Community Chat

[lor]

Does anyone live in a 55+ Community? I'm interested in looking at locations in Florida and possibly Tennesee. Would appreciate any comments as to your experience and opinions. I presently live in Florida but seeking a gated community for active seniors primarily for activities, companionship and security. Thanks much.

[tansy]

Hi, lor. Have you ever checked out the forums at city-data? You could search the Tennessee and Florida forums for 55-plus communities, as well as their retirement forum.

[chiclet]

I live in a retirement community in Florida and like it. A lot depends on your income. In Tennessee there are only the more expensive communities. In Florida there is a variety from brick homes to manufactured homes. Make sure they do a background check on residents and that way you will be assured you are living in a safe community.

[KathyPet]

I live in one in Virginia. Simply do a search on Retirement communities in Tennessee and a entire list shows up. You will need to narrow it down by geographic area. They all have web sites you can look at.

[melfie]

Are you looking for extravagant or modest? What is your budget? There are a number of posters who live in The Villages in FL. Do a search and the old threads should pop up. Trilogy 55+ communities are located across the country. There are a couple in FL. Those are quite nice.

[YorkieonmyPillow]

Do these communities have real security or is there an illusion of security?

[millieshops]

On 3/15/2015 YorkieonmyPillow said:

Do these communities have real security or is there an illusion of security?

I think the guard at the gate provides some security in that it keeps out joyriders and lazy thieves, but there is no real security from determined evil doers.

I live in a community that hires its guard for only 8 hours a day with the main purpose being to record the entrance of commercial traffic. The story I've been told is that some years back, people pretending they were coming to provide services were actually casing the streets.

[Financialgrl]

On 3/15/2015 millieshops said:

On 3/15/2015 YorkieonmyPillow said:

Do these communities have real security or is there an illusion of security?

I think the guard at the gate provides some security in that it keeps out joyriders and lazy thieves, but there is no real security from determined evil doers.

I live in a community that hires its guard for only 8 hours a day with the main purpose being to record the entrance of commercial traffic. The story I've been told is that some years back, people pretending they were coming to provide services were actually casing the streets.

Two friends live in different communities. Both started out having manned 24/7 entrance with guards; however, it was temporary and always meant to be. Once the community was sold out, and there were no new builds the guard stand remained but they installed an "arm" that comes down at the entrance between the hours of 8pm and 6am. You need a remote to gain entrance and the exit uses motion sensors to open the gate. Here's the funny thing - its got a very pretty fence around the perimeter (very fancy but like a pasture fence) and anyone can climb thru it or over it, even me! It's like lots of things - it truly only keeps the honest people out but there has been very little crime ever reported.

[CelticCrafter]

On 3/15/2015 Financialgrl said:

On 3/15/2015 millieshops said:

On 3/15/2015 YorkieonmyPillow said:

Do these communities have real security or is there an illusion of security?

I think the guard at the gate provides some security in that it keeps out joyriders and lazy thieves, but there is no real security from determined evil doers.

I live in a community that hires its guard for only 8 hours a day with the main purpose being to record the entrance of commercial traffic. The story I've been told is that some years back, people pretending they were coming to provide services were actually casing the streets.

Two friends live in different communities. Both started out having manned 24/7 entrance with guards; however, it was temporary and always meant to be. Once the community was sold out, and there were no new builds the guard stand remained but they installed an "arm" that comes down at the entrance between the hours of 8pm and 6am. You need a remote to gain entrance and the exit uses motion sensors to open the gate. Here's the funny thing - its got a very pretty fence around the perimeter (very fancy but like a pasture fence) and anyone can climb thru it or over it, even me! It's like lots of things - it truly only keeps the honest people out but there has been very little crime ever reported.

I'm being serious, how do emergency personnel and vehicles gain access?

[LilacTree]

I bought a home in one of them to be near my kids at the shore after I retired. There were no guards, but most of the homes had security systems installed. It was a lovely place, but I had to move in under three years because of circumstances.

Other than a rather strict list of rules and regulations, I liked it there.