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A fun, busy place to retire
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March 23, 2000: 5:51 a.m. ET
More people in their 50s and older are moving to active-adult communities
By Staff Writer Martine Costello
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - At first, Gene Benham found it hard to leave his friends and family to move to a retirement community in southeastern Arizona.
The beautiful sunrises, daily golf games and hikes into panoramic mountains surrounding his home soon cured him of any homesickness.
"There's so much to do here," said Benham, 71, a retired school superintendent from California. "We really love it here."
A sample home developed by Del Webb Inc.
Some people might think that retirement means playing checkers on the porch or going to the senior center for a game of bingo. But these days people in their 50s and older are moving into "active-adult" communities that are like an elder version of Disney World. All it takes is a little planning to make sure you wind up in the Magic Kingdom and not some dump.
From Las Vegas to Arizona to Florida, 50-somethings are living in lavish gated cities with golf courses, Olympic-sized swimming pools, and 75,000-square foot fitness centers.
They take part in enrichment classes, book clubs, aerobic classes, and travel clubs. There are singles dances and group trips. Private security officers patrol the streets. Residents can take a tennis lesson and do their grocery shopping without passing through the gates.
"Retirement the way we know it is changing dramatically," said Ken Stern, author of "Senior Savvy" and chief executive of Asset Planning Solutions in San Diego.
 At Del Webb Inc., a Phoenix-based company that develops and operates 18 retirement communities in seven states, some residents have homes with gourmet kitchens, wine cellars, or movie theaters, said Paul Bessler, director of market research and database management.
"This is not my grandfather's home any more," Bessler said.
Bessler said the homes are getting more lavish and customized for baby boomers who don't want to give up the good life - or their careers. Many of the homes are wired for high-speed Internet access and have attached offices, he said.
"The features are definitely getting influenced by the boomers," Bessler said. "Our research shows that two-thirds of baby boomers are going to keep working."
Depending on the location, Del Webb homes range from around $100,000 to $300,000 or $400,000. The Las Vegas community, one of the most popular for its mild climate and low cost of living, recently sold its first $1 million home, Bessler said.
"The big draw with Nevada is it doesn't have a state income tax and it is affordable," Bessler said. "People can sell their homes in California and put a big chunk of money in their pocket, move to Las Vegas and have a nicer house for a lot less money."
 Still, it's not always an easy transition, and there are ways to make sure you pick a community that fits your needs and style.
For example, you should always visit a community before you decide to buy -- don't rely on a glossy brochure or a Web site with enticing photos of happy 50-somethings, said Ann Wrickson, president and chief executive of SeniorNet, an online community for older Americans.
"A lot of people move in sight unseen," Wrickson said. "Web sites will give you a 3-D view of a facility. You feel like you've been there, but it's not the same as actually being there."
While a lot of people are looking for warm weather or a milder climate, Wrickson said there are other factors you should keep in mind, such as the tax rate, cost of living, insurance prices, and access to public transportation.
"And just because it's nice weather doesn't mean you'll like it all the time," Wrickson said. "You should try to spend substantial amounts of time there before you actually move."
Stern thinks you should try renting in the community for a year first to see if you really like it.
 "What if it's not for you?" Stern said. "What if you don't like it, or it's too strict, or they don't let your grandkids use the pool?"
It also makes sense to find out when the community last raised homeowner association fees -- and what you'll end up paying for services such as housekeeping and trash removal. Those little costs can really add up, Stern said.
Another way to judge a community is to go to a homeowners' association meeting, Stern said.
"That's where you'll get the inside dirt of a community," Stern said. "Are they too militant? Do they not allow you to put a wreath on the door?"
Wrickson said you should talk to residents and ask a lot of questions to get their take on the place.
Stern said you should also ask yourself some questions before you move into an adult community: Will your family come to visit, and is there enough for them to do?; is there enough of a support system if your spouse dies?; and are there services if you get sick?
Some adult communities have strict rules about family visitors, especially children, Stern said. For example, some limit use of the pool and other facilities, or put yearly restrictions on how often you can have grandchildren visit.
Likewise, many communities have on-site medical care or long-term care facilities if you get sick, Stern said.
If you do decide to buy, find out if anyone is selling instead of commissioning a new home, Stern said. You sometimes can save money on the purchase price buying a home already built.
Another factor is how far along the community is in development, Stern said. If it's a newer community, you might get a better price. But you'll have to weigh the sounds of construction for the next year or so. Will that drive you crazy?
Many communities also offer meal plans as part of the package. Stern recommends you take one meal a day -- enough for the camaraderie, but not so much group eating that you dread going to the dinner table.
"It's great for you if you don't like to cook," Stern said. "It's usually a pretty good meal. It's like going to a restaurant every night. You have a waiter who knows you."
One last thing to keep in mind is a common criticism of adult communities: they can be a little gossipy and cliquish, Stern said. Remember that "Seinfeld" episode in which Jerry visits his parents in Florida? Stern said it's not that far from the way it really can be.
"Everybody knows everything about everyone else," Stern said. "They're all gossips. If you're a private person, there's not as much privacy." 
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