Here’s How to Get the Most of Visiting an Active Community
Category: Active adult communities
April 15, 2025 — Many people are tempted by the prospect of living in an active adult or 55+ community. The built in social life, the amazing amenities, maintenance free lifestyle, clubs, and being able to live with your peers can be very appealing. But how can you identify communities that will be right for you, and then narrow that list down to the one that offers the most perfect fit?
This article will cover how to find and select the communities you want to visit, how to get the most out of your on-site visit, and finally, how to compare those on your list of possibilities. What we’ve included in the second part, a sampling of the best of the hundreds and hundreds of Member Comments received over the years on how to evaluate 55+ and active adult communities, will be even more helpful. See list on “Further Reading” at end for a list of articles on this topic.
The Process: Finding the Right Ones
Following a disciplined path to evaluating 55+ communities will get you the information and feedback to help you make the best decisions. This journey is a process – narrowing down your list, then visiting the ones at the top of you list. Even then, one site visit normally won’t give you an instant answer, but it will help build your knowledge base. After visiting several communities you will be in a position to knowledgeably evaluate all the properties you are interested in. Here is a basic approach to follow:
Comments on "Here’s How to Get the Most of Visiting an Active Community"
Admin says:
This Comment came in from Joe concerning Greenbriar II in Brick Township, NJ. He wanted to know if they have an indoor pool. This is our response to him.
Thanks for visiting Topretirements.com. I don't know the answer to the question. But Greenbriar II is one of our partner communities on 55 Places, so if follow this link you can contact them directly.https://www.55places.com/new-jersey/communities/greenbriar-ii?utm_source=topretirements&utm_medium=partner
John Brady
=
Admin says:
Here is another comment that relates to finding out about community amenities, in this case water aerobics. Our response to Bob follows.
I am very pleased with the information on this site, thank you for all of your hard work!
However, in the "community Explorer" I only want to find 55+ communities that offer water aerobics, similar to Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community which has indoor water aerobics due to the seasonality of the weather. So a query should be indoor water aerobics and outdoor water aerobics (ideally). But you can figure this out for what works best.
--------
TR Response: Thanks so much for your interesting suggestion to add water aerobics to our list of community amenities. Obviously it is important to you and a lot of other folks.
Unfortunately most communities don't mention that capability when we set up their listings. But we can add it as a possible option and maybe going forward we will get more of them to check that box.
One other possible suggestion is to use the Community Explorer and under Amenities, check Swimming Pool, Heated Pool, and Lap Pool. With facilities like that there is a good chance. Also, if you see in the community description or find after contacting them that they have an Activity Director, there is a good chance they either already have water aerobics, or would be amenable to adding it per your suggestion.
Community Explorer: https://www.topretirements.com/community-explorer/