Wow – 36 New Active Communities Make the 100 List for 2015

Not all entries list a location. Even a state would be helpful.

As for your #1 -- well-deserved. I don't live in Fearrington, but we are about 10 road miles away (5 crow miles). In my near continuous quest to find a better retirement option for us (I have yet to find one), Fearrington pops to the top at least annually. Why don't we live there? Well, proximity provides most of the benefits while our 10 acres of old forest makes "village" life pale (for us) in comparison. But still, Fearrington insists on re-consideration. It's not cheap, but there are many more expensive options. And just think -- a short drive can bring you to our neighborhood!

Attractions not discussed: beach 3 hours max, mountains 3 hours, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro with their universities all within an hour, one of the top US technology centers at nearby RTP, central NC climate, world-class medical facilities, reasonable cost of living, relatively low unemployment, world-class sports, and more. For those who don't know, hurricanes are primarily a threat only to the NC cost. In the past 25 years, only two have seriously impacted the interior of NC. Tornadoes occur, but are relatively rare.

Popularity contests are how politicians get elected, and we know how crummy most of them are. This list does nothing to indicate how any of these communities would fit into a particular person's lifestyle, needs, or desires. Many good ones have been left out. How about focusing your efforts on creating lists based on usable criteria, and do so by state. I've been to Florida...why would I want to live there?

This comment came in from RG:

I live in Chapel Hill and know Fearrington
Village well. It is the antithesis of
diversity! All white middle straight class! While
the surroundings are very pretty and the area
lovely it is limited in many ways.

RG is right with the facts. If you want the demographics, check here -- good summary:
http://censusviewer.com/city/NC/Fearrington%20Village

With no excuse for how the community has grown over 50 years, I know Fearrington to be the home of mostly moderate, aging people. It is a community of many artists. It has been around for a long time and has always been a choice for relatively affluent people. The presence of a four star restaurant should tell you a lot. Does all this make it a bad place to live? For many diverse people? I don't think so, but regardless or race or creed, do your own research and draw your own conclusions. Since the 1960s, northern Chatham County (home of Fearrington) has been a haven for what used to be called hippies. Frankly, the area hasn't changed much -- even Fearrington.

Rich

I have visited Telico Village and I felt Fairfield Glade near Crossville, Tn offered much more for my wife and I. We have just completed building a new home in Fairfield Glade. I am surprised that it was not even mentioned on your list. I originally was directed to FFG via your website and that is why I am surprised that it was not even mentioned. We love it here!

Please provide list sorted by state or region (NE, SE, MW, SO, SW NW) as well as number like above.

Planning to visit fairfield glade in Nov with my husband as a possible future retirement location. Would love to talk more to you richard ziegler. My email donnaker@verizon.net. we are in our mid 50's and will be moving from NY. thanks Donna G.

Karl, u r so right. If the list is really based on number of hits it is unreliable. Curiosity is not the same as interest or preference.

Marlene, I am familiar with the Trilogy Groveland location. Would you please send me information about you home that you have for sale. My email is: ferrari.pp@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Phyllis Ferrari

Personally, I found this listing to be interesting. It's not scientific, but it is indicative of the kinds of places and locations people are possibly interested in for retirement (or at least it would be if location information was included). Admin never promised more than that.

I don't have a big problem with the "popularity" method or with the "curiosity" factor. I've discovered many interesting places due to clicking on a link out of curiosity. And for those who don't like the approach, I'd like to ask how you would do it differently with a huge investment in time and resources.

I do agree that offering options for sorting would be helpful. Cost ranges would be another good sort (though they probably fall mostly in the top two 25% ranges).

Trilogy At Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona was not mentioned, but it is really lovely and worth checking out if you are interested in the Phoenix, area!

I don't understand why so many people are excited about having worked for decades and then retiring in a manufactured home. I've visited several friends who live in them and you only have to be in there during one rainstorm to realize it definitely wouldn't be tolerable for most folks because of the pounding noise. Apparently, cost is the most significant factor for some people, but I'll bet they really didn't know what they were getting into before it was too late.

Depending on the situation if you put a manufactured home on a foundation you pay real estate taxes. If you put it on blocks and put skirting around the bottom it is considered a vehicle. You are taxed on a vehicle and taxes depreciate every year. If you put it on your own lot you would not pay fees to a Mobile Home Park. The land would be yours and you would get taxed on the land but usually a very low tax rate. These homes are built by federal building codes.

Taxes may be a very big consideration why they choose to live in a manufactured home. I get an email every so often for offers on Manufactured Homes (Mobile homes) and they are gorgeous and have so many features and upgrades if you choose to upgrade.

Not sure why your friends homes were so loud during a rain storm unless they live in very old homes. Besides, some people like myself like to hear the pounding rain! To each his own!

Another thing I forgot to mention is if a couple sold their, as an example, $200K home and bought a $50K Manufactured home they potentially could put $150K in the bank as a nest egg! The other way to look at it though would be a reverse mortgage and they could stay put in the $200K home.

We have toured some manufactured homes, and they are very nice. We were quite impressed with them. Although we have never been inside of one during the middle of a rainstorm. However, these homes were very well constructed and were either brand new homes or less than 10 years old. Perhaps the older manufactured homes were not as well constructed as the newer ones. Actually, most of the work on these homes is done onsite, and you are right, Louise, these homes are gorgeous.

Any good locations for retiring to Hawaii? It may be expensive but I want the year round warm climate.

This question came in from Jay: Anybody have any experience they would like to share:

I have only heard great things about GL developments. I would appreciate any information pro and con about GL Valencia Lakes and how GL treats buyers once the home is purchased.

Me too, Admin. Also, difference between Valencia Lakes and Sun City Center - besides size.

Soon to retire and lookng to move to the Charleston, SC area. Exploring 55+ communities. Would be interested to hear the pros and cons on K.Hovnanian's Four Seasons vs Del Webb Charleston,or any other recommendations.

This question came in from Becci about rental and condo communities in the Denver area. Can anyone help:

Looking for a rental & or condo. Many of us really never want to own a home ever again for multiple reasons. I enjoyed your website, but it never addresses 55+ adult communities with apartments or condos in the Denver & outlaying communities. thanks

I need a list of the best Independent Living facilities (not separate cottages or homes) in the US. These are apartments inside a main building that provides restaurant-style meals, a work-out facility, full-sized apartments with full kitchens/W/D.
thanks!

Editors Note: Go to "Search" in the main navigation http://www.topretirements.com/Browse.html and Select "Independent Living". You will get a list of all communities like that in our database. You can further refine by selecting States. PS - Our 2016 "100 Best List" is coming out soon!