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Guide to the Top 55 Senior Living Communities



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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. 

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 don’t 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

Echelon – Arkansas

Bentonville, AR
Homes from $1M-$1.5M

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 lifestyle—it’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, Arkansas—one 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 trend—it’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 connection—impromptu 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 duality—connection and calm—is 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 integrity—creating 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 decision—it’s a strategic investment. As the region grows, Echelon stands out as a community that values legacy, quality, and vision.

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Cresswind at Hammock Oaks

Lady Lake, FL

Cresswind at Hammock Oaks by Kolter Homes is a new 55+ community in Lady Lake, FL, designed specifically for active adults. Just three miles from The Villages, this Central Florida active adult community offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. Residents will enjoy easy access to Leesburg, Orlando, and Gainesville, as well as nearby attractions like Spanish Springs Town Square and Brownwood Paddock Square, which offer shopping, dining, and free nightly entertainment. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the area’s abundant golf courses, parks, and lakes, including Lake Griffin State Park, which is ideal for boating, fishing, and hiking.

 

New homes will offer a new collection of flexible floorplans designed for active adults. With more than a dozen floorplans to choose from, each home is designed for comfort and personalization, featuring Kolter’s Best-in-Class options with up to 25 structural options per plan and hundreds of design personalization options in the on-site Design Studio. Homes at Cresswind are truly Built Around You.

 

Designed for an active and social lifestyle, Cresswind at Hammock Oaks will feature an array of resort-style amenities, including a resident-exclusive clubhouse, a SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM, a resort-style pool and dedicated spaces for yoga, arts, and social clubs. Residents can enjoy friendly competition on eight pickleball courts, two tennis courts and bocce courts, while wide walkways and trails provide the perfect setting for leisurely strolls and outdoor exercise. With a full calendar of activities and social events planned by a full-time Lifestyle Director, there will be endless opportunities to connect with neighbors and embrace a dynamic lifestyle.

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Portugal – The Agency Real Estate

Lisbon, Cascais, Portugal
Homes from $190K to $9M

We can find your Portugal home throughout the entire country from Porto to Lisbon to the Algarve!”

 

Discover Portugal – A Premier Destination for Living & Investment

Portugal stands out as an attractive destination for those looking to live, invest, or expand their portfolio of properties and experiences. With its high quality of life, pleasant climate, thriving economy, and balanced lifestyle, the country was named Europe’s Leading Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

Exceptional Quality of Life

Ranked as the 3rd safest country globally, Portugal offers a peaceful environment, excellent infrastructure, and a lower cost of living compared to other European capitals. It boasts top-tier healthcare, leading educational institutions, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.

Connectivity & Infrastructure

Portugal is well-connected, featuring efficient metro systems, modern highways, and high-speed internet that surpasses European averages. Strategically located, it is just hours away from major European cities, making it ideal for tourism, investors, and global professionals. Additionally, 70% of the population speaks English, ranking sixth among non-native English-speaking countries worldwide.

A Thriving Real Estate Market

Portugal’s property sector has appreciated by 70% since 2010. Investors benefit from a stable market, competitive prices, and attractive financing options, whether acquiring a luxury residence, vacation home, or investment property.

Gastronomy

Portugal’s culinary scene is one of its treasures, known for fresh, authentic, and diverse dishes. Its cuisine blends Mediterranean, oceanic, mountain, and international influences, creating a unique gastronomic experience.

Healthcare

Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) is ranked among the world’s best, providing high-quality healthcare to the entire population.

 

 

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Inspire at Legacy Park

Mechanicsburg, PA
Single Family Homes Available

Inspire 55+ Living, coming soon to Legacy Park in Mechanicsburg, PA, is Landmark Homes’ newest 55+ community! The timeless character of these new homes complements the small-town charm of the Legacy Park neighborhood, which features a community clubhouse, retail space, walking trails, natural meadows, and pocket parks. Design and build a home that fits your style from a portfolio of award-winning home plans, all while enjoying a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle. With its own private clubhouse and easy access to dining, shopping, and recreational options, Inspire 55+ Living offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Located near major routes, including the PA Turnpike and Route 15, travel and day trips are a breeze. Join the VIP list today to be among the first to experience this exciting new community!

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Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood

Richmond Hill, GA
Single Family Homes Starting at the Low $400s

Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood is an exclusive 55+ active adult community located in Richmond Hill, GA, near the charming city of Savannah, GA. This community is perfect for retirees and active adults seeking a vibrant, resort-style lifestyle in a serene coastal setting. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Jerico River and marshlands, residents of Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood are minutes from its historic district with antebellum mansions and beautiful squares—the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The gated community boasts a luxurious clubhouse featuring a resort-style pool with a baja deck, cabanas, and serene pond views, making it the ideal spot for relaxation. For those who enjoy staying active, the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and tennis and pickleball courts offer year-round opportunities for exercise and social interaction. Unique amenities like “The Fish Camp,” with its dock, kayak launch, and scenic firepit, enhance the outdoor living experience, while the full-time Lifestyle Director ensures a packed social calendar filled with activities, events, and clubs.

The premium Georgia real estate in the age-restricted community is thoughtfully designed for the modern active adult, featuring single-story homes with optional lofts. These homes are crafted with flexible spaces, allowing for personalization and entertaining, and are available with desirable marsh views of the Jerico River. Request More Information now!

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Larimar City and Resort – Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, La Altagracia 23000, DOM
Apartments 250K & Above

Nestled atop the breathtaking Cliff overlooking Bavaro and Punta Cana, Larimar City & Resort redefines luxury living in Punta Cana with its elevated position, offering sweeping views of its surroundings and an exclusive coastal ambiance. Designed as a self-sustaining “Smart City,” Larimar seamlessly integrates advanced technology, sustainability, and world-class amenities. Residents will enjoy not only a prime retirement destination but also an active lifestyle rooted in nature and comfort.

This resort-style community combines the best of paradise and modern convenience. The centerpiece is a Mediterranean-inspired boulevard, running over three kilometers along the cliff edge, adorned with boutique shops, pools, and dining options. A network of artificial beaches and lagoons complements the natural landscape, inviting residents to embrace the idyllic Punta Cana lifestyle. At Larimar, residents find more than just a home; they gain access to a diverse array of recreational activities, wellness facilities, and social spaces. With an 18-hole golf course designed for all skill levels and a premium Country Club, Larimar ensures that outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers feel right at home.

Larimar City & Resort prioritizes sustainability, utilizing renewable energy sources, waste recycling, and water-saving systems. Its commitment to eco-consciousness offers a unique appeal for retirees seeking a responsible, nature-oriented lifestyle. The master-planned community includes healthcare facilities, a shopping mall, and educational institutions, creating a well-rounded living environment. This sanctuary is set to be fully operational by 2026, with phased development through 2035, ensuring immediate access to essential services.

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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, you’ll 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.

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