Over 55 Communities don’t have health and medical capabilities, and they are not Assisted Living Communities. They are for active seniors and include amenities like golf, pools, clubhouses, and activities. Some venture into cooking, yard work, driving, and housekeeping. Personal care is not offered.

People want to stay active and age in place, but that’s not always what they get. Personal and/or medical care requires moving and possibly a sale. Selling is problematic. Home owner association’s (HOC) facilities deteriorate. If reserves aren’t sufficient, a buyer may reduce an offer.

Over 55 communities have an added layer of legal requirements. They must meet specific population parameters and advertise them. The bottom line is; to impose the age 55 limit, and not discriminate, they must be clear how it works and tolerate no exceptions. In addition to normal HOA regulations, that means:

a) No health-related services.

b) No one under 19 as a permanent resident.

c) Limits on the percent of people under 55.

d) Limits on length of stay for younger and older children.

That makes selling problematic. You also need to navigate the HOC’s bylaws for resales:

a) Restrictions on signs, open houses, on-street parking.

b) Requirement for health as well as financial screenings.

Your greatest competition may be new construction. The Baby Boom generation has driven much of the popularity, which continues, but now 2/3 have passed age 65.

a) Retirees prefer the newest amenities and buy residences.

b) Baby Boomers approaching 80 are shifting from buyers to sellers.

c) Subsequent generations are smaller and less well-off.

d) Some Over 55 communities have internal sales offices, that compete.