If you’ve built enough wealth and are ready to retire, you may be looking at different communities to call home.
Perhaps you’re excited to spend time at the beach or the mountains. Maybe you want to retire early to enjoy a life secluded in nature or feel the vibrancy of a major city.
For those interested, there are a handful of distinctive and eccentric retirement communities to consider spending your retirement savings on.
Check out these special spots to see if one of them fits your preferences.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Latitude Margaritaville
Latitude Margaritaville is a retirement community with three beachside locations — two in Florida and one in South Carolina.
Each one is its own tropical paradise with a focus on food, cocktails, entertainment, and events. Bask in the sun on the beach or swim in their incredible pools with their own Tiki islands. On rainy days, learn pottery and woodworking.
If you’re curious about the name, yes, there is a connection! “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett inspired the “no worries” vibe of these communities. He’s also been known to show up to sing a few songs.
The Clare
If the liveliness of a city is more your speed, The Clare may be a good option. Located in the heart of Chicago, this community features four different restaurants on site. There are also many culinary options a short walk outside, throughout the Gold Coast neighborhood.
The skyscraping residence boasts a spa, salon, wellness center, art studio, and indoor pool. Programs include guest lectures and performances. Residents also can use rehab facilities on site if needed. Plus, there are exercise physiologists and personal trainers available.
NoHo Senior Artists Colony
Seniors who want to explore their creative side may find a home at the funky NoHo Senior Artists Colony. The residential community, which is located in Los Angeles, provides residents with amenities.
Performing arts theater, a visual arts studio, an artists' lounge, and a literary studio so they can pursue new talents or continue to nourish their creative side. There’s also a focus on health and wellness all within the condo-like setting.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Hot Springs Village
Hot Springs Village is located on the outskirts of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is great for a retiree who loves the outdoors.
In addition to the more typical retirement community amenities like golf and tennis, the grounds also include 30 miles of trails in the Ouachita Mountains. Here, you could spend your days hiking, fishing, and kayaking in one of the 11 lakes.
There are also two lakeside beaches. And for those residents who still like an occasional night out in a big city, the community is a 45-minute drive from Little Rock.
Lake Weir Preserve
This retirement community, Lake Weir Preserve, is its own paradise in Ocklawaha near Ocala, Florida. It’s described as a “toy-friendly community,” but they aren’t talking about things for the grandkids.
These “toys'' are all on wheels — cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs. Some of the private residences boast giant garages to store your RV when you’re taking a rest from the open road, but there are many options to suit whatever the size of your vehicle.
Trending Stories
The Palace at Coral Gables
Inspired by the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris, the Palace at Coral Gables is a luxury retirement paradise. There are 240 residences outfitted with the finest details in this Florida community, which also includes an indoor heated pool, an arts and crafts room, and a theater with a dance floor.
The building is within walking distance of Coral Gables’s shopping district and is just a short drive from the beauty of South Beach and museums, shopping, and dining in Coconut Grove.
Lasell Village
Learning is the core of what Lasell Village is all about. Situated on 13-acres, which are part of the Lasell University campus in Newton, Massachusetts, this retirement community is for those committed to continuing to learn.
Residents are required to take classes, but that’s exactly why a retiree would want to reside here — to share in the belief that learning is a way of being.
The college offers a wide variety of classes, including courses in fashion, cybersecurity, and social media. Not only is Lasell Village intellectually stimulating, but it’s an 11-minute drive to Boston, a city that hosts many events and even more activities.
Fountaingrove Lodge
Fountaingrove Lodge in Santa Rosa, California, has the distinction of being the nation’s first LGBTQ retirement community.
The luxurious living spaces are designed so residents feel as if they are at a resort. Activities include yoga, bocce ball, Chi Gong, and so much more. On site, there is an orchard, heated outdoor pool, movie theater, walking paths, BBQ areas, and a pet park for your furry friends.
There’s even a chicken coop where you could acquire the freshest eggs. Speaking of food, the culinary options are the finest, prepared by carefully chosen chefs who excel in the kitchen.
Regency at Hualalai
A short distance from the sandy beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Regency at Hualalai is a retirement fantasy come true.
There is a strong focus on wellness here, including fine dining, exciting events, music therapy, and many community outings.
You could also have your personal garden to cultivate your green thumb to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Nalanda Estates
Nalanda Estates in Parrish, Florida, is a gated Indian retirement community for active seniors. They offer residents different floor plans for villas and estates for dwelling, and all the best amenities including a swimming pool, pickleball court, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Their movie theater features Bollywood and international movies, and their cultural programs include dancing and music. This beautiful Gulf Coast community is living up to their slogan, “where culture meets elegance.”
The Hacienda at the River
Imagine being in the warmth of Arizona among horses. That’s what The Hacienda at the River offers. One of the community's programs is “In the Presence of Horses,” which is therapeutic interaction and caring for equines on the premises.
They also offer activities and services like acupuncture, seminars with visiting integrative medicine practitioners, and excursions to nearby Tucson. Located on the Rillito River, this 7.5 acre paradise has gardens and an orchard, gourmet food, and a lap pool.
Bottom line
When the right time to retire comes, there is likely a retirement community to suit your tastes, style, and way of life.
It may be challenging to choose a favorite. To ensure you have options, write down your personal goals and take steps for proper planning and saving. This will hopefully help you avoid costly retirement mistakes.
Perhaps you’ve already invested money toward retirement and are ready to make this exciting life change. Invest in yourself and your interests to find the perfect spot to enjoy your time after years of working.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.