Bellingham

55+ Retirement Communities in Bellingham WA Washington

<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.

Active Adult

<h1>
	Celebrating a Condominium Lifestyle</h1>

	Reasons for Considering Condominium Living in Your Retirement Years. A Guide to The Advantages of Retiring In&nbsp; A Condominium Lifestyle

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	Condominiums Offer A Range of Lifestyle Choices and Advantages</h2>

	The <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/condominium-communities">condominium lifestyle</a> is worth considering when your next home needs to be low-maintenance, safe, loaded with amenities, uniform in aesthetics, and affordable.

	Condominiums come in a variety of forms and configurations. Some suburban condominium developments are sprawling complexes of townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes, and occasionally a single-family home style. Urban condominium styles include apartment-style units in multi-storied buildings with a shared entrance. Other urban condominiums are part of mixed-use developments as units built on the upper floors of street-level businesses.&nbsp;

	When downsizing your home for something more manageable, the low-maintenance aspect of a condominium community is very appealing. Although there are fees associated with the <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/condominium-communities">condominium lifestyle</a>, the benefits that come with the costs are worth it!&nbsp;

	One of the benefits of a condominium lifestyle is the security of knowing that a complex may require an additional key to get through a security gate or lobby door. There is also the added security of knowing that you can &ldquo;lock and leave&rdquo; your unit when you decide to explore the world for the weekend or longer. Some communities come with attached garages, while others offer covered and secured assigned parking spaces. In the urban centers, condominium associations require prospective owners and tenants to be vetted before they become part of the community. Vetting potential tenants ensures that the people living near others understand their rights and responsibilities to the community.&nbsp;

	Having the luxury of a pool, clubhouse, dog park, and landscaping without the added responsibility of maintaining it is another of the benefits of living in a <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/condominium-communities">condominium community</a>. Each community has select amenities it offers to its residents. Choosing the amenities necessary for you is one of the <a href="https://blog.activeadultliving.com/pros-and-cons-of-condominium-living/">advantages of considering a condominium lifestyle</a>.&nbsp;

	The uniform design of the buildings and landscape is very appealing to <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">active older adults</a> who want to live in a neighborhood with a particular theme. Some communities are designed around the clubhouse, and minimal landscaping is added throughout. Some focus on the lush landscaping and walkability of the complex. Still, others enjoy a sleek design in the lobby and hallway decor that keeps the public areas neat and uncluttered.&nbsp;

	<a href="https://activeadultliving.com/active-adult-communities">Active older adults</a> want to live an accommodating and affordable lifestyle. One of the advantages of the condominium lifestyle is residents can afford to buy more than one unit in the complex to use as a separate dwelling space. Having multiple units in a community makes hosting relatives and friends a breeze while keeping your &ldquo;home&rdquo; a place of refuge. Living in a luxurious area of your chosen retirement city is also advantageous at a fraction of the cost of a single-family home.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	Condominium Locations and Styles</h2>

	The condominium lifestyle is popular across the United States, from Wasilla, <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/AK/alaska/condominium-communities">Alaska</a>, to Leesburg, <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/FL/florida/condominium-communities">Florida</a>. Residents of Canada also recognize the ease and appeal of the condominium lifestyle.&nbsp;

	Some <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/condominium-communities">condominium communities</a> are nestled into larger planned communities like the <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/IL/illinois/55-plus-communities/huntley/60142/arcadia-at-sun-city-huntley">Arcadia at Sun City</a> in <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/IL/illinois/city/huntley">Huntley, Illinois</a>. This popular lifestyle is ideal for active older adults who want the convenience of a home in a neighborhood where they can share the luxury amenities with their adult children and grandchildren.&nbsp;

	Other condominium communities are built exclusively with <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/55-plus-communities">55+ active older adults</a> in mind. Communities like <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/MD/maryland/55-plus-communities/upper-marlboro/20774/cameron-grove">Cameron Grove Adult Resort in Upper Marlboro, Maryland</a>, and <a href="https://www.newhomesource.com/community/tx/allen/gatherings-at-twin-creeks-by-beazer-homes/122311?refer=aalaal">The Gatherings at Twin Creeks in Allen, Texas</a>, are dedicated to the active older adult lifestyle.&nbsp;

	Condominiums come in a variety of styles depending on the area. In some communities, they are single-level buildings or multi-storied buildings. In others, they&rsquo;re multi-level and are connected by shared walls in a townhouse configuration. Still others may be on a single-storied ground floor with just one shared wall.&nbsp;

	No matter how the community is configured, some universal rules define them as condominiums. The main rule is that the exterior walls, landscape, and hardscape are owned by the community as a whole. When you buy a condominium, you privately own the interior walls and the space within them. You also have a financial obligation to the Homeowners Association to help pay for maintenance and repairs to the common areas.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	Freeing Up Time Spent on Maintenance&nbsp;</h2>

	After spending years maintaining the exterior and landscaping of your home, now may be the best time to delegate those tasks to a <a href="https://blog.activeadultliving.com/the-role-and-impact-of-homeowner-associations/">Homeowners Association Management team</a>. Are you tired of mowing lawns, plowing snow, and fixing your roof? If so, the condominium lifestyle is designed to take these chores off your to-do list through how property ownership is structured.&nbsp;

	If your ideal condominium has standard amenities like a clubhouse and pool, maintaining these amenities is also the management team&#39;s responsibility. In high-rise communities, low maintenance can include regularly scheduled window cleaning and elevator maintenance.&nbsp;

	Some condominium communities are gated, with exclusive access only granted to residents and guests. Some condominium communities have private lobbies, garages, and storage areas for the exclusive use of the residents.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	The Security to &ldquo;Lock and Leave&rdquo;&nbsp;</h2>

	Active older adults who want the benefit of a place to come home to after traveling appreciate the security of a condominium home. Knowing that neighbors are nearby and that the outside of your home is kept up relieves stress from going on long weekend excursions or extended-length adventures.&nbsp;

	Some communities require a key to access the lobby, elevator, and shared hallways. These facilities also offer secure post boxes and secured package services.&nbsp;

	Some may offer secured storage spaces ranging from small units perfect for storing your holiday decorations to lots big enough to store your boats and RVs when you&rsquo;re not using them. Having everything you use occasionally stored safely nearby is a massive advantage to condominium living.&nbsp;

	Having a community of privately maintained roads and walkways means that traveling on foot, bike, or golf cart is safe. Some communities are kept safe by being surrounded by a fence and accessing the neighborhood through locked or guarded gates.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	An Abundance of Amenities&nbsp;</h2>

	Active older adults looking for a lifestyle that combines proximity to private gym amenities with affordability will find the condominium lifestyle the ideal match! Imagine having access to private pickleball courts, swimming pools, and a clubhouse that offers both community events and the opportunity to use for private events.

	Many clubhouses have space dedicated to indoor gym equipment. Access to gym equipment frees up space in our homes for other activities. Some clubhouses have arts and crafts rooms set up to host painting classes and quilting bees.&nbsp;

	Clubhouses are grand for social gatherings. A convenient place to host poker nights and book clubs is another benefit to condominium living. Some have communal kitchens that can be used to host private parties or community meals.&nbsp;

	Another amenity that makes condominium living convenient is dedicated dog parks. It&rsquo;s beneficial to have a safe, clean, and convenient space to take your four-legged friends. It&rsquo;s also a wonderful place to meet your neighbors who also enjoy the company of dog lovers.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	Uniform Aesthetics</h2>

	People who live in a condominium community prefer the clean lines and uniformity of the neighborhood. Having a complementary color scheme and style keeps the neighborhood looking well-ordered and tidy. A landscape that suits the environment helps with the flow of movement from the units to the amenities and beyond.&nbsp;

	Uniform aesthetics also keep costs low by keeping maintenance fees low. It&rsquo;s easier for Homeowner Association&rsquo;s to budget for maintenance costs such as painting and roofing when the facades are uniform in design and materials.&nbsp;

	&nbsp;
<h2>
	Active, Alternative, and Affordable&nbsp;</h2>

	Homeowners who want to spend their retirement years doing the activities they enjoy benefit from the condominium lifestyle. When they sell their sigle family home in an <a href="https://activeadultliving.com/all-age-communities">all ages community</a>, they are free from the stress and worry of maintenance and upkeep. Depending on their lifestyle, they may choose to buy multiple condominiums in the same community to allow for everyone to have their own space.&nbsp;

	The money condominium owners save on extras such as private gym memberships, lawn care, and security make the condominium lifestyle one of the more affordable options for active older adults.&nbsp;

Condominium

Cottage Creek Condominiums is an condo living community in Bellingham WA.  Find homes, apartment and condo for sale, floor plans and view amenities at Cottage Creek Condominiums.

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Cottage Creek Condominiums

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