55+ Communities in Santa Clarita Where You Can Buy a Home

Meet Your Senior Real Estate Specialists
Matt & Meray Gregory

[email protected]

As Brokers, REALTORS®, Senior Real Estate Specialists AND lifelong SCV residents, we have the expertise & local knowledge to help our active seniors buy and sell their homes.

Santa Clarita SRES REALTORS®
DRE# 01463326
DRE# 01831112

Video – Benefits of Choosing a Senior Real Estate Specialist

55+ Communities in Santa Clarita – What to Expect When Buying a Home

In the past active adults here in SCV had few options for buying a home in age qualifed communities. Today, that’s no longer true. For many years the only age restricted community where one could buy a home was Friendly Valley. Then, in 2004 the Valencia Belcaro 55+ community was developed. In 2020 the Verano neighborhood of Aliento was completed. In 2021 the new Galloway community was built and now we have the new Villas at Tesoro Highlands.

Of course there have always been a good number of adult mobile home parks and some are quite nice. However, that’s not quite the same as buying a house. In fact, many of our active adult buyers are surprised at some of the homes now designated for seniors, especially in the newer developments. Some are quite luxurious, resembling small resorts. Others are more modest. One similarity they all share are terrific amenities & activities geared toward active seniors.

Home Prices in 55+ Communities

The prices can range from affordable to costly. Although home prices might seem too costly in some communities, don’t let that scare you off until AFTER you learn of your financing options! Why? Because, if you are over 50 years of age there are now special financing options available. As designated SRES REALTORS®, we can help guide you through the options by introducing our preferred associate lender, perfect for active adult buyers.

Even though the brand new homes in the recently developed communities can be costly, we still have some reasonably priced homes, usually found in Friendly Valley.

How 55+ Communities Differ from Assisted Living and Other Senior Housing

If you are over the age of 55, your needs will be different than say, those of a first-time buyer. Perhaps you are ready to retire or downsize. Many seniors like the idea of living in a neighborhood with other adults in their age group. Whatever the reason, you can depend on us as a SRES® to serve your specific needs.

What These 55+ Communities Are (and Are Not)

• ✔️ Age-restricted neighborhoods (typically 55+)
• ✔️ Homes you can buy and own
• ✔️ Designed for independent, active adult living
• ✔️ Often include HOA amenities and community features
• ❌ Not assisted living
• ❌ Not memory care or medical housing
• ❌ Not rental-based senior housing

Some of these newer 55+ communities are similar to mini resorts. Usually, but not always, the homes tend to be a bit smaller. Ideally, a single story home is the preferred choice, but the 2 story homes often come with the master bedroom and bathroom situated downstairs. Either of these options are suitable for the 55+ crowd.

In addition to all the typical amenities such as pools and hot tubs, some neighborhoods offer organized, age appropriate activities and clubs. The new Galloway community just happens to be situated right next door to the SCV Senior Center. Here in Santa Clarita, all of the adult communities are gated and secure.

When considering buying a brand new home vs an older home, newer 55+ homes might have more built-in accessibility features.

What to Look for When Buying a Home as a Senior

Active adults are usually looking at homes and communities with features to help make their lives easier. Convenience is usually the primary consideration! Some of the features to look for include:

• Communities with single story homes or 2 story models with the primary bedroom and bathroom downstairs.
• Neighborhoods with recreation areas, activity centers, game rooms, etc.
• Nearby public transportation
• Nearby convenience shopping and dining
• Overall calm and friendly atmosphere
• Security
• There’s more, but you get the idea

If planning on buying or selling a home and moving to a home in a 55+, we are especially sensitive to your needs. Once we help you find a suitable neighborhood and home, we provide expert representation, enabling you to make accurate and informed decisions.

What About Unrestricted Communities?

Just because a specific community or neighborhood is not age restricted does NOT mean it’s not suitable for active adults. So, if there’s no restriction, what makes a good neighborhood for the 55 plus crowd?

If you are not interested or can’t find a home in a 55 plus community, look for neighborhoods with more single story homes or townhomes. Or, if 2 story homes, consider those with the primary bedroom and bathroom situated downstairs. Gated neighborhoods are nice, but not really a requirement. Amenities and activities are important, but if you live in a community without those activities, Santa Clarita has a terrific senior center.

The bottom line is, there are now more options for active adults here in Santa Clarita. Yes, 55 plus communities have benefits, but there are plenty more suitable neighborhoods as well.

Contact your Senior Real Estate Specialists, Matt & Meray Gregory.

[email protected]