardens, fitness centers, card rooms, bocce ball courts, and other features that appeal to seniors looking to socialize. Retiring on a budget doesn’t mean you have to live in a shack on the bayou; there are senior financing options available. Without further ado, here are some of the most attractive brand-new senior living options this year.
Pennsylvania
While not traditionally part of the senior-popular Sun Belt, Pennsylvania offers several excellent retirement living options. Landmark Homes, a developer specific to the state, has numerous 55+ living options. Cortland Park 55+ Living, located in the prestigious Winding Hills of Mechanicsburg, features resort-like amenities surrounded by nature. Prices start at $335k for townhomes, including lawn care, snow removal, parks, gas, sewer, and water. Single detached home options start at $345k in Landmark’s Sweetbriar development, 45 minutes from Cortland Park, offering a more rural setting with urban conveniences. For a gated option, consider Lake Frederick in Northern Virginia, where Shea Homes offers a gated community for 55+ seniors starting at $436k. For a luxurious option, Toll Brothers’ Regency at Kimberton Glen offers one and two-story options starting at $575k.
Florida
No retirement list is complete without Florida. There are numerous brand-new, unsold home options ranging from roughly $250,000 to $400,000. The Stillwater development in St. Johns County features homes like the Jessica and the Alexia, starting at $369k and $374k, respectively. These two-bed, two-bath homes exceed 1,500 square feet, with single-story layouts that are ideal for seniors using wheelchairs or walkers. For a more luxurious option, consider the Terra Collection from Toll Brothers in Babcock Ranch, Florida, with villa-style homes starting in the upper $300s. For value-conscious buyers, Shea Homes’ Ocala Preserve community offers homes amidst live oak trees and green spaces, including a 7-acre lake and a 600+ acre community, starting at just $278,990.
Arizona
Arizona, known for its warmer temperatures and lower humidity than Florida, is another retirement favorite. From Sedona’s gorgeous rocks to Flagstaff’s trees and Phoenix’s hot desert sun, Arizona offers something for everyone. In 2022, more people moved to Arizona than any other state. Tucson, one of America’s most affordable large cities, offers affordable senior living options. Meritage Homes’ developments start at just $319k, including The Preserve, a gated community with stocked lakes and greenbelts. Three-bed, two-bath options range from $319k to $331k. KB Home’s Saguaro Haven offers single-story units from $291,990. Larger options like The Estates range from 1,900-2,500 square feet, starting at $395k. Phoenix metro area homes are similarly priced, with Shea Homes offering new developments like Encanterra and Trilogy, priced from $402,900. Taylor Morrison’s CantaMia at Estrella 55+ in Goodyear starts at $338,990 with special financing. Cal Am Properties Inc. offers pre-owned homes as low as $157,500 and new homes at $344,900 with 3.99% financing.
Texas
Texas offers seniors respite from harsh winter climates, with some of the nation’s lowest living costs. From San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas to the old West’s prairies and ranches, Texas has it all, from mesquite BBQ to modern cities. Toll Brothers offers some of its cheapest 55+ homes in Texas, including the Regency at Santa Rita Ranch Garden Collection, with single-family homes starting at $321,995 in Liberty Hill. This community, less than 35 miles from downtown Austin, includes a future clubhouse with a resort-style pool, bocce courts, and pickleball. Toll Brothers also offers the Flamenco Collection at Esperanza near San Antonio, starting at $455k. Near Fort Worth, Lennar Homes’ Viridian community starts at $399k, with single-story units in Princeton starting at $216,999. The move-in ready Sinatra home costs $401,999 with 1,746 square feet. Shea Homes offers the Sunterra 40 community with units starting at $316,990. KB Home’s single-story units in Willis start at $204,995 for three bedrooms and $196,995 for two bedrooms. Del Webb offers 55+ units in Fulshear starting at $290,990 with resort-style amenities.
In Conclusion
While it may seem that everything is on the rise, from the social security retirement age to the price of groceries, there are still relatively affordable options available for seniors to retire in beautiful and brand-new luxurious homes right here in America. While your Social Security dollars may stretch further if you retire abroad, doing so means being farther from friends and family and potentially having to learn a new language. If you know where and how to look, you can find amazing deals online. Be sure to check local listings to see what kind of pricing you can find in your area.