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Living in a 55+ Community

By: / 26 Mar 2025
A row of houses in a 55+ community with a driveway and a blue sky

Many retirement options have limitations and downsides that make it harder to stay independent, afford a home, and maintain a social life. 

Sun Communities creates opportunities by cultivating neighborhoods of people aged 55 and older who want to maintain an active lifestyle. You'll fit in at one of the many 55+ communities nationwide.  

A row of houses with a street and a blue sky

Benefits of Living in a 55+ Community

The many benefits of living in a 55+ community are endless. Below, we have outlined a few of the most popular.  

Maintain Independence 

Retirement shouldn't be synonymous with a loss of independence or freedom. We center active older adults in developing 55+ communities, providing homes and neighbors you'll look forward to living with.

Our 55+ communities inspire and facilitate new friendships, passions, and memories. There's a place for everyone to fit in and afford their very own home. Sun Communities strives to broaden our residents' horizons so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

Affordable or Luxury Options 

One of the main draws of manufactured homes is the price. A manufactured home can be up to 50% cheaper than a traditional house, making it a promising option for those seeking affordable housing. 

Manufactured homes can also be outfitted with luxury materials and features. This allows homebuyers to build their dream home without the cost and complications of constructing it themselves. 

At Sun Communities, we have homes in 55+ communities at a wide range of prices. We also have pre-loved (pre-owned) homes at lower prices and brand-new home options, so there is a home for just about everyone's budget.

Sophisticated Designs

Homebuyers over 55 have often developed their own tastes and don't want to settle or invest in a remodeling project. Manufactured homes are built according to the buyer's request, giving you the final say. 

Residents can choose from a variety of sophisticated interior and exterior designs, all tested and approved by engineers. This includes custom features like large kitchens, working fireplaces, extra storage, porches, and more.

Smooth Construction 

Manufactured homes are built off-site, avoiding many of the pitfalls of traditional construction. Weather, damage to property and materials, theft, and unskilled labor are less of an issue at controlled sites, which means fewer delays and unexpected expenses. 

Once a home is ready, it is brought to the site and assembled by an experienced team. This typically takes a day, and once the components are in place, the builder proceeds with the finishing touches. The home is inspected a final time, and then it's ready for its new occupants. 

Safety and Quality 

Like all construction projects, manufactured homes are subject to strict safety standards. However, these rules are easier to enforce at permanent construction sites. 

At our climate-controlled facilities, every stage of construction is subject to HUD enforcement by a third-party inspection agency-in this case, the Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency (DAPIA).

All manufactured homes in Sun Communities are built this way, ensuring safety and quality. From the foundation to the finishing touches, your home is just as safe as a site-built home and often has features that make it safer than older structures. 

Easy to Maintain 

When purchasing a manufactured home, you can rest assured there will be no hidden surprises in construction quality or integrity. The new installments meet the current era's standards, ensuring higher standards and reduced human error. 

Once you move in, maintaining your home is easy. Work by independent craftsmen can have quirks and mistakes, but manufactured homes go through many stages of design. Every part is innovated separately before being put together, making the final product more intuitive and easier to repair in the future.

Social Opportunities 

Everyone wants to belong somewhere, yet it's not unusual for people to become isolated as they age. Our 55+ communities encourage older adults to build new roots and continue growing relationships. Each home reflects the owner's distinct personality, yet the neighborhood is cohesive and planned with our residents in mind. 

Sun Communities often include pools, tennis courts, and other recreational amenities, making it easy to stay active. You can also participate in the community's social gatherings to meet your neighbors and enjoy their company. 

Sustainable Living

Manufactured homes are some of today's most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly housing options. The production process allows builders to make the most of bulk materials, reducing waste during the construction process. 

With EnergyStar-labeled features and appliances, you'll continue to save money and energy after you move in. As temperatures and energy costs continue to rise, improved insulation and energy-efficient appliances become an investment for the future.

A playground and swimming pool in a neighborhood

Communities Coast to Coast

More and more people are turning towards manufactured homes to achieve their dreams, from first-time homeowners to seniors seeking comfortable retirement. A recent report estimated that more than 20 million Americans live in manufactured homes, and their satisfaction rate is 90%. 

Housing development naturally lends itself to the development of neighborhoods, which become communities over time. As the market grows, so do our efforts to help buyers find and finance new homes. 

Sun Communities can be found across the United States, coast to coast. You can search for communities close to urban areas like Los Angeles or Miami or explore smaller cities you might have overlooked. 

Whether you're looking to relocate somewhere new or settle down close to friends and family, we have floor plans to help you begin building the next era of your life.

 Find your home under the sun with us!

 

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