Active Adult Communities
Browse 55+ Communities by City
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| Dallas | Hiram |
| Kennesaw | Marietta |
| Powder Springs | Roswell |
| Waleska | Woodstock |
What is an Active Adult 55+ Community?
Quick Links
Active adult communities are designed with the needs of 55 & over homeowners in mind. Builders focus on 55+ residents who are interested in downsizing and moving toward retirement.
Active adult homes are usually single-story designs modeled to accommodate the idea of “aging in place”. Most, if not all homes, offer main level living with primary bedrooms & baths on the first floor.
Do All Residents Have to Be Over 55?
1. age RESTRICTED developments require that 80% of households must have at least one resident age 55 and over, these are HUD-approved communities reserved for seniors. They have recorded restrictions and community guidelines within the county that they are located.
2. age TARGETED developments that are marketed to attract 55+ buyers but are not specifically limited to residents over 55. Age restrictions must be in the recorded covenants of the community.
These so-called “lifestyle communities” offer homes that may appeal to 55+ buyers, for instance, smaller floor plans, master on the main plans, reduced home maintenance, amenity packages, etc.
Benefits of 55 & Over Construction
55+ homes typically have step-less entries and wider doors & hallways to allow for assistance with mobility issues. Bathrooms may feature grab bars, lower counter top height, and zero-step showers.
Neighborhoods designed for active adults often have low or no maintenance exteriors. For instance, condo communities often take care of exterior painting, roofing, landscaping and common areas.
Amenity levels vary from minimal to resort-style living with golf courses & country clubs.
Building your retirement lifestyle around one of these specially designed homes with lower maintenance responsibilities makes perfect sense!
55+ Real Estate Specialist
In January 2017 I obtained my professional 55+ Realty Advisor Designation. The goal is to represent my 55 & over clients with the knowledge and resources they require to make sound decisions about their senior housing options.
I have researched the financing options for seniors and have resources available to assist with traditional mortgages, reverse mortgages, financial planning, estate planning, “aging in place” and so much more.
As your 55+ Realty Advisor, I am here to help you explore the retirement communities in North Georgia and find the one that is the right fit for your lifestyle.
The areas that I service includes the northwest corridor of metro Atlanta. Cities in my area include, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock, Canton and west from Powder Springs, Hiram & Dallas.
In the near future I will expanding our network of advisors to cover the entire state of Georgia as well as Florida and South Carolina. I currently have a nationwide referral database to assist with your move.
I am honored to work with my 55+ clients AND THEIR FAMILIES in making the right choice of a retirement community in North Georgia!
Read more about the 55+ Realty Advisor Designation.
Client Testimonials
Video: 55+ Realty Advisor
Browse 55+ Communities
Find your favorite Active Adult Community in Cobb or Paulding Counties by Name orCity. Click on the COMMUNITY NAME for more information.
Who Lives in an Active Adult Neighborhood?
Owners in 55+ communities include "empty-nesters", retirees as well as those still working full-time. The commonality of a senior living environment is found in the desire for a more "MAINTENANCE-FREE" level of home ownership in an amenity-rich neighborhood within a peer group with common interests.
The key components in a 55+ community are INDEPENDENCE and a manageable retirement lifestyle.
These active adult retirement communities generally consist of detached single-family homes, townhouses or condominiums that are comfortably sized and familiar to those accustomed to owning their own home.
These active adult lifestyle communities are not designed for assisted living or nursing home care.
What Kinds of Homes are Available in 55+ Communities?
Let's explore what the "typical" home is like in an active adult / retirement community. The most common terms used in describing these homes are GARDEN HOMES, PATIO HOMES, RANCH CONDOS, RANCH TOWNHOUSES.
Main Level Living
The overall theme of active adult communities is usually ONE LEVEL LIVING. You will likely find a primary bedroom and bathroom on the first floor as well as the common living areas.
More recent designs have expanded to include second-floor bedrooms and bathrooms with a bonus room or living room separate from the main floor which makes it possible for homeowners to bring in extended family, outside help, live-in caregivers, nursing care, etc.
Main floor living makes "aging in place" safer & easier. In addition, step-less entries, grab bars in bathrooms, wider doors and hallways make future mobility issues simpler to deal with.
Homes are usually between 1500 and 2500 sq feet but never compromise on style! Open floor plans, soaring ceiling heights, gas fireplaces, granite or quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, tile kitchens and baths, hardwood or LVP flooring and more can be expected.
Storage
Don't worry! Storage won't be an issue. In addition to guest bedrooms, many builders include "flex" space into their plans. For instance, areas such as bonus rooms, craft rooms, sun rooms, home offices, etc. often find their way into these homes.
What is not common is basements. While not unheard of or impossible to find, basements are not a standard feature among the homes in active adult communities. In keeping with the idea of "downsizing" and letting go of items that become unnecessary as residents move into this new phase of their lives, basements are often seen as extraneous and no longer desirable for many.
Active Adult Homes With Basements
What are the Benefits of Living in A 55 & Over Community?
Active Adult Lifestyle
Active adult 55+ communities are often referred to as "LIFESTYLE NEIGHBORHOODS." According to a 2005 housing survey, nearly 85% of these developments were located in metropolitan areas with easy access to recreational and cultural attractions, shopping and dining, healthcare facilities as well as a variety of on-site activities.
A Sense of Community
Whether you choose to settle into an age-restricted 55 & over development or a more lifestyle-centric neighborhood, one of the most important aspects is the sense of community with like aged adults. Therefore, builders foster this community-building mindset by designing retirement communities that invite connection. From front porches to private patios, outdoor living space encourages social interaction.
Community clubhouses often become the heartbeat of the neighborhood because there's always a reason to have a party! Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries to the Super Bowl...Neighbors celebrate together.
Amenities
On-site amenities vary by neighborhood and go far beyond the "retirement" community stereotype of shuffleboard and Mahjong! But don't worry, these are available too.
These lifestyle-centric developments can bring the resort or vacation feel to your new retirement home. Pools, tennis, golf, country clubs, clubhouses, community events, fitness centers and classes like Pilates are often available. In many cases, walking and biking trails are being incorporated into the neighborhood. You may find a stocked lake or fishing pond, a marina and more.
For some, never having to leave home is a BONUS.
Focusing on the physical and social needs of their residents make Active Adult Communities very appealing when searching for a new home as you move into retirement!
Maintenance Free Living Heading Into Retirement
"Maintenance-free" home ownership is an attractive aspect of retirement communities in North Georgia. Many 55 or better neighborhoods are built on the condominium concept. As a result, most neighborhoods have a Homeowner's Association that manages exterior maintenance, lawn and landscaping services, trash removal, irrigation and the inclusion of some utility services.
"Maintenance-free" can also mean no exterior painting, gutter cleaning, etc. In a condo association, these items are frequently included in the monthly or annual homeowner's association fees.
These services allow residents to enjoy traveling without the restrictions of a more traditional model of home ownership.
No need to worry about the grass getting too tall or dying while on vacation because it's all taken care of!
Imagine...taking a 3-month European vacation without giving home a second thought!
Go ahead, spend the summer at your beach condo because everything will be fine!
Visit the children or grandchildren for a few weeks and yet you have no worries!
Retirement Benefits in North Georgia
Favorable Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Retirement in North Georgia offers unique advantages that other states. Property taxes are a significant consideration when buying a new home heading into retirement.
In Cobb County, homeowners over the age of 62 are exempt from the "school tax" portion of the annual property tax assessment which often results in significant savings.
Read more about COBB SENIOR TAX EXEMPTIONS
In Cherokee County, seniors benefit from exemptions from "school tax" on a portion of the value of their home as well as various income & disability-based exemptions.
Read more about CHEROKEE SENIOR TAX EXEMPTIONS
In Paulding County, homeowners over the age of 65 are eligible for certain exemptions as well, that are based on income.
Read more about PAULDING SENIOR TAX EXEMPTIONS
For seniors living on a fixed income, the property tax exemptions can save hundreds of dollars per month!
Proximity to College & Universities
North Georgia Counties are very attractive areas for the development of both age-restricted, 55 & over and lifestyle targeted communities because staying close to family and within a familiar area is comforting as we age.
Let's start with the proximity of many of the state's colleges and universities. Empty nesters can now downsize without compromising on style or location.
As children transition from area high schools to colleges such as Kennesaw State University, Georgia Perimeter College, University of West Georgia, University of Georgia, Georgia State University & Georgia Institute of Technology, parents are often inspired to downsize their living space without moving away from the area in which they raised their families.
For many, part of a healthy, happy retirement includes the ability to continue one's education, take hobby courses, or even secure a teaching position at an area school. North Georgia is home to many of the state's elite educational institutions. Many colleges offer free or steeply discounted fees for seniors.
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
North Georgia cities have a unique strategy to satisfy the retail needs of its residents. Nearly every niche neighborhood is home to its own shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Grocery, discount retail, upscale retail and specialty stores, movie theaters, museums and concert venues are plentiful in and around both counties.
The small-town southern charm that draws many residents is born out of the organic growth of our cities. Most of the towns of Cobb, Cherokee & Paulding Counties grew up around a railroad and central town square. As a result, our towns have retained their historic charm with shops and restaurants now occupying many of the original buildings and homes from the 1800s and early 1900s dotting tree-lined avenues.
Many North Georgia communities host annual farmer's markets, artisan fairs, and holiday events to keep residents happy and engaged.
Learn more about our towns and choose the perfect location for your new 55+ retirement community:
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Marietta 55 & Over Communities
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Powder Springs 55 & Over Communities
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Acworth 55 & Over Communities
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Kennesaw 55 & Over Communities
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Hiram 55 & Over Communities
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Dallas 55 & Over Communities
Recreational Opportunities & Senior Living Resources
Retirement in North Georgia assures that you have the opportunity to remain active, engaged and healthy. Part of a healthy lifestyle includes adequate physical activity as well as social engagement. We hope that you will enjoy exploring all of the resources on our site to find a peer group that meets your needs, keep you challenged and helps you make great new friends.
Healthy Retirement: A Well Established Healthcare Network
Enjoying a long and healthy retirement requires planning and a big part of that is ensuring that you have access to adequate healthcare resources. Since we are living longer and longer, we need to plan for long-term care as we age.
North Georgia offers an established and continuously growing healthcare network. The majority of area 55+ retirement communities are located within a short drive of a major medical facility because health needs change and advance as we age.
Wellstar, Kaiser Permanente, Resurgeons and the VA Outpatient Clinic all have an extensive presence in the area.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center is located in the heart of Cobb County at 677 Church Street, Marietta GA 30060. The Wellstar network also includes two additional hospitals in Cobb at Austell and Windy Hill as well as a host of urgent care centers and associated physician practices and imaging centers throughout the county.
The new Wellstar Paulding Hospital is conveniently located at 2518 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram 30141 and offers state of the art facilities for the fast-growing communities of Hiram and Dallas.
Northside Hospital Cherokee campus is newly constructed and is located at 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Canton 30115.
A new Wellstar Hospital is under construction in Holly Springs, Cherokee County.
Atlanta is a Travel Hub
Maintenance-free living means freedom to travel without worrying about how long you will be gone! Purchasing a home in one of the 55+ active adult communities in our area keep you perfectly situated to take advantage of the Atlanta travel hub.
Private & International Airports
Several North Georgia counties are home to private airports capable of handling jet traffic for private and corporate air travel. For a full list of public and private Georgia airports, visit GlobalAir.com.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is only a short drive from most areas within Cobb or Paulding County. Avoiding traffic is easier with the advent of the HOV lanes. Flexible travel times and routes also making reaching the airport less complicated. From West Cobb & North Paulding it is very easy to reach the airport within 30 minutes.
The Atlanta Airport serves as a hub city for both Delta and Southwest Airlines.
Professional Sports
Atlanta has a long history as a sports town. Over the last few years, we have seen the development of new stadiums for both the Falcons and the Braves as well as the addition of a new professional major league soccer team.
Football
Since this is the South, we also LOVE our SEC college football. The Georgia Bulldogs are always a competitive force in the SEC and it's just a short drive to Athens.
Additionally, several smaller colleges have launched football programs. And the Friday night lights still shine over countless high school football fields throughout the fall.
Fans flock to Mercedes Benz Stadium to cheer on the hometown Atlanta Falcons (or perhaps, a visiting favorite)! Located in the heart of Atlanta, the stadium is easily accessed from major interstates surrounding the city.
Baseball
A new addition to Cobb County, SunTrust Park, is the home of the Atlanta Braves during baseball season as well as an event venue. SunTrust Park is located at 755 Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30339 near the intersection of Interstates 75 & 285.
Soccer
The Atlanta United FC were founded in 2014 and began play in the MLS in 2017 as an expansion team. Their games are split between Mercedes Benz Stadium, shared with the Atlanta Falcons, and Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
The United have a fierce fan base and were the 2019 winners of the U.S. Open Cup.
Message Us for More Information about Active Adult Communities
Finding the perfect combination of location, amenities, floor plan, and price range
for your needs is our primary objective!
If you need assistance in selling your current home and finding all of the resources you will need to transition to your new home, we will be happy to help!
