Congratulations on your new, or not so new, status as an empty nester. You still have the ability and desire to live on you own, and still want the benefits of home ownership. Maybe you don't want to be too far from the kids or your current neighborhood. You would really like something newer, perhaps with a main floor master bedroom. You desire to live in a community of adults who have similar memories and have a similar frame of reference.

It sounds like an Active Adult Community is for you.

Active Adult Communities generally require that one of the homeowners be 55 years old or older, and all permanent residents be no younger than 19.

Model choices range from one bedroom condos in a high rise, to large detached single family homes. Floor plans and amenities are designed with the active senior in mind. Recreational and shopping facilities are often incorporated into the community or located nearby.

Many residents are still employed. Active Adult Communities frequently have a gated entrance, and many are integrated into a larger community. A number have golf courses, clubhouses or other recreational activities. These communities exist across the United States.