Homeowners in mid-life or older may ponder a host of changes as retirement draws closer. One of the more significant changes homeowners may consider relates to their homes.

Some homeowners may be entrenched in their forever homes, while others might be considering moving to a residence that’s more manageable and/or amenable to lifestyle changes.

Homeowners among the latter group may be looking to active adult communities as they seek to downsize in an effort to spend less time working on their homes and more time socializing.

A range of variables has drawn people to active adult communities.

A recent survey conducted by SurveyMonkey Audiences for 55places found that 64% of respondents identify interest in health and fitness groups within 55-plus communities as attracting them to such residences, which typically boast a range of additional amenities that might appeal to adults 55 and older.

Adults interested in active adult communities are urged to contact local representatives of such collectives to get specific information, but the following are some frequently asked questions that can offer insight into 55+ communities.

Do I need to be 55

to move in?

It’s typical that individuals who aspire to live in active adult communities be at least 55-years-old, but there might be some exceptions.

For example, a married couple in which one spouse is 55 and the other nearing that age might still be eligible.

Is this a typical senior living community?

Conceptions of communities designated for aging adults vary, but those who perceive active adult communities as catering to individuals with chronic illnesses may be mistaken.

Active adult communities are generally designed for residents who are physically active and want to remain so, and many of these communities feature single-family homes or condominiums owned by the residents.

Health care facilities like gyms are commonplace at 55+ communities, but health care services like medical care and other features are typically not available on-site.

Do communities feature HOA fees?

Fees are commonplace at active adult communities, where residents typically do not want to worry about home maintenance tasks like mowing the lawn or exterior repairs. Fees will vary by community, but they must be factored in when considering if a community is the right fit.

Can I host guests for overnight stays at an

active adult community?

Residents are typical

ly allowed to host guests for overnight visits at active adult communities, but the length of stays may be limited. Some communities limit overnight guest stays to a predetermined number of days or weeks per year. Each individual community may have its own rules.

Do I still need

homeowner’s insurance?

Expenses like homeowner’s insurance are generally not covered in HOA fees. Residents will need to take out their own homeowner’s policies.

What about utilities?

Utilities also are not typically part of the HOA fees, so residents will need to factor utility costs into their overall budgets when determining if a given community is affordable.