Smart Lifestyle Communities

Great locations, excellent amenities, no age limits

SMART Lifestyle Communities are not senior living properties. They are unique housing options that offer excellent locations, lots of amenities and none of the stigma that is too often associated with senior living communities.

Sourcebook coined the term SMART Lifestyle Communities to identify the many existing properties that offer the locations and amenities we know our readers want. The fact that these properties cater to residents of all ages and abilities makes them even more appealing to many of our readers.

For decades, Sourcebook readers have said, “I’m not ready yet” when faced with retirement living decisions. This is especially true when it comes to choosing a senior living community. Often, older adults hesitate to make vital decisions because of the stigma they attach to the senior living industry. We know this stigma is not accurate, but it persists.

While SMART Lifestyle Communities are easy to love, they can be hard to find. One way to find SMART Lifestyle Communities is by using the website WalkScore.com. Using property addresses, you can easily assess the convenience of individual locations. Determine if any potential communities are near shops, grocery stores, restaurants, bike paths and public transit.

Consider a SMART Lifestyle Community

Things to think about:

Location matters. Leaving a longtime home can be hard. Moving to a great neighborhood can make it easier. Consider properties that are near grocery stores, shops, restaurants, friends and activities you enjoy. Try to focus on the new conveniences and positive aspects of the neighborhood you are researching.

What. How. Who. Make a list of everything that is important to you. What do you like to do? How do you like to live? What types of people do you like to be around? What type of space do you prefer? What hobbies do you participate in or want to take up? The more extensive the list, the better.

Lifestyle matters. It’s easy to focus on real estate and square footage, but lifestyle is more important. Focus on the people who live in your potential new neighborhood. Visit during different times of the day. Approach friendly faces and ask them how they like living there.

Staff matters. Many apartment buildings and condos have staff members who help residents make connections. They may organize regular gatherings and events on site. This is not always a “concierge;” it can be a good manager or other motivated staff member. Ask about activities and events when you tour apartments and condos. Bring a list of your hobbies and interests, and ask the staff if there might be others in the building who enjoy the same things.

SMART Lifestyle Communities are:

• Stigma-Free

• Low Maintenance

• Ageless/Intergenerational

• Amenity Rich

• Walkable and close to Mass Transit