5 of the Best 55 Plus Communities in Pennsylvania

What are the most popular retirement cities in Pennsylvania?

According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most popular or best cities in Pennsylvania for retired or older Americans include:

• Pittsburgh (population: 303,572)
• Lancaster (population: 56,622)
• Scranton (population: 75,559)
• Harrisburg (population: 49,956)
• Allentown (population: 124,315)
• Philadelphia (population: 1,517,114)
• York (population: 44,919)
• Reading (population: 94,853)

The news site notes a low cost of living available to retirees across the state and easy access to some of the nation’s top healthcare facilities as reasons why these cities are ideal.

Why do seniors choose Pennsylvania to retire?

There are many reasons why Pennsylvania is an appealing destination for Americans making a move to retire or to downsize in anticipation of retirement. Some of the most notable include:

• No state income tax for retirees (includes pension, retirement account, and Social Security income)
• Favorable cost of living
• Four seasons with enjoyable weather
• Outdoor activities accessible throughout the year, including pet-friendly hiking trails and golf
• Historic sites across the state to explore
• Proximity to top healthcare facilities

Our picks for some of the best 55+ communities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to many 55+ communities, ranging from resort-style neighborhoods with luxurious amenities to quiet, countryside retreats perfect for a peaceful retirement. Based on the parameters we listed above, we’ll provide information about some communities we feel are worth extra consideration. We’ll also provide a section on how you can locate 55+ communities in your area.

All prices in this post are based on active listings at the time of writing and advertised price ranges provided by community sales offices.

How can I find a 55+ community near me?

In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are numerous other 55+ communities throughout Pennsylvania, each offering unique amenities, lifestyles, and opportunities for seniors. One way to see your options is to search the internet with phrases such as “55 and older communities near me” or “retirement communities near me.” Check ratings, reviews, and comments posted on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and industry websites.

Another way to find a quality 55+ or retirement community near you is to consult a top real estate agent in your area. An experienced agent who knows your market can provide valuable insights into community characteristics, such as crime rates, affordability, home construction quality, and the reputation of the governing association.

12 questions to ask before you buy a home in a 55+ community

Here are 12 essential questions to ask before you commit to purchasing a home in a 55+ community.

1. Will I own the home, or is this a lease community?

This may seem obvious, but when it comes to 55+ or retirement communities, various types of property can be available. You may wish to own your home for financial reasons, or you may wish to lease a unit to maximize your flexibility in retirement.

Some communities offer both. Others may allow you to own and lease out your property. You’ll want to be sure to check community rules (see #3 on this list) before renting your property out if that is part of your retirement plan (for instance, if you’re out of state for part of the year). Not all communities permit renting residents.

2. What is included in your monthly payment?

Identifying all the costs of living in the community is important, not just rent or mortgage payments. You will want to consider whether various things are included with your monthly property expenses; a few to consider are:

• Landscaping and pool maintenance
• Homeowners association (HOA) fees
• Community class fees
• Admission to community features like restaurants, classes, clubs, or spas located on the grounds
• Shuttle service to amenities nearby

Be sure to get the most for your dollar and that you aren’t paying for amenities that will go unused.

3. What are the community rules?

Most active adult communities have a set of rules that residents must follow. These might include:

• Visitor restrictions (age, number, and duration of stay for children and grandchildren)
• Pets (limits on the number, breeds, and sizes)
• Parking (how many vehicles can be parked and where, how RVs and boats will be accommodated)
• Exterior paint colors
• Dress codes in public areas
• Lawn and landscaping maintenance enforcement
• Renting (limitations or restrictions)
• Renovation and improvement restrictions
• Noise (daytime and nighttime decibel allowances)

4. What are your new neighbors like?

Good neighbors play a considerable role in your quality of life, especially when you retire. Learn about what life is like in the neighborhood.

If possible, attend some community events and get to know some of the residents in your prospective neighborhood. Many communities offer “discovery” events, including overnight guided tours of various home options and neighborhood amenities.

Many 55+ communities offer social events like book clubs, art classes, fitness activities, cookoffs, and more to connect residents. You may be looking for a community of like-minded people with shared interests or seeking exposure to diversity where you live.

No matter what you’re looking for, knowing what’s in store socially will factor into your decision-making process. For example, some communities value quiet and calm, while others offer a more lively pace.

5. What plans are there for the adjacent property?

This is a crucial question for newly constructed 55+ communities. Knowing what you can expect to find nearby can be increasingly important as one ages (and potentially as one’s mobility declines). Know whether properties adjacent to your own are planned for further residential development or if there are other things in store.

If you plan to stay at this property indefinitely, you’ll want to know whether that vacant lot nearby is fated to become an elementary school or a regional airport. Such developments could have a long-term impact on your property’s appeal and value.

6. What type of assessments have been made?

Assessments can be expected for any community development, but for seniors living on a fixed income, being able to predict your property taxes may be crucial to balancing the rest of your budget each month.

Even once your mortgage payment is a thing of the past, property tax bills will continue, and you’ll want to know what to expect. In addition, property taxes vary depending on where you are looking to buy, so be mindful of the cost and whether it has a history of fluctuating.

7. Is the community financially sound?

Before you commit to purchasing or leasing a home, you should know if the developer and association are on solid financial ground. These parties are often responsible for community maintenance and amenities, so you should ensure their solvency as much as you want to ensure your home is the right fit.

In short: do your homework. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed information about board governance or community financials.

8. Is the community able to keep up with future growth?

Is there sufficient infrastructure, wise planning, and expandable space to grow as needed? What if the interests of the community shift over time? If the community has been established for years, are there long-range plans to repair and replace key infrastructural components like water lines and local streets?

These responsibilities may fall within the purview of your village or community rather than in the city where you reside. Be sure you know who is responsible for these decisions and their costs.

9. Is there a reserve fund for maintenance?

Also sometimes known as a sinking fund, a reserve fund is a financial safety net for significant unexpected future expenses incurred at the community level (for instance, re-roofing the community center). Know whether there is a reserve fund set aside for large community maintenance projects like replacing pool furniture after a storm or facilitating an air conditioning replacement at the clubhouse.

While some communities maintain funds for these expenses and address them as needed for residents, others may expect you to actively raise funds as an HOA member. Either way, how large upkeep expenses are handled may impact your decision to buy in a particular development.

10. What other projects belong to this developer?

Research the builder of your home and the larger community, and ask for references. How long has the company been in business, and have they successfully invested in similar communities in other cities or states?

A company or investment group with the proven ability to drive property values upward will likely do the same for your new neighborhood. On the other hand, if the company has allowed its previous investments to decline, you may need extra reassurance that history won’t repeat itself — or you may wish to seek property elsewhere.

11. Is the governing association easy to work with?

You will want a community board with a proven track record of working together and finding solutions. If you discover a dysfunctional board led by power-hungry or inept individuals, it may cause great angst and harm the unity of the entire community.

Ask several different residents. Check with your real estate agent. Find out if the board and its members are competent, effective, and civil. One free resource to research your association or HOA is communityassociations.net.

12. What lifestyles are accommodated?

You will want to consider whether you’d prefer an active community of younger senior residents or a community where you can age into services like assisted living or memory and hospice care if needed.

Do you want a single-family home, or are you looking to purchase a unit within a larger building? Is handicap accessibility vital to you or a family member? Do you need a community that is fully navigable on foot or by a golf cart?

Check out the community surrounding your neighborhood

Vetting the 55+ community with the 12 questions above will help you uncover crucial insights into what life might be like within the boundaries of those neighborhoods, but you will want to look beyond the front gates.

To truly identify the best 55+ community, you should also research the history, reputation, culture, and amenities of the surrounding host city or town. Then, find out what the area offers that can improve or enhance your retirement years. Ask yourself these crucial questions:

• How far away are the nearest hospital and other medical facilities?
• What are the safety and crime rates of the surrounding city or town?
• How easy is it to access major highways and commuting routes?
• Is it located directly on a busy, noisy highway or near other potential noise disturbances like a schoolyard?
• Are there various conveniences nearby, such as restaurants, banks, or grocery stores?
• For pet owners, are there parks, groomers, and veterinarians nearby?
• Is there a bus route or commuter rail that serves the area?
• Are there nearby churches or places of worship that fit your beliefs?
• Are there undesirable businesses or manufacturing facilities nearby?
• Is it near enough to an airport for convenience, or too close with excessive noise?
• Are there connecting bike paths or walking and hiking trails?

Q&A: More tips and insights about 55+ communities in Pennsylvania

What is the largest 55+ community in Pennsylvania?
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Amblebrook and Hershey’s Mill communities are Pennsylvania’s largest, with 2,000 homes and 1,700 homes, respectively.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Pennsylvania?
There are 55+ communities in Pennsylvania to suit every price point, from residents with restricted cash flow to those with a taste for top-tier luxury. Smaller condominium units, starting at just under 1,000 square feet and featuring one bedroom and one bath, are available at around $100,000.

What is the 80/20 rule in some 55+ communities?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates that to comply with fair housing laws, age-restricted communities for residents aged 55 and up must fill at least 80% of their units with at least one occupant fitting the age designation. There are no restrictions on the age of the population in the remaining 20% of residences.

Communities wishing to market themselves as 55+ must be clear about their intent to house older populations and have a method in place for verifying resident age.

When should I visit a prospective 55+ community?
To get the clearest picture, it’s best to visit at different times of the year. You may love an area you visited on vacation in the fall, but that does not mean you will like it in the winter.

Remember, you are making long-term retirement plans, so multiple visits are worth the time and investment. It’s also valuable to consider several different retirement locations and compare the benefits and drawbacks.

Are there real estate agents that specialize in helping seniors?
Yes. Agents can receive a specialty certification from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) to become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist or SRES. An SRES agent will be well-versed in the areas of retirement, downsizing, and more. See our post: Should You Hire an Agent Who Is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?

Try before you buy

There are so many options for these types of communities in Pennsylvania. If you can, take the time to visit a few of the locations that are most interesting to you. This will help you to discern one from the next, and which 55+ community might be the best fit for you.

Working with a trusted real estate agent who is well-versed in the local market can help to match what you are looking for with the many options available. In addition, connecting with an SRES or a top-performing agent in the area you’re looking to purchase can make the search process much more streamlined and enjoyable.

To get started, visit our free Agent Match platform to kick off your search for a great 55+ community in Pennsylvania.

Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Pennsylvania 55+ communities are not endorsements. Additionally, program details may change frequently. Visit the community’s website for the most up-to-date information on each individual program.

Header Image Source: (Jonathan Rivera / Unsplash)