Active Adult Communities vs Traditional Neighborhoods: Which Is Right for You?

By Connor Linn | Realtor & Active Adult Specialist

As Bucks County continues to grow in popularity for both primary and retirement living, many buyers find themselves choosing between two very different lifestyles. A 55 plus active adult community offers comfort, low maintenance, and resort-style amenities, while a traditional neighborhood provides independence, flexibility, and a wider range of home styles. Understanding the strengths of each can help you make a confident decision about your next chapter.

This guide breaks down the key differences so you can determine which setting best aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term needs.

Lifestyle and Community Experience

Active Adult Communities

These neighborhoods are designed with a clear focus on connection and convenience. Homeowners often enjoy a built-in social structure where neighbors share similar interests and stages of life. Amenities such as clubhouses, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, organized events, and walking trails create daily opportunities for activity and engagement.

Communities such as Regency at Yardley by Toll Brothers and Regency at Waterside by Toll Brothers offer elevated versions of this experience, blending luxury finishes with thoughtfully planned environments.

Traditional Neighborhoods

A traditional neighborhood offers a more independent lifestyle. Homeowners may or may not participate in community events, and the overall environment is typically more diverse in age and interests. While you may have more privacy, you also have less built-in social structure unless you actively seek it out.

Home Maintenance and Convenience

Active Adult Communities

One of the greatest benefits of a 55 plus community is the reduced maintenance. HOAs often cover landscaping, snow removal, exterior upkeep, and common-area maintenance. This creates a low-stress lifestyle ideal for homeowners who want to spend more time enjoying their home rather than maintaining it.

Traditional Neighborhoods

Maintenance responsibilities fall entirely on the homeowner. This works well for individuals who want full control over their landscaping, outdoor spaces, and property upkeep. It offers maximum independence but requires more ongoing effort.

Amenities and Daily Living

Active Adult Communities

Amenities are a defining feature. Clubhouses, fitness centers, pickleball courts, social rooms, pools, and organized clubs all support a vibrant lifestyle. These features add long-term value and create a resort-like environment that many buyers appreciate.

Traditional Neighborhoods

Amenities vary widely. Some have HOAs with basic offerings, while others have no communal amenities at all. Daily living depends more on the surrounding area than the neighborhood itself.

Floor Plans and Home Design

Active Adult Communities

Many homes are designed with first-floor living, accessibility, and long-term ease of use in mind. Features such as wider hallways, open layouts, and minimal stairs make daily life more comfortable. Builders like Toll Brothers design these floor plans specifically for the 55 plus buyer.

Traditional Neighborhoods

Floor plans reflect typical residential design. Buyers often find multi-story homes with flexible layouts, which can be ideal for families or homeowners who want separation between living spaces.

Cost and Value Considerations

Active Adult Communities

HOA fees cover many services that would otherwise be out-of-pocket. These neighborhoods also tend to retain value well because demand for low-maintenance living continues to grow. Newer communities, especially luxury-level options, may include higher upfront costs.

Traditional Neighborhoods

You avoid HOA fees in many cases, which can reduce monthly expenses. Long-term value depends more heavily on condition, upkeep, and the surrounding market.

Who Should Choose a 55+ Active Adult Community?

A 55 plus community may be right for you if you want:

• Minimal maintenance

• A strong sense of community

• Resort-style amenities

• First-floor living

• Opportunities for social events and clubs

You may also value the convenience and comfort found in established communities such as Regency at Yardley and Regency at Waterside.

Who Should Choose a Traditional Neighborhood?

A traditional setting may be a better fit if you prefer:

• Maximum independence

• Customizing and maintaining your own property

• A broader range of home styles

• A setting that includes families and mixed age groups

This option works well for buyers who want variety and flexibility without the structure of an HOA.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle

Choosing between these two living environments comes down to your priorities. If convenience, comfort, and community are your goals, an active adult setting offers clear advantages. If independence and flexibility matter most, a traditional neighborhood may be the better fit.

As someone with deep experience in both active adult communities and traditional Bucks County neighborhoods, including professional insight from working within Toll Brothers, I can help you evaluate which environment aligns with your long-term goals.

If you are beginning to explore your next move, I am here to guide you through every step.