Receive your complimentary relocation guide
Guide to the Top 55 Senior Living Communities
Guide to the Top 55+ Senior Living Communities
Retirees and seniors who prefer an active lifestyle may want to consider 55+ communities. With resort amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and social clubs, the biggest problem residents may face is fitting all this fun into the daily schedule. These communities are a great place to make new friends who share your desire to be active and social in retirement.
Resort Senior Living
Residents of 55+ senior living communities enjoy a resort lifestyle every day. Clubhouses with spa and fitness facilities are available for daily use. Onsite restaurants and bars give residents a night on the town without having to leave their neighborhood.Â
Houses within these communities provide a mix of comfort and luxury. Generally, these single-family homes can be updated and customized. Newly constructed houses are outfitted with energy-efficient appliances. In some communities, landscaping and lawn care are also included in HOA dues so residents donât have to spend hours trimming the lawn and shrubs.
Common areas within the neighborhood are also maintained. Residents will find manicured lawns, clean clubhouses, and trimmed pathways.
Safety and Privacy
Entry gates allow only residents and their guests into the neighborhood. There may also be extra security systems or patrolling units that make sure streets are safe.
Active Social Calendars
Holiday parties, themed dinners, golf tournaments, and tennis mixers are just a few events that are often on the calendar. Clubs for special interests, such as gardening and woodworking, are available so like-minded residents can gather and share their love for their hobbies.
Sample Communities to Discover
Kissing Tree
Find yourself at Kissing Tree.Â
Perfectly placed in the Texas Hill Country halfway between Austin and San Antonio, Kissing Tree is a master-planned resort community by Brookfield Residential. Designed specifically for those 55 and better, Kissing Tree offers 1,300 acres of views, brews, and barbecues. Here, hundred-year-old live oak trees welcome you home, and friendly neighbors provide a genuine sense of community and connection.
When you live at Kissing Tree, every day is what you make it. Start the day enjoying the views from a workout class at the two-story Fitness Center, followed by coffee with friends at Independence Hall. Or play a leisurely round of golf on the 18-hole semi-private course designed by Gary Stephenson before having lunch at Tarbox & Brown, the onsite restaurant. Relax by the resort-style pool or swim some laps at the indoor Junior Olympic lap pool. Explore your creative passions in the Art Studio, or take on new neighbors in a friendly game of pickleball or bocce. Dance beneath the stars to live music at the Biergarten. You can be as active â or as relaxed â as you choose to be.
Here at Kissing Tree, you’ll find gorgeous homes designed for the ways you live and entertain by Brookfield Residential and David Weekley homes, priced from the $300s to $1 million plus. Whether you prefer to live large or downsize, there are floor plans to fit your style, structured in thoughtful neighborhood enclaves that encourage camaraderie. Choose from an inviting variety of architectural elevations, design options, and interior finishes that allow you to build a home that reflects your individual tastes. Or get in on the good times faster by choosing a professionally designed home that’s all ready to move in.
As a bustling college town with ample options for live music, restaurants, and festivals, San Marcos is the perfect backdrop for your next adventure (and the Mermaid Capital of Texas). Named one of Forbes’ “25 Best Places to Retire” three years in a row, San Marcos is a historic small town with big city conveniences. There are cool rivers to float and fish, clear lakes for boating, miles of trails, amazing scenery and wildlife, and winding backcountry roads for exploring on two wheels or four.
Ready to write your next chapter? Come for a visit and see how exciting life can be at Kissing Tree.
Cresswind at Rocky River
Opening Spring 2026
Cresswind at Rocky River is a 55+ community in Locust, North Carolina, where small-town charm meets everyday convenience. Located just 30 miles east of Charlotte, the community offers a peaceful, nature-rich setting with easy access to the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment.
New homes at Cresswind at Rocky River are specifically designed for active adults with design with flexible floorplans and hundreds of design and structural personalization options available. Miles of walking trails meander throughout the community, and the resident-exclusive clubhouse will feature a SmartFit Training Center powered by EGYM, resort-style swimming pool, over 30 pickleball courts, art studio and more. A full-time Lifestyle Director organizes a full event calendar, including fitness programs and clubs for every hobby.
Homebuyers can choose from a collection of 10 floorplans, ranging from 2- up to 5- Bedrooms and designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Kolter Homes offers a minimum of 25 structural options per plan so you can have the ability to add bedrooms, expand garages, second-floor bonus rooms and more. Plus, choose from hundreds of design personalization opportunities.
Locust blends natural beauty, rich history and recreation at every turn. From scenic parks like Locust City Park to nearby day-trip destinations such as Concord, Lake Tillery and the surrounding foothills, residents enjoy a lifestyle rooted in nature and connection. With its rolling hills, lush forests and strong community spirit, Locust is the ideal backdrop for life at Cresswind at Rocky River.
Requesting more information below is your first step towards enjoying the award-winning active lifestyle that will be offered at Cresswind at Rocky River.
Esprit at Avenir
Esprit at Avenir by Kolter Homes is a 55+ community for active adults seeking a refined South Florida lifestyle in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens. Residents are just minutes from pristine Atlantic beaches, championship golf, including the iconic PGA NationalResort & Spa, luxury shopping at The Gardens Mall, al fresco dining, cultural attractions and live entertainment. With Palm Beach International Airport less than 20 miles away, travel and weekend getaways are always within easy reach. Designed for those who value both sophistication and connection, Esprit blends contemporary living with resort- inspired experiences in one of the area’s most desirable locations.
Homes at Esprit at Avenir feature modern designs created for today’s active adults, offering comfortable, stylish spaces that support both everyday living and entertaining. The community features six unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms, with a wide range of personalization options. Thoughtful layouts and high-end finishes provide a fresh take on low-maintenance living, allowing homeowners to focus more on lifestyle and less on upkeep.
The lifestyle at Esprit at Avenir is crafted to elevate every day. Residents enjoy full country club living with resort-style pools, a full-service restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails and refined wines, and a cutting-edge fitness experience powered by EGYM, including recovery features like a cold plunge. A dedicated Lifestyle Director curates a robust calendar of social events, fitness programs and clubs, fostering connection and an active, engaging community.
Request more information today to discover an active adult lifestyle defined by comfort, connection and effortless luxury.
The Lawson of Knightdale
Welcome to The Lawson of Knightdale, where vibrant 62+ living meets comfort, convenience, and community. Our luxury senior apartments near Raleigh are thoughtfully designed for active adults seeking maintenance-free independence without sacrificing style or connection. You can skip the HOA fees and avoid restrictive meal plans, because here you have the freedom to live on your terms.
Choose from spacious, modern residences with in-unit laundry and full kitchens, perfect for home-cooked meals or easy nights out exploring the local dining scene.
At The Lawson, every detail supports your active lifestyle. Stay energized in our fully equipped fitness center, challenge neighbors on the pickleball court, or relax in peaceful courtyards and social lounges. From morning workouts to evening gatherings, our amenities foster wellness and meaningful connection.
Whether you are downsizing, relocating or simply ready for the next chapter, discover senior living in Knightdale near Raleigh, NC that balances independence with community. The Lawson at Knightdale is more than just an apartment; itâs a place to thrive. Tour today!
Echelon – Arkansas
What Makes Echelon Unique?
Echelon stands apart as a community where thoughtful design meets purposeful living. It’s not simply the architecture, the location, or the lifestyleâit’s how all of these elements are woven together to create something that feels distinct and elevated. Echelon redefines what it means to “come home.”
1. Location That Fuels Lifestyle
Echelon is strategically located in Bentonville, Arkansasâone of the most exciting growth areas in the country. Positioned near the acclaimed Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, the community offers instant access to some of the region’s best biking and walking trails. This isn’t just about proximity to nature; it’s about integrating adventure into everyday life. Whether you’re a weekend cyclist or someone who enjoys peaceful morning walks, Echelon makes the outdoors part of your rhythm.
Beyond recreation, Echelon places you at the heart of Bentonville’s thriving innovation economy and cultural momentum. From the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to a flourishing food and entrepreneurship scene, the location offers an unmatched blend of creative energy and long-term investment value.
2. Design-Forward Living
Architecture at Echelon isn’t about trendâit’s about intention. Homes here are designed to feel personal, sophisticated, and timeless. Clean lines, natural materials, and curated finishes create a quiet elegance that elevates daily living. Each home is based on plans that maintain community cohesion while giving homeowners room to customize and create a space that feels truly their own.
Unlike typical subdivisions, the streetscapes at Echelon are curated to feel both cohesive and calming. Thoughtful landscaping, balanced setbacks, and uniform design principles create an environment that feels considered and complete.
3. A Community That Prioritizes Connection and Calm
Echelon is designed to foster natural social interaction without compromising privacy. Welcoming front porches, walkable streets, and shared green spaces encourage moments of connectionâimpromptu chats, shared sunsets, neighborhood gatherings. Yet, every home is also a sanctuary, with layouts and private yards that offer serenity when you need it.
This dualityâconnection and calmâis what makes the lifestyle at Echelon truly special. It’s a place where neighbors become friends, and solitude is always within reach.
4. Effortless, Low-Maintenance Living
For many, Echelon offers a lock-and-leave lifestyle without sacrificing beauty or comfort. Whether you’re a full-time resident or someone seeking a secondary retreat, homes here are designed for ease. The architecture and landscaping are low-maintenance by design, supporting a lifestyle filled with freedom and flexibility.
This ease doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. On the contrary, every material, fixture, and finish is selected for its durability and aesthetic integrityâcreating spaces that feel luxurious, live comfortably, and age beautifully.
5. A Future-Ready Investment
Bentonville is on a dynamic upward trajectory, and Echelon is poised to rise with it. The city’s expansion as a hub for innovation, culture, and the arts makes homeownership here more than just a lifestyle decisionâit’s a strategic investment. As the region grows, Echelon stands out as a community that values legacy, quality, and vision.
Cresswind at Hammock Oaks
Cresswind at Hammock Oaks by Kolter Homes is a resort-style, 55+ community near The Villages in Lady Lake, Florida, famously known as the âhome of lakes and sunshine.â Located near The Villages, but a world different, the community is only minutes from Leesburg and convenient to Orlando. New homes are designed for active adults featuring a collection of flexible floorplans with hundreds of design and structural personalization options.
Cresswind at Hammock Oaks gives residents access to a variety of daily conveniences. 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 Hammock Oaks features three collections of 13 floorplans, ranging from 2- up 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, second-floor bonus rooms and more.
Requesting more information below is your first step towards enjoying the gated, boutique lifestyle offered by Cresswind at Hammock Oaks.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right 55+ community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, youâll discover the best 55+ senior living communities, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
Free Package includes:
- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
- ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
- Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.
Š 2026 ideal-LIVING Magazine ⢠265 Racine Dr #201 ⢠Wilmington, NC 28403 ⢠910.763.2100