This is a great article that discusses the Boomer demographic, and how Boomers are "redefining home and lifestyle trends" by choosing to buy new homes in active adult communities.
Click here for article: "More Boomers calling Adult Enclaves Homes"
Cherokee County, Georgia, located firmly in the heart of the Sun Belt, is one of the areas already seeing the effects of the maturing Baby Boomer generation. This generation is not so much aging as truly coming into its own, and new home construction in the Cherokee county area reflects that.
Among the most popular Cherokee County new homes are those that are located within some of Georgia's most popular "active adult communities". The term was coined to describe this generation, which sees retirement as a chance to spread their wings and truly enjoy all that life has to offer, and the active adult communities in the area are designed to make the most of Georgia's beautiful weather, stunning scenery and sparkling social and entertainment offerings.
The active adult communities that make up a large portion of Cherokee County new homes are redefining what "retirement communities" are all about. Depending on the particular community, the available homes may include condominiums, detached single family homes, multiple family homes, luxury homes and more. Some are strictly for adults over the age of 55.
Others, recognizing the value of intergenerational community, include populations of all ages. Many are self-contained, with every possible amenity included within their gates. Others don't even have gates, but have been planned to offer all the needed amenities - and many luxuries - within a few miles of every front door in the community.
The most popular new homes are those that feature a special "centerpiece" attraction. That centerpiece may be a world class golf course - or several - or a water park, a lake, a mountain preserve. Many offer the beauty and serenity of nature in surroundings that seem far removed from the city, but are in reality only minutes from downtown Atlanta, the South's largest metropolitan area.
Those new homes offer the best of both worlds - serene surroundings for the spirit and access to all the sparkling amenities of a major metropolitan area. Those living in these active adult communities have access to wonderful entertainment venues, top dining establishments, museums and other cultural offerings as well as some of the best hospitals and medical care in the world.
The communities themselves are reminiscent of the private reserves of the so-called "rich and famous". Residents have access to top-notch athletic and fitness amenities, including private and public golf courses, swimming pools and gyms. Most feature a full slate of activities geared toward entertainment, leisure and education.
Most Active Adult communities include a community center that offers regular activities and classes ranging from calisthenics to yoga, from art fundamentals to sculpture. Many have coupled with area universities and colleges to offer college level courses and degree programs, many of them conducted in the community at the community center.
Living in an active adult community offers many benefits and amenities, but there is one that is seldom mentioned - though it would be a major selling point to the very energy and environmentally conscious members of this generation. Planned communities like Lake Arrowhead are planned for to have small energy footprints.
Unlike the communities of twenty and thirty years ago, these communities are designed to combat the suburban sprawl that has led to so many environmental dangers. Instead, these communities are designed to be harmonious with their natural environments and to contribute to the Earth rather than taking away from it.
The Southern states are expected to see an enormous population increase in the pre-senior and senior communities, and new home builders are working to keep pace with the growing demand for communities geared to adults who intend to enjoy every moment of their lives in active play and activities. The new construction and scheduled new construction in the area includes a number of communities similar to Lake Arrowhead, where country living meets metropolitan convenience in a perfect marriage.
Lake Arrowhead is an exceptional residential lake and golf community so close to the conveniences and attractions of the south's largest urban center, yet so very far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Visit http://www.lakearrowheadga.com for more information.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Active Adult Communities Take the Forefront
Baby boomers have turned 60. Some will choose to sell their homes for a variety of reasons: financial, to downsize, to be closer to children. As homebuilders are building more retirement communities and discovering what features boomers want making them more appealing, more boomers are considering retirement at active adult retirement communities.
Here are ten things you should know when you begin your research into active adult retirement communities:
1) Choose an Area: First thing decide where you would like to live by region, state and then city. A variety of websites now cover this subject thoroughly and are very helpful. My website also gives descriptions of the areas if you are wondering what it would be like to live in California, for instance. Find the communities listed under that area or city. The type of community we are talking about here will be categorized as Active Adult and sometimes Independent Living. Make a list of the active adult communities you want to consider further. There are many types of active-adult communities so notice what kind it is. For instance, some communities only have rental apartments. There are some that are manufactured homes only or RV. Some have assisted living available. The most common type is the outright purchase plus homeowners fee.
2) Make a list of your wants and needs: Is a golfcourse necessary? What are your hobbies and can you pursue them there. What other activities are there that you may wish to try in the future. Do you want a resort-type active adult community. Is having a college nearby important or your favorite medical facilities. How about scenery. Is a view important to you. Make a list putting your highest priorities first.
3) Decide on your budget: Do you wish to purchase or rent. What is the homeowner's fee and what does it cover. Are there any other fees. Make a list of your total expenses. What is the policy regarding raising fees. Are there other active adult community plans that you find more desirable than outright purchase. There are many types of financial plans, however, the most typical is purchase plus a fee. My fee covers property tax and insurance, utilities, basic cable TV, security services, Clubhouse, and amenities such as fitness center and tennis. My tai chi class is an additional small fee. Usually there is an extra fee for golf and outdoor pool. For the greatest security, make sure you can cover your monthly expenses for the rest of your life.
4) Make appointments to Visit: A good plan is to contact the community or homebuilder and let them know you are interested. I find the retirement community will then send a generous packet of information. Sometimes they may have a visitor's program offering a tour of the property and sometimes an overnight stay at reasonable rates. Visiting gives you more detailed information.
5) During your visit, be observant: Notice if the seniors appear happy and active and sometimes greeting you. Ask them if they like living there. Notice if the landscaping is well kept and beautiful. What amenities are offered. Where do you put out your trash and do your laundry. Seriously, both of these are conveniently right outside my door. My trash shute makes my life a lot easier. The building is cleaned every week. Sometimes, of course, you will have your own machines in your home. Make sure the floorplan makes your life easier. Are there any unique health programs for seniors such as restaurants serving a menu that is lower in fat, salt and sugar. Get the newspaper or activities calendar and ask if there are resales, check out the local real estate office. They can also give you an objective opinion on the community.
6) Is there transportation for residents? Is there a shuttle bus? This is wonderful if you take the one car to work and your spouse stays home all day. You may not want the expense of two cars anymore or any car at all. You don't want to be stuck in your home and no way to get around. How far is the shopping center. Can you walk?
7) Where are the grocery store and major shopping: Is there a shopping center located nearby and where is the major shopping mall. Ours is conveniently next to the community and we can walk if we want to.
8) Emergency Services and Hospitals: Fortunately, most active adult communities are located near these facilities since adult community homebuilders know it is important. However, some that are in more remote areas may not be near enough and you may have to weigh this in your decision.
9) Security Services: What does this consist of? Is it an electronic gate only, a 24-hour manned gate, or manned gate and patrol. The manned gate plus 24-hour patrol is best. Our security service also handles just about anything that may come up that we need assistance with or are concerned about. It is wonderful and gives so much peace of mind.
10) Now choose which communities you like best: Once you are in a community, you will only then know how important having all these conveniences will be to you. Get the names of persons you came in contact with for any questions you may have later. Narrow your list down to only one or two. Get more details on the community and maybe try to rent there first to try it out. Retirement communities usually have short-term rentals available. You may wish to do a follow-up visit.
Choosing which adult community you will reside in will be easier than you think. The people you come in contact with at retirement communities are very gracious and helpful. Soon you will enjoy the new sense of freedom and pleasure that only a great active adult retirement community can offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Fena
