Retirement Communities for Singles
Learn more about communities for single retirees including where they are located, how to find ones that are right for you, and how to pay for them.
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Many seniors want to live and interact with other like-minded singles. According to Pew Research, over 36 percent of seniors aged 65 and older report being single,1 and that number keeps growing. It’s no surprise that many want to live among fellow older adults who aren’t married.
Keep in mind, retirement communities solely for singles don’t formally exist to the best of our knowledge. While the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) doesn’t explicitly prohibit discrimination based on marital status, many state and local laws do offer such protection, preventing single communities from existing. Yet, quite a significant portion of the residents in existing retirement communities are indeed single.
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at what exactly singles’ retirement communities are, advantages of living in them, where to find communities with plenty of singles, how to choose a community that’s right for you, and costs and coverage options.
Table of Contents
What Are Singles Retirement Communities?
A singles’ retirement community is a place for unmarried, divorced, or widowed folks to live near others who are also single. These niche communities can be found primarily within bigger communities of retired people.
About 22.1 million adults 55 and older live alone (and about 6.1 million of them are childless).2 Many struggle with challenges at home, like a house not being updated to accommodate an aging adult, or feelings of loneliness and isolation. In the company of other singles in a community, they can flourish.
Fun Facts: A good number of single retirees are choosing quirky and unique retirement communities. For example, you can live near fellow Jimmy Buffett fans or aviation enthusiasts, in a Zen type of community, or have neighbors who also adore their big toys (RVs, motorcycles). Other single retirees live in senior houseboat communities.
Communities will vary greatly because older adults have various needs and budgets. But you’ll find high concentrations of singles in 55+ communities and active living communities where many older adults live independently. Retirement centers that offer pools, walking paths, and outdoor pickleball courts are especially appealing to singles who are ready to enjoy themselves and take advantage of being outside on sunny days.
Singles seek out the company of fellow singles for various reasons. Some realize the value of nurturing new relationships (platonic or romantic) and want to feel a sense of community. When isolation and loneliness threaten seniors’ mental health, it’s a good idea to connect with others.
Our free housing and care finder uses your unique needs to curate a list of the best options in your area.
Reasons to Choose a Singles’ Retirement Community
So, after retiring recently, maybe you tackled a repair and planned a trip. But you don’t feel productive. You miss joking around with work colleagues, having a schedule. Frankly, you’re getting kind of down.
FYI: Are you considering the transition into a retirement community? Set yourself up for success with our planning for housing in retirement guide.
Retirement communities that cater to singles have built-in programs, events, and social activities that encourage residents to engage with one another, keep their minds sharp, and pursue their interests. Residents can also visit local restaurants, go to the movies, or spend time visiting nearby places off campus.
Most retirement communities provide a wide range of on-site amenities, which are great for those who want to remain active and healthy. These amenities may include:
- Fitness centers
- Group exercise classes
- Activity rooms
- Beauty and hair salons
- Independent kitchens and/or restaurants
- Swimming pools
Single older adults, or solo agers, can gain many benefits by moving into a senior living community. Besides all of the offerings above, here are the main reasons to consider a singles’ retirement community:3
- Maintenance-free living: A team of people takes care of maintenance, snow removal, landscaping, cooking, housekeeping, and transportation.
- Abundant opportunities to socialize: Participate in clubs, gardening, arts and crafts, and preplanned activities with your peers.
- Myriad wellness benefits
Pro Tip: Check out our guide to AARP’s best discounts for members so you can save at restaurants, movies, and other local festivities near your retirement community!
Where Are Communities With Lots of Single Retirees?
Thousands of senior living centers can be found throughout the country. Thanks to Baby Boomers, the population of seniors 65 and older is expected to increase 47 percent from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050.4 This is prompting developers in the industry to invest in even more senior housing.
To find those communities with a heavy concentration of singles, zero in on the most populous retirement communities. Yes. Begin with the biggies.
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
Many retirees move to the South to avoid the winter snow and cold temperatures. Living in Florida has gotten extremely popular, growing 18 percent since 2010.5
Other older adults have chosen Georgia or the Carolinas for beachfront and resort-style living for their retirement years. Arizona and Nevada remain high on the list for many people, too.
When looking for communities with lots of single retirees, don’t forget about communities designed for specific interests or beliefs. Whether those are faith-based facilities or equestrian senior living sites, it’s great to know many options exist.
How Do I Choose a Senior Single Community That’s Right for Me?
Consider your priorities. Various styles of residences are available in communities, such as single-family homes, apartments, or condos. Consider what’s important to you, like how much work you want to do on a property in terms of upkeep and how you want to spend your time. That’s a key factor when determining the community that’s right for you.
Other factors to consider? Remember the reality of living in a new region. For example, although you get to watch a sunset by the beach every other day, are you OK being far from your kids and grandkids? How often will you see them?
Perhaps you’ve decided warm weather and a relaxed lifestyle is a must for your golden years. Will you miss seeing the leaves change color and the passing of seasons? Are the doctors and hospitals nearby able to treat your chronic conditions? Choose a community for singles based on your particular values as well as the property’s location, offerings, and reputation.
In searching for a community of friendly singles that will be a great fit for you, here are some targeted questions to ask when you visit a senior living community:
- Do residents share meals in a communal dining room?
- What is the ratio of single residents to married residents?
- About how many singles are residents here, by the way?
- Are there separate planned activities and events for singles?
- How often do these singles events occur?
- What kind of housing is available for singles?
Pro Tip: We recommend using our housing directory to find options in your area.
How Much Do Singles’ Retirement Communities Cost?
Several factors impact the cost of a retirement community in general, including the type of accommodations, location, and level of care provided (if it’s provided). Extra costs to consider in some communities may include HOA fees if you purchase a condo, for instance.
Communities that are located in larger cities tend to cost more than those in smaller or more rural locations. Additionally, communities that offer upscale amenities and facilities may cost more. To give you an idea, the median cost for independent living facilities in the U.S. is currently $3,065 per month. This varies by state, with Mississippi facilities costing much less at about $1,282 per month.
Pro Tip: Determining how much money to set aside for retirement as a single person can be difficult to figure out on your own. Check out our guide to estimating how much money you’ll need in retirement to cover all of your bases.
How Can I Pay for These Retirement Communities?
People typically pay for retirement communities out of pocket, whether they’re buying or renting. Some seniors may sell an existing home to pay for a new one or turn to a third party for help if they cannot afford to pay with their current income.
Singles who choose to live in a senior retirement community with assisted living services or full medical services may be able to find some financial assistance and resources. Long-term care insurance may offer some coverage for services. Veterans who are eligible for a pension may be able to apply monthly payments toward the costs of retirement communities for singles. State Medicaid programs may also provide some coverage if you receive what is considered medically-required care in your chosen retirement community.
As with anything else related to insurance and financial coverage, check your current plans and state agencies for more information.
Final Thoughts
If you finished your financial planning and are ready to find a retirement community that caters to singles, rest assured that a good one is out there for you.
While the process may seem overwhelming or stressful, you’re now equipped with the knowledge needed to make the best decision for yourself. You can find a great community with fellow singles out there. Be sure to consider all aspects, such as where you want to settle down, how much you can afford, and which kinds of communities allow you to focus on your values, priorities, and interests.
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Pew Research Center. (2020). Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Say Dating Has Gotten Harder for Most People in the Last 10 Years.
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US Census. (2021). First-Ever Census Bureau Report Highlights Growing Childless Older Adult Population.
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McKnight's Senior Living. (2024). Solo agers present growing senior living demographic target.
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PRB. (2024). Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States.
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USA Facts. (2022). Our Changing Population: Florida.