Today, seniors have more choices than ever before when it comes to retirement communities and senior living. Being a real estate agent, we’re often asked about different types of communities, what they’re like, which are most popular, what they cost and the questions continue.
A recent Kiplinger article quoted a lecturer at Georgetown University who sees niche senior communities as the “segment to watch.” It’s certainly growing fast.
There is literally something for everyone and even Disney has plans to get into the 55+ niche community game which already includes:
- Latitude: In November 2017, when Buffett announced his first Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach, Fla., an active-living property for people “55 and better,” more than 150 fans and other lovers of the flip-flop life camped out overnight at the sales-office for first dibs on 300 properties. Today, Latitude Daytona Beach is a planned community of 7,000 people and there is a waiting list for homes under construction. There is another Latitude in the Florida panhandle, one in North Carolina, and two or three planned for Texas.
- Enso Village: In 2016, when the Delaware-based Kendal Corp. announced Enso Village, a life-plan community devoted to Zen tradition in Northern California’s wine country, 1,194 people put down $1,000 for a priority reservation; when the 275 units went on the market in 2020, they sold out in four months; Kendal is now developing a second Enso Village in Southern California.
- Nalanda Estates: Near Sarasota, Fla., Nalanda describes itself as an Active Indian Retirement community of 83 homes, and states on its website that it is sold out.
- The Villages: Florida’s The Villages–renown as a hotbed of conservative politics and libertine social lives–has sold some 70,000 houses.
If you’re interested in a niche community, Kiplinger suggests you:
- Do a self inventory
- Consider prices
- Create a budget
- Go on tours
- Learn about its management
Georgia’s list of 55+ communities is growing fast and some niche communities that are open to everyone are even offering amenities designed for active adults. Contact Atlanta Seniors Real Estate to learn more about what’s available for you. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
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