Why this visitor will never live in an activeadult community

[Boomer]

This was cited as a reason why a recent visitor unsubscribed to the Topretirements newsletter. It's an interesting perspective:

"Because the information if completely biased touting the presumably Utopian lifestyles of every active adult community in America. In reality, and with nearly 19 years of living in one of these "follow the rules made by a clique on domineering insiders--or else," freedom of choice is something that must be forfeited upon entry.
I would never again consider living under such myopic conditions and would encourage those who are contemplating moving into a big HOA community to read the rules carefully, ask questions, and know what you're getting into before signing a contract that you may some day regret."

What do you think?

[Drumlin]

It's between a rock and a hard place....you expect to go into a community that's kept nice, that has high standards, but your high standards are not necessarily everyone's high standards. There's a 55+ community that was just built in my town, so naturally I went and haunted the place trying to get a feel for what it was like. A lovely woman invited me in to have a look at her unit, and I just fell absolutley in love, so new, everything I wanted. Then I asked her about gardening. Her smile drooped, and she said that the HOA was pretty strict, not letting her plant any flowers in front of her house, and severly restricting such things as holiday decorations. What I might consider doing is buying a cheap little unbuildable "junk" piece of land that comes up for sale every once in awhile, and use that as my little piece of paradise. Just garden there, and live in a condo. Or, see my other idea of tiny carriage houses on owned parcels of land!!

[touchmenot]

[CMCBC40]

Ive visited serveral 55-plus in Delaware,and Ive talked to alot of the people who live in these homes,as I walk around,and Ive never heard any negitive things coming out of there mouths only nothing but good.They all seemed very happy.And they all really wanted to follow the rules,and live by them.I can understand all the rules,because I cant wait to get alway from all the way crazy people live now,no respect for there next store neigbor,or there neighborhood in general.Its like anything goes.So I love the rules they have.

[twoxlt]

I have the same concerns as Boomer mentioned. Seems as though it might be a bit to structured. I've hear comments that some of the Sun City communities fit what Boomer has described. Anybody living in one of those communities care to comment?
However, if it's so bad Boomer, why are you still there?
I'm still looking.