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: $243,900 to $246,200 (nonrefundable)
Monthly fee: $3,269 to $3,657 (stays the same for all levels of care)
Highlights: After a major renovation that's just coming to completion, the assisted living and nursing care facilities at Vicar's Landing are almost brand new. This Florida community also hired away a chef from an upscale country club to bring more gourmet food. There's also a popular in-house music society that organizes concerts and lectures. But perhaps the most special activity residents engage in: raising money for a scholarship fund for employees.
NEXT: Westminster Village - Spanish Fort, Ala.
Last updated February 19 2009: 1:12 PM ET