San Rafael

55+ Retirement Communities in San Rafael CA California

Age Restricted

<h1>
	What Is A 55+ Community?</h1>

	55+ communities have a legal definition and offer residents the amenities they value the most.&nbsp;

	Why <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities">55+ Communities</a> Appeal to Active Older Adults

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	What Is a 55+ Community?</h2>

	In 1995, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was amended to include an exemption for housing developments to exclude families with minor children lawfully. This exemption is the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA).&nbsp;

	HOPA allows developments to cater their units to residents aged 55+ as long as they comply with specific qualifications. These qualifications must be met and maintained to avoid the Fair Housing Act exemption being permanently revoked.&nbsp;

	The three qualifications a community needs to maintain compliance are 1) the community must advertise its 55+ or age-restricted status, and 2) it must comply with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) age verification requirements. The third and most important requirement is that at least one person occupying each unit be at least the age of fifty-five.&nbsp;

	Based on these three qualifications, developments have a lot of leeway in how they want to cater to the needs of their residents while maintaining their HOPA status. For example, some communities will allow residents as young as nineteen to reside in a unit with a 55+ person. Other communities encourage families to visit and stay with their 55+ relatives for up to 90 days. The law&#39;s flexibility works to keep the neighborhood&#39;s flavor while avoiding the inconvenience of being unable to host guests under the required age.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<h2>
	Who Benefits From Living in a 55+ Community?&nbsp;</h2>

	As the next generation of workers transitions to retirement, they also consider transitioning their living situation. The modern retiree is healthier and wealthier than previous generations.&nbsp;

	Although they enjoy living near their families, they have no expectations or desires to live in a multi-generational home. Active older adults prefer to live independently and enjoy living near shopping, dining, and healthcare.&nbsp;

	Active older adults have a&nbsp; wide range of housing type choices. From custom homes built in master-planned golf course communities to luxury apartment <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/rental-communities">rental communities</a> in resort locations, the market is listening and working to fulfill the active older demographic&rsquo;s requirements.&nbsp;

	Many housing developers are taking note and building housing to suit the preferences of their residents. The 55+ market has unique features easily accommodated by active lifestyle developments.&nbsp;

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<h2>
	Reasons To Choose a 55+ Community</h2>

	Since 1998, there have been several polls to discover what amenities residents of <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities">55+ communities</a> value and what lifestyle changes they look forward to the most. At the top of the list is a sense of community.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Clubhouse and Sports Amenities&nbsp;</h3>

	A clubhouse and sports amenities on the property are critical to a robust community. The clubhouse serves as the heart of the community. It&rsquo;s where neighbors gather for group activities such as celebratory meals, Happy Hour mixers, regularly scheduled card tournaments, and group arts and crafts sessions. A dedicated BBQ area gives people an outdoor cooking space that is easy to use and maintain.

	The sports amenities can include a pool and spa for the exclusive use of the residents and their guests. Some <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities">55+ communities</a> have indoor fitness studios offering treadmills, free weights, and stretching areas. Some have dedicated spaces for group fitness classes and employ a concierge to manage scheduled group activities.

	Other fitness amenities include courts for bocce ball, tennis, paddleball, and basketball. You may also find putting greens and horseshoe pits. If the property is a <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/waterfront-communities">waterfront community</a>, it may include a boathouse to store paddleboards and kayaks or a private marina where boats can dock.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Cohesive Community</h3>

	People interested in relocating to an <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/age-restricted-communities">age-restricted community</a> value clean, safe, and quiet streets. Knowing that your neighbors have chosen to live in the same community indicates a shared sense of values and an eagerness to follow the Homeowner Association (HOA) covenants and conditions. Knowing that a neighbor won&rsquo;t be leaving cars on blocks in the front yard or running a small zoo brings peace of mind to neighbors who would rather get on with their day than tolerate chronic disturbances on their street.&nbsp;

	The polls also indicate that residents love their pets and want to live in neighborhoods that bring pet owners together. Community dog parks are high on the list of what potential residents look for in a development. There&rsquo;s a trend to include fenced dog areas with pergolas and benches so residents can enjoy themselves almost as much as the dogs do!&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	The Best Use of Retirement Income&nbsp;</h3>

	Units in <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities">55+ communities</a> are affordable for empty-nesters looking to downsize from the family home. 55+ homes are usually smaller, with all the landscape and exterior maintenance provided by the HOA. Some developments offer secure storage for RVs and boats, saving the owner money paid to an off-site storage facility.&nbsp;

	Having access to a community garden is also a money-saver.&nbsp; Neighborhoods that add gardens with raised beds, irrigation, equipment, potting tables, and protection from pests find their gardening residents are likely to spend more time tending their crops. The neighbors will likely try new recipes using the fresh produce they grow.&nbsp;

	Although the sales price per unit is less than in nearby all-ages neighborhoods, the HOA fees can bring housing costs up to par with an all-ages community with fewer amenities.&nbsp; With that in mind, it&rsquo;s important to remember that financial cost is only one variable when mapping out retirement resources.&nbsp;

	Potential residents may want to consider the value of their intangible assets. Assets like time spent on maintenance. The cost of travel to and from their favorite sport, and the potential variability of community spirit amongst the neighbors.&nbsp;

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<h2>
	Features of a 55+ Home</h2>

	Many of the features of a 55+ home are intentional details added to provide safety and comfort without being obvious. For example, when the home is multi-storied, an owner&#39;s ensuite will be on the ground floor. Although active older adults are fit and healthy, they also suffer from the discomfort of old injuries. Their bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor save them from trips up and down stairs. Another design change happens in the bathroom. The unit may be equipped with walk-in showers and raised toilets.&nbsp;

	Entrances to the units are built with minimal elevation changes. The pathways that lead up to the doors are built with a slight slope to guide water away from the door, rather than the conventional steps. LED lighting is strategically integrated outside the unit for extra security and comfort.&nbsp;

	Multi-storied condominiums and apartment complexes have elevators that make bringing groceries up and bicycles down easy and convenient.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	What Kind of Housing is Available in 55+ Communities?&nbsp;</h2>

	Since the implementation of the HOPA amendment, a variety of housing developments have adopted a 55+ lifestyle. Active older adults have more choices today in how they want to spend their &ldquo;me time&rdquo; years.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Patio Homes</h3>

	Patio homes are also known as duplexes. They usually share a driveway and at least one wall with another unit. They are one level with an occasional loft added to break up the exterior aesthetic. They differ from other attached housing in that the owner holds title to the whole unit and is responsible for the exterior upkeep. They&rsquo;re perfect for active older adults looking to downsize.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Townhomes</h3>

	Townhomes are similar to patio homes in that the owner holds the title and is responsible for the interior and exterior of the unit. They differ because townhomes are multi-storied, with at least two and up to six floors.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Condominiums</h3>

	Condominiums are one of the more popular <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities">55+ housing options</a>. Known as &ldquo;condos,&rdquo; they require a small footprint and intelligent design. The units share walls with their neighbors, and the owners are only responsible for the living space inside the unit. Condos are perfect for retirees who prefer to spend their time exploring the outdoors and traveling. They&rsquo;re ideal &ldquo;lock and leave&rdquo; properties.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Apartments</h3>

	Apartments are similar to condos in single units in multiple-unit buildings. They differ in that they&rsquo;re not individually owned. Instead, they&rsquo;re leased to tenants either monthly or annually. The building management company is responsible for repairs and maintenance outside the living space. These age-restricted luxury <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/rental-communities">rental communities</a> offer <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/resort-lifestyle-communities">resort-style amenities</a>, including doormen and concierge services.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Single-Family Homes</h3>

	Single-family homes are units built on lots with room for private yards. A single household occupies no shared walls with other units. They can range from small, single-storied bungalows to expansive, multi-storied mansions.&nbsp;

	This type of housing is most prevalent in age-restricted, pocket neighborhoods in master-planned and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/all-age-communities">all-ages communities</a>.&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Manufactured Homes</h3>

	<a href="https://activeadultliving.com/manufactured-home-communities">Manufactured home communities</a> are the most affordable option for retirees who want the yard space of a single-family home with the low-maintenance advantage of a <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/condominium-communities">condominium community</a>.&nbsp;

	The ease of establishing <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/manufactured-home-communities">manufactured home communities</a> makes them flexible in location and environment. They are prominent in the sunny southwest, the rural midwest, and the eastern seaboard.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;

	<a href="https://ActiveAdultLiving.com">ActiveAdultLiving.com</a> has a dropdown lifestyle search feature that makes finding a home that best suits your lifestyle, along with the states and provinces that appeal to an <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">active adult lifestyle</a>. Search <a href="http://ActiveAdultLiving.com">ActiveAdultLiving.com</a>&nbsp;by state or province, city, or lifestyle. Learn more about what states and provinces offer active older adults on each state&#39;s &ldquo;About &ldquo; page and most provinces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

	More than 8,500 communities are listed on <a href="http://ActiveAdultLiving.com">ActiveAdultLiving.com</a>. The website also hosts a newsletter that keeps readers up-to-date on the latest trends and tips for staying fit and healthy. <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/newsletters">Join our subscribers&#39; list</a> to receive the latest news straight to your inbox. Remember to like us on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/55plusactiveadultliving/">ActiveAdultLiving Facebook</a> Page so you can stay posted with alerts, news, and other exciting information, as well as comment on favorite communities.

<h1>
	A Guide To Active Adult Lifestyle Communities</h1>

	People are living longer, healthier lives. They want to spend the next phase of their life living in communities where their neighbors share their passions for extracurricular activities, and socializing, without having to be responsible for the upkeep landscape and amenities of their community. These types of developments are known in the building industry as &ldquo; pocket neighborhoods&rdquo;. These <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/age-restricted-communities">age-restricted communities</a> are built into master-planned neighborhoods. The people who are looking for <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">active adult communities</a> have a list of amenities that fits their active lifestyle needs. At the top of the list is to reduce the inconveniences associated with maintenance and location of the family home. Residents want to live near shopping and dining. They want the convenience of walking, biking, or driving their golf cart to the clubhouse for a meal or &ldquo;Happy Hour&rdquo; with their friends. Other important amenities are pet-friendly housing with walking trails and a fenced dog park. Residents build strong friendships with other pet owners they meet while exercising their pets. Storage is also a valuable amenity that active adults look for when weighing their options. Whether it&rsquo;s an attached garage or an on-site storage unit, having a place to store your mountain bike in the winter and snowmobile in the summer, is a priority. In the previous stage of life, active older adults worked hard at keeping their commitments to their jobs and family. Now, they want to work hard at perfecting their passions, staying fit, making new friends, and having new experiences. &nbsp;
<h2>
	Active Adult Lifestyle Advantages</h2>

	Living in an <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">active adult community</a> adds a whole new meaning to the words &ldquo;independent and relaxed living&rdquo;. You&rsquo;ve probably heard your friends and colleagues talk about their plans to move into <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">active adult communities</a>. You may also be considering moving into a community that reflects your values and budget. If you are thinking of a move to a retirement community, it&rsquo;s important to know the different types of communities, and the amenities they offer their residents. Active adult communities are geared to cater to different types of lifestyles. You can find the community that offers your preferred lifestyle. Listed below are the most popular types of communities that appeal to the active older adult lifestyle. &nbsp;
<h3>
	Golf Course Lifestyle</h3>

	When your dream is to spend your days on the fairway, then consider a<a href="https://activeadultliving.com/golf-course-communities"> golf course community</a>. Living on a golf course community gives you the ease of access to the first tee at your doorstep, as well as the resort-style amenities that come with living on a golf course. Some states are famous for their active adult golf course communities. In the west, Arizona is home to <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/AZ/arizona/55-plus-communities/san-tan-valley/85140/encanterra-a-trilogy-resort-community-by-shea-homes/">Encanterra&reg;, a Trilogy&reg; Resort Community by Shea Homes</a>, Nevada offers golf enthusiasts communities such as <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NV/nevada/55-plus-communities/las-vegas/89134/sun-city-summerlin/">Sun City Summerlin</a> and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NV/nevada/55-plus-communities/henderson/89052/sun-city-anthem-by-del-webb/">Sun City Anthem by Del Webb</a>. Texas has golf course homes like <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/TX/texas/55-plus-communities/frisco/75034/frisco-lakes-by-del-webb/">Frisco Lakes by Del Webb</a> and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/TX/texas/active-adult-communities/fairview/75069/heritage-ranch/">Heritage Ranch</a>. While <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/CO/colorado/golf-course-communities">Colorado&rsquo;s golf course communities</a> include <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/CO/colorado/55-plus-communities/aurora/80014/heather-gardens/">Heather Gardens</a> and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/CO/colorado/mountain-living/granby/80446/granby-ranch-by-village-homes/">Granby Ranch</a>. The eastern region of the USA also has communities that cater to a golfing lifestyle. Consider <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/DE/delaware/55-plus-communities/bridgeville/19933/heritage-shores/">Heritage Shores</a> in Bridgeville, DE for a mid-Atlantic locale. Or <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NC/north-carolina/golf-course-communities/leland/28451/brunswick-forest/">Brunswick Forest</a> and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NC/north-carolina/coastal-living/chocowinity/27817/cypress-landing/">Cypress Landing</a> in North Carolina. Finally, the state with the most variety of golf course communities in Florida offers golf course homes in communities such as <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/FL/florida/55-plus-communities/leesburg/34748/pennbrooke-fairways/">Pennbrooke Fairways</a> and The <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/FL/florida/55-plus-communities/leesburg/34748/the-plantation-at-leesburg/">Plantation at Leesburg</a>. &nbsp;
<h3>
	Resort-Style Living</h3>

	Active adult communities pride themselves on delivering to their residents a variety of resort-style amenities. Every community is centered around the clubhouse. The clubhouse is the heart of the neighborhood and where you can find all the action. Whether you&rsquo;re looking for a pool, pickleball courts, fitness center, or community art studio, the clubhouse is where you&rsquo;ll find your preferred activity. Depending on your needs and budget, you may find your new home in Texas at <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/TX/texas/55-plus-communities/frisco/75034/frisco-lakes-by-del-webb/">Frisco Lakes by Del Webb</a> in Frisco. Or in Rockaway New Jersey in one of the luxury units at <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NJ/new-jersey/55-plus-communities/rockaway/07866/fox-hills-condominiums/">Fox Hills Condominiums</a>. Another benefit of the resort-style lifestyle is how the communities take care of the maintenance of the landscape and amenities. A low-maintenance lifestyle is critical to having more time to pursue favorite activities. Luxury rental communities give residents the flexibility to try out a location without committing to a purchase. &nbsp;
<h3>
	Age Restricted Communities</h3>

	In the USA it&rsquo;s illegal to discriminate against residents based on age with the exception of <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">active older adult communities</a>. The law was amended to include both 55+ and age-restricted options for people who don&rsquo;t want to have children and young adults as neighbors. These communities tend to be close-knit and affordable. The floorplans of the homes are built for the ease of comfort of residents who may need specific accommodations to make the most of their homes. Many homes are single-story floorplans with attached garages. The homes often come with low-maintenance landscaping with minimal elevation changes. There are also <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/age-restricted-communities">age-targeted and age-appropriate communities</a> that, while not age-restricted, are built with older adults in mind. Homes in these communities range from single-family ranch-style homes to duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, or condominiums depending on your preference. You can also opt for low-maintenance communities where you will not have to worry about mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. Master-planned developments include cleverly designed walking and bike paths that lead residents to the clubhouse, dog park, or community garden. &nbsp;
<h3>
	On The Waterfront</h3>

	<a href="https://activeadultliving.com/waterfront-communities">Oceanfront and lakefront living</a> is the dream of retirees who want to spend their leisure time on the water. For many people, having a lake near their home means they can get on the water anytime day or night. Some waterfront communities have private marinas. Taking your boat out to explore the shoreline or spend the day fishing is a reality for residents of <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/TX/texas/55-plus-communities/frisco/75034/frisco-lakes-by-del-webb/">Frisco Lakes by Del Webb</a>. Other popular active older activities on the water include stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, and kayaking. In the winter, some lakefront residents take their huts out onto the frozen lake for a day, or the season, of ice fishing. Retirees looking forward to living near the water will find a variety of choices in the USA and Canada. The Southeast region of the USA is renowned for its <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/waterfront-communities">waterfront communities</a>. People will find the perfect community for their next home in <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/FL/florida/">Florida</a>, <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/GA/georgia/">Georgia</a>, <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/VA/virginia/">Virginia</a>, <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/SC/south-carolina/">South Carolina</a>, <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NC/north-carolina/">North Carolina</a>, and the west in <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/TX/texas/">Texas</a>. Those who long for a life that&rsquo;s close to the water and the bustle of the city will find the active <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NJ/new-jersey/active-lifestyle-communities">adult lifestyle communities of New Jersey</a> an ideal location. The midwest offers the lakefront option in <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/MI/michigan/">Michigan</a>. Out west, there are beautiful <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/WA/washington/">55+ communities in Washington</a> and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/CA/california/">California</a>. Some golf course communities in the west have lake views from the expertly designed golf courses. These are quite refreshing when the neighborhood is located in the desert. <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/AZ/arizona/">Arizona</a> and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/NV/nevada/">Nevada</a> have many luxury options with lake views. <a href="https://ActiveAdultLiving.com">ActiveAdultLiving.com</a> has more details about the communities listed in this article along with other states and provinces that appeal to an active adult lifestyle.

	Search <a href="https://ActiveAdultLiving.com">ActiveAdultLiving.com</a> by state or province, city, or lifestyle. Learn more about what different states and provinces offer active older adults on the &ldquo;About &ldquo; page of each state and most provinces. There are more than 8,500 communities listed on ActiveAdultLiving.com. The website also hosts a newsletter that keeps readers up-to-date on the latest trends and tips for staying fit and healthy. <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/newsletters.php">Join our subscribers&#39; list</a> to receive the latest news straight to your inbox. And remember to like us on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/55plusactiveadultliving">ActiveAdultLiving Facebook Page</a>, so you can stay posted with alerts, news, and other interesting information, as well as comment on favorite communities.

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Smith Ranch Homes is a 55+ active adult retirement community in San Rafael, CA. Find homes, apartment and condo for sale, and view floor plans and amenities at Smith Ranch Homes.

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