The Ultimate Guide to 55+ Communities

For today’s active seniors, retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Many older adults and retirees want to make the most of their golden years with adventures, socializing, travel, and excitement. While there’s nothing wrong with staying home, the solitary–and sometimes boring–life that retirement holds isn’t for everyone. If you’re an active senior looking for fun and friendship, a 55+ community might be the right choice for you. With an active, social environment, daily activities, low-maintenance living, and access to resort-style amenities, these communities offer endless ways to enjoy your next chapter. In this Ultimate Guide, we’ll explore more about these communities, the benefits they provide, different types of senior living communities, and how to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

What are the different types of senior living communities?

If you’re looking for a senior living community, you have tons of options. Types of communities differ in the level of care they offer, as well as what benefits and amenities are available. The main types of communities include:

• 55+ communities (which we will discuss in this guide) are apartment buildings or neighborhoods for older adults only, intended for active seniors who don’t need any care. These communities prioritize friendship, community, lifestyle, and amenities. 
• Independent Living communities are also for seniors who do not need daily care. Unlike 55+ communities, independent living communities often also offer assisted living and other levels of care. 
• Assisted living communities provide assistance with activities of daily living, like mobility, eating, dressing, bathing, etc.
• Memory care communities are a type of assisted living community specifically designed for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, and cognitive decline.
• Skilled nursing & rehab communities are for seniors who need advanced medical care and/or rehab, but still want to live in a home-like environment with friends and activities. 

55+ Communities offer a fun, active lifestyle.

What is a 55+ community?

In the senior living world, what a 55+ community looks like can vary widely. While all 55+ communities are age-restricted neighborhoods or apartment buildings exclusively for older adults, not all communities are created equal. At Stellar Living, 55+ is a resort-style experience that bridges the gap between active adult communities (which offer no services) and independent living communities. Our communities offer upscale dining, resort-style amenities, and a full and lively activities schedule. They do not provide medical care or personal care services, but they do provide housekeeping and maintenance. At a Stellar community, your days are full of everything you want to do, and nothing you don’t!

55+ communities vs Independent Living communities

While these types of communities have a lot in common, there are a few key differences. A 55+ community is more focused on lifestyle and amenities. This type of community is meant for seniors who are not ready to slow down just yet. Some residents may continue to work and volunteer. They still have a lot of life left to live, and they want to focus on fun, education, travel, experiences, and friendships.

Independent Living communities are usually geared more toward retirees and seniors who are considering needing more care down the road. They often offer assisted living within the community or apartment. 

At Stellar Living, both types of communities offer fine dining, resort-style amenities, private transportation and a full calendar of adventurous, joyful activities. Both independent living and 55+ communities are for seniors who don’t currently need any help with daily life. Because these types of communities are similar, you may even see the terms “55+ community” and “independent living” used interchangeably. The main difference is the amount of care offered within the community, with 55+ communities typically not providing any in-house personal care services.

Many seniors at 55+ communities enjoy taking outdoor walks.

Benefits of Living in a 55+ Community

There are many benefits to living in a community especially for older adults. Here are just a few:

• Friends who are also neighbors, and a sense of community. You’ll never feel lonely or alone again.
• Never having to clean or do yard work again! With housekeeping and maintenance services, and sometimes even laundry services, you won’t have to spend any of your time on tiresome, repetitive chores anymore.
• Restaurant-style fine dining, every day, for three meals a day. Sure, many community apartments have full kitchens, so you can prepare your own meals and treats whenever you want. But you’ll never have to cook or wash dishes again!
• Amenities like a gym, salon and barbershop, library, beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, walking paths, and more. Everything you need is right within the community. 
• Private transportation is offered at many Stellar communities. This means you don’t have to deal with traffic or driving anymore, and you won’t have to pay for auto insurance, car maintenance, gas, etc.
• Tons of exciting on- and off-site activities offered every week. Life Enrichment directors are always working to come up with fun new things to do, and they tailor the activities to what you want to do. Many communities have resident-led clubs and activities, too.
• Being around other people in the same stage of life. It’s easy to make friends when everyone around you is in the same boat! Everyone in your community is there to make friends and focus on enjoying life.

Who are 55+ communities designed for?

This type of community is designed for active older adults looking to make the most of their golden years. The focus is on living your best life, with everything you want to do, and none of the monotonous chores that you don’t want to do. Some community members continue to work and are not ready to retire yet. Most residents of this type of community are discovering what their next chapter looks like. This can include education, travel, new experiences, new hobbies, new friends, and more. 

Daily exercise classes are another benefit of senior living communities.

How do I find the right 55+ community for me?

Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself when choosing the right community for you. 

• Where do you want to live? Do you want to live near your family members? Or do you want to try living somewhere new–somewhere coastal, warmer, or cooler? Would you prefer living in a city, a suburb, or a more rural location? Choose a community in a location you think you’ll enjoy for years to come.
• What kind of lifestyle are you looking for? Every community has its own feel. Some are more grand and upscale, others are more comfortable and homey. Some communities may offer a more active lifestyle, while others move at a slower pace. Consider what you want your life to look like in your new community.
• What is your budget? Location will have the greatest impact on pricing, but the level of finishes and services offered can also vary. 
• Do you expect to need care at some point in the future? If so, you’ll need to find out if you have the ability to hire outside help to provide care while living in your 55+ community. Otherwise, a different type of community may be a better fit.

All Stellar Living communities have caring, passionate staff members, tons of activities, upscale amenities, fine dining, and more. You can find a Stellar 55+ community near you here.

How much does this type of community cost?

Speaking of budget…how much does living at a 55+ community actually cost? Pricing for all types of senior living communities varies widely. The biggest factor is location–if real estate prices are higher, senior living community prices will also be higher. Some communities may allow you to own your own home, while at others you’ll pay a monthly rental fee for an apartment or townhome.

For a basic point of reference, the median price for a rental apartment or townhome in a 55+ community ranges from $2,207 to $3,145 per month, depending on the services offered (according to A Place for Mom). However, some communities may cost as little as $1400 per month, and some cost more than $4000 a month. Stellar Living communities all provide transparent, line-item pricing, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.

Stellar Living communities have one monthly fee that covers everything, like at an all-inclusive resort. This usually includes three chef-prepared meals a day in a restaurant-style dining room, housekeeping and maintenance, private transportation, entertainment, activities and outings, access to the on-site gym and exercise classes, and amenities like a library, courtyard, games room, art and crafts room, and more. 

When planning your budget for senior living, make sure you consider everything you won’t have to pay for at a senior living community. This may include utilities, home insurance, car insurance, gas, car maintenance, groceries, eating out, entertainment, home maintenance, lawn maintenance, and more. Once you take these expenses into consideration, you might find that the monthly price at a community is comparable to what you’re already spending. Plus, these communities offer you a happier, more relaxed, safer, and more connected lifestyle. Can you really put a price on a higher quality of life, especially in your senior years?

How can I pay for a 55+ community?

If you decide a 55+ community is the right choice for you, there are a variety of payment options. Since these communities are for active adults who don’t need any care, you won’t be able to use Medicare or Medicaid, and most long-term care insurance plans won’t apply either. Most people use a combination of personal savings and retirement income. 

Many seniors who are looking into senior living own their own homes. Selling your home can provide a “nest egg” that will pay a senior living community, sometimes even for the rest of your life. Moving into a community may enable you to sell other assets too, like cars, recreation vehicles, boats, and furniture. 

While selling these types of assets can be an emotional decision, it can also be surprisingly freeing. Think about it: you’ll no longer have to worry about a mortgage, home insurance, car insurance, home and car maintenance, cleaning, or yard work–ever again. This could open up a lot of mental space and energy for the things you actually want to focus on, like family, friends, and the things that bring you joy.

Top 10 questions to ask when touring a community

So, you’re ready to start touring communities! Make sure you ask these 10 top questions when you visit any 55+ community. 

1. How much does this community cost per month? No matter how much you love a community, it needs to be able to work within your budget.
2. What is included in the monthly price? While Stellar communities provide clear and transparent pricing, others may require a little more digging to know what is included and what could be an additional cost.
3. How often do fees increase? What is the term for your rental agreement, and will the rent go up?
4. What types of activities do you have every week? Make sure the community provides the type of activities you want to do! If possible, talk to the Life Enrichment director or sit in on an activity.
5. What amenities are included? An on-site gym, pool, walking paths, or other amenities can be a huge added bonus.
6. Can I talk to current residents about this community? The best person to ask about a new community is someone who already lives there!
7. What is the food like? Many communities will welcome you for lunch or dinner after a tour, so you can see what kind of food options are available.
8. Are apartments furnished or unfurnished? Unfurnished apartments allow you to put more of your personal taste into the space, but furnished apartments mean a quicker and easier move-in process.
9. How do you handle emergencies, including medical emergencies, inclement weather, and illnesses? 
10. What security measures does this community have? Are entrances staffed and gated? How does the community handle visitors?

Along with these questions, try to get a general feel for what the community culture is like. Your new community should feel like home, and you should feel welcome from the moment you step in the door.

You’re never too old to play games with friends!

What if I need more help later on?

Stellar Living 55+ communities are designed for individuals who want to live independently, and have the option to bring in extra support down the road. While we don’t provide personal care services on-site, you can always bring in outside help if you need it. Many people choose to bring in home health, therapy, or personal care services over time. This allows you to stay in the place you love, while receiving support on your terms. Our communities can even help connect you with local resources. And with a wearable emergency response device included for every community member, help is always within reach if an urgent need arises.

Why Choose a Stellar Living 55+ Community

Stellar Living is committed to providing seniors a quality of life that’s not just good–it’s Stellar. You’ve worked hard all your life. You deserve to enjoy your golden years. Stellar strives to provide the finest amenities, the best staff members, delicious and nutritious meals, and communities that feel like home. We want to combine the luxurious feel of a vacation, with the warmth and love of a family gathering. Every day should feel like a five-star vacation with people you enjoy spending time with. 

Stellar is also an award-winning senior living provider. ElderCare recently awarded Stellar as a top Assisted Living services provider. A Place for Mom has consistently ranked Stellar Living communities in their Best of Senior Living awards every year. We pride ourselves in taking care of you or your loved ones like we would our own family. 

At the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to take our word for it. Visit one of our 55+ communities, and you’ll see the Stellar difference. You’ll be welcomed with the love and respect you deserve, and we will keep striving to give you our very best, every single day. Schedule a tour with one of our current 55+ communities today! Our current 55+ communities include:

• Helena Pointe in Helena, Montana
• Sandia Vista in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Park Lane in Salt Lake City, Utah

We also have many independent living communities that offer a similar lifestyle. Check out our Communities!

55+ Community FAQ (Quick Answers to Your Top Questions)

• What is a 55+ community? A 55+ community is a type of senior living community that allows active seniors to live a fully independent lifestyle, while still providing a friendship and community, safety and security, emergency services, activities, fine dining, transportation, and amenities.
• Who are 55+ communities designed for? Active, independent seniors who don’t currently need any help with activities of daily living can live in this type of community. Many people choose senior living communities for the friendships, meals, activities, amenities, and housework- and maintenance-free lifestyle.
• How much does a 55+ community cost? The cost of any community can vary widely depending on location, and is always changing. On average, prices in the year 2025 were between $1,500 and $4,000 a month.
• Is it covered by Medicare or Medicaid? This type of senior living is typically not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
• What services are provided? Services offered usually include access to amenities, meals, private transportation, housekeeping, same-day maintenance, recreational and social activities, and outings. Some communities also provide laundry services. Most communities give every member an emergency pendant for emergency services.
• How is 55+ different from independent living or an assisted living community? 55+ is a totally independent lifestyle, without any personal care or other support available in-house. Independent living communities are similar, but often also offer assisted living or some support. Assisted living communities provide help with activities of daily living. 
• Can I bring my own furniture? It depends on the community. It’s best to check with the community directly.
• Can I bring my pet? Some communities allow residents to bring their pets, while others do not. It’s important to check with the community before moving in to ensure they are pet-friendly.
• Can I have visitors? Yes, residents are generally allowed to have visitors, but there may still be restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
• How do I find the right community for me or my loved one? Research different communities and visit them in person. It’s also a good idea to talk to current residents and staff.
• What happens if a resident’s health needs change? If your needs change while living in your community, you can bring in outside help, much like you would in a private home. Otherwise, you may need to move to a higher level of care, such as an assisted living or memory care community.
• How can I pay for a community? There are a variety of ways to pay, including private pay, selling or renting assets, Social Security benefits, retirement income,  savings, and more. Research different options and work with a financial advisor to find what will work for you.
• Can I bring my car or keep my driver’s license when living in a 55+ community? This is usually allowed, but many communities provide transportation for residents, making your own car unnecessary. It’s best to check with the community directly.
• Can I leave the community and return home? You can leave a community anytime. However, check with the community to find out their policies on rental contracts and how much notice you’d need to give to avoid any potential fees.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, 55+ communities can provide a great quality of life for active adults who want to make the most of their lives, without necessarily “slowing down.” These communities allow you to maintain independence in a warm and friendly community setting with all its amenities, fine dining, activities, and social benefits. It’s important to consider the benefits, costs, and the different types of senior care available before making a decision. When choosing any community, it’s also important to visit several communities and ask important questions to ensure the best fit for you or your loved one. 

If you’re looking for a top-rated 55+ community, Stellar Living can help. To learn more about Stellar Living’s 55+ communities and to find a community near you, click here.