Most Prestigious Retirement Community in Every State

Picture the typical retirement community. The images that come to mind probably don't involve 5-star dining, your own kayak by a private lake, chauffeured trips to the opera, or doing virtually anything your heart desires. But that's what many of the country's most upscale retirement communities are offering their residents — and more. We took a look at the top retirement communities in each state, and found the ones that offer the most deluxe accommodations and amenities. Whatever your dreams for retirement may be, these hot spots offer a glimpse of how the other half retires.

City: Spanish Fort
A maintenance-free lifestyle and the opportunity to engage in new activities are what's in store for residents at Westminster Village. A one-time entrance fee and a monthly fee based on residence size, location, and other options entitle residents to a lifetime of services and skilled-nursing care (once needed). Amenities include a private dining room for parties and family functions, a library with reading room, a fitness center with classes and a trainer on staff, access to an indoor swimming pool, a putting green, and walking trails.

City: Anchorage
Jewel Lake Plaza offers seniors several housing options, including assisted living, nursing home care, and dementia care. The community works with individuals who require help with routine chores but who also desire to retain some degree of independence. One-bedroom apartments feature amenities such as in-room cable, kitchenettes, safety fixtures, and laundry service. Residents also have a centrally located multipurpose room featuring a gas fireplace and common kitchen, perfect for hosting resident potluck dinners, and offer bingo games and birthday parties for their residents.

City: Scottsdale
The 33-acre Vi at Silverstone is part of a larger master planned retirement community, and it includes an 18-hole putting golf course as well as indoor and outdoor saltwater pools. Fitness activities include Zumba and tai chi, and plenty of cultural, artistic, and physical activities, both on-site and off. Residents enjoy string quartet concerts, outings to the Phoenix Symphony, and the Desert Botanical Gardens. Residences range from one- and two-bedroom apartments to stand-alone villas. Pricing varies based on accommodation as well as selected refund plans, but residents must pay an entrance fee, starting at $240,000 and monthly fees that start at $3,270.

City: Hot Springs Village
Hot Springs Village is described as the largest, planned private, gated active-lifestyle community, "a large playground" for retirees on 26,000 acres nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of west central Arkansas. Amenities include nine golf courses, 37 restaurants, three outdoor pools, a fitness center, an indoor heated pool and spa, 26 miles of walking and biking trails, 13 tennis courts, 11 lakes, three beaches, two marinas, five bocce ball courts, and a playground for grandchildren. Among is more than 150 clubs and activities are: Needlework and Crafts Guild, Mixed Seniors Bowling League, Computer Club, Men's Village Barbershop Chorus, a hiking group, political associations, Roadrunners RV club, numerous men's and women's groups, and even a singles club. Home prices range from under $100,000 to well over $1 million.

City: Costa Mesa
This resort-style assisted-living and memory-care facility encourages its senior residents to live life to the fullest. The focus here is on wellness, security, health, and community. From its bocce ball courts to its dog park, everything at Vivante is first class. An elegant dining room and 5-star restaurant provide meals to the residents who say, "It's new, it looked exciting to me," and "It's like living in a country club." Amenities here mirror those of a 5-star hotel: an indoor pool, pool tables, a gym, dance classes, music, wine tastings, and exercise classes.

City: Highlands Ranch
Vi is a stunning Continuing Care Retirement Community offering top-notch services, and beautiful homes in a resort like setting. Residents of Vi at Highlands Ranch are near the Rocky Mountains and the Mile High city of Denver. The facility boasts more than 70 miles of biking and walking trails, a championship golf course, 24-hour valet service, a heated garage, spa services, happy hours, and overnight rooms for guests. The entry fees are steep — starting at $257,000 running up to $789,000 and that doesn't include the additional monthly fees which start at $3,800 and go to $6,000. The fees help pay for services such as weekly housekeeping, monthly meal plans, lifestyle programs, group transportation, fitness facilities and classes, and are based on the floor plans chosen. For shelling out the big bucks, electric, water, cable, and other typical expenses are included. And, when the time comes to move toward assisted living, those costs are also covered as part of the resident's contracts.

City: Redding
A library, college classes, and exercise classes to make the residents stronger make this special campus situated on a picturesque Connecticut hilltop an exceptional retirement community. A partnership with a local college provides classes for Meadow Ridge residents. A gym, indoor pool, guided fitness classes, tai chi and yoga challenge the residents and help keep them healthy, and a glass-covered atrium filled with plants, trees, and koi ponds offers year-round access to greenery and sunshine. Meadow Ridge's Lifecare program provides assisted-living, rehabilitation and skilled-nursing services should they be required. Estimated average monthly cost: $4,372.

City: Greenville
Stonegates is a privately owned condominium retirement community. As a member of the American Public Gardens Association, Stonegates offers some of the most verdant grounds for walking and strolling. At the Manor House, residents may take advantage of many amenities, including the cocktail lounge, library, beauty salon, card room, private dining room, tea lounge, and green house. There are also competitive sports with bocce, tennis and pickleball courts, and a nine-hole putting green. These residences are not cheap, with three-bedroom, deluxe accommodations starting at a base price of $448,000 plus monthly fees of $5,000. The monthly fees include utilities, planned social activities, property insurance, maid and linen services, lunch and dinner, parking, and the 24-hour-a-day health center.

City: Fort Myers
Oak trees, brick pathways, and native palms enhance the charm of this 700-acre retirement community just north of Naples, Florida. At Shell Point residents choose from several vastly different neighborhoods: high-rise luxury living at the Woodlands; Eagles Preserve for the golf enthusiasts; waterfront living at Palm Acres; Old Florida style homes at the Estuary; and the most prestigious — The Island. A top-of-the-line 3-bedroom executive model on the Island runs $5,500 per month with a $600,000 entrance fee. But the amenities include boat-docking fees, which can get pricey. Residents like the friendliness, the activities, and crafts. There's everything from boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming (in any one of the four heated pools) to social events, ceramics, and woodworking classes.

City: Greensboro
Two hours from Atlanta is a little slice of heaven; the quiet, gated golf-cart community of Del Webb with its serene Lake Oconee is a perfect spot to retire. Residents enjoy the clubhouse's indoor heated pool, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center, private lake access and boat storage, bocce ball, horseshoes, tennis, pickle ball, and cricket. There's a "tot lot" for when the grandchildren visit and a dog park too. And if that's not enough, there's also billiards, table tennis, dance classes, and arts and crafts and miles of walking trails. Home prices start as low as $227,990 and go up to $1 million. The garage features optional "golf-cart" parking.

City: Kapolei
Condos at Ilima at Leihano, a master-planned, pedestrian-oriented community, start in the high $300,000s. A monthly maintenance fee of $2,500 includes flexible meal plan, housekeeping, basic cable, utilities, internet access, an emergency response system, scheduled transportation, wellness and lifestyle programs, social and cultural enrichment events, and customized care. Amenities include the community's 20,000-square-foot clubhouse and restaurant, treatment spa, beauty salon, library, arts and crafts room, game room, business center, outdoor pool, spa, barbecue area, private parks, dog park/run, garden areas, and a walking/fitness trail. There's also assisted living and memory care when residents need it, and of course, the best thing about Ilima is that it's in Oahu, Hawaii.

City: Idaho Falls
This upscale senior living community offers both independent and assisted-living services. A concierge is at the ready to plan day trips to nearby Yellowstone National Park or shopping trips to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Voted the No.1 Retirement Community in the region, Fairwinds Sand Creek offers one-, two-bedroom, and studio apartments that start at $2,000 a month. The staff works diligently to make its residents' wildest dreams come true — such as one of the residents throwing out the first pitch for a Cardinals game. Fairwinds Sand Creek offers pet walking and pet care, event planning, housekeeping, grocery shopping, bar stocking, and pretty much anything residents can dream up.

City: Chicago
This full service luxury retirement community is located in a high-rise in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Clare specializes in independent living with 245 apartments near Michigan Avenue and the lake. The Clare provides weekly housekeeping, three dining venues, concierge service, a state-of-the-art gym with a physical therapist on staff, and a doorman. All this for the starting cost of $3,400 per month for one-bedroom units and a one-time initial investment entrance fee of $400,000. Prices are based on the size of the residence, the floor, the view, and market rates. Eighty percent of the entrance fee can be refunded back to resident's estate. A financial application must be processed to see if the resident is a good fit for the building. There are also assisted-living and skilled-nursing services.

City: Carmel
Assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehab are just a part of the many services provided at the Stratford. Residents can choose between one-, two- and three-bedroom villa apartments; two-bedroom cottage homes; or three-bedroom penthouses. Amenities and services include utilities, cable, home maintenance and repair, weekly and annual spring cleaning, access to tailored social and wellness programs, chauffeured transportation, a flexible dining program. Monthly charges for one-bedrooms start at $3,890 and range to $4,240. Cottage homes (with garages and yards) are the same rate as the one-bedrooms as they are further away from activities and the main facility. A separate health care building provides assisted living and memory care to residents on an as-needed basis. Fees for these services are an additional $1,500 per month. There is no entrance fee at the Stratford.

City: West Des Moines
With its modern, customizable floor plans of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and its 50-acres of outdoor walking paths and green space, the Edgewater looks more like a 5-star hotel than a retirement facility. Transportation services, guest rooms for overnight visitors, a concierge service, 24-hour security, and emergency response system — this place has it all. Residents also enjoy a heated, saline-based indoor pool and spa, weight and cardio room, fitness room, performing arts center, meditation room, library, club and card room, pub and restaurant, regular wellness assessments in the onsite clinic, and personalized plans for body, mind, and spirit — all included in their monthly fees. But don't get too excited, there is a waitlist.

City: Lee's Summit
John Knox Village offers villas nestled in tree-lined neighborhoods and spacious apartment homes with every modern convenience. Residents here experience first-rate aquatics, aerobics and fitness classes, internationally inspired cuisine at one of the seven restaurants, and other amenities such as billiards rooms, a bowling alley, card and game rooms, a community garden, a library, salons, and spas. For sports enthusiasts there's a 9-hole golf course and plenty of lake fishing.

City: Louisville
All-inclusive luxury living is the name of the game at Lake Forest Village Retirement Resort. Lake Forest provides everything for one monthly cost and no buy-in fee or long-term lease. That means residents experience high-end amenities such as resort-style dining, a concierge, valet service and weekly housekeeping without having to fork over an exorbitant fee. There's also a full-time activities director who helps figure out what residents love to do and plans a robust calendar of events according to their preferences. Its travel program offers residents the opportunity to stay at any of the company's sister communities throughout the United States. Each community's concierge team can provide support and make reservations for their residents.

City: Covington
Gourmet dining, a full service spa, an exercise room with state-of-the-art equipment, a heated indoor, saltwater pool with aquatic classes and swim lessons and aerobics — Christwood sounds more like a vacation aboard a cruise ship than a retirement village. Residents here enjoy art classes, 20 gourmet meals per month in the Harvest Dining Room or Atrium Café, plus daily complimentary continental breakfast, linen and towels laundered weekly, and light housekeeping. There's also a "Bark Park" for dogs, a community garden and planned social activities. All utilities are included except for telephone service.

City: Scarborough
Recognized as one of the best places to retire in Maine, 138-acre Piper Shores perched on the state's scenic southern coast offers services and amenities to make life easy, enjoyable, and stimulating for its residents. Residents enjoy time for family, friends, and hobbies like fishing, gardening, golf and traveling. They work out in the fitness center, take dips in the indoor pool, or settle in for a good read in the library. Residents stroll around the grounds, visit over 800 feet of ocean shoreline or, if the weather isn't cooperating, there's always "movie night." Maine's first and only nonprofit lifecare retirement community is home to over 300 retirees. Residence prices are based on market rates, and 90 percent of the entrance fee is refundable when residents leave. Monthly fees include assisted-living and skilled-nursing care.

City: Frederick
The Edenton Retirement Community has an on-site rehab and wellness center and a daily "buddy check" system, which keeps its residents feeling secure. Prices for a cottage efficiency unit start at $2,200 per month. There's also a non-refundable community fee of $3,000. Amenities include: Lifeline emergency pendant system for tracking persons who are ill or need assistance, basic cable, building maintenance, transportation, personal care assistance, 24-hour security personnel on hand, and linen and laundry services.

City: Amherst
This former apple orchard is an idyllic setting for retirement. Weekly lecture, film, and concert series provide mental stimulation, and Applewood residents may continue to teach or engage in lifelong learning through the renowned Five-College consortium of Amherst College, Smith College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts. The grounds include an arboretum. A one-time entrance fee starting at $175,000 for a studio and $234,000 for a one-bedroom unit along with a monthly fee starting at $2,760 includes one meal daily, 24-hour security, weekly housekeeping, utilities, maintenance, real estate taxes, a weekly linen service, and access to a wide variety of social and cultural events.

City: Grand Rapids
This unique continuing care retirement community is spread throughout 40 acres of woodland, and it's only five minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Covenant Village prides itself on having a diverse group of residents. Amenities include walking trails, a state-of-the-art pool and spa with aquatic exercise classes and a sauna, billiards, word working, art classes, bowling, and bus trips. This is a boutique facility in that it only houses 360 residents. Independent living one-bedroom units start at $1,738 with a $99,000 buy-in fee. But the buy-in is 90 percent refundable to the estate. Assisted living starts at $4,200. There may be a waitlist depending on the units desired.

City: Duluth
Start your morning with a stretch class or an organ lesson at the Primrose. There are also chair exercises, bridge and cribbage games, shopping excursions, and summer boat rides on the St. Louis River. Primrose focuses on "freedom and vitality" while providing access to everyday conveniences. One- and two-bedroom apartments start at $2,800 and include all amenities and utilities. A $500 deposit and one-time $1,000 entrance fee covers everything else. An extra $25 a month provides residents with a safety pendant (like Life Alert, but strictly for the Primrose community). Assisted-living facilities start at $4,000 per month. There is a yearlong waitlist for new residents.

City: Oxford
The active-living program at the Blake at Oxford offers resort-style living for its residents. The program offers social, emotional, and physical engagement to its residents, three delicious chef-prepared meals are served restaurant-style daily. A monthly activity meeting determines what residents like to do, and activities are tailored to their individual desires. There's a daily exercise class, a Bible study, weekly entertainment, leisure rides, and plenty of walking paths. All utilities are included as are weekly housekeeping with linen service, free laundry facilities, maintenance on all furnished appliances, buildings and grounds, 24-hour staffing, scheduled transportation to shopping, banking and professional appointments, basic cable, and Wi-Fi services.

City: St. Charles
This elegant and comfortable community encourages its residents to feel at home. And if you fancy a bit of gambling, the Fairwinds River's Edge is minutes from Ameristar Casino. Residents are highly engaged in activities, social events, and local excursions that allow residents to enjoy fine shopping and dining in the area. Life at Fairwinds River's Edge is a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. The community hosts regular happy hours with live entertainment, garden plots maintained by residents, and boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center.

City: Bozeman
Adventurers need look no further for the natural splendor and outdoor activities of Big Sky Country. The Knolls at Hillcrest offers its residents unlimited recreational opportunities: mountain biking, Nordic skiing, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting. For residents who prefer a more sedate lifestyle, there are evening art walks, Shakespeare in the Park, or an evening at the opera just minutes from downtown Bozeman. The idea here is to give residents freedom to enrich their lives the way they choose. Homes here start in the $300,000s. Amenities include maintenance services, concierge, fitness center, and the Synergy Medical Spa at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital (pampering procedures cost extra).

City: Lincoln
The campus style of The Waterford provides a friendly neighborhood setting where residents and staff get to know one another. One-bedroom and studio apartments here have covered outdoor patios, and therapeutic whirlpool baths, and some include peaceful outdoor spaces. This is a place for seniors who need care but enjoy their independence. There's music, crafts, exercise, entertainment and a dedicated Alzheimer's facility.

City: West Las Vegas
The Oakmont is an oasis smack dab in the middle of the desert. With an abundance of on-site workshops, along with local theater, literary presentations, and poetry classes, the possibilities are endless. Residents can even go on group excursions to local museums or historical sites. A healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with personal fulfillment, growth, and enrichment. Amenities include concierge service, maintenance of all community areas, 24-hour staff, utilities, cable, scheduled chauffeured transportation within 8 miles, three meals a day, educational, social and recreational programs, 24-hour emergency call system, valet service, and wellness and fitness programs.

City: Wolfeboro
Rather than a large, up-front lump sum typically required in retirement communities, Sugar Hill Retirement Community features stock ownership. Its residents are shareholders who help to determine the future of the community. A one-bedroom apartment starts at $150,000, and because it's a co-op and residents are part owners, they receive homeowner tax benefits. Residents can opt in to as little or as many activities as they'd like, and there's plenty to do with dinner six nights a week and Sunday brunch, billiards, arts and crafts, walking paths and gardens, bocce courts, exercise classes, and scheduled transportation.

City: Teaneck
Monthly rent includes trained staff available 24 hours a day, three delicious and well-balanced meals served daily, weekly housekeeping, daily bed-making and trash removal, scheduled group transportation, daily programs and activities, maintenance of buildings and grounds, safety system, and all utilities. Pricing at Arbor Terrace starts at $4,820 per month. While there is no assisted living built into the independent living facility, they do work with third-party partners to provide additional services for their residents.

City: Albuquerque
There's no buy-in at Palmilla Senior Living, just a monthly rental fee which includes all services, such as a professional team on hand 24 hours a day, cooking, housekeeping and maintenance, along with activity and wellness planning. From a theater to a fitness center — and a pet-friendly atmosphere — there's always something to do. Residents can take an excursion into Old Town Albuquerque or have the concierge set up a golf package and tee time reservations. Studio apartments start at $2,400 per month and two-bedroom, two-bath casitas are $5,500. Deposit is $2,000 and there's a waitlist of six months to a year.

City: New York
This is the height of luxury with virtually any service you can think of included: daily bed-making, manicures, pedicures, and fine cuisine from internationally renowned chefs. The residents of the Atria West 86 can choose from a calendar of over 200 events, ranging from performances by Juilliard students to opera-appreciation lessons and flamenco classes. Residents can take in Broadway shows or head to the Hamptons in a chauffeured town car. The building boasts a rooftop terrace with 360-degree view of Manhattan, a fitness center, a penthouse-level salon and spa, as well as a library, media room, and reading room. A studio apartment starts at $7,510 per month.

City: Davidson
The Pines is a unique continuing care 140-acre retirement community for those 65 and older just north of Charlotte. A mile stroll around the verdant grounds provides residents a "tree tour" identifying over 25 trees and 10 birds, and a partner program with Davidson College allows residents to audit classes for free. There's a warm-water therapy pool, cardio and fitness classes. The entrance fee, coupled with the monthly fee provides ongoing daily services. Two and half miles away is the River Run Golf and Country Club where residents can golf at a special reduced rate. This place has a long waiting list — and a deposit fee for it. If you're 70 years or younger, $100 gets you on the list.

City: Mandan
Meadowlands Park is an age-restricted 55-plus neighborhood that provides various residential options, a community center, a health/fitness facility, select restaurants/retail and an array of optional services for its residents. Though the community is in a wooded setting near the Heart River, it's also within walking distance of a health clinic, a supermarket, and several restaurants. Options include purchasing the home but leasing the lot. Lot rentals start at $325 per month and include common-area lawn care, snow removal, 24-hour security, land taxes, and special assessments.

City: Cincinnati
The artists-in-residence program at the Twin Towers Senior Living Community is a unique program that allows University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music students to design and deliver concerts to its residents. This is just one of the many benefits to seniors residing at Twin Towers. Residents can take advantage of the Connection Wellness Center offering cardio equipment, exercise classes and a monitored warm-water pool and whirlpool, the salon and spa, or any of the dining facilities on the campus. Some days it's bridge or mahjong, other days activities may be woodworking or pottery classes.

City: Grove
Patricia Island is more than just a retirement community, it's one of the premier Oklahoma golf communities offering seniors who love golf a wide variety of amenities. An all-inclusive package gets residents unlimited use of the driving range, pool, tennis courts, and fitness facilities. Retirees enjoy close proximity to neighboring Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, and though this community based its model on providing exceptional golfing experiences for residents and their guests, the retirement neighborhood offers other ways to stay healthy. From walking paths in local wooded areas and along the Grand Lake shores to biking trails throughout the region, residents can maintain an active lifestyle during retirement years.

City: Portland
One of the first Life Plan Communities in the Portland metro area, Willamette View offers a full range of onsite services, programs and varying types of residential housing for their 485 residents. The prestigious Balcony Homes for independent living offer a view of the ponds, water features, or the Willamette River and are in proximity to the fitness center, White Oak Grill, and other amenities. Exact entrance fee pricing and the monthly fee are determined by the type, size, location, and features of the residential units.

City: Media
Established in 1993, traditional colonial Williamsburg decor throughout Riddle Village adds an Old World elegance. Amenities include a courtyard featuring a bocce ball and shuffleboard court, a putting green, and fire pits for enjoying cooler evenings. The fitness center provides unlimited access to an indoor, heated pool, a full-time fitness trainer, and exercise classes, and there are four unique dining facilities. Apartments feature granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and personalized closet designs and customizable floor plans. The entrance fees depend on the size of the apartment, but a junior one-bedroom will run $100,000 for 547 square feet. Monthly fees start at $2,400. Meal plans and utilities are included, but not cable.

City: Cumberland
Nestled in the quiet country village of Chapel Four Corners in Cumberland, Brookdale Continuing Care Retirement Community features landscaped grounds and many walking paths while providing its residents with a selection of care options to meet changing needs, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. One-bedroom assisted-living units start at $2,400 with a community fee of a $3,000 per year. In neighboring Brookdale Sakonnet Bay in Tiverton, a 726-square-foot one-bedroom apartment starts at a whopping $5,000 per month. Amenities in both locations include a 24-hour security system, a concierge service, library access, planned social events and entertainment, and crafts, community excursions, an on-site salon and barber, a fitness and wellness center, gardening activities, a pool, hot tub and therapy room, game and billiards room, private dining, free internet and Wi-Fi access, and flat-screen TVs in the community rooms.

City: Pawleys Island
The Lakes at Litchfield enables a maintenance-free way of life. Cottage homes (of two and three bedrooms) start at $200,000 and villa apartments at $4,270 per month. Their single-story designs give older residents freedom of movement without steps or stairs. At this all-inclusive community, there are exercise and educational classes, bridge and card games, crafts, study groups, golf outings, parties, and movie nights. They also offer outings to cultural destinations, day excursions, shopping trips, and lunches out on the town. There's also indoor heated pools, multi-million-dollar private wellness centers, on-site spas, and wellness dining to keep as fit as possible. Seasonal events, happy hours, themed dinners, and birthday celebrations are included, too. Amenities in the monthly fee include TV, internet and phone, lawn maintenance, housecleaning, an emergency system monitoring, meals, and concierge services.

City: Sioux Falls
The facility at Lake Lorraine offers independent and assisted-living options, and memory-care services. Rental residences range from 400-square-foot studios that start at $2,650 per month to 1,007-square-foot two-bedroom units with dens that go for $4,800. These include amenities such as a chauffeur on staff, weekly housekeeping, and all utilities taken care of along with two meals per day. Deposit fee is $2,000. The facility age-in-place program allows the residents to remain in their apartments and choose additional services a la carte as medical needs arise. A variety of dining venues include formal and casual dining and a performance theater provides theatrical, musical and lifelong learning programs. The wellness center and spa features an indoor pool, exercise studio. There's also a full service salon, a library, a lounge a woodworking shop, a chapel and a meditation center. Pet grooming services are available, and for the musically inclined, a piano and instrumental practice rooms. Excursions include weekly fishing on the lake, pontoon rides, and trips to the nearby Grand Falls Casino.

City: Nashville
The luxury retirement facility of Richland Place is conveniently located and features one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences on five floors, ranging in size from approximately 750 square feet to 3,000 square feet. Every home features a patio or balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, and all appliances. The 165 residents living at Richland Place fill their leisure hours with activities such as pool aerobics, social outings, trips to the opera and symphony, bridge, and planned parties. The initial entry fee and monthly service fee entitle residents to weekly housekeeping and linen service, meals served in the Richland Place Restaurant, regularly scheduled transportation, in-home security, medical alert system, social events, on-site healthcare, and more.

City: Austin
The Village at The Triangle offers a comprehensive range of senior living options under one roof. Folks here enjoy the conveniences and amenities of central Austin while choosing between a range of independent or assisted living, or memory care options. And residents may adjust their level of care at any time without having to move. The apartments come in varying styles and floor plans. One 660-square-foot one-bedroom unit starts at $4,130 per month and an 828-square-foot apartment is $5,580. There's no buy-in fee, but the rate goes up for assisted living. Amenities include exceptional dining and dietician-approved meals, valet parking, 24-hour staffing and concierge services, an arts and crafts studio, an indoor heated saltwater pool, a library, a full-service salon, a fitness center with health and wellness services, scheduled transportation, and an emergency response call system throughout entire community. Monthly events include opera excursions and winery visits; there are also lectures and movie nights.

City: Salt Lake City
Offering independent living and assisted living, this dynamic retirement community of 179 tenants boasts the luxuries of resort-style living mixed with the comforts of home. A beautiful campus, 14 acres of walking paths, and elegant facilities are specifically designed to enhance residents' quality of life. The upscale community includes a range of services and amenities such as a wellness center, scheduled transportation, three restaurant-style meals served daily, library access, massage therapy and acres of beautifully maintained grounds to explore. Monthly classes include: tai chi, sing-a-longs, and local shopping excursions. The 550-square-foot studios have full kitchens, washers and dryers, and start at $2,710. Prices increase to $3,840 for two-bedroom floor plans. The wait list here is long, but applicants can hold a spot with a fully refundable deposit of $1,000. Assisted living costs a bit more depending on care needed, but fees are never more than an additional $1,000 and there is no buy-in fee.

City: Manchester Center
This independent retirement community sits on 11 pristine acres in Southern Vermont. It features 56 spacious apartments that are resident-owned and offers active seniors a maintenance-free lifestyle that is enriched by events and activities. There are book club meetings, bridge and bridge instruction, movie night, on-site gallery openings, painting classes, a nail-clipping service for residents' pets, museum visits, and nature-related trips. Entrance fees start at $200,000 (with 50 percent returnable to the estate) for a 1,365-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath unit. Monthly maintenance fee is $3,430 and includes one meal per day, weekly housekeeping, utilities, and basic cable.

City: Alexandria
Residents at the pet-friendly Hermitage campus enjoy home-cooked meals in a restaurant-style dining room. There's a cozy solarium; lounges on each floor for billiards, cards and conversation; a game room; an arts and crafts studio equipped for ceramics, weaving and basketry; a library with computer lab and internet access; a fitness room; a greenhouse; and 7 acres of landscaped walking paths. There's a one-time non-refundable community fee of $5,800 upon move-in. Apartments start with 320-square-foot studios and range up to 960-square-foot two-bedroom units.

City: Seattle
This 62-and-over retirement community attracts active seniors, and why shouldn't it when residents at Parkshore can park their kayaks or small boats at the private dock. Entrance fees start at $300,000 for a 640-square-foot studio apartment with a monthly fee of $3,100. This includes a 180-degree view of Lake Washington or Mount Rainier or both. Parkshore's amenities include fine dining, customizable floor plans, solariums, a common room with a deck with a spectacular view, a fireplace lounge, health and wellness, weekly housekeeping, transportation, trips to local museums and gardens, a swimming pool and spa, secure garage parking. Such is the demand that there is an exclusive waitlist that gives hopeful applicants weekly updates, invites to exclusive member only events, and priority status on their applications.

City: Charleston
The hip retirees at Edgewood Summit pulse to the beat in their monthly drum circles, take trips to nature centers, and leave the hassle of home ownership behind. There's chair massage, sittercise (an exercise class where residents may remain seated), guest lectures, movie nights, symphony series. There is an entrance fee and a monthly rent based on the size and type of housing. Other amenities include art classes and restaurant-style dining.

City: Madison
The 22-acre landscaped campus of Coventry Village provides exceptional senior living. Since 1995, they've been offering spacious, elegantly furnished independent-living and assisted-living residences, as well an award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program for people with Alzheimer's, and other dementias. Residents enjoy frequent social, recreational and educational programs; shopping outings; library and computer center access; and billiards and cards in the game room. They enjoy quiet time by fireplaces, happy hours in the pub, and art classes. There's also 5-star dining with many options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between. Independent-living options include one- and two-bedroom apartments with prices starting at $2,025 per month for 386-square-foot units.

City: Cheyenne
Scenic outdoor areas and relaxing lounges make residents feel right at home at Pointe Frontier. Residents enjoy a luxurious services and amenities tailored to their own specific needs and interests. There is a wellness center, scheduled transportation, a game and billiards room, a television lounge, Zumba classes, three meals served daily, and even an ice-cream parlor.