The Most Luxurious Retirement Communities in America

Everyone has different needs later in life, be it assisted living, memory care, or maintaining independent living. Some communities specialize in providing these services in lavish settings with spectacular, luxury senior living amenities, including perks such as fine dining, swimming pools, complimentary breakfast, softball fields, polo grounds, concierge valet parking, and more — and they aren't all in Florida. Others welcome all ages but have enough leisure activities nearby to make them particularly attractive to retirees.

Note: Check individual websites to learn specifics about fees, rents and service plan costs.

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Almost 1,000 townhomes and villas range from less than $300,000 to over $2 million at this high-end, 55-plus community of luxury retirement homes that feature open concept designs in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Residence at the Rio Verde includes membership to the golf club for luxury senior living, though non-residents can join by paying monthly fees and entrance fees.

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An active lifestyle is the main appeal of luxury retirement communities such as Rio Verde. The Rio Verde courses recently underwent a renovation valued at $6 million, and that included the clubhouse. Some upgrades include raising the clubhouse ceiling, additional sculptures and landscaping, and new tile and countertops. Private fine dining will be a luxury senior living perk, and guests can enjoy a wine room and lounge area, too. Rio Verde is an hour's drive from the San Tan Valley and San Tan Mountain Regional Park.

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Nestled in a valley of the Catalina Mountains, The Preserve has stand-alone homes for luxury senior living that range in price from $699,900 to $873,900. Homes have views of the mountains, and upscale details that include stone fronts and pebbled garden walkways that blend into the exterior landscape. This is an active senior community and does not offer assisted-living programs.

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Baby boomers, take note: no need to downsize when you retire. Homes at the The Preserve are designed for more space with a number of floor plans. Entertainers kitchens, spacious living rooms, and master suites provide plenty of space to host parties. In addition to two golf courses and a large outdoor pool (no need for an indoor heated pool in this balmy climate), The Preserve is one of the notable luxury retirement communities with plenty of classes, activities, shows, and clubs. There's always nearby Tucson for shopping, dining, or entertainment, too.

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With homes starting at $454,000 and garages at each for two or three cars, Trilogy at Encanterra is certainly a retirement destination for those with deep pockets. The all-ages community with "55-plus neighborhoods" is less than an hour from Phoenix and Scottsdale in the San Tan Mountains.

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Want exclusive membership to a deluxe clubhouse? Encanterra's clubhouse La Casa was named Best Clubhouse in the Country for 2018 by 55Places.com. The 60,000-square-foot space overlooks the golf course and has a fitness center, swimming pools (plural), spa, tennis courts, gourmet dining at The Bistro 1528 (with private wine tastings at The Vault) or three other dining options, and entertainment and social spaces. At the smaller clubhouse The Algarve, you can try your hand at pottery or take in some shade under the Portico walkway.

Want to retire by the beach? The Samarkand in Santa Barbara is on the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Ynez Mountains are on the other side of the community for the best of both worlds. Get beach light through your windows, walk-in closets, and your choice of finishes. Outside the individual rooms, the magnolia tree and garden fountains can be enjoyed by the whole Samarkand community.

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The newest addition to the Samarkand is the LifeCenter, a two-story, 10,000-square-foot spa. The Life Center also includes the Mountain View Cafe, office space, and a TV studio. At the Samarkand you can also choose between fine and casual dining with indoor or outdoor seating overlooking the mountains.

Less than an hour from downtown Los Angeles, The Village offers independent and assisted living in a resort atmosphere. All apartments contain all-electric kitchens as well as appliances, including microwaves. Some have patios and balconies, and all but the studios have walk-in closets. Dine in the restaurant for made-to-order meals served on fine china.

Though the apartments at The Village are on the cozy side, the activities directors more than make up for it in luxurious lifestyle. Residents can enjoy quiet time in the fully stocked library, keep in touch with family in the internet cafe, or stay active in the fitness center. The screening room offers movies daily, and some are available to screen in-room, too.

The ranch-style and two-story homes at Riverwalk Branford have hardwood floors, 9-foot ceilings, two-car garages, and basements. Backyards are part of a 60-acre marshland forest, and the Branford River can be your backyard. Don't worry about yardwork, because landscaping and snow plowing are included.

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In addition to a garden alcove in the Northeast, Riverwalk gives seniors everything they need for active living. With nearby marinas, residents don't have to give up boating, fishing, or water sports. The community is also close to town for shopping, movies, art and museums, and even excursions to the local casinos.

Only 21 miles from Disney World, Solvita has plenty of natural beauty to explore — there are 4,300 acres of greenland and lakes, including two full 18-hole golf courses. The 17,000-square-foot ballroom is perfect for special events. Choose between attached or detached single-family homes.

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Solvita has hundreds of weekly activities and several dozen clubs for residents to join. There are two fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools for classes or free swimming, plus tennis and ball courts (even a softball field) open day and night (with lighting).

Sponsored: Retire in comfort without compromise

Are you one of 64% of Americans who thinks their retirement savings may not be enough? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors in your area in five minutes to help answer that question.

See why 75 million people trust SmartAsset's tools and services each year to ensure they have enough money to retire comfortably.

The villas at The Villages in Sumter County, Florida, are individual homes that can include brick driveways, granite counters, two-car garages, and flooring that ranges from tile to concrete (but never carpet). A $179 monthly amenity fee grants access to golf, swimming, tennis and ball courts, pools, fishing, fitness trails, and more than 2,000 activities a week. Interested? A test run costs a couple of hundred dollars a night.

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The property has a 99-seat theater that hosts shows such as "Chicago" as well as performances by residents. There's a dog park, a dance studio, and an archery range, too. The five villages share three town squares just a short golf cart drive apart for shopping and dining, and Fenney Village has a wood-railed walking path through its garden.

With cottages from $264,490 to estates in the $451,990 range, On Top of the World offers five house designs, with tile or hardwood floors, brick driveways and garden paths, granite counters, and covered porches. This gated community with three guarded entrances has three golf courses, three fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a radio-controlled airplane-flying field, three dog parks, and 17 miles of walking trails.

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The Carriage series homes are equipped with solar power, and all homes are built for water and energy efficiency. The homes also have expansive entertaining, kitchens, and dining rooms. Circle Square Commons gives the community a small town square for dances, a weekly farmer's market, and more activities.

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There are three options for owning a condo in the Sarasota Bay Club, including one that refunds 90% of the money paid for your condo, less fees, to your estate when vacated and resold. Monthly service fees vary, depending on how many bedrooms and residents live in each condo, but services such as maids, meals, and transportation are a la carte. Another bonus: the gorgeous Sarasota, Florida setting. 

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Residents can enjoy all the high-end amenities of luxury retirement at the Sarasota Bay Club. The pool is heated, and residents can choose between casual and formal dining with all dishes made to order, including appetizers, soups, and salads. The casual Veranda simulates outdoor dining in the comfort of air conditioning. More standout amenities include a full bar, theater, fitness center, massage therapy studio, game rooms, woodworking shop, art studio, library and beauty salon on the premises.

Regency at Hualalai has independent and assisted living apartments that have been advertised from roughly $200,000 to $500,000. Studios are 312 square feet, one-bedrooms are 465 square feet, and two-bedrooms are 790 square feet.

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Being in Hawaii is surely the biggest amenity offered at this retirement village, and Regency's Hualalai location is a few blocks from the beaches and resorts. There is also an outdoor pool and a host of activities and road trips for residents, including music and pet therapies and religious services. Fine dining offers several meal options, and coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Regency's Puakea location isn't too shabby either.

The homes at the Residence at Turner Hill, Ipswitch, are in the $1 million range for a 2,500-square-foot, three-bed and two-bath house. Out of your price range? Join the golf club and get a taste of the good life on 18 holes or in the clubhouse. The indoor practice facility allows putting and hitting in comfortable air conditioning, and there's more outdoor practice space with bent greens and bunkers.

Private homes are modeled after the Turner Hill Estate (which is available for weddings and special events). Rohl and LG appliances are upscale kitchen additions, complemented by granite countertops and hardwood floors.

Just off the Vegas strip, the quiet community of Sun City Summerlin has golf courses, trees, and lakes. A volunteer security service keeps residents safe. It's possible to find a Summerlin house for $300,000, but it's more likely to cost three to five times as much.

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Life in Sun City Summerlin is more than just golf, although three courses will keep golfers busy. Dine in restaurants overlooking the lake and golf greens. Enjoy the 312-seat theater for live shows, as well as a library and fitness center, pools, ball courts, massage rooms, and some convenient casinos. After all, it is still Las Vegas.

Claim an assisted living apartment in the sprawl of The Chelsea and live just one hour outside New York City. Residents can sit by one of two fireplaces or get in on some board or card game action. Chefs in the dining room will personalize orders for each guest, giving them a taste of the service they may have enjoyed on the Upper West Side without the hassle of living in the city.

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If ongoing health care is a necessity, it would be hard even in Boston, San Francisco, or New York City to find a more high-end setting to go about getting treatment. The 24-hour nursing service handles medical and memory care. The Crossings is a program designed to help residents with the transition to assisted living and provide therapy in a comfortable, private setting equal to other quality continuing care retirement communities.

A comprehensive luxury facility for seniors in Ohio, First Community Village offers independent and assisted living, with apartments featuring one or two bedrooms. Rent in these luxury senior living apartments varies, depending on health care needs, and First Community offers a Premier Plan to help with higher-end costs.

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Located in the heart of Columbus, residents of this luxurious retirement community are still close to the big city (New York City is just over an hour away by airplane). But First Community Village lets residents enjoy staying close to home with activities in the fitness center and indoor pool, classes and clubs, performance events, and social activities. If you live in a manor, having your own state-of-the-art kitchen may be enough, but two dining options feature made-to-order dishes tailored to you by the chef.

A popular vacation spot for golfers, the Del Webb-operated retirement community Sun City Hilton Head houses 14,000 seniors in its more than 5,000-acre property. Those committed to active lifestyles and luxury senior living can explore its three golf courses: Argent Lakes is the executive level course; Hidden Cypress offers difficult terrain in deceptively scenic holes, and a nearby steakhouse with three cuts of beef and veal; and Okatie has five tees for more casual play.

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Most retirement homes have courts for tennis, but the Del Webb community Sun City has a softball field plus space for volleyball, basketball, and a dog park. Live performances, drive-in movies for golf carts, and lawn picnicking are also favorite pastimes for those committed to luxury senior living in a country club setting. The community also has a performing arts center.

At The Forum residents don't have to retire without their pets, as even large dogs are welcome to live in The Forum's pet-friendly apartments, which also offer other luxury amenities. Celebrity chef Brad Miller is in charge of dining, which can include rack of lamb and shellfish or vegetarian options. On-site health care includes nursing home care and rehab, and the community is close to major hospitals.

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The Forum boasts a quiet street within an oak tree perimeter. Residents don't have to leave the grounds to do laundry or visit a hair salon or library. The Forum is also close to malls, a museum, movie theaters, and churches. Apartments feature hardwood or tile floor with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

Apartments dedicated to independent or assisted living at Cedarwood allow residents to sit under the outdoor gazebo or walk around the landscaped courtyard. Green thumbs can even tend their own gardens. The 6-acre estate in a valley under the Wasatch Mountains has plenty of outdoor space for socializing.

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There's a reason Cedarwood, which was renovated not long ago, has won "Best of State" so many times from the Utah organization of the same name. There's plenty of activities on site, but Cedarwood also provides transport to nearby Salt Lake City and the local casinos.

One- and two-bedroom apartments on Mercer Island are available for retired couples or singles in this community just outside Seattle. From independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehab, Covenant Shores offers comprehensive medical care in addition to luxurious living.

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It's possible to keep a boat in the marina in this community, and water activities include kayaking and canoeing. Residents can also enjoy events at Fortuna Lodge, or visit the art gallery and take art classes. Off-site excursions let residents stay connected to Seattle's urban culture, which easily rivals that of New York City, as well.

Sponsored: Retire in comfort without compromise

Are you one of 64% of Americans who thinks their retirement savings may not be enough? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors in your area in five minutes to help answer that question.

See why 75 million people trust SmartAsset's tools and services each year to ensure they have enough money to retire comfortably.