A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Indiana

 

Endless Activities and Charming Neighborhoods Meet Retirees in Indiana

Indiana’s small-town culture, affordability for seniors, and year-round sporting activities make it a top contender for 55+ active adults looking for the perfect location for retirement.

Indiana is well known for its automotive scene, with car shows and racing events that appeal to motor car enthusiasts. Many of its towns have historical ties, unique architecture, and an old-timey feel.

Outdoor activities for retirees range from relaxing fishing and watching professional sports to more adventurous cave exploration and challenging hikes. These activities continue throughout the year, with sports for every season. These activities include winter sports for seniors, such as ice skating and skiing.

Much of Indiana is suburban or rural farm country; however, many master-planned senior communities are near major metropolitan areas such as Chicago and Indianapolis. Being near major metropolitan centers allows residents to enjoy urban excursions while living in quiet neighborhoods. 

While much of Indiana’s population is white, the African-American population is approaching 10% of the society. Hispanics are also on the rise in Indiana, surpassing 500 thousand! The senior communities, in particular, are welcoming, with high acceptance of differing cultures and belief systems.

One of Indiana’s most significant selling points is its affordability for retirees! Senior communities in the state are budget-friendly, even when considering luxury apartments and golf course communities.

 

Explore Different Regions in Indiana

From its urban regions to rural farms and national parks, Indiana packs a lot of diversity into its geographic area. Find a retirement community in the region that suits your preferred lifestyle.

Fort Wayne Metropolitan Area

The Fort Wayne Metropolitan Area includes several national parks and art museums. Fort Wayne is one of the state's largest and most diverse cities. Despite its size, it retains a walkable downtown with various shopping and dining venues.

Evansville Metropolitan Area

Evansville Metropolitan Area is the midpoint of the Tri-State area of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. As a result, it’s a travel hub for nearby states with its regional airport.

Evansville has a uniquely rural feel despite its metropolitan elements. It’s full of Civil War historic locations and even some cave-spelunking sites. Seniors can stay busy by walking the city’s botanic garden, visiting Bally’s Evansville Casino, and strolling through the Mesker Park Zoo.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Area

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Area is best known as the heart of motor racing in its namesake town of Indianapolis. The city is defined by its professional sports scene and many war museums.

Towns in this area are historic and quaint Lebanon and suburban Westfield and its Grand Park. Plainfield is a small suburb with a conservative lean. Greenfield is a cultural hotspot with events celebrating poetry and art throughout the year. The small town of Whiteland feels rural but is still within a short drive of Indianapolis’ entertainment and stores.

Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana has a reputation for friendly small-town neighborhoods and a laid-back style of life. Much of the region is farmland and state parks. Empty nesters looking to stay active during retirement will find golf courses and casinos in the area.

Michiana

Michiana is the nickname for the northern Indiana region and southwestern Michigan. It includes shopping and dining destinations in both states. The area also borders Lake Michigan, perfect for seniors who enjoy fishing and boating during the year's warmer months.

The area features small towns like La Porte and is centered around South Bend and the University of Notre Dame.

 

Staying Active While Retiring in Indiana

Are you picturing a retirement filled with new and exciting activities every day? Indiana could be the perfect place for you!

Keep active in your community with walking trails and community gardens, or spend your days watching sports and immersing yourself in stories from the state’s unique history.

Onsite Things to Do in Senior Communities

Indiana’s 55+ communities provide retirees with various things to do centered around keeping busy and staying active. These include senior-friendly activities like swimming in the indoor community pool. Seniors can alleviate joint pain and participate in low-impact exercise classes without leaving the community.

Visit the Clubhouse

Find new hobbies and socialize with like-minded neighbors at the community clubhouse. Some clubhouses serve as recreation centers for senior communities, with basketball courts and fitness centers. Others host live events and interest groups.

Walk and Bike

Indiana’s mild seasonal weather means you can get some light exercise in any season by walking the trails around your community. Trails in the flat regions of Indiana are also suitable for biking.

Play on the Courts

Courts for senior-friendly sports like pickleball and tennis can be found at many of Indiana’s master-planned 55+ communities. They offer a fun way to exercise outdoors with minimal risk of injury.

Head to Attractions Around the State

Indiana offers retirees a plethora of off-property activities to explore during retirement. The state has senior activities from indoor pastimes like gambling at casinos to outdoor adventures such as cave exploration.

Indiana is also known for its professional sports scene. Watch NFL games for the hometown Indianapolis Colts or Chicago Bears located just across the state line. For basketball enthusiasts, the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls are near many 55+ senior communities. Sport-loving seniors can also watch college games at Notre Dame.

Learn About History and Architecture

Indiana’s historic neighborhoods are filled with remnants of the past. Visit the Indiana Historical Society and Indiana State Museum to learn about the state’s early days. You’ll also have a chance to see colonial and Victorian-era architecture in neighborhoods like the Old East Historic District and Chesterton Residential Historic District.

Watch Auto Racing

Indiana is home to the Indianapolis 500 and has earned the moniker of The Racing Capital of the World. Watch a race at famous locations like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and South Bend Motor Speedway.

Racing fans can also learn about the sport's history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum!

Play Winter Sports

Outdoor activities continue well into the winter in Indiana. Popular senior-friendly wintertime sports include cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.

 

Why Choose to Retire in Indiana

Indiana has earned a positive reputation with retirees thanks to its affordable cost of living and its charming towns. Many neighborhoods with senior communities have a welcoming small-town vibe with plenty of history and architecture to admire.

It’s also easy for seniors to stay busy year-round in Indiana. Both professional and recreational sports run throughout all four seasons. Automotive enthusiasts can spend their days watching races and attending car shows. For those who want to live near major attractions and entertainment venues, many 55+ active adult communities in Indiana are close to metropolitan cities like Indianapolis and Chicago.

 

55+ Centric Housing Communities

Indiana has many friendly communities of retirees. You can find housing options that suit any lifestyle and budget, especially if you prefer 55+ active adult communities.

Age Restricted Communities

Retiring to an age-restricted community is the best way to surround yourself with like-minded neighbors. Master-planned communities offer single-story homes with senior-focused designs in mind.

These communities also have the added benefits of being safer and quieter than most neighborhoods. Safe and tranquil neighborhoods are especially true in a gated community.

Low Maintenance Communities

Minimize the lawn care and snow removal you must worry about when you retire in a low-maintenance community. These communities are ideal for seniors seeking a worry-free retirement that allows for more time and freedom to enjoy active pursuits during retirement.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes are a cost-effective housing option for retirement in Indiana. Seniors looking to downsize can save on housing expenses without giving up the sense of community that comes with senior housing.

Luxury Apartments

Luxury apartment rentals let you live a high life without the hassles that can come with home ownership. Enjoy top-of-the-line amenities like a community pool and fitness center. Many luxury apartments near Indiana’s metropolitan areas offer easy access to dining, shopping, and year-round spectator sports.

 

Indiana’s Hospitals & Healthcare for Seniors

Pharmacies and hospitals are available in all regions of Indiana, with many located near senior communities. Indiana University Health (IU Health) is the most extensive healthcare system in the state. Other notable care facilities ready to serve seniors include St. Mary’s Medical Center and Hendricks Medical Center.