Discover the Best Active Adult Communities in the US
You’re not the type to let retirement slow you down. In an active adult community, you can embrace an adventurous lifestyle that matches your energy and zest for life. Continue reading to explore the best active retirement communities in the US.
Why Choose Active Adult Communities?
You want to make the most of every day, so why not choose a living environment that complements your spirited lifestyle? Active adult communities are ideal for individuals who love leading a full, exciting life. There’s always something to do, friends to meet, and an environment that thrives on the same energy you bring to the table. Read on to find out why an active retirement community might be the perfect fit for you.
What is an Active Adult Community?
An active adult community is a specially designed neighborhood or residential area for adults, typically those aged 55 and over, who are in relatively good health and wish to lead an active and engaged lifestyle during their retirement years. These communities are tailored to fit the lifestyles of individuals who want to spend their golden years enjoying a variety of activities, socializing with like-minded peers, and taking advantage of convenient services and amenities.
What are the Benefits of Living in an Active Adult Community?
There's a multitude of reasons why people choose to live in active adult communities. It's not just about the active lifestyle, but also the sense of community, convenience, and peace that these communities provide.
From game night to tasty meals, top-line health care to home cleaning services, there are so many reasons people opt to stay in an active retirement community. Read on to learn the benefits that people find when they choose this lifestyle. Then consider if it might suit you, too.
- A Healthy, Active Lifestyle: From early morning yoga to late-night game nights, active adult communities offer a myriad of activities to keep you engaged and moving. Whether it's water aerobics in the pool, a serene sail on the sound, or a competitive game of tennis under the sun, you’ll never experience a dull moment.
- A Close-Knit Community: Active retirement communities are like small towns filled with friends. Whether you're having a morning coffee at the local café, walking your dog, or participating in a club, you'll find that forming deep, meaningful relationships is easy and natural in such a nurturing environment.
- Accessible and Comfortable: You’ll find buildings and amenities designed for easy accessibility: well-paved sidewalks, wheelchair access, and plenty of lighting that make everyday activities feel safe and comfortable.
- Peaceful and Private: Escape the noise and hustle of urban living. Active adult communities offer tranquility, privacy, and a serene environment that you can call home. Rest assured, your peace of mind is a priority here.
Embarking on an Active Adult Lifestyle
Why wait? Start exploring various active adult communities spread across the US today. Whether you prefer the warmth of the coast or closeness to family and friends, there's an active retirement community waiting to welcome you.
Browse through the options below, use the information request form to contact local representatives, and get a firsthand account of life in these communities. Filter your options based on location or activities to find the community that’s perfect for you.
Research and Find the Best Active Adult Communities for You
Your journey to a fulfilling and active retirement starts here. Dive into our comprehensive list of top active adult communities, and find your perfect place to call home.
Find Active Adult Communities in the State of Your Choice
Research and Explore the Best Active Adult Communities
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Click to explore the following active adult communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Retire Tennessee Program Communities
Whether you’re ready for full-time retirement or want to relocate to a better place, Tennessee is a state that deserves your attention.
Consider these facts before deciding on another location: Tennessee collects no state tax on income or other retirement-plan benefits and no sales tax on prescription drugs. Property taxes in Tennessee are very reasonable, especially with available exemptions for retirees and age 65+ residents, resulting in the second-lowest overall state and local tax burden per capita in the nation. And Tennessee offers the eighth-lowest cost of living in the U.S.—more than 10% below the national average.
The Retire Tennessee program is a state government initiative designed to spread the word about all of the great reasons for retiring or relocating to the Volunteer State. From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the banks of the Mississippi River in the west, a total of 19 urban and rural counties in the program highlight the unique natural attractions and cultural amenities that each has to offer.
Tennessee has more than 60 state and national parks with some of America’s finest freshwater fishing lakes and hiking destinations that range from the 210-mile Cumberland Trail to Chattanooga’s 16-mile Riverwalk. The delightful four-season climate means that you can enjoy a round of golf or a kayak excursion any week of the year. And the world-famous Tennessee music scene includes Beale Street blues in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and bluegrass festivals in charming mountain towns like Kingsport and Cookeville.
Request more information below and let the Retire Tennessee program introduce you to the next great adventure in your life.
Brunswick Forest
Brunswick Forest, the Coastal South’s fastest growing community, is located on North Carolina’s Cape Fear coast, just minutes from historic Wilmington. This 4,500-acre retreat features a wide features a wide array of
neighborhoods, architecture, and price points.
World-class amenities include:
• 18 holes of golf at Cape Fear National
• Clubhouse, Restaurant & Pro-shop
• Fitness & Wellness Center with Indoor & Outdoor Pools
• Hammock Lake Park, Pool, and Fitness Center
• Reflections Fitness Center & Pool
• Town Creek River Launch
• Nearly 100 Miles of Walking, Biking & Nature Trails
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts
• Community Town Center with Shopping, Medical & Restaurants
If you would like to learn more about this vibrant, coastal community in North Carolina, you can request more information and compare this community with many others to find your ideal lifestyle, all you have to do is request more information. Discovery packages are available.
Anderson Farms
Augmented by our hometown’s mild climate, advantageous tax haven status, and stunning natural
beauty, this private woodland agrihood offers a variety of 2+ acre homesteads located at the
intersection of pastoral charm and urban convenience.
Located just 11 minutes outside of Aiken, SC, a familiar name on Southern Living Magazine’s list of
“South’s Best Small Towns,” amenities at Anderson Farms include a barn-style community center with a
shared chicken coop, produce garden, and equestrian training arena. On top of Aiken’s thriving
downtown avenues filled with eclectic restaurants, art galleries, designer boutiques, and antique shops, Anderson Farms also enjoys close proximity to a variety of breathtaking local scenery and nature
preserves, including Hitchcock Woods, Aiken State Park, and our neighboring Hollow Creek Land
Preserve, a 110-acre nature sanctuary filled with scenic nature trails plus dock access for fishing,
kayaking, and canoeing.
Social butterflies can even take advantage of an optional membership to The Reserve Club at Woodside
for tiered membership access to 2 championship golf courses, a racquet pavilion, resort-style pool,
country club dining, over 60 member-led social groups, and more.
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach, located in the southernmost area of Coastal North Carolina, is the epitome of beach living with the added convenience and low maintenance of a planned community. Located steps away from local shops and restaurants, you can enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle Sunset Beach is known for. The resort-inspired amenities will make a weekend at home feel like a vacation getaway. Amenities within the community will include a resort-style pool with tanning ledge and lap lanes, coastal clubhouse, fitness center, open air cabana, outdoor fireplace, grilling stations, outdoor lounge area, golf cart parking, and miles of sidewalks & walking paths. The Sanctuary is only minutes from the beach (1.5 miles) and the intracoastal waterway, in close proximity to a variety of restaurants, beach shops, boutiques, the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, bars & pubs, concerts at The Village Park COA Gazebo, golf courses, The Ingram Planetarium, local markets, and public parks. Well-appointed single family home and land package, both pre-designed and build to suit, are offered from the mid $400’s to $800’s. As one of the area’s premier new home communities with a color palette inspired by the sand, sun, salt, and sea, let The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach be your oasis at home!
Visit www.billclarkhomes.com to explore your new home options today!
Callawassie Island
Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Secluded from the noise and congestion of the highway, Callawassie lies miles from Hilton Head and is also convenient to Beaufort and Bluffton (15 minutes away); historic Savannah, GA (a 30-minute drive); and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (40 minutes away). A half-mile causeway provides a relaxing, slow-paced approach to the island, where peace and quiet are as plentiful as vibrant activity.
The community hosts numerous social events, activities and clubs connecting members by their passions for nature, art and giving back locally. Members take full advantage of the island parks, historical sites and recreation areas for enjoying remarkable views of undisturbed nature. Island dwellers have access to four community docks providing leased slips, kayak launches and excellent opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. The River Club, overlooking the Colleton River, is a warm gathering center with a library and fireplace, family swimming pool, and offers seasonal dining.
For those seeking a golfing experience like no other, the 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is truly spectacular. Voted one of South Carolina’s top 50 courses, Callawassie recently enhanced the design with a four-million-dollar renovation in 2014. This renovation resulted in a brand-new pro shop with three Class A PGA Golf Professionals. The courses meander intimately along the waterways and salt marshes in a way that environmental regulations have made difficult for newer courses; visual interest is natural not manmade.
Callawassie Island is the first South Carolina gated community to have been designated a “Community Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. This coexistence brings a true community balance with nature. The island is covered with live oaks and palmettos, egrets and herons, and encompasses a thriving salt marsh ecosystem.
Today, Callawassie is one of only four South Carolina communities holding this distinguished designation. The homes and homesites, including waterfront property, are among the best values in the area.
Serenity Walk at Plainsboro
Serenity Walk at Plainsboro is a new active adult 55+ community in Plainsboro Township, New Jersey offering 52 single-family homes for sale with up to 2,772 sq. ft. of living space and first floor primary suites. Relax with convenient amenities at this low-maintenance lifestyle community. Each home is offered in one of our new interior design Looks – Classic, Farmhouse, Loft or Elements, for on-trend style in your new home.
Tellico Village
Tellico Village is Eastern Tennessee’s premier active-adult community for retirees and remote workers of any age who want to enjoy the region’s finest collection of resort-style amenities.
Set on 4,800 acres around Tellico Lake in the Great Smoky Mountain foothills, Tellico Village is an outdoor recreation paradise. Three lakeside golf courses host a year-round schedule of league events, plus pro and amateur championships. The Tellico Village Yacht Club, one of three community marinas, offers complete boating services and lakefront dining. Fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and 50+ miles of local hiking trails give residents a choice of healthy activities every day of the week. The 200+ Tellico Village social clubs and volunteer organizations make it easy for neighbors to become friends. At the same time, the on-site Summit Medical Center offers convenient primary care and physical-therapy services.
More than 2,300 buildable lots and waterfront homesites are available at Tellico Village. An impressive roster of 15 local builders offers a fantastic variety of floor plans with customizable options to create the new home of your dreams. There are also a number of existing homes on the market at any given time, plus rentals available for a week to a year while you check out all of the choices.
Located just 31 miles from Knoxville, Tellico Village residents are just a short drive away from the region’s finest night-life venues, cultural events, shopping centers, and top-rated health care facilities.
Request more information below, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the good life at Tellico Village.
Cresswind at Lake Harris
Cresswind at Lake Harris by Kolter Homes is a resort-style, 55+ community in Tavares, Florida, also known as “America’s Seaplane City”. This Central Florida new-home community offers convenient access to the Florida Harris Chain of Lakes, by boat and land. Nearby, residents have short drives to Downtown Tavares and Mount Dora, plus just 45 minutes to Orlando. New homes are designed for active adults featuring a collection of flexible floorplans with hundreds of design and structural personalization options at the on-site design studio.
Cresswind at Lake Harris is the only new 55+ community on the Harris Chain of Lakes and gives residents access to a variety of water activities and recreational opportunities. The future resident-exclusive clubhouse will feature a state-of-the-art Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM, art studio, event area and several indoor and outdoor gathering spots. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool with sundeck, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, dog park and community garden.
Homebuyers can choose from various floorplans designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Cresswind at Lake Harris features three collections of 13 floorplans, ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms. Kolter Homes offers a minimum of 25 structural options per plan, so you can have the ability to add bedrooms, expand garages, fitness or study spaces and more.
Requesting more information below is your first step towards enjoying the lake lifestyle offered by Cresswind at Lake Harris.
WindRiver
WindRiver is a stunning, lakefront and golf community located minutes outside Knoxville, Tennessee on Tellico Lake. Inside our gates, you will find world-class amenities surrounded by sparkling, fresh-water lakes and dramatic mountain views. This unique combination is what makes WindRiver the ideal place to call home and create a lakefront lifestyle you and your family will cherish.
You will sense it when you look towards the welcoming shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will feel it standing on the gentle slope of five miles of shoreline along beautiful Lake Tellico, named one of the top inland boating destinations in the nation.
Members enjoy a collection of world-class club amenities which include: a full-service marina, a championship 18-hole golf course, Golf Club and Grill, the Sports Complex with a resort-style swimming pool, sports courts, and a state-of-the-art exercise facility at Overlook Manor, the elegant Lakeside Inn, and Citico’s Restaurant, a signature Member dining experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, WindRiver has access to over 30 miles of walking and hiking trails and a peaceful, lakefront retreat, Brightwater Park.
In addition to WindRiver’s amenities, innate beauty, and temperate climate, an equally important factor is that the state of Tennessee is extremely tax-friendly: NO State Income Taxes, NO State Inheritance Taxes, NO Personal Property Taxes, and low property taxes.
This is Life As It Should Be – this is WindRiver.
Cresswind DeLand
Cresswind DeLand by Kolter Homes is a resort-style, 55+ community in DeLand, Florida. This Central Florida new-home community offers convenient access to beaches, shopping and dining, golf and healthcare with short drives to Orlando, New Smyrna Beach and Daytona. New homes are designed for active adults featuring a collection of flexible floorplans with hundreds of design and structural personalization options at the on-site design studio.
Cresswind DeLand overlooks scenic Lake Winnemissett and gives residents access to a variety of water activities and recreational opportunities. The resident-exclusive clubhouse features a state-of-the-art Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM technology, art studio, event area and several indoor and outdoor gathering spots. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool with sundeck, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, dog park and community garden.
Homebuyers can choose from various floorplans designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Cresswind DeLand features three collections of 13 floorplans, ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms. Kolter Homes offers a minimum of 25 structural options per plan, so you can have the ability to add bedrooms, expand garages, fitness or study spaces and more.
Requesting more information below is your first step towards enjoying the award-winning active lifestyle offered by Cresswind DeLand.
Crossings at Sweetbriar
Retirees and other active adults who want a relaxing lifestyle in a perfect location are discovering Pennsylvania’s Crossings at Sweetbriar.
Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in creating upscale age-55+ communities like The Crossings at Sweetbriar, residents have a choice of both one- and two-story designs with open floor plans. Customizable options and special features make each residence unique, and the area’s low cost of living and property taxes add to the value of every home.
The Crossings at Sweetbriar residents have their own private community clubhouse for meetings and special events, plus walking and biking trails through more than 20 acres of preserved open space. But Sweetbriar’s most desirable amenity maybe its tranquil location in the rolling farmlands of central Pennsylvania. Historic sites and seasonal farmer’s market make every day trip an adventure. The nearby town of Lebanon features fine and casual dining restaurants, retail stores, antique shops, and cultural centers like the Gretna Theatre. The Iron Valley Golf Course tops the list of local outdoor-recreation venues, while the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital and the Lebanon VA Medical Center offer top-rated health care services. Just a short drive to the southwest is the state capital of Harrisburg, the regional center of commerce and culture.
Request more information below to get all the details. The active-adult lifestyle at a great location offered by The Crossings at Sweetbriar may be just what you’re looking for.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Hatteras Hills
Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Hatteras Hills, a new active adult 55+ community in Magnolia, DE, offering low-maintenance, resort-style living. Come enjoy the best that active living has to offer with spacious home designs & access to countless amenities. Each home is offered in one of our new interior design Looks: Loft, Farmhouse, Classic or Elements for on-trend style in your new home.
At K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Hatteras Hills, you can enjoy the 6,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that offers plenty of activities and amenities for all residents. With a sparking pool, pickleball courts, a fitness center, a gameroom and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A low-maintenance lifestyle assures that your lawn care is out of your hands, keeping you free to spend time with friends at the clubhouse. Just a short drive to downtown Dover with tax-free shopping, dining, and entertainment, this 55+ active adult community offers everyday convenience together with the serenity of a picturesque
Delaware landscape.
Whether you’re heading downtown for dinner or staying in for a game of cards with friends, at K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Hatteras Hills you’ll never run out of activities. The relationships that you make and the people you spend time with here will create memories for years to come.
Retire NC
North Carolina has always been recognized for its natural diversity and gracious hospitality, which now has made it into an extremely popular retirement destination. Choices abound for a healthy, happy retirement setting, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors in our mountains or stay busy in a bustling city. The North Carolina Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. These Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.
![]() City of ReidsvilleLIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by |
![]() Johnston CountyJohnston County (JoCo) offers you more than you expect in retirement! Discover a blend of history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as revitalized downtowns, you don’t have to travel far from home to find what you are looking for. The unique communities that make up JoCo have one thing in common–a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. |
![]() Rumbling Bald on Lake LureIf you are looking to build or purchase in an exceptional mountain golf community, it’s time to look closer at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. You will find a few choice, undeveloped properties within our community at pleasantly affordable prices along with several spectacular homes in a variety of settings. You can come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and choose the opportunity to live in a remarkable community. |
![]() Person CountyNestled in the northern piedmont of North Carolina, a short commute from the Triangle and southern Virgina, Person County is home to rolling hills, farmers markets, lakes, and trails. With two beautiful wineries, live music venues, historic general stores, and Uptown Roxboro, Person County values its history and community while embracing the new. No matter what you choose, life in Person County is homegrown, just for you. |
Legacy Homes by Bill Clark
Legacy Homes by Bill Clark is the crown jewel in a long line of North Carolina home building history. As one of the Nation’s “Top 100 Builders” for over a decade, the Legacy Homes division is a trusted partner in the Wilmington, NC region that spans four counties, and is a featured builder in many of the South’s premier planned communities, such as Brunswick Forest, Bluffs on the Cape Fear, Compass Pointe, River Bluffs, Riverlights, St. James, Summerhouse, with more to come. The Legacy Homes’ mission is to walk alongside each client as the dream of their new home becomes a reality… Best known for thoughtful floor plans, maximized living spaces, attention to detail, and custom trim work, any Legacy Home is destined to be a showstopper.
The goal at Legacy Homes is to make the homebuilding process as seamless for each client as possible. Whether choosing from one of the professionally designed available model homes or building from the ground up, a Legacy team member will be with you each step of the way. As a semi-custom builder, you will have the opportunity to create the dream home that fits perfectly with your lifestyle.
Retire Arkansas
Arkansas is home to diverse cities and communities, each with something unique to discover – from metropolitan areas to rural settings and adventure sports to relaxing retreats.
Nicknamed the Natural State, Arkansas’s dense forests, winding rivers, and dramatic mountain landscapes provide endless exploration opportunities. Kayak on the Buffalo National River, dig for jewels in Crater of Diamonds State Park, or take in the sweeping views at Hawksbill Crag or Whitaker Point.
Tucked in the state’s northwest corner, Fayetteville and Bentonville are home to several annual food, film, and music festivals, plenty of museums, and diverse culinary offerings. Historic sites abound in the state capital of Little Rock, the largest city in the state. Live music is a way of life in Arkansas and can be heard in both Little Rock and the Lower Delta region, especially in Helena-West Helena.
It’s clear to see why Arkansas is an attractive option for those looking to relocate or retire. In addition to its rich culture and picturesque surroundings, Arkansas has the third-lowest cost of living in the United States, but the seventh-highest quality of life. State income tax is 60% lower than the national average, and property taxes are around 0.60%. Additionally, military retirement pay is exempt from state income tax.
Although it’s not always easy figuring out how to move to another state, we can help.
Request your free Arkansas Relocation Guide. This handy guide contains a wealth of information for people considering relocating to or retiring in Arkansas. No matter where you choose to visit or relocate, you’ll find friendly and helpful people everywhere you go.
Riverlights
Nestled along the Cape Fear River in the coastal town of Wilmington, NC, Riverlights is a vibrant, master-planned community full of small-town charm. The perfect location makes all the difference – along the Cape Fear River and just five miles from historic Wilmington, rated the most charming beach town on the East Coast with award-winning restaurants and shops. When you live in Riverlights, your days radiate with the positive energy that happens when you live on the water in the Carolina sunshine.
There are plenty of opportunities to walk, run, or ride bikes along miles of trails, kayak in the 38-acre freshwater lake, or roam free in any one of the community’s many parks. Whether enjoying a riverfront walk along the boardwalk and dock, gathering with neighbors for an oyster roast, or watching the sunset on the waterfront, exploration happens here daily. Our Lakehouse clubhouse includes a zero-entry pool with lap lanes, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including a firepit overlooking the lake. Coming soon in 2026, our brand-new Riverhouse clubhouse will feature another pool and fitness center, plus gathering spaces with a scenic backdrop.
Riverlights has home options suited to any stage of life – from new families to active adults easing into retirement – from nine quality homebuilders. The coastal North Carolina community offers 10+ beautifully decorated model homes open daily for walk-ins allowing home shoppers to get a feel for the lifestyle that awaits in Riverlights.
Rarity Bay
The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region.
At Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake, you’ll find a variety of real estate options, including homes, rentals, condos, and sites ready for development. The turnkey single-family homes are large, with sweeping views and plenty of space to spread out when guests inevitably come to visit. Pools, courtyards, patios and firepits make the outdoors an extension of your space. For those that make boating an everyday element of life, there are plenty of waterfront lots waiting for your custom-built dream home.
Water skiing, recreational boating, fishing and kayaking are all popular pastimes on Tellico Lake, and Rarity Bay offers over 10 miles of shoreline and a number of community docks for easy access. Golfers will delight in the par-72, 18-hole golf course, designed by DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham. The professionally maintained stables make it easy for equestrians to board their horses and offers lessons for the casual rider looking to take advantage of the 125 miles of riding (and hiking) trails.
Renovated in 2020, the 11,000 square foot Country Club is a social hub with a bistro and full-service bar. Just outside, you’ll find lighted tennis courts, pickleball facilities, and a swimming pool.
Tennessee’s low cost of living, 0.64% effective property tax, and lack of tax on salaries as well as income made on dividends are added bonuses to life in the Volunteer State. The real draw is what’s beyond your front door. So come to Rarity Bay and make the majestic Smoky Mountains and clear waters of Tellico Lake the backdrop for your vacation getaway, second residence or forever home.
Request more information about Rarity Bay.
Plan your visit
It’s time to get out there. Review the active adult communities below to see what your options are. Don’t let the list overwhelm you—once you’ve selected some communities that look appealing, plan your visit as the next step! You can chat with neighbors, tour the area, and get a feel for the active lifestyle that awaits you.











































