An Appealing Choice: A 55+ Neighborhood Within a Larger All Ages Community

November 19, 2025 — The most interesting retirement concept of the last 65 years has been, hands down, the success of active adult communities. Sometimes called permanent summer camps for adults, offshoots of the concept pioneered by Sun City in 1960 offer every kind of amenity from golf to swimming pools to pickleball. Plus clubs and non-stop activities of every kind. But have you considered a hybrid idea – living in one that offers a 55+ neighborhood(s) within it? To many folks, that seems to be the best of both worlds.

First we will explore the pluses and minuses of this hybrid retirement living choice. Then we will provide a sampling of what is available, along with some actual home listings on the market now.

Pluses and Minuses of 55+ Neighborhoods Within Master Planned

Like everything else, there are advantages and disadvantages of choosing one of the many communities that offer a 55+ neighborhood within them. Let’s assume that you are interested in an active community of some kind – why should you choose this model?

Some advantages:

The communities that offer the are usually large, with tons of amenities and activities. That means many more choices and things to do than at a smaller 55+ development.

Quieter streets and less traffic.

Many master planned communities have shopping, offices, even medical facilities

Getting to have your cake and eat it too. You get to live among your peers without kids making a racquet, but you are not totally isolated from younger people either.

Socializing with your peers

If your grandkids come to visit, they will like the broader amenities and potential friends available.

Disadvantages:

There still will be kids and young people in your broader community.

You might be paying for amenities like baseball fields that you are never going to use.

These communities tend to be very big, and that could bring traffic and possibly crowded amenities.

Two sets of HOA fees.

Poll Results and Bottom line:
In our 2024 poll, “Which Type of Community Would You Like to Live in“, the 55+ community within larger model came in 4th place, but still got 17% of the votes. 55+ active adult community came in first with 34% voting for us. In our opinion, it seems like the 55+ model within a masterplanned community has a lot going for itm with few significant minuses.

Here are Some Interesting 55+ Neighborhoods within All Ages Developments

Topretirements has dozens of options for someone who wants the hybrid model of 55+ within all ages retirement living. Here is just a small sample: (Note: You can see actual homes for sale in these communities by following the Listings links. They go to our partner site, 55places.)

Freedom at Arbor Mill – Jacksonville, FL

This 55+ neighborhood  located within the Oakleaf Plantation community. Made up of approximately 155 single-family homes, its amenities include a clubhouse with a lifestyle director, outdoor swimming pool, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and a dog park. Home Listings at Arbor Mill >>

Encore at Eastmark – Mesa, AZ

Specifically planned and designed for 55-Plus active adults within the larger Eastmark community. It features a gorgeous, state-of-the-art Village Center featuring a luxurious resort pool, fitness center, class facilities, and never-ending social events. See Homes for Sale >>

Bonterra at Woodforest – Montgomery, TX

A 55+ community within the Woodforest master-planned community. Amenities include clubhouse with Lifestyle Director, and lagoon-style pool. Residents can also take advantage of the amenities available to the entire Woodforest community which include parks, trails, pools, and the 27-hole course at the Woodforest Golf Club. Home Listings >>

Watersong – Nocatee, FL

WaterSong is a pocket neighborhood for active adults 55+ within RiverTown, a master-planned community in an unspoiled natural setting located in St.Johns, Florida.  The community of single-family and attached homes features a community clubhouse, plus access to the kayak launch, fishing pier, and trails of RiverTown. Homes for Sale Now >>

Regency at Babcock Ranch – Babcock Ranch, FL

Located within the desirable master plan community of Babcock Ranch,  Regency is a gated, 55+ active-adult new home enclave by Toll Brothers offering luxury villa and single-family home designs in a serene and picturesque setting. Home Listings >>

Encore – Raleigh, NC.

Developed for active adults 55+, Encore is within the master-planned community of Wendell Falls. It features low-maintenance homes with one-story floor plans and expanded outdoor living areas. Amenities include a private clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, along with the amenities and activities offered at Wendell Falls. Listings >>

Horizons at Summers Corner – Summerville, SC

A new 55+ active adult neighborhood within the Summer Corner master planned community.  Horizons features innovative, low-maintenance single family homes. Amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, and clubhouse. Home owners will also have access to the many activities of Summers Corner, along with the village center, parks, forests and freshwater lakes. Homes Listings >>

Kenbrook at Harper’s Mill – Chesterfield, VA

The single-family homes in this 55+ neighborhood have flowing open living spaces and first floor master suites. It is within the master-planned community of Harper Mill. Amenities include a community clubhouse, resort-style pool, over 5 miles of walking/biking trails, and 25 miles of sidewalks. Homes for sale >>

Victory at Verrado – Buckeye, AZ

Homeowners in this 55+ neighborhood of the larger Verrado community here will be able to enjoy golf and all the amenities Verrado has to offer. But they will also have their own clubhouse, sports pavilion, bar, vineyard, and many events and activities. See Homes for Sale >>

Hilltop at Inspiration – Aurora, CO

Inspiration is an enclave for active adults 55+ within the community of Hilltop. It offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and exclusive amenities. The 20 Mile House is the community’s clubhouse which features a cafe, fitness center, and multi-purpose rooms. Homes for Sale >>

Comments? Do you see yourself living in a 55+ neighborhood within a larger active adult community? If not, what would be holding you back? Have you ever toured any of these communities?