ADULT LIVING COMMUNITIES

Many retirees as well as near retirees, are flocking to upscale communities for the 55-and-over set.

Enjoying the Resort Life - Among Peers Throughout Northeastern PA Area.

Behind the popularity of these homogenous developments are their resort amenities, which include everything from tennis courts and swimming pools to a clubhouse with a fitness room. In addition, with many of these developments fashioned as condominiums or homeowners associations, residents can winter in sunnier climates without worrying about their home's security or upkeep. Common charges typically include security personnel, landscaping and snow removal.

In general, active adult developments provide ample opportunities for socializing with peers, whether at the pool, on the treadmill or after a tennis match. Residents can also mingle at scheduled get-togethers, which typically include holiday parties, barbecues, monthly birthday celebrations, sports tournaments, movie, card and bridge nights, bingo and day trips to Atlantic City and Foxwoods casinos. Some enclaves even organize trips farther a field, to the Caribbean and Europe. Depending on the development, these activities may be arranged by a committee of residents or an on-staff recreational director.

Ken Allen yearns for such a place to live. Weary of hearing noisy children playing ball and intent on residing in a community where neighbors can generally socialize to their heart's content, Mr. Allen and his wife began scouting Milford area last year for a condominium in one of its many age-restricted enclaves.

"My wife and I are at the age now that requires an active adult community and we love this Milford area. We have children that live in Hawley, PA and whenever we come through we stop in Milford. So when we heard about the newest active adult community, River's Edge, we were very interested. Although it is in the presale stage, we are looking forward to moving in."

According to the National Association of Home Builders, age-restricted communities are the fastest-growing housing segment in the country, with the average buyer today 61 years old-six years younger than the average of a decade ago.

In the Northeast especially, over- 55 communities are not only attracting young retirees, but also people who haven't retired yet, says Geoff Pitcher, Sales Manager for Rivers Edge.

Many of the 55 or older active adult buyers are selling homes, for example, in the metropolitan NY area or in the suburbs of the metropolitan region, whether it be NY, NJ or Connecticut. As empty nesters, they are moving out to exciting areas like Pike County, Pennsylvania and then are commuting and/or telecommuting until they reach their time for full retirement.

An area like Pike County, Pennsylvania is ideally located for private, active adult-enclaves because of the ease in access to literally hundreds of thousands of acres of State and Federal Lands in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. These are open for total enjoyment whether it be boating, fishing, swimming, or hiking, and truly an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors at your front door.

Secondly, age-restricted active adult communities don't put children in local schools, and accordingly, this is a benefit to the community where they are located. The real estate taxes that benefit not only the new homeowners moving into the age-restricted enclave, but to all retirees and families that live in the town or township.

"Typically, many municipalities' approval process requires a developer to include an age-restricted component to meet the needs of the community, as well as to reduce the burden on schools," says Stephen Sameroff and Brad Kenealy partners in Rivers Edge, LP. The company boasts involvement in eight-55 and over communities all over Long Island New York, with River's Edge being the newest set to open in 2007 with sales starting now.

In general, a home in an upscale, amenity-filled community runs anywhere from $350,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the enclave's facilities and the individual unit's features, which can include everything from granite countertops and high ceilings to a state-of-the-art kitchen and a hydraulic-powered elevator with a backup battery. Common fees generally range from about $150 to $480 a month.

George, 70, a retired financial executive for a fortune 500 company, and his wife Carol, 67, a retired bookkeeper, are currently living in their 3800-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath lakefront home in Dingman Township, Pike County, PA. The couple, originally hailing from New Jersey, decided that they wanted a little less elbow room and a more convenient and maintance-free lifestyle. And, River's Edge appears to be the perfect fit.

"As you get older it's wonderful to have people around you who have your interests and to have more things at your fingertips. This area is a wonderful place to live"- Mrs. Hill

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