Best Retirement Communities in the U.S.

1. The Watermark at Westwood Village

An outdoor dining area at the Watermark at Westwood Village. Source: Watermark Communities

• Location: 947 Tiverton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
• Starting price: $6,930 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays
• Top amenities: On-site spa, salon, and fitness center

Located in Westwood, just a 15-minute drive from the Santa Monica Pier, the Watermark at Westwood Village is one of the most highly praised retirement communities in Los Angeles County. Part of what makes the Watermark at Westwood Village such a great place to retire is its versatile care options. Like the Sterling Estates of West Cobb and Brightview Sayville (two other communities on our list), the Watermark is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which is designed to help seniors transition from independent living to more advanced stages of assisted living or memory care — all while living in the same place.

» Learn More: Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

The Watermark isn’t the most affordable retirement community on our list, but it’s important to consider what the price includes. At the Watermark, you’re not buying a home with a large down payment and mortgage (like you may need to do at The Villages). Instead you’re paying a monthly fee for a spacious apartment, dining, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation, and access to all the community’s amenities and health and wellness services.

That means the Watermark at Westwood Village is a great fit for older adults who are willing to spend more for a pampered lifestyle in a community that can provide housing and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) at virtually every stage of retirement. The Watermark generally receives very positive feedback for its great amenities and beautiful rooms, although some have complained that the prices are high and the staff-to-resident ratio can vary for assisted living and memory care residents.

2. The Park at Laguna Springs

The front entrance of the Park at Laguna Springs. Source: Koelsch Senior Communities

• Location: 9670 Laguna Springs Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757
• Starting price: $4,600 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
• Top amenities: Concierge service, fitness coaching, and personalized transportation

If you love the idea of living in California but want to experience a bit more seasonal variation than the Watermark in Los Angeles offers, the Park at Laguna Springs is an excellent choice. Located in Elk Park, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, the Park at Laguna Springs offers luxurious accommodations, high-end services, and a pampered living experience. It gives adults the freedom to have fun during retirement without all the extra chores and to-do lists. Plus, the Park is a CCRC that allows adults to transition to assisted living or memory care as needed.

Like Atria Aquidneck Place (No. 10 on our list), the Park at Laguna Springs is a large, centralized senior living community with sprawling dining rooms, beautifully decorated libraries and billiards rooms, and an on-site bistro. What we love about the Park at Laguna Springs is its commitment to high-end service. Every resident can get help setting appointments or arranging personal transportation via the community’s concierge. If you like to be active but don’t want to head to a boring fitness center, the Park at Laguna Springs offers fitness coaching for groups and individuals. It’s a particularly good fit for independent seniors who prefer a more personalized workout regimen, without the need for a separate gym membership.

» Related Reading: Exercise for Seniors

The Park at Laguna Springs receives near-perfect feedback across the board, with most reviewers commenting that the community feels like a five-star resort. A few people, however, have complained that the annual price hikes are too high. Since the kitchen operates only Monday through Friday, independent residents are on their own to make meals or go out to eat on Saturdays and Sundays.

3. The Villages

An outdoor festival at The Villages. Photo Credit: The Villages

• Location: 1120 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159
• Starting price: $2,000 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living (additional living options in the area)
• Top amenities: Over 50 golf courses, fishing lakes, parks, walking trails, and social clubs

The Villages is one of the most unusual retirement communities in the country. It has grown so large that it is a census-designated place (CDP), with a population of roughly 79,000.1 It is the largest 55-plus community in the United States, with neighborhoods, shopping areas, nature trails, and health-care facilities spanning more than 32 square miles in central Florida. Since the community is so spread out, it’s better suited for independent seniors who can get around in a car or golf cart. It’s also a golfer’s paradise, with more than 50 golf courses! The community is designed for active seniors, but there are multiple assisted living and memory care facilities within the Villages metropolitan area.

The Villages is the largest and most popular retirement community in the Sunshine State, but there are a few caveats to consider. First, the community is primarily designed for homeowners. You can find apartments for rent at the Lofts (an apartment complex in the Villages), but the majority of residents buy a home in the area. We calculated the starting price based on average mortgage premiums in the area combined with the community’s estimated $858 minimum monthly costs, which cover garbage collection, utilities, and clubhouse and golf course access. Since a mortgage and the communal fees cover only housing and some amenities, you’ll also need to budget for food, doctor’s visits, and other expenses. You won’t have to do that at all-inclusive communities like the Watermark at Westwood Village or the Park at Laguna Springs.

» You Might Like: 10 Places to Retire for $2,000 or Less

There are also age restrictions to consider. Most homes at the Villages must have at least one member who is 55 years or older. Children and grandchildren are allowed to visit for up to 30 days at a time, but anyone aged 18 or younger is not permitted to live in the community. It’s a strict requirement that may deter older adults who want to live with their children, grandchildren, or other non-senior family members.

Most feedback for the Villages is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers commending the high quality of life and amazing golf courses. Some detractors, however, have complained that the community has become too large and overcrowded, which can make it hard to find parking or navigate the ever-expanding neighborhoods.

4. Del Webb Naples

A bird’s-eye view of a clubhouse and golf course at Del Webb Naples. Image Source: Del Webb

• Location: 6005 Anthem Parkway, Ave Maria, FL 34142
• Starting price: $1,500 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living
• Top amenities: Clubhouses, resort-style pools, golf course, tennis courts, and sports bar

Del Webb Naples is a 55-plus active retirement community in Ave Maria, Florida. Some communities, such as Brightview Sayville, are closer to the hustle and bustle of a big city, but Ave Maria is a 45-minute drive northwest of Naples and an hour’s drive southwest of Fort Myers. The quiet community is right in the heart of Santa Maria, a small, walkable district with a local culture rooted in Catholicism. That makes Del Webb Naples a great fit for Christian seniors, but it is open to residents of all faiths.

» Also Check Out: Christian Senior Living

Just like the Villages, Del Webb Naples is primarily meant for seniors who want to buy a forever home in the area, but you can still find a place for rent in the neighborhood. Del Webb takes up 7.8 square miles (less than a quarter of the size of the Villages), and features beautiful streets lined with palm trees, an 18-hole golf course, two clubhouses, multiple tennis courts, and an on-site sports bar. That makes it a better choice for seniors who like to have all their favorite attractions within walking distance. If you’re a golf or sports fan who wants to live in a resort-style community in Florida, Del Webb Naples is definitely your best bet.

Online reviews overwhelmingly praise the community and the ability to construct your dream retirement home in the neighborhood. A few people have complained that it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, far away from city amenities.

5. Preston Place Senior Living

The front entrance at Preston Place Senior Living. Source: True Connection Communities

• Location: 5000 Old Shepard Place, Plano, TX 75093
• Starting price: $1,860 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living
• Top amenities: Business center, game room, and on-site restaurant and bistro

Located in the heart of Plano, Texas, Preston Place Senior Living is a small retirement community that puts an emphasis on interior and exterior beauty. Private accommodations and common areas are beautifully decorated and furnished with a modern aesthetic. From the fully equipped business center and game room to the Oak Room Restaurant, bistro, and clubhouse, Preston Place Senior Living packs many great amenities into a space that is much smaller than the Park at Laguna Springs or Sterling Estates of West Cobb.

» Useful Resource: Assisted Living vs. Independent Living

Despite its small size, Preston Place Senior Living has over 100 apartments of varying sizes, with some equipped for couples. By keeping the property small without sacrificing quality amenities and public areas, including a centralized pool and lifestyle center, Preston Place encourages residents to engage with one another. It’s perfect for older adults who want to retire in a tight-knit community. As an added bonus, Preston Place is just steps away from shopping and restaurants.

Most residents and family members have piled praise on Preston Place for its caring management team and beautiful property, but a few people have criticized the community for prioritizing profits over residents, along with the difficulty of securing a room in a timely fashion.

6. Brightview Sayville

A wide view of the Brightview Sayville property. Image Source: Brightview Senior Living

• Location: 445 Broadway Avenue, Sayville, NY 11782
• Starting price: $4,500 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and enhanced care
• Top amenities: On-site movie theater, pub, and art studio

Brightview Sayville is conveniently located at the northern edge of Sans Souci County Park, making it easy for residents to access Manhattan and the rest of New York City without living in a crowded neighborhood. The community prides itself on the fact that new residents don’t have to pay a huge buy-in fee, which is something that can’t be avoided at communities such as the Watermark at Westwood Village. Brightview Sayville is relatively affordable compared to other senior living communities in the area, especially given its sterling reputation and excellent amenities.

Brightview Sayville is a great CCRC for older adults who want to age in place and enjoy all the benefits of living in New York City. Brightview doesn’t feel like a “facility” — it’s full of resort-style amenities, including a movie theater, pub, art studio, salon, and library. Residents can even access transportation services for appointments or group excursions throughout the city. Its enhanced assisted living is also unique. It can accommodate older adults who need extensive help with two or more activities of daily living, such as eating, getting dressed, or bathing.

» Learn More: Brightview Senior Living

Most feedback about Brightview Sayville is positive, focusing on the beauty of the rooms and the high-end amenities, but one reviewer experienced issues with theft and several others have had their loved ones turned away because the memory care unit was not equipped to manage late-stage Alzheimer’s.

7. Sterling Estates of West Cobb

A flower garden outside the senior apartments at Sterling Estates of West Cobb. Image Source: Sterling Estates

• Location: 3165 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064
• Starting price: $3,500 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care
• Top amenities: Outdoor dining, landscaped gardens, and an indoor aerobics pool

Sterling Estates of West Cobb offers a picturesque retirement community on the northwestern outskirts of greater Atlanta. What sets Sterling Estates apart is the wide range of housing and care options available to older adults. Similar to the Watermark at Westwood Village, Sterling Estates of West Cobb has accommodations for seniors with varied care needs (or few needs at all). The community even offers respite care for caregivers who need to get some much-needed rest and relaxation.

» Compare Your Options: Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Starting prices at Sterling Estates are far more affordable than what you’ll find at Brightview Sayville or Atria Aquidneck Place, but how much you pay depends on the type of housing and care you require. At Sterling Estates, independent seniors can choose between individual cottages and apartment suites, while those who need extra help have various floor plans to choose from. That makes it one of the best retirement communities for people who want to age in place and have several options for high-quality living accommodations.

Many reviewers praise Sterling Estates of West Cobb for its beautifully constructed cottages and the strong sense of community among residents, but a small percentage of people have encountered rude staff at the front desk.

8. The Manor Village at Desert Ridge

The front entrance of the Manor Village at Desert Ridge. Image Source: The Manor Village

• Location: 5560 E. Deer Valley Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85054
• Starting price: $2,300 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
• Top amenities: On-site spa and beauty salon, coffee shop, library, games room, and art studio

The Manor Village at Desert Ridge is one of the most affordable retirement communities on this list that doesn’t require you to invest in a forever home. Located just north of State Route 101 in Phoenix, the Manor Village enjoys a warm, dry desert climate throughout the year, which is a welcome change for snowbirds, or seniors moving from colder, more humid parts of the country. The Manor Village doesn’t offer individual cottage houses like Sterling Estates of West Cobb, but it has a variety of apartment floor plans for independent seniors, as well as housing options for people who need additional help.

» Learn About: Senior Apartments

Like The Park at Laguna Springs, the Manor Village is an all-inclusive retirement community, which means you get room and board, dining, and access to amenities for a set price each month. That may be preferable for older adults who live on a fixed budget or who don’t want to be married to a specific place long term. In addition to its beautiful desert views, the Manor Village at Desert Ridge is home to dozens of high-end amenities that make it an excellent value, including an on-site spa, beauty salon, coffee shop, and art studio.

Most feedback about the community is very positive, with a lot of praise for the quality of food and dining. Some reviewers, however, mentioned that the management is not always easy to contact.

9. Independence Village of Pella

A cafe and dining area at Independence Village of Pella. Image Source: StoryPoint

• Location: 2602 Fifield Road, Pella, IA 50219
• Starting price: $1,395 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, enhanced living, assisted living, and memory care
• Top amenities: Varied activities calendar, on-site library, beauty salon, and pet-friendly accommodations

Independence Village of Pella is a unique retirement community in the midst of historic Pella, Iowa. Surrounded by late 19th-century and early 20th-century buildings, Independence Village of Pella is a comfortable place to call home for older adults. It’s also extremely affordable, with independent living apartments starting at just $1,395 — a little over half the cost of similar accommodations at Sterling Estates of West Cobb.

» Senior Guide: 55-Plus Communities and Apartments

It may not boast the luxurious decor or amenities of a community like the Park at Laguna Springs, but Independence Village of Pella strikes a great balance between affordability and quality living. The activities calendar is full of fun things to do every day. Independence Village is also a pet-friendly community, so you can bring your furry friend with you on moving day.

One thing to consider is that Pella is a very small city, and it’s nearly an hour’s drive from Des Moines. The community is largely self-sufficient and has access to nearby health clinics, but it may not be the best fit for seniors who want to be closer to a big city. Fortunately, the community has received virtually no negative feedback, with most online reviews commending the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

10. Atria Aquidneck Place

The front entrance of Atria Aquidneck Place. Image Source: Atria Senior Living

• Location: 125 Quaker Hill Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871
• Starting price: $4,695 per month
• Living and care options: Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
• Top amenities: On-site fitness center, salon, and walking trails

Atria Aquidneck Place, located in the northern half of Aquidneck Island, is beautiful, clean, and just minutes from the waterfront. It may not offer the same warm weather as Del Webb Naples, the Villages, or the Manor Village at Desert Ridge, but it’s a great fit for seniors who want to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of New England. Atria is another all-inclusive community, ideal for seniors who don’t want any surprise expenses. The community offers walking trails across 10 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, along with an on-site salon and fitness center.

In addition to its picturesque location, Atria Aquidneck Place is an excellent senior living community, particularly for older adults who need help with ADLs. The property has an on-site physician’s office and Lively mobile alert devices for assisted living and memory care residents, which can give residents and family members greater peace of mind. Most feedback praises the grounds and high-quality dining options, but some people have complained that the community changes managers too frequently.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Retirement Communities

We considered a wide range of needs, budgets, and interests when narrowing down our list of the best retirement communities in the country. We spent over 50 hours researching communities from coast to coast and used the following criteria to make our choices.

• Desirable location: We included urban, suburban, and even rural retirement communities from eight states to help ensure that the locations appeal to the most seniors possible.
• Affordable pricing: We tried to find communities that offer affordable pricing and good value for the accommodations and amenities. We included retirement communities that allow you to pay month to month, as well as those that are oriented toward seniors looking to purchase a home or condo for retirement.
• Excellent feedback: All the communities on our list receive excellent feedback from residents, staff, and caregivers. No community will please everyone, but these consistently offer a warm, welcoming environment.
• Varied living and care options: While researching communities, we tried to include a wide variety of lifestyle, housing, and care options. Some communities offer cottage-style retirement housing for independent seniors, while others offer modern, apartment-style living for seniors who need assistance with daily tasks. Many communities are also specifically designed so residents can age in place even as their needs change.
• Top-tier amenities: Every entry on our list offers some of the best amenities and services you can find in a retirement community. A few of our favorites include free transportation, pet-friendly housing, fitness centers, swimming pools, libraries, and entertainment spaces.

While looking for the best retirement communities, we also considered factors related to where seniors like to spend their retirement years. Communities got extra points from us if they were located in states or cities with large senior populations, comfortable climates, affordable living costs, and favorable tax laws for seniors.

What Qualifies as a Retirement Community?

“Retirement community” is not an official term that refers to a specific kind of community or facility, like assisted living or a skilled nursing facility. As a general rule, a place must meet at least one of the following standards to be considered a retirement community:

• It is a residential building or area that is partially or fully limited to people above a certain age (typically 55 years)
• A requirement of living in the community is being retired or semi-retired
• The community offers one or more shared amenities or services for all residents

Since those standards are rather broad, you can find a lot of variance among retirement communities. Some communities are simply age-restricted neighborhoods, while others are designed specifically for seniors to live, socialize, and access age-related health care. For example, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers housing and care so seniors can stay in the same place for years.

How to Choose the Best Retirement Community for You

In general, it is beneficial to find a retirement community that offers a continuum of care. That allows you to live independently, and then begin to receive care as your needs change. You may be surprised by the number of active, older adults who are living in retirement communities, who are there to avoid the isolation that often comes with aging and living at home alone. Below we’ll take a look at some factors you should consider and features to look for when choosing a retirement community.

Recreation

A good recreation schedule is essential for any successful retirement community. It promotes socialization and gives you something to look forward to each day. Ask to speak to residents of the community to see if they enjoy the recreational activities offered. A full recreation schedule should offer opportunities for people of varying mobility and interests. You’ll want to look for activities both within the facility and out in the local community. See what shopping opportunities are available, if there are local church services, or how you can get rides if necessary.

Medical Care

When it comes to choosing a retirement community, you’ll want to have a good understanding of the medical care available to you. If you need specialists, you need to know they’re close by and accepting new patients. No matter your current health status, you will need a reputable primary-care physician to take over your medical care. Look for a retirement community that can give you detailed information about local medical providers before you make your final decision.

Lifestyle

Look for a community that allows you to live as you choose. If there are restrictions against pets, for example, you’ll want to know that ahead of time. Each retirement community has a set of rules that all residents must follow. You will need to find out if you can have pets or if you are allowed to have a family member move in with you long term. You may be surprised to discover that you can’t have an outdoor grill at some retirement communities or you aren’t allowed to plant a small garden. Learn what the rules are of any retirement community you are considering before you make your final decision.

Maintenance

Know what maintenance is available to you. If you are looking to purchase a condominium in a retirement community but don’t want to do maintenance, you’ll need to know how repairs are handled. Some retirement communities provide all maintenance as part of the monthly fee. Meanwhile, others charge for any work that needs to be done in your unit. If you are going to be away for an extended period, your home may be checked on for an additional fee.

Weather

Consider the type of weather you want to live in. If you want to move to another state to retire, take some time to research the weather. Visit the area you’re interested in before you decide on a retirement community. While you may love warm winters in Florida, you may not like the hot, humid summers. If this is a permanent, year-round move, you have to be sure that the weather is comfortable for you.

Budget

Another aspect of choosing a retirement community is affordability. When it comes to finding the right retirement community, budget is often a significant factor. Sit down with a trusted individual and look at your finances, including your long-term savings. Consider what your monthly bills are today to see what you are spending right now. You may pay more for a retirement community, but you may discover that your monthly bills are about the same. Also consider if the community requires an entrance fee along with monthly fees.

Pro Tip: Need some help getting your budget in order? Check out our guide to building on budget on a fixed income.

As you think about your budget, factor in any fees. If there is a buy-in fee for the retirement community, find out what percentage of the fee your estate will get back. You may purchase a condominium only to discover later that your estate will get back only 90 percent of the purchase fee. Look at the details and talk with an attorney if you have questions regarding the purchase. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t take a deal if you are feeling pressured.

When you begin your search for the perfect retirement community to meet your needs, we recommend visiting our senior living directory. We take the time to review each facility and provide up-to-date information for each listing we have on our site. Once you find the retirement communities in your area, you can narrow down your search based on your chosen criteria.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, watch the video below to learn our top tips to keep in mind as you tour retirement communities and make your final decision.