What Is An Active 55+ Community?

Jun 13, 2023

As you or your family members are considering housing options, you’ve probably seen active adult communities in search results. Sometimes these neighborhoods are called 55+ communities, active living communities, or active adult communities. Maybe you’re wondering what these names mean, what these active adult neighborhoods are like, and what are the benefits of living there.

Oak Haven is the OKC metro’s premier community for 55+ adults, and we’re explaining everything you should know about active adult communities.

What Is An Active Adult 55+ Community?

Designed with Baby Boomers in mind, 55-plus communities provide a comfortable and active living environment. Each residence in these neighborhoods is home to at least one adult age 55 or older. Active adult neighborhoods can consist of various home types, including detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhouses, apartments, and more. However, most have a few key characteristics. These neighborhoods focus on community living, social interaction, easier home maintenance and upkeep, age restriction of some kind, and other amenities aimed at adults nearing or at retirement age. Each active adult community has its own benefits and amenities. As 55+ neighborhoods grow in popularity nationwide, you’ll find various costs and benefits.

At Oak Haven in Yukon, OK, specifically, you can expect luxury homes, extensive amenities, and lifestyle activities that include everything from exercise classes, pickleball, and card clubs to community concerts. Oak Haven’s homes are designed with comfort and quality in mind.

What Are The Amenities In Active Senior Living Communities?

In most 55+ communities, you will find a variety of neighborhood amenities and lifestyle amenities. To learn more about Oak Haven’s amenities, visit our amenities page.

Active 55+ neighborhood amenities may include:

Clubhouse
Gym
Community pool
Sports and games lounge
Outdoor lounge and community BBQ areas
Interior and/or exterior home maintenance
Gated community entrance
Maintained outdoor space, parks, or trails
All-inclusive utilities (i.e., wifi, electric, gas, etc.)
Restaurant(s)

Lifestyle amenities are even more varied across communities. Depending on the neighborhood’s location, the interests of the residents, and other factors, organized community activities may occur daily.

Lifestyle and activity amenities at active adult communities may include:

Exercise classes
Pickleball
Swimming/Pool activities
Sports
Massage therapy
Crafts and art classes
Community meals and potlucks
Book clubs
Games and puzzles
Card clubs and games
Community concerts and music
Dances and other entertainment
Movie nights
Bible studies
Field trips and travel to museums, gardens, restaurants, plays or musicals, movies, and more
Yoga
Bingo
Trivia nights
Volunteer opportunities
Gardening
Discussion groups
Cooking classes
Holiday events
Social mixers and happy hours

Are There Specialty 55+ Neighborhoods?

Yes! As the demand for active adult communities grows, there has been an increase in the variety of neighborhoods for specific groups. Oak Haven is a community focused on providing adults with a luxury environment for their active lifestyle. Downsizing or moving to an active adult community shouldn’t mean sacrificing the home quality and comforts you’re accustomed to. Luxury 55+ communities may feature higher quality finishes and materials in the housing, include more services and maintenance or have special programming and activities. But luxury-focused communities are just one of many types of neighborhoods.

What Are The Houses Like In 55+ Neighborhoods?

Houses in active adult retirement communities come in various sizes and types. Style, quality of construction, and finishes differ wildly from each neighborhood to the next. Some active adult communities are even themed or styled to match the setting (for example, beach cottage neighborhoods). As you search for 55+ communities, you will likely find communities featuring:

Townhomes
Duplexes
Triplexes
Quad-plexes
Detached homes
Apartments
Condos
Cottages

The Oak Haven active adult community homes are built in duplex, triplex, and quad-plex formations. Each Oak Haven home is finished with high-quality wood floors, ceramic tile, granite countertops, and other luxury finishes. We recognized the demand for Yukon and Oklahoma City older adults to downsize to homes that didn’t sacrifice the standard of home they were used to.

Differences In the Houses In Active Adult Communities

Size and Floor Plans

One main difference between the homes you may be accustomed to and a home in a 55+ community is the variety of the size of the homes. In many active adult communities, the homes are smaller than the large suburban homes many residents move from, or they may be larger but have floorplans that better accommodate an active adult lifestyle.

Some of the homes at Oak Haven may be smaller than your current home, and others may be larger (with floor plans designed for you to use in a way that matches your interests). Some Oak Haven homes are as big as 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. But, for many residents, downsizing to one of our smaller units is enticing. Downsizing allows many to clear out unneeded items, furniture, and clothing and bring only their favorite things to a home that better suits their needs. Additionally, all of the floorplans at Oak Haven maximize the use of the square footage for efficient and comfortable living.

Safety

Most 55+ adults are conscious of safety in their homes and neighborhoods. It is not uncommon for active adult communities to have gated entrances, security teams, and other precautions in the community. Oak Haven’s security also includes in-home fire and smoke detection. In Oklahoma, living somewhere with a safe place to go in case of emergency severe weather is essential. Oak Haven has a reinforced tornado safe room where residents can find safety when tornadoes are in Yukon or the OKC metro.

Resident-Friendly Design

The hope for aging-in-place is often a top priority for individuals and couples considering moving to active adult communities. Many residents hope that moving to a retirement community is the final time they will move houses. Accordingly, most communities prioritize accessibility in the design of their homes. Oak Haven residences are all single-story, step-free entrance homes. Our bathrooms use universal design with step-free showers. Overall, our homes are designed with long-term utility in mind. Hopefully, as you search for an active adult community, you will often find this type of resident-friendly design.

Who Takes Care of Home Maintenance In Active Senior Communities?

Home maintenance is the biggest question for many people about moving to an active adult community. In some communities, lawn care is maintained by the HOA or community administration, but flowerbeds and other landscaping are the responsibility of residents. In other communities, like Oak Haven, all exterior maintenance, lawn care, and landscaping are handled for you. As you consider potential neighborhoods, ask about maintenance responsibilities and what is included in monthly dues or rent.

Additionally, interior maintenance is included at Oak Haven too. If you need your ice machine or sink fixed, a lightbulb switched out, or assistance with an appliance, it’s not your responsibility to fix it. We hope our residents will feel secure and cared for so they can spend time doing exactly what they love.

Worry-free home maintenance is one of the most significant benefits of living in a 55+ community. Maintenance-free active adult living appeals to residents for various reasons, including changes in priorities or interests, tiring of the challenges of an aging home, increased travel, the loss of a spouse, or medical challenges. Whatever your motivation, the benefits of home maintenance-free living are undeniable.

Who Can Live In Active Adult Neighborhoods?

Finally, many people wonder who is allowed to live in active adult communities. Are children allowed? Do all residents need to be above the age of 55? What if my spouse is above 55, but I am not?

Every community has different rules and regulations regarding who can live there. Some states even have legislation regulating these communities and their age requirements. As you research, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to be specific. Some neighborhoods even have regulations regarding how long people under 55 are allowed to visit the community.

At Oak Haven, at least one resident in each residence must be 55 years or older. Both single residents and couples are welcome.

Is 55+ Living Right for Me?

We believe active adult communities provide an incredible environment for enjoying and thriving in the second half of life. Studies have shown that living in senior housing supports well-being and healthy aging. It also provides a physical and social environment that encourages and enables residents to be physically active and independent. Living in a 55+ community could be life-changing and beneficial to you as you flourish in your later adult years.

If you are interested in taking a tour or learning more about Oak Haven, contact our team today. As a luxury 55+ community in the Oklahoma City area, our neighborhood provides a vibrant community for adults rarely found elsewhere in the city. We’d love to meet you!

Newer Post >

Share this post

50+ Questions to Ask When Considering a 55+ Neighborhood

26 Jul, 2023

For many adults, the idea of moving brings a flurry of emotions–some bad and some good. Maybe these sound familiar: overwhelming, nostalgic, exciting, apprehensive, curious, mourning, liberating, and so many more. When you’re considering a move to a 55+ active community, it’s natural to feel any combination of emotions, but we’ve found that the best way to sort through those emotions is by asking questions. Moving to a 55+ community where you feel connected and surrounded by people interested in a similar active lifestyle is essential to your health and overall well-being. Because each active living community has its own atmosphere, amenities, and unique residents, you should understand the neighborhood before committing. Then, when you’re ready to transition to your new 55+ community , you’ll feel excited and knowledgeable. In the Oklahoma City area, there are so many options for 55+ living–from 55+ active neighborhoods, like Oak Haven in Yukon , to independent living communities, assisted living, and more. Finding the right fit for your needs is essential. We’ve assembled a list of over 50 questions to ask before moving to a 55+ active community. Some of these questions may be answered by navigating the community website, and others may be answered as you tour. Regardless, we hope this list is helpful for you as you explore your options for active retirement neighborhoods. Some of these questions may spark more ideas, and others may not interest you, but hopefully, they are a helpful place to start! Questions to Ask Potential 55+ Living Communities by Category Amenities and Activities in 55+ Neighborhoods How does your neighborhood welcome new residents or help new residents acclimate to the community? What weekly events take place? Are there regular field trips or outings coordinated for the neighborhood residents? What are the most popular activities for residents? Is there a gym for residents to access on-site? Are there fitness classes or other activities? Is there a clubhouse or other community spaces? What other amenities are popular in the community? Is there a regularly distributed schedule of events or a way that community members stay in the know? Are there coordinated group volunteering opportunities? Is there ever live entertainment or music in the community? What clubs or interest groups are there in the neighborhood? What are the most-attended events? Can friends or family join me at events? Active Living Community Residents What is the number of residents living in the community? What activities and interests are there among the residents? What is the average age of the community members? Are individuals under the age of 55 allowed to live in the neighborhood? Are children allowed to be residents of the community? Staffing in 55+ Neighborhoods How many staff people are there? What role does the staff play in the community? What training do staff members receive? Is staff available to residents 24/7 or during specific hours? What services does the staff provide or oversee? Meals and Dining Nearby Are there meal services in the community? Are there any dining options in the community? What dining options or restaurants are nearby? Floor Plans and Home Maintenance in Active Retirement Neighborhoods What floor plan options are available? How many bedrooms and bathrooms are available? Are homes in this community furnished or unfurnished? Are utilities and Wi-Fi included in the monthly price? Do homes in this 55+ neighborhood have garages or outdoor parking? Is housekeeping included? If housekeeping is not included, can you recommend a reputable housekeeping service? Are pets allowed? If pets are allowed, are specific breeds or sizes prohibited? Is the community safe? What safety measures are taken? Are home maintenance and repairs included? How do you request maintenance and repairs? Is this 55+ active living community fully built, or is construction ongoing? Does the active living community maintain lawn care and landscaping care? Prices and Fees for Active Living Neighborhoods What is the price range of properties? Do you rent or own the property in this community? Do fees increase annually or at another interval? Is there an application fee? What is included in the price? Is there a contract? If my health situation changed and I no longer can live in an active living community and need more assistance, would I be able to break my lease? Miscellaneous Questions Are visitors allowed to stay overnight, or are there restrictions on visiting hours? Do I need to register guests? Is there a community noise policy? Can I host my guests in the community clubhouse or another space? Are there religious services or groups nearby? Churches, synagogues, etc. What is the surrounding area like? Traffic, crime, air quality, nearby amenities, etc. Are there medical amenities nearby? General practitioners, hospitals, etc. What is the general community feel or atmosphere like? What makes this community unique? Is there a tornado or safe storm shelter in the community? As you can see, there is so much to consider when choosing a community for the second half of life! We hope these questions help you determine your priorities and feel empowered to find the best neighborhood for your lifestyle. Discover Oklahoma City’s Best 55+ Active Adult Neighborhood If you are looking for a 55+ neighborhood in Oklahoma, we hope you’ll come to take a tour of Oak Haven . We believe that Oak Haven in Yukon–a 55+ active living community in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area–provides amenities, floorplans, and a community-living lifestyle that appeals to many Oklahoma residents. Oak Haven 55+ neighborhood amenities include: Luxury home finishes and appliances Home and garden maintenance Utilities and Wi-Fi included Community pool Fitness center Fitness classes Clubhouse Social clubs Pickleball court Sports lounge And SO much more As you search for an active adult neighborhood, take a tour of Oak Haven and discover all of the amenities for yourself. We’re excited to show you around, answer questions and introduce you to our community. Request a tour time online or call us at (405) 467-5050.

10 Tips for Moving to an Active Adult 55+ Community

26 Jun, 2023

You may be considering a move to a 55+ neighborhood, or perhaps a parent or loved one is thinking about a move. Whether you are considering a move or a family member, transitioning from life in a standard neighborhood to living in an active adult community can be a significant change. Transitioning to an active adult 55+ community can be exciting and rewarding for senior adults, but being prepared is essential. Here are some tips for aging adults moving to active 55+ communities: Tips for Choosing an Active Adult Community Consider the Location When you choose an active adult neighborhood, it’s important to consider the location. Ask yourself, is this community close to family or friends that I would like to see regularly? Looking for a neighborhood close to dining, shopping, entertainment, medical providers, or your personal care services (like salon or nail shop) may be important too. Many people also consider the climate and weather too. 2. Experience the Community Before Deciding Before you choose a place to live, it’s important to experience it firsthand. At Oak Haven 55+ neighborhood in Yukon, OK, we welcome all prospective residents to come to take a tour and get a sense of what it is like to live here. Many times, prospective residents will also meet current residents or get a taste of the social atmosphere in the neighborhood during their visit. 3. Discover All the Amenities and Activities Active adult communities offer a wide range of amenities and activities designed to keep residents engaged and active. From pickleball to swimming, game nights, gardening, book clubs, and much more, 55+ neighborhood residents know how to have fun and create a community. 4. Consider the Size, Floor Plan, and Space When you’re touring or browsing active adult communities online, it’s essential to consider the size, floor plan, and space . Look for a home that is spacious enough to accommodate your lifestyle and needs. For many, that means downsizing to a smaller home, but for others, it may mean simply moving to a similarly sized home that has a better floor plan or single-story structure. Tips for Your Move To a 55+ Neighborhood 5. Ask For Help As you begin the process of packing and moving, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlisting family members or close friends to help you sort through sentimental items or clothes may make the packing process easier. Additionally, at Oak Haven, we regularly work with professionals in the Oklahoma City metro who specialize in helping ease moves to senior adult communities. We’re happy to recommend real estate professionals, senior move specialists, estate sale companies, and financial consultants who may be of assistance. 6. Downsize… Or Don’t For many adults considering a move to a 55+ community, downsizing can be a deterrent or point of stress, but it doesn’t have to be. Some communities, like Oak Haven, have homes of various sizes , and you may not need to downsize significantly if you don’t want to. Additionally, if you are downsizing some, we recommend carving aside time for cleaning out over a period of weeks or months. Don’t put pressure on yourself to sort everything at once. Our #1 piece of advice: if you’re not ready to let it go, don’t feel pressured to. 7. Donate To A Cause You Love Preparing for a move can result in a lot of extra stuff that you no longer need or want. Many adults find that clearing, sorting, and packing is easier when you know the items you are no longer keeping will benefit a good cause. Donating items to local charities or thrift stores benefiting non-profit organizations or ministries may ease some of the sadness that comes with saying goodbye to once-loved clothes, furniture, or home goods. Settling Into Active Adult Living 8. Attend Neighborhood Events and Activities One of the best ways to get involved and connected with your new community is by attending neighborhood events or activities. Making an effort to attend game nights, happy hours, or community events in the first weeks you live in the neighborhood will establish connection and friendship. Active senior communities almost always have something going on. Just go for it! 9. Introduce Yourself Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to your new neighbors and community members. If you see other residents outside playing pickleball, walking a dog, or heading to the community center, make sure you connect with them. After a couple of weeks, small talk will be a thing of the past, and you’ll be a part of the community. 10. Meet the Staff and Management Most active senior communities have a team of helpful, dedicated people that support the neighborhood’s operations, oversee management, and help encourage camaraderie and fellowship among the residents. Some communities even have restaurants, like Oak Haven’s Luigi’s Bistro, or other services within the community as well. Get to know the employees and management team because having relationships will improve your quality of life and help you connect with other residents through their knowledge. Benefits of 55+ Neighborhoods for Seniors Maybe after reading these tips, you’re still on the fence about moving to a 55+ active adult community. We really believe that the benefits and amenities are unmatched . A few of our favorite benefits of the active adult community lifestyle at Oak Haven include: Luxury features, construction, and floor plans designed with active senior adults in mind Fewer home and lawn maintenance responsibilities Vibrant activities and social lives that emphasize community Heightened security and safety Convenient amenities include a community pool, walking trails, a pickleball court, and a community clubhouse Moving to an active adult neighborhood can be a big change. It can be exciting and rewarding to experience but also a little overwhelming. We hope these tips will help you as you consider what might lie ahead for you if you make the transition to active 55+ community living. Communities like Oak Haven have so much to offer. We hope you will take advantage of everything and find a community you love. If you are an adult looking for an active 55-plus neighborhood in Yukon, Mustang, or the greater OKC metro, come take a tour of Oak Haven . We are located at 2101 Westbury Drive, Yukon, OK, 73099. Tours are required before you decide to make the move to our community. We’d love to have you join us! You can book a tour online or give us a call at 405-628-9436.