What Makes A Retirement Community Great

Retirement shouldn't be boring. Choosing where to retire is an important decision. The right retirement community can lead to years of contentment, whereas the wrong choice can cause you to miss out on pursuing your passion and truly enjoying your retirement.

It's important when researching retirement communities to ask yourself what features and facilities are important to your lifestyle. Key criteria may include location, year-round climate, size of the facility, number of residents, types of homes, recreational facilities like swimming pools and tennis courts, organized social activities such as games, dancing, short tours, plus educational programs and entertainment.

Keep in mind that there's more to retirement than golf, swimming and playing cards - there's entertainment. You know it's just as important to stay physically active as it is to stay mentally sharp, but don't forget the fun. Look around, search the web, and ask your friends - not all communities offer top-flight shows and entertainment, so do your research thoroughly. Communities that don't offer them may not be worth the money.

Great entertainment can be the difference between just being retired and really getting a kick out of it. Active adult retirement communities that present you with new experiences, new scenery, new activities, and high class entertainment are preferred for a good reason. They help you stay active, alert, mentally and physically fit, and if you choose the right one, they can bring you joy!

As you begin your search, you will find that communities that match your requirements are most probably master-planned communities with a large clubhouse. The clubhouse is the center of organized social and individual activities. Most have swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise facilities, craft rooms, Internet rooms, plus billiards and card rooms.

Great clubhouses have a social hall, a theater, and a social/lifestyle director who plans trips, forms hobby clubs, and organizes dances and group activities. Outdoor activities at these communities may also include basketball and volleyball courts, golf courses, bocce courts, plus soccer and ball fields.

Really great retirement communities, the ones that belong at the top of your list, offer professional entertainment, such as Broadway shows, famous singers and comedians, and noted entertainers. These communities are on the same level as country clubs. Even though there is usually a ticket fee for these special shows, they are quite reasonable for retirees. You may see such stars as Tony Orlando, Susan Anton, and shows like Great American Musicals on Parade. And there are plenty to enjoy.

Communities at this level are in a league of their own and usually also offer a large variety of hobby clubs, health and wellness programs, lectures, and educational classes. When searching for a retirement community to suit your anticipated lifestyle, look for one that offers a resort-like atmosphere. A round of golf in the morning, shopping or hanging out at the community pool in the afternoon, and a great show at the clubhouse at night can make you feel like you're on vacation every day. Now, that's a lifestyle worth looking into!

If you're interested in that kind of lifestyle, I recommend that you check out these Florida Retirement Communities. These retirement communities have full time lifestyle directors, and 100s of clubs so you can keep active while living there.