Retire in style
These continuing-care retirement communities garner four- or five-star Medicare nursing home ratings and accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Entrance fee: $113,300 (95% refundable)
Monthly fee: $1,831 for independent living; $3,189 to $3,699 for assisted living; $5,820 to $7,380 for nursing care
Highlights: New activity facilities are currently under construction here, and these are expected to be open by late summer. Among the amenities: an indoor pool, a 50-seat movie theater, a bistro and fitness studios. Many residents come here, however, for the facility's holistic and faith-based approach to care--though residents need not be Lutheran or even Christian.
NEXT: Friendship Village - Bloomington, Minn.
Last updated February 19 2009: 1:12 PM ET