You can use this list when you’re shopping for homes as well as after you move into a community. In all the years I worked the over 55 communities in Arizona these questions have always worked to help people understand their community better.
One tip I always told people was to go back to the community after we saw homes and talk to the people at the clue and out walking.
You can learn a lot from them but always remember to “throw out” the lows and the highs because some people just love to complain while others just love to talk.
1- Where are they from?
You’ll find it very easy to talk to people in the over 55 communities. It’s like everyone is from somewhere else and they are all excited to tell you.
This is usually you’re intro to people at the pool, in the clubhouse or just out for walks. Thinking about that, just going for a walk every morning is a great way to meet people and if you have a dog you’re walking…..bonus!
2- What model home did they purchase?
Residents in the age restricted communities tend to be super-proud of the floorplan they decided to build.. It may not be the size or style you would build but, listen to what they have to say, you never know what you might learn about the homes.
You might also ask what the building process was like with that community and what changes they would have made to the home now that they’ve lived in the home for while.
3- Do you live here full-time?
You’ll find a lot of the community are snow birds (spending 6-8 months a year) in the community and the other months they leave from cooler temps.
From experience you can expect about 25% of the community are full timers. Usually most people take the time in the hot summer months to travel or visit families if they don’t have a second home.
4- How long have they lived here?
Curious about the inner workings of a community? This question usually brings out all the good and bad.
Also if they are newer to the community they probably haven’t made a lot of friends yet so you can be their new friend! Even if they have been in a community for a while there’s a great chance you have things in common that can help you come together.
5- What kind of hobbies do you have?
Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Hiking, etc. You’ll be surprised about how active the Arizona over 55 communities are. This is your way into the community life, ask them the questions and watch for things you have in common.
If you found this list helpful and you would like more information about your options in Arizona, just ask us and we’ll connect you with an amazing agent that knows the areas you’re looking at!