Retirement Living Facilities, also known as Independent living facilities, active retirement communities and senior communities, are residences restricted to seniors in overall good health, usually age 55 and older or 62 and older.

Independent living offers a place for seniors to live with organized social events and recreational activities. Many offer classes such as dance, art, ceramics, or woodworking. Others are equipped with fitness facilities, golf courses, swimming pools and spas, laundry services, dining facilities, as well as access to local transportation. These types of communities do not include staff that deal with the needs of aging residents. Active retirement communities are best for retired seniors who wish to live on their own but want to enjoy a community lifestyle.

The Particulars of Active Retirement Communities

Independent living facilities normally require an entrance fee as well as the purchase of a house (or a monthly rental fee). The location will need to be assessed for the level of safety both on the property as well as in the home, storage and parking availability, proximity to medical services, grocery stores, airports, and shopping, amenities and features, and staff's response time.

To learn more about active retirement communities, please read Retirement Communities & Retirement Living as well as Independent Living: What to Expect from Retirement Communities. Select a state from the list below or begin searching for independent living facilities that meet your needs now.