What is an Active Adult Community? 

On the surface, that seems like an easy enough question.  But, it must not be. Some of you have sent emails asking that I clarify what exactly is the difference between communities that list themselves as active adult and other types of adult communities?

Here in Baja, we have some new options in the active adult lifestyle to offer to the now retiring baby boomer generation. Active adults are commonly defined as age 50 or better, pre-retired empty-nesters, or retired, independent, physically active persons with a variety of interests looking for quality, value and amenities to suit their lifestyles. 

Developers are taking notice of this growing market, and today's retiring baby boomers are not yet ready to move into a retirement home. They lead busy, active lives and want a home and lifestyle that offers them the quality of life they have worked hard to achieve. What they look for in an active adult community is to "step up" that lifestyle with some added perks and amenities in a community that reflects who they are today.

It seems the common ground definition for an active adult community roughly corresponds to a community built for persons in that 50+ age bracket who desire to continue to live independently among their peers in an environment that is secure and offers plenty of activities that help keep community members fit, alert and comfortable in an age-appropriate way. The community is marketed to couples or individuals who have no children under the age of 18 living with them full time. Common amenities may include a common recreation/fitness center, walking paths, tennis courts and close access to a golf course, lake or both.

Active adult resort lifestyles make communities go at least a step higher than that.  What they offer can be anything from organized activities to shopping and services on-site. These communities try to create an atmosphere like you might expect in an exclusive resort, whether it is in the mountains, in town or in a coastal community like  Pacifica at Real del Mar.

Some developers take either one of those lifestyle communities one step further, and market them as age-restricted.  Some make their properties available only to persons 55+, or even older while others make their communities restricted to persons of no less than 18 years of age.  The intent of the restrictions is to have a true adult community.  That is not to say that grandchildren or other children are not welcome to visit, it is just that the environment is built for adults. 

Hopefully this answers some of your questions as to what an active adult community is. There are options available now for baby boomers here in Baja and even some assisted care living options as well.