Are 55+ Communities Legal?

Some people, as they begin their research on Pennsylvania 55+ communities,wonder if such age restrictions aren’t considered discrimination and therefore made illegal. Indeed, there are several categories of discrimination defined in the Fair Housing Act that seeks to protect homeowners, buyers and renters, including: color, race, sex, religion, national origin, familial status and disability. As you can see, age is not one of these categories. However, many states elaborate on the Fair Housing Act with their own housing laws, and extend the categories of discrimination to such things as sexual orientation, ancestry, and marital status. Age protection can also be opted for state-by-state, but most do not affect senior housing, such as Pennsylvania 55+ communities, instead age protection seeks to protect younger citizens, such as children and pregnant women which aligns itself with the familial status laws. In the case of adult active communities, there is the Housing for Older Person’s Act, established in 1995 that also revises the familial status law mentioned above, providing exemptions if the community in question meets certain requirements. There are two exemptions:

  1. At least 80% of the housing units must have at least one member that is 55+ in a community that focuses on housing for 55 and older residents.
  2. All members of the community are 62 years of age or older.

Beyond these two requirements, Pennsylvania 55+ communities are free to make their own rules and regulations for age restrictions and policies. As long as they are following other laws that affect them in the state, and the HOPA requirements are met, active adult communities are 100% legal. This brings us to age restrictions in 55+ communities. As you can read, the first restriction is more often than not that a person seeking to live in the community must be 55, and that all units or at least 80% of all units comply with this restriction. For other persons living in the same household, a second age restriction may apply. In some cases this may be that all other persons in the household must be over the age of 40. In other cases, it may be marked at at least 18 years of age. Sometimes Pennsylvania 55+ communitieswill lower their age restriction policies or do away with them altogether so that some of the units can be bought by younger couples. As you can see, there are many variations and you will likely encounter all types of policies. Not to worry, again this is perfectly legal.

If you’re ready to take the next step and start looking at Pennsylvania 55+ communities and active adult homes today or anytime, give Summit Home a call! Their friendly and professional realtors know all the ins and outs of these communities and will be happy to help you find the one that is just right for you.

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4 Reasons Why Over 55 Communities Provide the Better Life

Maybe you’ve been considering over 55 communities in pa for some time now, maybe the thought has just occurred to you. Either way, you’ll find that there are many opportunities and benefits for choosing an active adult community as your new home. Here’s a quick overview on what those opportunities and benefits look like:

  1. Designed with You in Mind. As people get older, they start to realize that things need to be changed a little to accommodate them. Withover 55 communities in pa, you are provided with housing that is designed to suit you. This can be anything from safer walkways, less steps, wider hallways. Depending on your physical needs, you will find a community that is just right for you, and communities are often in beautiful settings that allow you to enjoy nature at whatever distance you’re comfortable with.
  2. This brings us to our second benefit: low maintenance housing. Some active adult communities even provide maintenance free housing, meaning that you no longer have to worry about landscaping and leaks and repainting. This gives you much more time to enjoy the third benefit:
  3. Lifestyle. Over 55 communities in pa come with a variety of clubs, events, amenities, outings, interest groups, that suit a diversity of residents. Whether you’re a hiker, a knitter, or a bookworm, you will find a creative outlet at your community while making new friends that you can relate to and thoroughly enjoy.
  4. Noise. Living in over 55 communities in pa also means that you won’t be woken from your night’s sleep by the thumping of a bass or find kids hanging out on the curb. While of course family and grandkids are always more than welcome visitors, having a protected area to call home is a huge appeal for many people seeking active adult community lifestyles.

Now that you’re inspired to check out more active adult communities in your area, give Summit Homes a call. Their professional and friendly realtors will be more than happy to help you find the home in the 55+ community of your dreams.

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5 Wonderful Amenities only found in +55 Homes

It’s true, today you can find amazing amenities in +55 homes PA.  These adult communities are rich in socializing and activity.  They are adult playgrounds where the old never really age and have fun until their name is called.  It sure beats anything that even remotely resembles a nursing home. Nursing homes have rightfully been dubbed the “end of the line”.  This is due to the rapid decline of overall quality of life.  Below you will find 5 important distinctions between the end of the line and the beginning of the golden years.

+55 Retired Couple

1) Accessible Floor Plans

Today it has become more of a selling point to note that has allows you to walk from your garage to the kitchen.  Within the +55 homes PA you can almost always find single story floor plans that allow for this nice amenity.

2) Social Activities

As much as no one wants to be in a nursing home, we also want activities.  The great part of +55 homes PA is that they come with great social activities for the residents.  There are mixers and gatherings that allow residents to get to know each other.  The resident is also able his or her autonomy if he so desires.

3) Homeowners Association

The homeowners association usually handles the basic yard work of residents.  This usually includes mowing and snow removal.

4) Privacy and Security

It can be very important for many adult community residents to have privacy and security in a gated community.  Usually the gate is locked by a security code that only residents have.  The other benefit to this system is the road leading in and out of the community becomes private.

5) Community Accessibility

Normally these communities have close accessibility to hospitals and bus routes.  This is a huge benefit if residents wish not to own a car. The homeowners association may also provide for weekly trips to places such as the grocery store. Let Summit Homes build your retirement dream home in your own paradise!

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