MONEY SAVER
The Cost of 55+ Living
Active retirement communities promise friendship and fulfillment, along with swimming pools, free concerts and—need it be said?—pickleball. At different developments around the country, here’s what you’ll pay to cover a home purchase and homeowners association or amenity fees (taxes and utilities not included)
Laguna Woods Village
CALIFORNIA
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $450,000
MONTHLY FEES: $761–$880
Recreational opportunities include an art studio, a woodshop, several swimming pools and an active bridge club. There’s even an equestrian center where you can board a horse for $412 a month or take a group lesson for $35.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head
SOUTH CAROLINA
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $505,000
MONTHLY FEES: $323–$368
After working out at the Fins Up! fitness center, Jimmy Buffett fans can sip margaritas at the Changes in Attitude poolside bar, have a bite at the Latitude Bar & Chill restaurant or take their pets to the Barkaritaville pet spa.
Robson Ranch
TEXAS
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $672,000
MONTHLY FEE: $326
Residents up for a swim can try the resort-style pool, the lap pool or the grandchildren’s pool, designed especially for kids. You can also lease a box at the community garden, play softball or swing away on one of the 16 pickleball courts.
Sun City Huntley
ILLINOIS
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $380,000
MONTHLY FEES: $155-$564
Amenities include a 4,800-square-foot woodshop, an outdoor model railroad system, a 14-acre stocked fishing lake, volleyball courts and a large sauna.
Hot Springs Village
ARKANSAS
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $320,000
MONTHLY FEE: $113
This 26,000-acre gated community includes 11 recreational lakes and more than 30 miles of walking and biking trails. A pass for two that covers a fitness center, tennis, croquet and other activities runs an additional $1,140 per year.
Tellico Village
TENNESSEE
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $612,500
MONTHLY FEE: $182
Three golf courses and three marinas abut the 33-mile-long lake at the heart of this development. Pay as little as $714 per year for a boat slip or $200 to store your kayak in a locked facility by the water.
Sun City
ARIZONA
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $275,000
MONTHLY FEE: $54
Opened in 1960, Sun City is the oldest active retirement community in the country. Highlights include fishing at Viewpoint Lake (three-trout daily limit, no state license required), two bowling alleys and outdoor concerts at the Sun Bowl.
Note: Median home prices, from Redfin, are as of May 2025.