Retirement housing: opinions?

[JoeP]

Anyone have experience, direct or indirect, with 55+ retirement communities? We're approaching this age range, and are trying to gather as much information as possible so that we can make an intelligent decision when the time comes.

The type of community we're looking at is a gated community with a HOA, most likely in S.C. Probably the biggest advantages we see are very low taxes, very low maintenance on our part, and a vast array of community amenities (community center, activities, clubs, sports, gym, etc).

We're looking for data points from people who have lived in them, or have parents/relatives to live or lived in them. Points that fall into the category of "you won't find this in the sales brochure, but be aware of..."

Thanks.

[snafu]

In our community there are more age 45 + complexes than 55 + to capture the empty nesters who have sold house to escape all the maintenance and updates needed now that their children are on their own. It's very popular with colleagues who need space for visitors but also take 4-6 week winter vacations with no worries about potential for house damage or tickets for failure to clear snow/ice. [Whoever you hire will be less reliable if they know you're away]

The majority of owners in the two complexes [3 linked buildings + community recreation bldg.] I know best are 70's young. They still work part time and 'don't act their age.' There are a great many amenities like pool, hot tub, and mini gym with acqua-size class every other day [pool exercise] and a 'personal trainer' who comes in once a week. There is a 'workshop' for crafters, furnished apartment in ea. bldg. to 'rent' for guests @ $ 10. - $20. per night, garage and on site car wash. One bldg. has a series of raised garden plots for those who like to 'play in the dirt' but they have strict rules. Pets are allowed but you must submit a photo to the elected board and they have a list of rules. The complexes have an arrangements with the largest grocery chains who supply a transit size bus once a week for shoppers. The food store's staff will load grocery bags and carts are available at the complex but residents help those who struggle.

No concierge but various residents use their skill sets/training to provide services as volunteers. For example, a retired travel agent does four trips each year for as many folks as sgin up and pay by set date [Las Vegas, Branson, Kissimmee, Whistler/Blackcomb] There are several card games to sign up Thursdays - card night. The 'Games Rm' has the biggest TV I've ever seen and people donate or bring in DVDs but the main attraction are snacks/finger foods [ I don't know who makes the nibbles]. The management puts on a Christmas dinner and summer BBQ which seems free but paid for in monthly HOA fees. There are events at least once a month but there are also a great many private events since residents can rent the community recreation bldg. party hall and adjacent kitchen.

If you're a 'joiner' and like meeting new people they're a terrific community resource. We all drive now but should illness or medication cause you to lose that convenience you can manage all functions. There are a lot of people who want to be helpful.

Cons: Someone calls, emails or leaves a notice in your mailbox nearly daily for some upcoming event or requesting support for a program they want to include. The HOA fees seem high because they include utilities heat/electric/water/cable/internet and people view it as 'free' so they are so incredibly wasteful. No choice of utility providers and you also pay for community utilities. It's easy to be nickelled and dimed since so many activities have small charges. Saturday on site fashion show charges $ 2. person + $ 1. for tea, coffee and biscuit if you chose to have such.