An ever-increasing percentage of retirees and older adults are choosing to live in active adult communities (also known as 55+ communities) designed just for them.
The best part? Someone else handles lawn care and home repairs, giving you more time to enjoy Tennessee's natural beauty and attractions. But watch out for those monthly HOA fees—they can take a big bite out of your budget. And those community rules might limit who visits you and even what pets you can have.
Let's look at what life is really like in a Tennessee 55+ community so you can decide if it's right for you.
Tips for 55+ Living in Tennessee
- Visit several communities across different Tennessee regions—each area offers unique benefits
- Read the HOA rules completely—don't just rely on what the sales agent tells you
- Talk to current residents about what they love (and don't love) about Tennessee retirement living
- Check what the monthly fees include, and ask about fee increases over the past 5 years
- Consider distances to Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis if you enjoy city amenities
- Think about how Tennessee's seasonal changes might affect your lifestyle
Rules and Restrictions to Check First
Every 55+ community has rules that all residents must follow. Some are required by law, while others maintain the community's standards.
Age restrictions come first—federal law requires that 80% of occupied units have at least one person 55 or older. Some communities set their minimum age even higher, but the top 55+ communities near Nashville are all set at 55.
Rules about younger residents vary, so check if you have a younger spouse or want grandchildren to visit often. Most communities have rules about:
- Home appearance (paint colors, decorations, landscaping)
- Noise levels and quiet hours
- How long guests can stay (often limited to 2–4 weeks per year)
- Pet types, sizes, and numbers
- Rental restrictions if you want to lease your home
Breaking rules usually means warnings and fines. In serious cases, the HOA can take legal action. Always read the complete rule book before buying. What seems minor now might bother you later.
Pros of Tennessee 55+ Communities
Living in a Tennessee 55+ community means trading your lawn mower for leisure time. No more dealing with fallen leaves, mowing grass in hot summers, or climbing ladders to clean gutters. The monthly fees you pay cover all that outside work.
Tennessee’s top 55+ communities typically offer pools, fitness centers, and hobby rooms. Want to learn pottery, play pickleball, or join a book club? It's all right there. Many places organize day trips to the Grand Ole Opry, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Tennessee's many music venues and restaurants.
The people around you understand what it's like to be in this stage of life. Making friends happens naturally when everyone's looking for connection. You'll find people who share your interests and time to enjoy Tennessee's relaxed pace together.
Safety is another big plus. Many Tennessee communities have security gates or patrols. Neighbors tend to watch out for each other, creating a secure feeling that's hard to find in regular neighborhoods.
Downsides You Should Know About
Those monthly HOA fees can shock you if you're not prepared. Tennessee 55+ communities typically charge between $200 and $800 every month.
Some luxury communities in areas like Franklin or Brentwood charge even more, but this might be expected since they’re two of the most expensive cities in Tennessee.
When you want to sell, your buyer pool is smaller. Only people over a certain age can buy your home, which might make it harder to sell quickly or get top dollar, even in Tennessee's strong real estate market.
The rules in these communities can feel strict. Many Tennessee communities have limits on:
- How long guests can stay (even your grandkids)
- What pets are allowed (sometimes no dogs over 25 pounds)
- What you can do to your home's exterior
- Whether you can run a business from your home
You might need to drive to doctor appointments in Nashville, Knoxville, or other nearby towns, but most active adult communities are built with this in mind. Popular Tennessee 55+ communities like Del Webb Lake Providence in Mount Juliet offer a suburban atmosphere with proximity to great medical facilities. Plus, most communities provide shuttle services.
Living with only older adults means less contact with younger people. Some find this peaceful, but others miss having kids and young families around.
Activities and Amenities You'll Find in 55+ Communities
The activities and amenities in Tennessee’s 55+ communities might surprise you. Buyers are often attracted by the amenity and activity advantages of living in an HOA community, and active adult communities often take those offerings to the next level.
They're nothing like the old folks' homes of the past. Most Tennessee communities include:
- Swimming pools (often both indoor and outdoor for year-round use)
- Fitness centers with classes like yoga and water aerobics
- Game rooms for billiards, cards, and other activities
- Clubhouses for parties and community events
- Walking trails with scenic Tennessee views and sometimes golf courses
The social calendar stays full with planned events that often highlight Tennessee culture. Movie nights, line dancing classes, wine tastings from local vineyards, and crafting groups keep the days interesting. Many communities organize trips to Tennessee attractions like Dollywood, the Jack Daniel's Distillery, or even shows and honky tonks in Downtown Nashville.
Classes let you learn new skills or revive old hobbies. From painting Tennessee landscapes to computers to Southern cooking, there's usually something that interests you.
The clubhouse is the community's living room, where people gather for coffee, games, or just to chat with that famous Tennessee hospitality. It's the heart of social life in most communities.
What Those HOA Fees Actually Cover
Monthly fees in 55+ communities are often higher than in typical homeowners associations, but they pay for more than in regular neighborhoods. The exact amount depends on what's included.
Basic fees usually cover:
- Lawn care and landscaping
- Exterior building maintenance
- Trash removal
- Snow removal in cold climates
- Community amenities like pools and fitness centers
Higher fees might add:
- Cable TV and internet
- Some utilities
- More luxurious amenities like golf courses
- Shuttle services to shopping and medical appointments
When checking out a community, ask for a detailed list of what the fee covers. Also, ask about special assessments—these are extra charges when big repairs are needed.
Remember that HOA fees almost always go up over time. When you’re on a fixed income, these increases can represent significant bumps in your living costs. Ask about the history of increases before you buy. Missing payments can lead to fines or even liens against your property.
How to Choose the Right Tennessee 55+ Community
Finding the right Tennessee community means looking beyond the glossy brochure.
Start by checking the financials. Monthly fees in Tennessee range widely from $200 to over $800. Some luxury communities in areas like Chattanooga or Nashville suburbs charge even more. Ask what these fees cover and how often they increase.
Then look at the amenities with Tennessee seasons in mind. Do they match your interests? Don't pay for golf courses if you don't play, but consider if indoor facilities matter during Tennessee's hot summers or occasional winter weather.
Location matters more than you might think. Tennessee has excellent medical centers, especially in Memphis, Knoxville, and Music City—particularly in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood, where both Ascension St. Thomas Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are located.
Also, think about how far you'll be from family, friends, and your favorite Tennessee attractions.
The community rules deserve careful review. Tennessee communities often have specific rules about outdoor decorations, holiday displays, and yard maintenance.
Visit some of the best cities in Tennessee before deciding—they’re among the best for good reason! If possible, go on weekdays, weekends, and in different seasons. Talk to residents about what they like and don't like about Tennessee living. Try the amenities and attend an event if possible.
Is a Tennessee 55+ Community the Right Move for You?
Living in a 55+ community in one of Tennessee’s great retirement towns works great for many, but not for everyone.
You might love a Tennessee 55+ community if you:
- Want to enjoy Tennessee's natural beauty without yard work
- Enjoy planned activities and Southern social hospitality
- Feel comfortable with some rules about how you live
- Can afford the extra monthly costs
- Like Tennessee's lower cost of living and no state income tax
- Enjoy a mild four-season climate with less extreme winters
It might not work for you if you:
- Dislike following community rules
- Want complete freedom with your property
- Plan to have family stay for long periods
- Are on a tight monthly budget
- Prefer neighborhoods with people of all ages
Take your time deciding. Visit different communities across Tennessee, talk to residents, and really think about how you want to spend your retirement years in the Volunteer State. The right choice gives you the freedom to enjoy Tennessee living. The wrong one can leave you feeling restricted and unhappy.
Remember—you're not just buying a home, you're buying a Tennessee lifestyle. Make sure it's one you'll enjoy for years to come.
