Today's Active Adult Communities

Yesterday's retirement homes have changed with the changing population to become today's active adult communities equipped for the industrious, silver-haired set. If that sounds good to you – or perhaps like the perfect way to lure your parents to the area – check out Del Webb Charleston, which is actually located in Summerville and has recently opened their model park.

"Active adult communities, aimed at residents older than 55, have to work hard at keeping up with their customers.

Developers of these communities are now offering features like home offices, state-of-the art, distance-learning centers and athletic facilities for the most physically fit user. Pulte Homes Inc.'s Del Webb brand is a U.S. leader, with 60 communities in 20 states. About 288,000 people were living in Del Webb communities across the country at the end of 2007.

Caryn Klebba, spokeswoman for Del Webb, says the company's research shows that half the residents of each Del Webb community are still working in some capacity, and three-fourths still exercise at least three times a week.

Stephan and Lisa LaCount, who operate ActiveAdultLiving.com, a Web site that lists more than 3,000 active adult communities, say that no matter where the homes are located, the key to their success is offering an attractive lifestyle and a wealth of amenities."

For the full Realtor Magazine article: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008070706?OpenDocument