For many a senior, new homes represent a chance to break free from ongoing house maintenance. And, if the home is located in a retirement community, there's an opportunity to combine the freedom of independent living with the security of on-site assistance, community and recreation.

Retirement communities and age-restricted resort communities are one of the fastest growing sections of the residential building country. These mega-communities are targeted toward seniors and filled with state-of-the-art recreation centers, on-site social coordinators, gyms, golf courses and even community centers. If you're thinking about moving to an age-restricted or retirement community, read on to find out what you should look for in a prospective new home.

Closeness to Your Family

If you're a family person, then how close the retirement community is to your children and grandchildren is going to be a crucial decision factor. When calculating distance, also factor in time, traffic patterns, and the possibility that you may not be driving forever.

On-Site Recreation and Activities

If you love to swim, search for a retirement community with an on-site swimming pool. If you are into to golf, find one with a gold course. And if you get a kick out of making pottery, look for one with a potter's studio. Fitness buffs should make sure there's an on-site gym.

Basically, you want to find a senior's community that appeals to your likes and interests as a senior. New homes are great but they can't be moved - so, look for a home that's close to everything you enjoy in life, otherwise you might find yourself regretting the move all together.

Health Care and Amenities

A good senior's community will have a pharmacy within close proximity and walking distance from all the houses. An even better senior's community will offer an easily accessible health care clinic. The best would be one staffed by an on-site nurse or close to a nearby hospital.

Can You Easily Get Around?

Not only is walking a great way to stay in shape and keep your muscles moving, it's often easier than driving - and for some seniors, it's their only mode of transportation. Before you buy in a senior's community, ask yourself if you could walk to the nearest grocery store or pharmacy. If not, is there at least accessible transit nearby?

Your New Neighbors

Moving into a new community concerns a lot more than simply appreciating the house and the amenities - you also need to like your neighbors. Before you buy into a new senior's development, try to get out to a new owners' meeting. Look around the room and ask yourself if you could spend your retirement with them? Introduce yourself to people and get a feel for the community before you commit to a purchase.

If you're a senior, new homes in an age-restricted community are a great way to combine independent living with a neighborhood that's focused on the needs of seniors. But, before you buy, remember to evaluate the community itself, how close it is to nearby amenities and your family, and whether the facilities match up with your own needs.