| The most typical retirement community amenities are | | | | community's pool is very sterile and does not meet |
| golf courses, pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, walking | | | | the standards of what I would like. I don't use it too |
| trails, restaurants, spa, Fitness Centers, activities and | | | | often. |
| clubs. There are many more, of course. | | | | Consider each amenity this way. How you will use it |
| They can look great offered by a community in a | | | | and if you will enjoy it. |
| brochure, but just having them is not enough. They | | | | Potomac Green, a community by Del Webb in |
| have to offer more--be beautiful and aesthetically | | | | Virginia, offers a good example of outstanding |
| pleasing enough to make you want to use them. | | | | amenities that live up to the statements in their |
| Let's say your main interest is in the Fitness Center | | | | brochure. The community and homes are beautiful, |
| of a retirement community. If so, you will want to | | | | but, "wow," the clubhouse for me is a "Knockout." As |
| look at it more closely--you will probably notice the | | | | soon as I saw it, I wanted to live at the community. |
| type of equipment, brand names, models etc. | | | | Not only did it feel right but it was gorgeous, and so |
| However, notice the things that aren't in the | | | | was the pool. This retirement community amenity |
| brochure such as is the space pleasing enough to | | | | itself had me sold. |
| make you want to be there often. Is the room large | | | | Whether you are in the city or country, the types of |
| enough and are there enough machines for the | | | | amenities may vary, but the concept remains the |
| amount of people using them. Does the room offer a | | | | same. Make sure you will love the amenities there |
| pleasant ambience and is it inviting. Although my | | | | enough to use them. |
| retirement community Fitness Center is well-equipped | | | | Amenities for Visitors: Grandparents, if you like |
| and has all the right brands, the room itself has no | | | | frequent visits from grandchildren, be sure to notice |
| windows. This can make a long workout much less | | | | what amenities would inspire them, too. Do your |
| pleasant. The space is usually filled to overflowing | | | | grandchildren or visitors like to fish, then is there a |
| with active adults, a good sign, but four beige walls | | | | fishing lake--with fish. Other amenities may be hiking |
| to look at is not inspiring enough for me to go on a | | | | paths, swim pool that welcomes children, casual dining |
| regular basis. The room also is not large enough to | | | | and things to do. |
| avoid an overcrowded feeling. | | | | Is there such a thing as perfection in retirement |
| Another amenity that I love to have is a beautiful | | | | communities--yes there is. Sometimes you may have |
| outdoor pool. There are huge differences in the | | | | to make some compromises, and that is ok, too, but |
| feelings you get from pools at different communities. | | | | keep looking for retirement community amenities that |
| I like a pool that offers a cooling breeze, a tropical | | | | excite and inspire you. |
| ambience, and views. Instead my retirement | | | | |