Deciding where to retire is a big step, especially if you’re looking for a community that offers long-term care and a supportive environment. Newsweek, alongside Statista, put together a list of America’s best continuing care retirement communities for 2024 to help narrow down the choices. Retirement communities provide a continuum of care, allowing residents to transition from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing as they need.
For their rankings, Newsweek and Statista focused on factors like resident satisfaction, staff quality, and the facilities’ CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation, ensuring that each community adheres to high standards. These communities don’t just provide healthcare, they nurture engaging lifestyles. From wellness programs and art classes to fine dining and social clubs, the best communities are focused on offering residents a high quality of life.
We’ve highlighted 15 communities that stood out on Newsweek’s list. Each one has its own unique amenities, care options, and style, making it easy to find the right fit for your needs and lifestyle preferences.
1. Valle Verde – Santa Barbara, CA
Valle Verde, a HumanGood community in Santa Barbara, is surrounded by the natural beauty of California’s central coast. Residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with access to independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, all while being close to the beach. It’s the perfect spot for those who crave a sunny, outdoor-centric lifestyle in a caring community.
Valle Verde is also known for its sustainability initiatives and farm-to-table dining program. Their wellness activities and cultural events are tailored to keep residents active and engaged, with options like art workshops, fitness classes, and group outings.
2. Edgemere – Dallas, TX
Edgemere combines Southern hospitality with upscale amenities, creating a luxurious retirement experience in the heart of Dallas. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, this community feels more like a high-end resort than a typical retirement home. It offers a full range of care options, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
Residents at Edgemere enjoy a variety of wellness programs, from fitness classes to on-site spa services. The Lifecare program provides financial predictability for healthcare costs, allowing residents to enjoy their retirement without unexpected expenses.
3. Willow Valley Communities – Willow Street, PA
Set in scenic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Willow Valley Communities offers over 2,500 residents an engaging, socially active environment. This large campus provides a range of care levels, from independent living to skilled nursing, all designed to support aging in place. With its warm, friendly atmosphere, Willow Valley feels like a small town within itself.
Amenities include indoor swimming pools, fitness centers, and even a 500-seat theater. Residents can explore artistic hobbies, join fitness groups, or just unwind in beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces.
4. Friendship Village – Bloomington, MN
Located just outside of Minneapolis, Friendship Village is known for its strong sense of community and emphasis on wellness. As part of Lifespace Communities, it provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, all in a supportive environment. The staff is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, connected community where residents can continue to grow and thrive.
Friendship Village offers lifelong learning opportunities, fitness classes, and a range of social activities. The surrounding nature trails and garden spaces make it ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, while indoor amenities provide plenty of options for staying active.
5. Freedom Pointe at The Villages – The Villages, FL
In Florida’s famous retirement hub, Freedom Pointe at The Villages offers a robust social calendar alongside high-quality care options. Managed by Life Care Services, Freedom Pointe provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The Villages’ reputation as an active community holds true here, with numerous activities available to residents daily.
At Freedom Pointe, residents can take part in golf, join social clubs, or attend fitness classes, making it easy to stay active. The community also offers dining options that cater to various tastes, ensuring meals are both nutritious and delicious.
6. The Admiral at the Lake – Chicago, IL
For those who want to retire in the city, The Admiral at the Lake offers urban living with lakeside views. This Kendal community provides independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, all in the heart of Chicago. Residents enjoy the energy of city life, with easy access to Chicago’s cultural amenities, parks, and restaurants.
The Admiral focuses on holistic wellness, offering fitness classes, art programs, and educational seminars. Its location along Lake Michigan also provides opportunities for scenic walks and outdoor recreation.
7. Moorings Park – Naples, FL
Located in the beautiful city of Naples, Florida, Moorings Park is known for its luxurious retirement lifestyle. The community provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, ensuring that residents have access to the care they need as they age. With its upscale amenities and wellness-focused approach, Moorings Park is a popular choice among Florida retirees.
Residents enjoy a variety of programs, including fitness classes, spa services, and gourmet dining. The community also offers an on-site medical center, providing top-notch healthcare services.
8. Landis Homes – Lititz, PA
Located in the serene countryside of Lititz, Pennsylvania, Landis Homes provides a perfect retreat for retirees who enjoy a peaceful, nature-filled environment. This community offers a range of care options, including independent living, personal care, memory support, and skilled nursing, all designed to support residents as their needs evolve.
It’s known for its focus on sustainability and a close-knit, supportive community atmosphere. Landis Homes features beautiful walking trails, community gardens, and a variety of wellness programs to help residents stay active and engaged.
9. The Hearthstone at Green Lake – Seattle, WA
Set alongside the picturesque Green Lake in Seattle, The Hearthstone provides a serene and wellness-focused environment for its residents. This community offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, all while encouraging an active and engaging lifestyle. With its close proximity to Green Lake, residents have access to scenic walking trails and a tranquil natural setting.
The Hearthstone offers various activities, including fitness classes, social gatherings, and art workshops, catering to residents’ diverse interests. The community’s wellness programs are designed to support holistic health, emphasizing both mental and physical well-being.
10. The Glenview at Pelican Bay – Naples, FL
Nestled in the heart of Naples, Florida, The Glenview at Pelican Bay offers a luxurious retirement experience with a full continuum of care. From independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing, residents receive personalized care in a setting that feels more like a high-end resort than a retirement community.
It’s an attractive option for those seeking an elegant, sunny environment to enjoy their golden years. The Glenview features amenities such as gourmet dining, wellness programs, and access to nearby golf courses and private beaches.
11. Judson Park – Des Moines, WA
Judson Park, located in Des Moines, Washington, is part of the HumanGood family of retirement communities and offers a range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. It’s known for its beautiful setting overlooking the Puget Sound and its commitment to fostering a warm, supportive community.
Residents at Judson Park can enjoy a variety of activities, from fitness classes and wellness programs to cultural outings and social events. The community is designed to promote comprehensive health and well-being, with a focus on lifelong learning and personal growth.
12. Casa de las Campanas – San Diego, CA
Situated in the rolling hills of San Diego, Casa de las Campanas is a retirement community that combines beautiful scenery with comprehensive care. This CCRC offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, allowing residents to age in place. Its sunny location and well-maintained grounds make it an ideal setting for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
Casa de las Campanas places a strong emphasis on wellness and social engagement. With fitness programs, creative arts classes, and a variety of clubs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
13. The Clare – Chicago, IL
The Clare offers an upscale retirement experience in downtown Chicago, combining luxury living with comprehensive care services. This CCRC provides independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, ensuring residents can stay in one place as their needs evolve.
Its urban setting allows residents to enjoy all the cultural amenities of Chicago, from world-class museums to dining and shopping. The community features elegant dining options, fitness facilities, and a range of social activities.
14. Trillium Woods – Plymouth, MN
Trillium Woods is set in the serene suburbs of Plymouth, Minnesota, offering a peaceful retreat with access to comprehensive care options. This Life Care Services community provides independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, allowing residents to age gracefully in one place.
The beautiful campus and warm community atmosphere make it a popular choice for retirees seeking tranquility and connection. Residents enjoy access to a fitness center, walking trails, and various social events that foster a strong sense of community.
15. Mercy Ridge – Timonium, MD
Mercy Ridge, located just north of Baltimore, offers a faith-based retirement community with comprehensive care options. The community provides independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, all in a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Known for its welcoming environment, Mercy Ridge is popular among retirees in Maryland seeking a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle. Residents at Mercy Ridge benefit from wellness programs, cultural events, and spiritual activities.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
