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Seeking community, fun
A slice of the 55-and-older crowd — relatively more affluent and active than their parents might have been at their age — are seeking that laid-back lifestyle and often expect high-end amenities at the communities they are choosing.
That pool of customers is growing: In 2021, there were about 744,000 residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties over the age of 60, or 26% of the population on Long Island, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That was an increase of 160,000 from a decade earlier, when those 60 and older made up 21% of the Island.
Developers of the rapidly growing complexes, whether with units for rental or for purchase, are taking notice and upping the ante, incorporating private dining rooms, fully equipped gyms and saunas, in-house movie theaters, pickleball courts and clubhouses that serve as spacious, glamorous hubs for activities.
“We are selling a lifestyle,” said Diane Maier, sales agent for The Vineyards at Center Moriches and at Mount Sinai, where prices range from $749,000 to $899,000.
All those perks are factored into the costs of buying or renting at these complexes.
At Country Pointe in Plainview, 90% of the suites and villas are reserved for those 55 and older. Two-bedroom units range from $765,000 to $1.4 million, with homeowners association fees from $540 to $897 and annual taxes varying by model.
On the top floor of a three-level clubhouse there is a ballroom with a bar where galas are held a few times a year, said Robert Spiotto, Country Pointe’s events director. Recent bashes held around the pool and in the ballroom include a black-and-white party and a ’60s revival night.
Many of the events draw up to 300 residents. Even smaller ones, such as “The Joy of Oy” Catskills-style comedy show held in July and a concert by singer Tommy Sullivan, a founding member of the 1960s group The Brooklyn Bridge, draw crowds of 200 members.
“There is a feeling of camaraderie here,” Spiotto noted. “That is what we provide.”
In addition to elegant clubhouses and large swimming pools, the biggest reason people move to these communities is the socializing. After raising children and holding demanding jobs, living in a resort-like atmosphere often comes with new friendships with others at the same stage of life.
Rentals, too
Rental communities are also training their eyes on the luxe market. While not specifically for those 55 and older, the units rent to many seniors for the easy lifestyle and conveniences they offer, both inside and outside the developments.
The Selby, a six-story apartment complex overlooking Eisenhower Park in Westbury, opened in September with 210 units and 27 long-term executive suites that rent from $3,200 for a studio to $9,500 a month for a 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom unit. More than 40% are already leased, according to Suzee Foster, a spokesperson for the Beechwood Organization, which developed the complex.
Built in a French chateau-style, the Selby offers residents a 75-foot outdoor pool and terrace, a great room with garden views, club room with an indoor-outdoor bar, a 6,000-square-foot dining room, fitness room with yoga studio, a tranquility space and private parking with electric car charging.
Beechwood principal Steven Dubb said the new complex follows the success of the luxury rentals at the nearby Vanderbilt, where rents range from $4,300 to $8,000 and was fully leased within six months. There, renters enjoy an outdoor heated pool with cabanas, yoga and fitness studios, fine dining restaurant and cafeteria.
“Whether year-round or part of the year, our residents want a new, well-constructed home with resort amenities and concierge services reflective of their coveted quality of life,” Dubb said.
For Jenkins, the retired correction officer, that means saying goodbye to the days of cutting grass and thinking about oil bills, he said. Now he spends time by the pool at his complex in the summer, meeting friends at the clubhouse, which features a gym and card/game room.
“I worked a long career, 26 years, and it feels good to live a laid-back lifestyle,” Jenkins said.
To read the entire article, visit https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/real-estate/luxury-senior-55-over-communities-rxmb9ib0