Retirement Communities

11/3/2021 | By Seniors Guide Staff

Baby boomers are retiring in droves, and they are not all looking to transition into their favorite rocking chair and watch life pass by. On the contrary, many want a retirement community to continue their current lifestyle, meet their specific tastes, and achieve an excellent quality of life. Today, out-of-the-ordinary retirement communities are cropping up to meet retirees’ expectations by offering an environment for people sharing a common background or interest. Others accommodate those whose interests are a bit outside the conventional.

We’ve identified these 10 unique retirement communities, one of which might perfectly suit your retirement needs:

1. NoHo Senior Arts Colony

The NoHo Senior Arts Colony in North Hollywood was designed for artists and other creative souls. Many of the residents in this stylish retirement community are Hollywood writers and actors, although it is open to anyone with an artistic penchant. NoHo is located next to a performing arts theater used by the retirement community residents whenever no shows are scheduled.

2. Lake Weir Living

Toys for grown-ups is the theme at Lake Weir Living in central Florida, where residents enjoy their Harleys, hot rods, RVs, boats, and other “toys” with few or no restrictions. Lake Weir Living offers customizable houses with the option to expand their garages to hold several of these toys. Nearby hills, beaches, and a national forest provide an excellent venue for using their various playthings.

3. Lasell Village

Retirement communities set in college campuses are not unusual, but Lasell Village in Newton, Massachusetts, distinguishes itself by requiring residents to attend at least 450 hours of classes each year. In addition to all that beneficial studying, the retirees enjoy other amenities such as Pilates classes and heated swimming pools. And there are plenty of older adults who view this as the perfect way to live in retirement.

4. Escapees CARE

The Escapees CARE community caters to older adults whose RV travels are impacted because of age or temporarily interrupted because of health problems. Members can continue to live in the RVs while taking advantage of nursing care, medical needs, housekeeping services, meals, and activities. Located in Livingston, Texas, the community is also open to members to continue to travel while paying rental to retain their site.

5. Nalcrest

Nalcrest is a retirement community in south-central Florida built exclusively for postal workers. Because wages for letter carriers were quite low when the community was created in the 1960s, Nalcrest was (and still is) an affordable place for them to retire. The community charges a maximum rent of $520 per month, including the home, utilities other than electricity, and grounds maintenance.

How to Find LGBTQ-Friendly Senior Communities

6. ShantiNiketan

Located near Orlando, ShantiNiketan reflects a unique retirement community as it caters especially to immigrants from the Indian sub-continent, age 55 and older. The community has unique features that reflect their cultural preferences and offers extensive vegetarian cuisine options and an on-site prayer room.

7. Fountaingrove Lodge

The nation’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and friends focused independent senior community also offers the option of continuing care services. The luxury development also boasts gourmet dining and concierge services, pet parks and resident gardens, a 10-acre campus with golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and more. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, California, Fountaingrove Lodge also includes inspiring mountain views.

8. On Top of the World

On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida, is a unique retirement community for those active adults who wish to continue their fitness journey. It has two recreation centers, fully equipped facilities, including racquetball courts and softball fields, various fitness programs providing classes and recreational activities, and a lifelong learning education center. Oh, and energy-efficient homes in four different neighborhoods.

9. Áegis Gardens

Located in Fremont, California, Áegis Gardens is designed with the Asian culture in mind, including feng shui interiors, music, and traditional Mandarin and Cantonese cuisine. The staff is fluent in various Chinese dialects and English to assist its residents. The assisted living and memory care community offers traditional cultural activities like Mahjong, Tai Chi, and calligraphy classes as well as games like bridge and bingo.

10. The Palace at Coral Gables

Retirees wanting to continue a life of luxury will feel right at home at The Palace at Coral Gables. From the luxurious apartments to the elegant public areas, from gourmet dining to numerous social activities and five-star service, The Palace exudes wealth. In fact, its design was inspired by the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris.

Each of these unique retirement communities represent an element important to all quality senior communities: tailoring homes and neighborhoods that make residents feel warm and welcomed. The retirement home that’s right for you or your loved one may not be this quirky, but it will embrace you and meet your physical, emotional, and social needs.

Seniors Guide Staff

Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.

Seniors Guide Staff