Delbert Eugene “Del” Webb was an American real estate developer and co-owner of the New York Yankees baseball club. He founded and developed the retirement community of Sun City, Arizona, which was built by his Del E. Webb Construction Company. Del Webb Communities offer a vibrant social scene, customizable homes, resort-style amenities, quality assurance with warranties, and historical locations across the country.
The invention of a Master Planned Community launched Del Webb into the national spotlight, making him an American icon and a huge success. Del Webb Corporation is one of the largest residential developers in the United States due to its success in planned communities.
Del Webb’s company, Del E. Webb Construction Company, was founded in 1928 and developed by Webb. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company provides homes and clubs for those 55 and older. The company has a strong focus on quality assurance with warranties and a low-maintenance lifestyle.
The Flamingo signaled the start of big-time golfing and hosting events at Del Webb Communities. The company’s reputation for quality and welcoming staff has earned it a reputation as a leading builder of Active Adult communities for those 55 and older.
In summary, Del Webb was an American real estate developer and sports-team owner who founded and developed the retirement community of Sun City, Arizona. His company offers world-class amenities, thoughtfully designed modern homes, low-maintenance lifestyles, and a positive work ethic.
📹 VISITING MY MIDDLE SCHOOL #shorts
What is the difference between The Villages and Del Webb?
The Villages, owned and controlled by a family, makes profits, while Del Webb, owned by residents, has a different board of directors. The difference is significant, as residents vote on the board of directors. The Villages’ victory in a non-compete clause battle has been appealed by the FTC. To stay updated on The Villages, subscribe to the newsletter and lock in your price before rates increase in 2024.
Where is the best place to live for 65 and older people?
Florida, Colorado, and Virginia are the top three states for retiring seniors, according to a study by WalletHub. The rankings were based on 46 indicators in three key categories: affordability, quality of life, and healthcare. Florida, which ranked first overall, was praised for its weather, lifestyle, and lack of taxation, which allowed seniors’ pensions and retirement income to go further. However, it scored lower in health care and affordability due to inflation and recent increases in rental and housing prices. The Sunshine State remains the top choice for seniors looking to retire in Florida.
Are Sun City and Del Webb the same?
Del Webb, a builder, differentiates between its Del Webb communities and Sun City communities due to their unique lifestyles. Sun City communities are larger, with over 27, 000 homes, while Sun City Center in Tampa has 9, 500 homes and Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas has 7, 779 homes. These expansive communities function as self-sustaining towns, with Village Centers providing daily conveniences like grocery stores, churches, banks, salons, and medical centers. Residents can often visit these amenities with their golf carts.
Why is Sun City so popular?
Sun City is renowned for its diverse entertainment options, including the Valley of Waves Water Park, which features a 6, 500 square meter wave pool, white sand beaches, and water slides. The park also offers one of the world’s largest and fastest zip lines, with a 2 kilometers length and 280 meters high. The treetop adventure circuit caters to children taller than 1. 20 meters, offering various challenges for both small and big adventurers. The Waterworld is an artificial lake offering activities like jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, and family boat rides.
The Lost City Maze, the largest maze in the Southern Hemisphere, is constructed with artificial stones and woods, creating an illusion of a lost archaeological site. Accessing the maze requires crossing a 100-meter-long suspended bridge from Sun Central Entertainment. Children and teenagers will enjoy the adventure, imagining themselves in an Indiana Jones movie.
Why are people leaving California and moving to Arizona?
Californians are moving to Arizona due to its lower cost of living, attracting entrepreneurs and businesses in industries like healthcare, technology, finance, and education. The state’s growing economy and industries also attract young professionals and families seeking new career opportunities. Arizona’s natural beauty, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks, offers endless hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures. The warm climate and scenic beauty attract Californians who enjoy year-round outdoor activities and a healthier lifestyle.
Did Del Webb have kids?
As the New York Yankees’ empire expanded, Webb lived a faster-paced life, focusing on his hotel empire. He built three first-class hotel suites, including the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, the Mountain Shadows resort in Phoenix, and the Waldorf Astoria in New York. After a divorce from his wife Hazel in 1953, Webb remarried Toni Ince in 1961, but had no children.
Webb worked with suspected mobsters in the 1950s and 1960s, and a 1977 story accused him of being an active business partner with organized crime figures for three decades. Despite the extensive investigative effort, few repercussions ever emerged.
After the 1964 sale of the Yankees, Webb remained active in his construction company and expanded internationally into the leisure business. In 1973, he became Chairman of the Board and appointed Bob Johnson as Chief Executive Officer.
Webb’s health improved after a bout with Typhoid Fever and giving up drinking. However, a year later, he needed a tumor removed from his right lung, which was successful. Shortly after, Webb was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After additional surgery, Webb died on July 4, 1974, and his body was cremated. His ashes were scattered over Arizona.
Where is the best Del Webb in the country?
Del Webb Nocatee, a community in Ponte Vedra, FL, has been named the top active adult community in the United States for the third consecutive year by 55places. com. The community was ranked the top choice for homebuyers aged 55 and older, based on factors such as home sales, amenities, cost of living, taxes, and climate. Other communities, including Del Webb Sunbridge in St. Cloud, FL and Del Webb Florham Park in Florham Park, NJ, also made the top five. Del Webb Trinity Falls in McKinney, TX, also made the list.
Who owns Sun City now?
Sun International Group is a South African gaming and hospitality company founded by Sol Kerzner. The group owns various assets, including the iconic Sun City Resort in Rustenburg, The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, and online gaming platform, SunBet. co. za. The company specializes in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, owning 42. 5 of the South African casino market and holding a significant interest in 11 out of 38 operating casinos in South Africa. Sun International Hotels is headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg and was incorporated in 1967.
The Southern Sun Hotel Company was created in 1967 when South African Breweries and businessman Sol Kerzner joined forces. By 1983, Southern Sun Hotels operated 35 hotels and generated a net income of $35 million. In 1984, Kersaf Investments Limited began to take great interest in Sun International (South Africa), forming one of its subsidiaries. Kersaf initially focused on cinemas, restaurants, shopping, and leisure but eventually grew its hotel and casino interests under the Sun International brand.
After the end of Apartheid in 1994, Southern Sun developed its own gaming resorts and began to compete increasingly with Sun International. In 2000, Southern Sun sold its stake in Sun International to Kersaf Investments Limited, who continued to acquire minority interests in Sun International. In 2004, Kersaf Investments Limited merged with Sun International to form Sun International Limited, which now owns or is involved in 13 hotels, casinos, and resorts.
How long has Del Webb been around?
The Del E. Webb Construction Company, founded in 1928 by Del Webb, was a prominent construction company in the United States. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, it became the Del E. Webb Corporation in 1960 and was involved in real estate, owning several hotels and casinos. In 2001, the company was purchased by Pulte Homes, which later merged with Centex Corp. to form PulteGroup.
Webb began working for a small contractor building a grocery store in 1928, which led to his founding of the company. He worked on various projects, including building a high school in Los Angeles and constructing airfields throughout Arizona during World War II. In 1943, Webb made L. C. Jacobson a 25% partner, who later became vice president.
In 1946, Webb was contracted by mobster Bugsy Siegel to build the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. From 1947 to 1948, Webb built distribution centers and warehouses for Kraft Foods Company and Howard Hughes. In 1952, the company founded its first subsidiary, the Del E. Webb Development Company, responsible for housing tracts and shopping centers.
In 1953, the development company began construction on San Manuel, Arizona, a mining town built out of nothing. In 1955, the company began constructing hotels for the Flamingo Corporation, which Webb was part owner of. In 1958, Webb sold his share of the Flamingo hotels and Flamingo’s share of Hiway House Hotel, becoming full owner of the hotel chain.
During the 1950s, the construction company built hospitals, hotels, and other large and small-scale projects.
Who founded Webb?
The Webb School was established in 1870 in Culleoka, Maury County, Tennessee, by William Robert Webb, also known as “Old Sawney.” Webb significantly influenced various aspects of life, including education, politics, religion, social, and community affairs.
How many Del Webb locations are there?
The Del Webb brand, operated by Pulte Homes, Inc., encompasses 59 active adult communities across 20 states. The brand traces its origins to Delbert Eugene Webb, a building contractor who commenced his career in 1928.
📹 AVOID LIVING IN A 55 PLUS COMMUNITY – Problems in Adult Retirement Communities – Don’t Buy 55+
… IL Del Webb Lake Providence – Mt Juliet, TN Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX Del Webb at Mirehaven – Albuquerque, NM Del …
I lived in a community like that. They were noisy as hell! Deaf, yelling at each other, wandering halls, knocking on wrong doors, always hunting down who drives to use them to death, needing help carrying groceries, asking for mo ey, help cleaning, gossiping, And those were the nice ones! We had drinks, hoarders, night screamers and wandering at night. This was a beautiful gated community in Texas! Never again! I live in the public community now amongst young folks! Lol!😊
My mom moved in to one and she was a VERY youthful 70 yr old who was educated and she dressed well. The types of people there were nosy and unhealthy. She moved back out into a manufactured home neighborhood with a raised garden and lots of privacy. It wasn’t for her. The neighbors were weird, nosy and didn’t have boundaries.
I have lived in a 55+ Condo Community since 2015 in St Pete. My HOA is $275, that pays for gas (stove and heat), water, outside maintenance, wifi, basic cable etc. I’m very happy with the cost. I don’t have a mortgage, cars and furniture paid for and a very low monthly cost. I don’t have to cut grass. All of my neighbors are good and I see them occasionally. I do a lot of volunteer work at the beaches with the sea turtle, birds etc. I have many friends that come to visit and when they are not coming I get into my car and travel around the country. It’s not for everyone but it works for me. Great article though.
This REALLY helped me make my decision as I was in the process of selling my home to purchase in a senior community! As I did the numbers, I just couldn’t justify me paying $2,760.00 per year in HOA fees (I’m 55 years old). 10 years of HOA fees at 230.00 per month would be $27,600, 20 years $55,200 and 30 years $82,800 and that’s if the HOA fees don’t increase but we all know they will. PLEASE do the numbers before making any decisions. I’m going to stay where I am! Thank you SO much for your informative article!
I’m 70 and my wife is 61. We live in a 55+ community in Florida and we have absolutely loved living here for 12 years. We have not experienced the issues discussed here to any great extent. A 55+ community is no different than any other community; there are all kinds of people who live in them, but that was true everywhere we lived throughout our lives. However, we have never experienced the “neighbors from hell” since we moved into our community. The cost of our HOA fees have increased over time, but at the same rate as costs have increased in the economy at large. In our community we enjoy a very low crime rate and it is very tightly monitored and controlled. So, the bottom line for us, is that we could not enjoy our life more since we moved into our 55+ community.
I’m closing in on my retirement and I’d like to move from Minnesota to a warmer climate, but the prices on homes are stupidly ridiculous and Mortgage prices has been skyrocketing on a roll(currently over 7%) do I just invest my spare cash into stock and wait for a housing crash or should I go ahead to buy a home anyways
He said it! People don’t suddenly become nice when they leave school, they just have to conform to societies norms as they enter adult life. Putting them back into that sort of environment and anyone who didn’t grow up just picks up where they left off. Now, however, it would be worse than school because apart from people’s bad behaviour, you’re going to have to accept a large financial loss to extricate yourself from one of these schemes
Interesting article. To anyone who sees this and is being scared out of moving to a 55+ community, keep in mind it depends on the community (they are not all equal – DO YOUR RESEARCH) and in my case the situation I moved from. Prior to moving to my 55+ community I lived in a trashy mobile home park in the east bay area where I had to pay lot rent (which was over $1000 a month by the time I left). Almost every morning I woke up to screaming unsupervised toddlers playing out in the street in my ‘family friendly’ park. On the weekends BOTH of my 20-something neighbors on either side of me would have loud, obnoxious parties (despite my many calls to the police they continued undaunted, and the usually absent manager did NOTHING). And because it was in the bay area I couldn’t afford to better my situation. So, after a year of careful research and several trips to see for myself, I bought a home and moved to one of those aforementioned 55+ Arizona communities. Five years later I can honestly tell you it was the best decision I ever made. It is quiet, my neighbors are kind and generous people, and my yearly HOA is hundreds of dollars less than the cost of one month’s rent where I previously lived. I own my home AND the lot. I love living in the southwest. I grew up on the east coast, and I’ve had enough humidity and mosquitos to last me a life time, so thanks but no thanks, I love where I live.
Hubby and I live in a 55+ community in Raytown, Missouri and it’s awful! We moved here three years ago and sunk a lot of money into buying this townhome and we can’t wait to move! Our next door neighbor is a bully and acts like a rebellious teenager by playing his music super loud, blocking our driveway with his car, and one time banged on our walls. At times he makes life a living hell! The worst part is that the HOA president does very little to help us because our neigbors’ wife in the HOA secretary, so he gets special treatment. We’ve asked him very nicely to please lower his music, only to be yelled and cursed at and told to “get a life”, when all we want is a little peace and quiet. We don’t mind him playing music, but not loud that we can literally feel the music in our own home. Oh, and when we asked him to please move his car so he isn’t blocking our driveway he lunged at my husband and cursed at him. We are white and our neighbors are black, so he’s called us “privileged white people” when all we want is to be able to pull out of our driveway without navigating around his car. Ironically he acts entitled, not us. The worst part is that HOA won’t fine him or get involved. They keep telling us to “work it out” with our neighbors, but we’re dealing with a psychopath who cannot be reasoned with. He’s a very angry person and we’ve even heard him yelling at his wife. Anyway, we didn’t know what kind of neighbors we would end up with. When we first moved in the next door neighbors were incredibly nice and we got along wonderfully with them!
I’m going to be 71 next month and when anyone mentions a 55-plus community, the first thing that comes to mind is old people. We don’t have an HOA where we live and the trade-off is, I do my own yardwork and maintenance. Some HOA fees are insane, so some of you old fogeys should consider saving the HOA fee and then you may be able to afford a landscape crew and handyman. Better yet, if you are able, get outside, do some work, and get some sun.
I never understood the appeal of 55+ communities nor the need to relocate. I live in a rural area where many people come to retire, while others leave here to go to 55+ communities. The thing that they all have in common is that they were more concerned about themselves than the people around them. After decades of working and serving my community while living in a huge old high-maintenance house in town, we built a small single level home on a farmette nearby. The house is designed for aging in place. In the meantime, we enjoy the greenhouse, garden and chickens. We eat very well and rarely go to the grocery store. I volunteer with food distribution for the needy and we share flowers, produce and eggs with close neighbors whose ages range from 1 to 90. We rise early to enjoy the sunrise, toil at a leisurely pace throughout the day and watch ducks play in the pond from rockers on the porch as the sun sets. There are no contrived activities. We’re among people who know that we care about them and in turn they care about us. We don’t have to pay to participate in activities. There’s no need for a gym membership. Our cost-of-living is well below our income and the farmette generates a little income. We spent a lifetime investing time and energy in our community–with the full knowledge that it would always be our community. BTW, we’ve changed as our community changes. For example, we weren’t fond of hot peppers. They were outside our food ethnicity. but I grew them for my neighbor.
100% accurate. I moved out of my moms house in 2021 and bought a home, in 2022 she moved into a 55+ community that recently removed the age restriction. She is older but still works FT and is gone days at a time which doesn’t work well in those communities. Nosy neighbors, bad new construction because they know the older people won’t put up as much of a fight. It’s all about building the homes as close as possible for maximum real estate and HOA funds. She had to install a french drain because of the poor grading (again, bad new construction), the neighbors were taking pictures and reported it to the HOA even though it was approved. Now she is only 1 year in and planning her next move out, will probably take a small loss after its all said and done. The turnover in those communities is crazy.
I am so glad I own my own house in Connecticut. I keep an elderly cat and snakes. Thank goodness I will never live in Retirement Community. I am 74 years old, love my neighbours, my home, property. My friend moved to a 55 and older home. She has confirmed everything you have mentioned, is discontented, unhappy and depressed.
In my super long post, I forgot to add that I didn’t know that sickly elderly women could be bullies, but I learned that hard lesson. You made a good point about bullies. They’re not all sweet caring grandmotherly types. Some neighbors in the same building or one nearby can make your home life hell, calling security and even the real cops with false accusations and getting you in trouble with the HOA and housing boards.
I really like my over 55 community ! I have a top floor suite, nice balcony, lots of activities, lots of friends. The utility costs are less than my previous home. The property tax is less, I have indoor parking in a climate controlled underground garage. A very nice club house, with lots of activities! A walking trail, pets are permitted, there’s an elevator in each of the four buildings. Yes, there is a monthly HOA, however, I don’t have to rake leaves, or shovel snow or wash windows or take out trash, or clean my dryer vent. I love the freedom here !
I live in a continuous-care retirement (apartment) complex. I figured I’d go into one eventually so over a couple of years I visited several in one area and decided which was best for me from a standpoint of cost, amenities and infrastructure. A health/surgical event required I do so suddenly so my advance efforts proved very useful! At 74, I’m one of the ‘youngsters’ and had a little culture shock. Some of my neighbors slowly use a walker. Others have difficulty hearing or need humor explained to them. Some have odd waking/sleeping schedules. Most but not all activities are directed toward my older neighbors. But I am NOT complaining; I live near family, I like living here and I’ve found a good many activities off-campus. It is sad, tho, when you see a neighbor decline and have to move to the assisted living, memory care or nursing wing.
You’re no – sh.t breakdown of this is very much appreciated,and accurate. Creepers abound in these retirement communities. You can feel them perusal EVERYTHING you do, and how you do it. My guess is that people who buy into retirement communities think that everyone thinks and acts like they do. NEVER will live in that. Thanks. The saddest aspect is that you are right.
My parents lived in a 55+ community in Phoenix in which the homes were occupied by original owners with most less than 5 years old. Initially, it was almost like stepping into a time machine, seeing a version of your newlywed parents (albeit in their 70’s instead of 20’s) in a Levittown-type environment where these new homeowners were excited about where they were and enjoying meeting other similarly-situated couples. What made my wife & I realize it wasn’t for us was seeing my parent lose all those new friends to the inevitable appointment we all have with the Grim Reaper. In a 55+ community, this is an all-too-regular occurrence – this meant an emotional roller coaster for the survivors, and a constant turnover with little continuity in the neighborhood. What my wife & I, therefore, looked for in a “Home before ‘The Home'” neighborhood was an upscale community with an age-diverse demographic . . . one key determinant of that was the discovery of our neighborhood in which roughly a third of the homes have 1-story. These are homes we can “age into” while being surrounded by younger families. AND, as a result, with that many 1-story plans, our neighborhood has a great “Young At Heart” organization with variety of activities (but not a massive physical plant you have to fund via HOA dues whether you use it or not).
I’m going to be 55 years old real soon. I never liked the idea that a community can discriminate against people based on age–even if it’s to my advantage. My ideal retirement situation is to buy a ranch and get as far away from people as I can, but close enough to the shopping centers to get my supplies.
I must be blessed because I moved into a senior community almost 19 years ago at age 56. Every day I tell myself how blessed I am to have such great neighbors and friends. Our community is unique in the friendliness and support we share. There are 960 homes and neighbors bring your trash in, take care of your pets, get your mail and offer to shop for you when going to the store. HOA dues are reasonable. The community is well maintained and the rules are reasonable and fair. We are managed by our HOA and hire contractors to provide services. We have a 25,000 sq foot clubhouse with indoor and outdoor pools, movie rooms, and a pub and restaurant. There are dozens of resident managed clubs for activities. My suggestion is to talk to people at the clubhouse to get an idea of what you are moving into.
So true!! I moved away after 18 months. It was a nightmare, everything you said is exactly right. Click’s, cranky people, men in their late 60’s & 70’s who thought they were 20 and players it was sad. Adult kids living with their parents. Many who talked about everyone else than I would see them talking to the person they were badmouthing 😮😮😮 If you are looking to live in a 55+ keep to yourselves. If I were to do it again I would not associate with anyone and would just say hello and keep walking.
After owning four single-family homes over 30 years, we bought a condo in a 55 plus community in Delray Beach 5 years ago. It has been nothing but a great experience and we love it. The people are friendly and nice, but not intrusive. I like to cook so I occasionally bring meals down to several people in our building who are alone. They are so grateful and so sweet and it makes me happy to help them out. It has the quiet we were looking for after living in trendy busy areas with loud festivals and loud music and hookers and crime and twirling people with tambourines lol, we just wanted peace and quiet and serenity and that’s what we’ve gotten. Have had no major assessments, and no condo commandos. I realize some 55 plus communities do have those problems but we haven’t experienced anything like that. We absolutely love it. As far as people who don’t like rules, then don’t move in a community with rules. We happen to like the rules because we’re not living next door to slobs or hoarders or unruly people.
I live in one of these communities and absolutely love it. The rules are for your benefit to keep up the neighborhood. People are the same in temperament as any other place. The fees include mowing, cable, irrigation and amenities (wonderful fitness center) that would cost us more if purchased on our own. But you do have to do your research and talk to people that live there. A good idea to rent first for a season.
It truly baffles me why anyone would subject themselves to more GOVERNANCE (AKA HOA’s or “restrictive communities”) when most of us are sick and tired of the “meddlers” and are expecting to see it all FLATLINE. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE and HOA’s are NOT FOR THEE! Thanks for helping folks see the truth and (hopefully) CHOOSE freedom! 👍
Thank you so much for providing an itemized list of concerns. A lot of this factual information realtors seemingly don’t want to reveal upfront to potential buyers. That’s why I ultimately opted for a simple 3/2 ranch house in a small town. No fees. You have really made me feel like I DID make the right decision for myself. Especially, given the fact that at 61, I have a low limited fixed income. So, once again, I want to say “Thank you” for putting out this article. A real eye opener!
My parents paid over $1000 a month for HOA. On top of that were bills to pay for the “special projects” the HOA came up with. One was ripping out perfectly good trees lining the internal road to replace them with a different type of tree…. specifically for esthetics. Then those trees died and had to be replaced again… another bill.
I have been living in a 55 plus for 5 years. the only real problem is the people that live above me. they make so much noise. that was when i first moved in. i complained to friends of theirs and that pretty much went away but for the last year they have the tv’s so loud. the tv is on the wall and it vibrates. it is so annoying. i have left notes on their door and pounded on the ceiling and it has helped but not enough. my advice to anyone buying a condo and not just 55 and up, any condo is to buy on the top floor or visit who is going to be above you before you buy. i cannot tell you how annoying it is to be disturbed while you are sleeping from noise from neighbor in a condo/apt. it is to the point that i will not talk to them if i see them and if they wake me up i will get up at 4am and wake them up everytime.
I agree with some of your points, such as the “high school” mentality, but you can find that anywhere. One advantage of 55+ communities is EXACTLY those rules and regulations, plus the fact that most communities now run background checks on potential buyers. You won’t have to worry about a family of ten moving in next door, parking vehicles in their front yard, letting large dogs run loose, and playing loud music half the night. One problem in a 55+ community that you didn’t mention is that some people think they are buying a “family vacation home” that anyone in their family can come down and stay in, whether the owner is there or not. That’s not the intent of the community–it is primarily for older residents. This can become a problem when the visitors don’t know what the rules and restrictions are. I have lived in a 55+ community for 15 years and it really has been a great experience.
55+ Never again! People are so gossipy and nosy it’s insufferable. 6 months in my neighbor told me I wasn’t positioning my garbage cans in the correct position….few months later another neighbor told me my garbage cans were left out too late in the day! Guess I should rush home from work on my lunch hour to bring them in. Bunch of old people with too much time on their hands..
Very good points. We retired to a 55+ community and moved 4 years later because of reasons you listed and the huge HOA increases. Also on the ‘Pending Litigations’ not if there any but how many as we eventually discovered. These communities are definitely not like the brochures. You need a thick skin and deep pockets to live in a 55 +community
Thumbs up. Great advice Jerry. I’m almost 81 and already been looking at these options. After viewing one that was asking “$750” in monthly maintenance fees and those fees are going up every year by 3%, I got quickly “soured” on “55 plus retirement communities. I also looked around my neighborhood and noticed folks much younger were hiring local services for outside maintenance and other services like “garbage removal”. I believe most communities have services available for most of the needs of the elderly. PS: Also, I love the freedom of NOT having to comply with crazy rules. Keep up the good work Jerry. Your website is very helpful.
My friend is in a 55+ village in Australia and she loves it. She has a beautiful, low maintenance 2 bedroom home and a small easy care garden. There’s a community swimming pool, outings, community movie room. She pays a fairly hefty weekly fee but she’s able to live on what she has leftover from the pension. It’s worked for her but I can see it wouldn’t work for some. There’s no pets where she is, she’s not an animal person but I would never be without my pets.
I’m retired Navy Officer and retired federal law enforcement. I’m on the doorstep of 70. My wife still happily works….but as soon as she retires, we will leave the Socialist Republic of Massachusetts. 55+ communities are in the back of my mind (looking at Maine or New Hampshire). I lived the “hell” of the Deep South—-never again. But your article is one helluva valuable viewing…..time well spent perusal and learning from it. All of those “negative aspects” you listed, I’ve lived or witnessed OUTSIDE of a gated community. Dear God…..that almost sounds like “blue hair prison”….I’m running from the idea of 55+ community like the plague! Thank you, sir!
I can’t speak for retirement communities in the US as I live in Canada. My husband and I spent a few years researching and visiting a number of retirement communities before we finally decided on one. We were both born and raised in the largest city in Canada, but we were looking for a smaller city to live in. This has been the best decision we ever made. The 55+ community we live in has about two thousand residents. The people (the majority are retired professionals such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.) are polite, friendly, and very helpful. The gardens are lush and beautiful and very well maintained by the gardeners and landscape team. I am finally enjoying for the first time in my life a peaceful, private environment with fresh clean air and beautiful surroundings. It simply cannot compare with the noisy, overcrowded, polluted, and frightfully expensive city we came from. I think it’s prudent to carefully do your homework by visiting and thoroughly exploring as many retirement communities as you can before taking the leap. I am confident that there is one that will suit your needs very well, if you are inclined to live in an area with like-minded people.
I just recently travelled to Florida from California to stay with my great Aunt who lives in the Villages, who wanted out after living there for about six months. After just two days there, I was climbing out of my skin. This place is huge! It is like a State of their own. Super nosey neighbors looking at me as if I just got off a space ship. All the questions asked of me. There are lots of activities there but attending them is like something out of a twilight zone episode, most of them you have to pay to get in. Moved my Aunt out of there and brought her cross country back to California. After seeing this, when I turn retirement age, I will definately not move there. Have a great day!
Flipped a house in 55+ Arizona community and had a wonderful experience. I had great neighbors, very friendly, not nosey, but I’m sure there are exceptions, like everywhere else. I’m flipping another 55+ because the buyers are blinded by everything you said and will eagerly pay above asking to get in the door. Best investments I’ve ever made. I loved my place because it was super quiet, gated, and you can be social or not and no one gave a damn what you did. These were single family style homes, not condos. The HOA was reasonable in my opinion. The amenities were average and not over the top. The one BIG thing was that the HOA did NOT support the golf course. That was my big criteria. Never buy into a community where the HOA is tied to the golf course. Mine was not. It was a separate entity and open to the public. My HOA was not part of golf course support. Gluck ya’ll.
I stumbled across the website just looking for reasons to move to Florida. I then viewed 5 of your reasons not to move to Florida and subsequent alternatives. Thank you Jerry! Very informative! Your articles pretty much cover the good and bad of retiring in a southern state. I just subscribed to your website and look forward to more of these lesson teaching sessions. Keep up the great work!😁
I visited an enormous senior community. The HOA fees were $470 per month and included a golf course that I would never use. Your advice about looking into the HOA fees and the financial condition of the Association is very good advice. Prospective buyers should also get copies of the newsletter to view the contentious issues and crimes committed on the site. The convenience of stores. banks and professional offices on site is a double edged sword. People have to realize that places like these do not have good mass transit and are often located far from other shops and services. In other words, the places on site have a virtual monopoly. And finally, check the vacancy factor. At the place I visited, the vacancy factor was enormous.
We live in a 55 year old community. No amenities. They are brick and stone crafted and are lovely. You are right about the people. They want so badly to know your business. We try to never open the door when the door bell rings and shut the garage door as soon as the car goes in. The savings grace is our next door neighbors live in another state six months out of the year. The wife wants to gossip and we shut her down by saying sorry we have got things to do. BYE
I was chuckling as you were naming off the 10 reasons bc I completely agree with you. Your No. 10 for me is closer to the top. And not only do I see it in the 55+ but I see it everywhere. The majority of the population never got out of HS and some are still in the 3rd and 8th grades. So many are still in clicks and very exclusionary. I lived in 55+ in AZ that was huge with homes to rent or buy and there was one section with apartments. I had an apartment there for 2 yrs. One of the worst places I’ve ever lived in. We had HOA fees attached to our rent. I would never purchase a home where I had to pay HOA fees. Why? Because that pays for the land and taxes of the greedy owners who are the only ones benefiting. All of the landscaping and maintenance and constant watering of the golf course is being paid for by those purchasing and renting and the fees are exorbitant. Also this place was gated with a guard at the entrance. People think they’re safe in a gated community. That is such a joke. Almost anyone can jump over the walls that are built around them, and what about those who move into gated communities? Criminals, drug lords, sex offenders, murderers, and rapists can move into these places. Most of them have a lot of money and that’s really all the owners care about. I currently live in a 55+ apartment but it’s not with constant activities, etc. There are some but I choose not to attend. I attended 2 of the breakfasts when I first moved in and the food was absolutely horrible.
Very good article and should be considered before moving to a retirement community. We moved from Colorado to a big FL retirement community. We researched and had all this info before we bought. We moved from a neighborhood where everybody was in your business and the two houses across the street contained alcoholics and drug addicts. Every spring brought screaming sessions between the two houses and regular visits from law enforcement. Gossip was the currency of the realm. So we bought a new house with nobody across the street and nobody behind. Neighbors seem nice so far (6 mos.), people are happier than in my old neighborhood. HOA fees are low, I know they will go up, construction of the house is not perfect but very good overall. I know some percentage of every population is jerks or weirdos. I have met a few already so I don’t hang around with them. Welcome to humanity. Not all amenities are for me or my wife, but there are many to choose from so we are exploring. No bratty, out-of-control kids anywhere in my sphere of movement. I did not expect my new home to be heaven, but it is a lot closer to heaven than the hellish neighborhood I lived in out west.
I moved OUT of a 55+ community to get away from some single dirty old men, OMG!! The stories I could tell. I’m now 74 and 2+ moved into a 4-unit ‘regular’ person mini-complex and am much happier……and I needed the privacy I now have. Your article is right on point! AVOID the ‘group grope’ scenario if you can afford it……THANKS for this article – I was right to make the change!
You reinforced my retirement relocation. I laughed because I never want to turn into binocular man whos up in everyone’s business. I also wanted to be close to a College or University to watch sporting or art events. I would like to be around young people who are excited about life and what their future holds. Besides, they keep you young at heart!
My husband and I were snowbirds and lived in a 55 plus community in Mesa, AZ for 13 years and enjoyed it very much. We recently sold the place as we are in our 80’s now and it’s getting harder to go back and forth. The lot rent went up almost yearly but for the most part we had great neighbors and loved it there.
Our main problem in our 55+ is water! Our base is $197. Cannot water the yard, wash the car or golf cart. Yet they let builders keep building! We have times that the water is completely down. We still have to buy water to drink and use the Brita water to cook with. Nightmare! Hopefully we can get out by the end of the year. You would think you are in high school, and rumors all the time! Never again!😂. Enjoyed the review, you are right on.
Me and husband live in 55 plus appts that have section 8 and electric is included in ur rent . We have three squares food programs that provide things like peanut butter, wheat bread, oatmeal, corn flacks, shelf shelf stable milk, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned chicken, protein bars on occasion and also paper goods when available. We have another program called food rescue which is fresh foods like baked goods, deli meat, cheese slices, meat, sometimes meal kits like home chef . These are donations though and you have to check the expiration dates on the items before using and check and make sure the items are fresh enough to eat. We have a few neighbors we like and talk with but don’t generally attend the senior activities in the building because we found there was to much drama and gossip involved and we are not interested in being involved in that. We do however greet other residents in building and say hello and wish them a nice day. Basically there can be drama anywhere you live senior living or not. Basically there is good and bad with any situation
My late Mom lived in a 55+ community. She had all sorts of problems with the other fat, ugly, mentally and physically ill women who lived there because she was educated and loved to dress nice. I mostly held my tongue around them, like my Mom. When I finally moved her out of there, I had the opportunity to read a few of them the riot act. It made me feel good, but Mom was not happy about it, she just wanted out. Looking back on it, I’d do it again in a heartbeat! Now that I’m retired, no friggin way I go back to that high school a-hole bullshit.
I live in Massachusetts & was told this story by a realtor. He represented a seller, who was in his 80s, in one of these communities. The realtor said MAN is this place beautiful (worth $500,000 at least)! Why do you want out? The seller stated his final straw was when he was served $100 fine for parking his car just 1/4 inch over a white line. Turns out he had gotten back after sunset, and “Of course I didn’t see that small amount of white line when I parked! I’m 80, for Pete’s sake! Please get me out!” That particular realtor dislikes (putting it mildly) 55+ communities and would never move into one. Neither will I after our experience with retirees in a condo community.
I’m sorry so many here have had bad experiences. I have only lived in neighborhoods with HOA fees so I wasn’t put off by that. We all own our homes and my community has so many great activities. I’m very happy to say that most of my neighbors are very nice and although there are « Mean Girls in their 80’s and men who don’t seem to understand that they aren’t executives any more, most people get along just fine. I love being here.
Thank you. I’m 63 and thinking about a retirement community as I’m tired of the yardwork, dock work and home maintenance. I always thought that retirement communities were places where responsible, decent people went to live in peace and harmony. Apparently, I was wrong. Guess I will just stay put for know.
I use to live in an ocean front high rise… The HOA board raised rates every year.. The HOA use to use funds for parties, un explained legal fees disappearing funds.. Lawsuits were being filed and the homeowners had to pick up the tab for all the litigation. After 6 years I finally moved because of the ever increasing costs and rumors of future costs..
I started perusal this article and almost immediately started laughing because you’re so right on. I actually live in a 62+ apartment building. I’m under a lease but I can move when I want. The first thing I noticed about the social community is that it is exactly like high school. In fact I told my friend that one day shortly after I moved in. I love my apartment but I don’t love the community. Thankfully I’m on the third floor in the corner and it’s quiet up here.
Hi, Jerry! We’re age eligible, but for various reasons I don’t wish to live in a 55+ community. I found our absolute most unpleasant neighbors in a condo community where anyone could buy were retirees with too much time on their hands. Much as I love where we live now, our neighbors being pretty Libertarian & not caring what others do, you’re 100% on target about HOA fees. I’m appreciating your article. Thank you!
Sounds like great advice. Of course, some of those things are true in any community, and a couple more are true in any community with an HOA. Fifty years ago, when looking for my first house was given the advice that “you can choose your neighborhood, but you can’t choose your neighbors”. Was true then, is still true today.
For #5, some states require all of this to be disclosed before an offer can be accepted. I moved into a condo association recently and before they would allow me to make an offer I had to be provided with all of the things you mentioned. I looked them over and thankfully they aren’t very restrictive, they have no financial troubles, and the monthly fee only goes up very incrementally. Some of the HOA’s my realtor deals with were much, much worse and he steered me away from any he knew were bad.
I lived with my parents in a 55 community for several years. It’s all true, but the most truthful is being around people with too much time on their hands. They’re submarine sonar looking for trouble in the pettiest way. My parents first got involved with everything, but soon got disillusioned with it all. They ended up minding their own business and it was the best choice. The good thing is the safety. Anything can happen anywhere, but the need to worry about any kind of crime is almost nil. A “to the point” summation? It’s all about MONEY. It determines where, when, and how. As you go lower in income, the more you’re going to have to compromise.
I retired at 49 I’m now 51 my wife is 54 we live full time in a 45ft class A RV. We have stayed at several 55+ parks. In fact we are at one now in Arizona and this is it. We stayed at one in Florida and left early because the people were so clicky and unfriendly. Some people were just downright rude and resented that I was retired so young. We have decided to just go back to campgrounds as we travel. We don’t use the pools or anything else they offer. The bar is way too expensive. So it’s just a learning curve for us.
been there felt that…retired HOA DELAWARE SHORE …at first it was grey haired kids in summer camp with stipends from SS & Medicare ” how de doo ! where y’all from ? ” smiles, handshakes, polite meet & greet – in not too long …excitement wore off…clicks formed men and women strived for ALPHA MALE status barking orders to followers worse than high school …petty land disputes and house control broke out about gardening type of flowers etc– the houses were wedged shoe horn on tiny plots corn fields just a year before …we were giddy to retire and did not notice the crowding like rats in a fish tank at first blush …until the neighbor’s dog is taking craps, barking, and not pretty to look at neighbors parading in back yard smack in my face only 10 yards away – it got worse when 2016 election came neighborhood bitterly divided a battle of flags left and right and aggressive postures assumed by some; a primeval evolutionary territorial battle …raised my stress hormones- also the population was a pool of elders so more chronic and acute illnesses … ambulances frequent night visitors and medical interventions passes as chatter of the day…made us desire to live in a mixed population neighborhood – we sold and moved moved in 2020 rescued by MMT & QE money printing bubble inflating up the value of our 1st retirement home in beautiful COASTAL DELAWARE a KIPLINGER TAX FAVORED STATE …bye bye
My parents have lived in their community in Yuma for over 25 years and absolutely love it. My husband and I have visited a few times and found it extremely enjoyable. My parents are leaving their home to us when they pass, which we plan on keeping and eventually will split our time from there and home. Many of the residents have done the same. If it ever becomes unbearable of course we would sell it.
I got out of my contract with The IVY in Draper UTAH. It cost me $2400 to “buy out” the lease. But glad to be able to go. Management really was the 27 year-old who doesn’t understand where we come from. They would enforce paper rules, if they wanted too, but never enforced the parking rules. They never threw people out who were violent, who created nuisance problems, or stole from the overnight convince store. They would not clear the snow and several seniors slipped and fell, and 1 man actually broke his leg—not Ivy’s fault for breaking the City laws go figure. It took 6 months for two lights to be replaced others stayed unlighted the whole time I was there. But they were so good at charging bogus fees when you leave the apartment cleaned and carpets steam cleaned. Don’t go there, find something that’s cheaper.
My wife and I bought a house in a 55+ in Florida. We have been here 5 years now. We got locked in HOS fees at sign up so our fees will never increase while one of us owns the home. A lot of your complaints can be said about any community. We enjoy the pools here but people just like to complain about everything under the sun. Overall our experience has been good. We mostly stick to ourselves and we don’t have much to complain about. People get online and complain about trivial stuff that happens everywhere. I follow the rules here and to be honest most of them keep the community clean and looking nice. There are no cars parked on the grass or junkyard vehicles in driveways. You’re expected to keep your trash picked up and your house in order. People that complain about that probably used to live in a dump. We have beautiful small lakes and palms and there is no trash on the ground anywhere. You’re not allowed to let your pets run loose so they can crap in anyone else’s yard. Overall it keeps the community clean. Everyone knows the rules when they come here so if there is a problem they shouldn’t have come here. You can have nosey bad neighbors anywhere you go but I guess we got lucky. We say hi and sometimes have a conversation with neighbors but that’s about it. We keep our place clean and follow the rules. We love our home and it’s nice not to have kids causing problems here. We have zero vandalism and most people are pretty friendly.
I am 78 and been in a 55+ for eight years. I don’t participate in all of the activities. In fact, I don’t participate in any of the multitude of activities. There are a lot of people trying to act like they’re young again. What you should do is go out and help other people. Get involved in some worthwhile charity thing. We all have a need to be needed. We don’t need to act like kids again.
I live in a 55+ condo community and like it. No kids running around or loitering around the corner. That’s the good part. The down side is that we have hoarders in my building, and trying to get them out has been an experience, because you can’t. We cleaned out their place, replaced a toilet and sink, new carpets which had 39 dead mice underneath. It was a horror show, the community had to pay $140k so of course our HOA went up significantly. We are trying to recoup that through the courts, plus they are starting to hoard all over again!
I have lived in three different 55+ communities. Two were land leased and one was not. The land lease can be a problem. Each and every year without fail, the lot rent is increased. From the time I bought my current house in 1921, the lot rent has gone up $62 and will go up again in October. This current one is owned by a private family but many are owned by large corporations like Sun Communities, in Florida. Barefoot Bay Florida was the best of both worlds. It was an annual amount that is what most land least communities charge in one month. The best part of being in Barefoot Bay is you have a ton of amenities plus you own the land – it is not a land lease. It is also not age restricted. If it wasn’t so bloody hot and humid, I might still be there. Florida is also too far from family so I became a “Snow Bird” and that worked out better for me.
My mom is 61, moved into a 55+ apartment complex about 2 years ago. I can attest that adults don’t mature much beyond their high school mindset. Her particular complex has a pretty awesome heated pool. But after the first season, certain individuals complained about child use of their pool. The useage rules have change, and persons under the age of 18 are not permitted. So much for those with grandkids. These cushy 55+ communities are loaded with entitled Karens.
I use to work with a bunch of retirees when I was in my 40’s. We travelled together by bus to pick up cars for an auto auction. Yes, old folks are just like a bunch of children who are old, nosey, critical, judgemental, playing tricks on one another, always a trouble maker in the bunch, but also sometimes hillariously funny (“It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there”). I’m 70 this year and raising a ten year old. Don’t know what he’ll be like in his teens, but for now he’s the joy of grandpa and me.
OH, this is so true…my friend did this and all these things are happening to her. She said her community is mostly old women. The men reject them for younger women as caretakers and girlfriends. What a surprise! :face-fuchsia-tongue-out:Also many naïve seniors actually believe the brochures and still trust what’s said on their televisions.
you hit the nail on the head with this article. i isolate myself from most resident bullies and mean people. OMG 2 stabbings in 6 months….these people are gangsters and bike thieves, Drugs are a biggie. l bought all equipment to go off grid..at 76. All i need is the van. Sticks and Bricks are no safer then the road in a van. Thanks
I lived in a 55 community for a couple of years. It had it’s plus side of things being quiet and well cared for without me doing anything. Also had social activities like movie nights and bingo etc. It also had it’s down side of in fighting, rummors of money mismangement, too many rules, self appointed inspectors and no ability to do anything not already in the big rule book. You also had little ability to determine what HOA costs would be and how they determined priorities. Lots of cliches but that’s ok it’s just normal for a certain type of people.
I have lived in a 55 community for 20 years! Best decision. I have found wonderful people. You get grumps anywhere. I don’t have noisy kids or little ones on bikes when you are backing out your car. The fees cover all the things that would cost us more when purchased singularly. The place is pristine, restrictions are there for a reason. Good idea to rent in a place before buying. Doing your research is important.
HOA members VOTE on the HOA fees where I live. I’ve been living in this over-55 community for 20 years. Yes, some of the older residents eventually pass, but this community has just about everything, and it is very active. More than half the residents are snowbirds. People walk and ride bikes around the very safe streets. There is a clubhouse which can be used for large family parties. There is a pool. There is shuffleboard. There are bowling leagues, golfing, there is live music by local bands and dancing at the clubhouse. There are potlucks. There are group excursions for gambling, theater, concerts and cruises. There are reading clubs, card clubs, swimming exercise classes. You can participate in all this, pick and choose what you like, or you can stay home and be as private as you want. All this is in a lovely and well-maintained mobile home community with extremely reasonable fees, which pay for the common areas, lawn care and a few employees. We are one of the nicest and cheapest communities in the southern part of the state. On top of that, all residents have had background checks. They CAN be good, but I agree they’re not for everyone and you best inspect those by-laws and rules and regulations before you purchase.
Really enjoyed this article. I’m considering your advice, because thousands of dollars have been disappearing from my 401k due to soaring inflation, and my concern is where to safeguard and grow remaining cash about $500k+ for the next 2-3 years at no risk. I’d love to retire early and afford a life after retirement.
The cliquey thing is no lie. Lived in a 55 plus for 5 years, the cliques, the mean girls, the nosey neighbors were all a big part of why I left. Also I found I truly missed seeing people of other ages, teenagers, young couples, and most of all – children. Living with only older neighbors can make you feel older than you are, plus it’s just unnatural. I HATED the community, and only wish I had left sooner instead of trying to make it work. I consider those years just “lost”. I try not to think about that.
I have been living in a 55+ apartment building for ten years. It is a fresh, living hell every day for one reason – The Horrible Old Women with the emotional maturity of three year olds. It is worse than high school; it is a bloody day care here without the day care workers. Conflict, strife, squabbling, gossip, fights EVERY DAY.
Oh Jerry – I was aiming for a 55+ community after a cross country move (specifically because it’s cheaper and they have separate buildings for those who have pets, which I do not). However I am looking at an apartment, not buying. I know one thing I will miss, moving from Texas to a colder climate, is entering my apt from the outside, vs. from a hallway, where you may bump into…well, everybody. Not to mention one’s Amazon packages & other deliveries. Where I am now, nobody bothers me, and I like that! I’m also a homebody AND I’m still working, so I won’t have time for a lot of social stuff. But thank you for this article, it’s given me a LOT to think about!