re: age restricted communities

bob oicles · Post by **bob oicles** » Tue May 17, 2005 12:04 am

My wife and I are ages 51 and 50 with current work and residence in Virginia Beach,
we are looking to move to Florida and are interested in an adult community but have noted that most are 55 age restrictive. Are there any 50 plus communities or any flexible 55 communities which would allow us entry? I ask this after reading that to qualify for the senior park status the park must have 80% aged 55 plus so does this interpret to 20% being below that age?
Thanks for your time and afforts in responding.

Chrissy Jackson · Post by **Chrissy Jackson** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:17 pm

As part of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, a community may elect to operate as one of three kinds: either all age, 55+ or 62+. There is no other type of community permitted. An all age community, obviously, is open to folks of all ages. A 62+ community is ONLY available to folks 62 years of age or older. All people - not just the primary resident or owner of the home. A 55+ community does have, as one of their requirements, the need to have 80% of their homes occupied by someone 55 years of age or older - and they need to be able to prove this through any of several federally approved documents. Under federal law, a community may use the remaining 20% of their homes as available housing for folks under 55 years of age. However . . . they are not required to do this. Many communities have decided not to permit anyone under 55 years of age, and this is one of their legally protected rights. Fair Housing issues for 55+ communities are complex at best, but can have severe repercussions for the community if they are violated. For instance, if a community elects to use the 20% for under 55 age folks, then through sales or death lose a substantial number of their over 55 age residents, they run the risk of falling below the 80% minimum. If that happens, they may well lose their federal status as a 55+ community. If that status is lost, there is no provision under federal law for regaining it, so they would in essence become an all age community. It is an exemption well worth protecting for those community operators.

Jane · Post by **Jane** » Tue May 17, 2005 4:58 pm

Many 55+ Florida parks also state that at least one member of the household must be at least 55

Marcia Murphy · Post by **Marcia Murphy** » Wed May 18, 2005 10:45 am

My husband and I live in Florida now, both of us our under 55 but over 50. Recently we have been looking at manufactured home parks in our area, there is a very nice one in Arcadia, Florida. We were told as long as you bought a new manufactured home you only had to be 45. I'm not sure whether this applies to all parks or just this one. The name of the park is Arcadia Village Country Club, however you do not own the land but they have a lifetime lease available. Hope this helps you with your search. Marcia Murphy

Al Roddan · Post by **Al Roddan** » Tue May 31, 2005 6:22 pm

To be an age restricted community, 80% of the households must have at least one person that is 55 or older. Most communities have a lower limit of say 45. They must keep their count within these limits, but usually, you will be able to fit in.

We have a lovely community near Sedona, Arizona, with milder summers than Phoenix. Our rent is $263/mo., including double sections. We are a new home dealer for Cavco and Palm Harbor if you are interested in a new home. Otherwise, we have some nice resales.

Oh, yes! We would love to have you as residents, even at 50+. Check out our web site at www.TheWillowsAtCampVerde.com.

Charles · Post by **Charles** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:10 pm

I have lived in a 55+ mobile home park for almost two years now. The manager said it was ok for me to live here. Is there anyway he can make me move out because of my age? I'm 34 and live in Winter Haven, Florida.

DAN MacISAAC · Post by **DAN MacISAAC** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:28 am

JUST BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU BUY.....I have noticed a "relaxed" attitude from Park Managers at some 55+ adult parks....The problem comes in with "FOR SALE by OWNER" homes,OVERLY ANXIOUS SELLERS give you that "NO PROBLEM",( lots of residents aren't 55 answer ).....Make sure that you talk to the management office, BEFORE you attempt to BUY that DREAM retirement home....I have seen many instances when Park Managers have said, "GREAT....YOU BOUGHT the HOME, but UNFORTUNATELY...YOU DON'T QUALIFY to LIVE HERE". You guess what comes next. Do your HOMEWORK...."BUY SMART".

ALWAYS CHECK with PARK MANAGEMENT for APPROVAL, before your commitment to purchase, or BUY from LICENSED BROKERS that KNOW and MUST ABIDE by the RULES, BEFORE THEY ACCEPT YOUR MONEY.

CALL US, or EMAIL for INFO on ADULT PARKS in BEAUTIFUL VERO BEACH FLORIDA!
AFFORDABLE Homes of Florida 772-766-2800

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