Bel Air

55+ Retirement Communities in Bel Air MD Maryland

Age Restricted

<h1>
	<span style="font-size:26px;">What Is A 55+ Community?</span></h1>
<p>
	55+ communities have a legal definition and offer residents the amenities they value the most.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Why <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">55+ Communities</span></a> Appeal to Active Older Adults</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<h2>
	What Is a 55+ Community?</h2>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	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;</p>
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<h2>
	Who Benefits From Living in a 55+ Community?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">rental communities</span></a> in resort locations, the market is listening and working to fulfill the active older demographic&rsquo;s requirements.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	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;</p>
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<h2>
	Reasons To Choose a 55+ Community</h2>
<p>
	Since 1998, there have been several polls to discover what amenities residents of <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">55+ communities</span></a> value and what lifestyle changes they look forward to the most. At the top of the list is a sense of community.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Clubhouse and Sports Amenities&nbsp;</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">55+ communities</span></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.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">waterfront community</span></a>, it may include a boathouse to store paddleboards and kayaks or a private marina where boats can dock.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Cohesive Community</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	People interested in relocating to an <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/age-restricted-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">age-restricted community</span></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;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	The Best Use of Retirement Income&nbsp;</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Units in <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">55+ communities</span></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;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
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<h2>
	Features of a 55+ Home</h2>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	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;</p>
<p>
	Multi-storied condominiums and apartment complexes have elevators that make bringing groceries up and bicycles down easy and convenient.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>
	What Kind of Housing is Available in 55+ Communities?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>
	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;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Patio Homes</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Townhomes</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Condominiums</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Condominiums are one of the more popular <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">55+ housing options</span></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;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Apartments</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">rental communities</span></a> offer <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/resort-lifestyle-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">resort-style amenities</span></a>, including doormen and concierge services.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Single-Family Homes</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	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;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	This type of housing is most prevalent in age-restricted, pocket neighborhoods in master-planned and <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/all-age-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">all-ages communities</span></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 40px;">
	Manufactured Homes</h3>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	<a href="https://activeadultliving.com/manufactured-home-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Manufactured home communities</span></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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">condominium community</span></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">
	The ease of establishing <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/manufactured-home-communities"><span style="color:#0000ff;">manufactured home communities</span></a> makes them flexible in location and environment. They are prominent in the sunny southwest, the rural midwest, and the eastern seaboard.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>
	<a href="https://ActiveAdultLiving.com"><span style="color:#0000ff;">ActiveAdultLiving.com</span></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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">active adult lifestyle</span></a>. Search <a href="http://ActiveAdultLiving.com"><span style="color:#0000ff;">ActiveAdultLiving.com</span></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;</p>
<p>
	More than 8,500 communities are listed on <a href="http://ActiveAdultLiving.com"><span style="color:#0000cd;">ActiveAdultLiving.com</span></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"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Join our subscribers&#39; list</span></a> to receive the latest news straight to your inbox. Remember to like us on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/55plusactiveadultliving/"><span style="color:#0000ff;">ActiveAdultLiving Facebook</span></a> Page so you can stay posted with alerts, news, and other exciting information, as well as comment on favorite communities.</p>


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The Villas at Greenbrier is a 55+ active adult lifestyle retirement community in Bel Air, Maryland MD. View floor plans, amenities and find homes, apartment and condo for sale at The Villas at Greenbrier

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