Many of these communities offer the opportunity for socializing, recreation, outdoor maintenance that's taken care of, on-site restaurants, golf courses and numerous other amenities. There are generally four types of retirement communities. These are independent living facilities, active adult communities, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living residences.

Most new housing developments that target aging adults tend to be either active adult communities (AACs) or a blend of AACs with some continuing care facilities, like an on-site doctor or medical facility.

If you're thinking about moving for your retirement, new homes in age-restricted resort communities can be a fantastic option. No more lawn work, lots of activities, and beautiful settings await you. But, how do you choose the right community for you? Keep reading for a breakdown of the criteria you should look for in a retirement community.

How Close is it to the Kids?

If being close to your family is important, then you'll want to look for a home or retirement community that's close to your kids. Another consideration is space. Many units are sold as one-bedroom condominiums or two-bedroom homes. If you're planning to have many grandchildren visit, you may want to look for a community that offers larger units.

How do the Philosophies and Principles Compare to Yours?

Many retirement communities and active adult living developments have certain philosophies. The question is, do they match your own? If you love hunting and fishing, you may not enjoy spending your retirement in a community dedicated to vegetarianism and artistic pursuits.

For example, there's a retirement community in Arizona that's committed to academic research, another in Florida that's focused on extremely active living and yet another in California with a passion toward being an environmentally sustainable community. So, before you buy, make sure you understand the driving principles.

Is It Pedestrian Friendly?

The reality is that many seniors don't continue to drive for the duration of their lives. So, finding a retirement community that is either very pedestrian friendly or has easy access to public transit is critical. You'll appreciate the easy access to groceries and pharmacies.

Would I Get Along with the Other Residents?

Before you buy into a new retirement or adult community, you should always attend an information session to get a feel for other potential residents. Alternatively, if you're moving into an existing community, ask to spend the day at their recreation hall or community lounge.

Look around the room and ask yourself if you could see yourself spending your retirement with these people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of retirement together? Whether or not your home is new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical part of enjoying your overall community experience, and you want to be sure to include that factor in your decision.