Victoria Gardens by Shea Homes are superior homes designed around how you want to live. From features that enhance comfort and healthier living to eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, superior living is literally designed and built into every aspect of this retirement community and every inch of your home. That’s what makes them such a great value.

At Victoria Gardens, we segment our new homes into four collections: Garden (1,409-1,670 sf), Trellis (1,430-1,928 sf), Vineyard (1,820-2,496 sf) and Vineyard Estate (2,618-3,326 sf). The Garden and Trellis collections are modestly sized (and modestly priced) homes perfect for those looking for a cozy retreat for themselves, friends, and family. The Vineyard collection is slightly larger and ideal for those looking for the feel of a bigger space. Finally, the Vineyards Estate collection provides ample space combined with unique design targeted at those who require a larger floor plan.

Your new home awaits you in Florida!

Visit www.trilogylife.com or call 866-342-2168 to learn more.

Fitness is Key in Active Adult Communities

Fitness is key in leading an Active Adult Lifestyle!

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) gathered some of the top experts on exercise for seniors and discovered that, for the most part, when older adults lose the ability to do normal activities of daily living on their own, it’s not due strictly to age. It is more likely that they have become inactive. We know that an active lifestyle enhances quality of life at any age.

Seniors just beginning an exercise program absolutely must first consult with their physician. This is imperative from a safety perspective. In addition, your physician is most likely the best and most reliable source for consultation as to what activities at the appropriate intensity level would be best to include in your exercise regimen. He or she can provide expert advice and help you to modify and progress your exercise program on an ongoing basis.

Take the initiative to find the best exercise activities for your needs and realistic goals. The areas that are important to consider for staying healthy, active and independent include: strength, endurance, balance, optimal posture, flexibility, maximum capacity for movement and more energy. Determine the best program for your individual needs. One size does not fit all. Individual needs and abilities vary and this is especially true of older adults.

Seek out activities that you enjoy. Program options can include but are not limited to weight/resistance training, cardiovascular machine work (treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent and upright stationary bikes, recumbent step machines), walking outside or on an indoor track, yoga and stretch classes, pilates (supervised), gardening, swimming, fishing, bicycling, golf, bowling, tennis, dancing, and/or modified aerobic dancing

Studies have confirmed that exercise can be safely and successfully implemented in older populations. Even the very sick and frail elderly can gain benefits that will enhance their quality of life. The resources are out there just waiting for you to tap into them. I have given you some general guidelines as to your available resources and different activities that you can include in your exercise program. Your individual needs and abilities are of prime concern when choosing the appropriate content of your program. This is important. Take the time and make your best effort in this area of your life. You will reap the benefits!

Leading an active adult lifestyle at Rio Vista is within your reach! Choose between a round of golf, utilizing the fitness center, taking fitness classes, swimming in the indoor pool, and much, much more.

Disclaimer: All information and answers are given for educational purposes only. Your individual needs may vary. Always consult with your physician before starting or changing any exercise fitness programs and activities.

Some information found on this post was provided By Robert Reames, CSCS, *D, RTS1, CPT. His full article can be found at http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/467.

Golf Retirement Community in Rio Vista, CA.

Golf Retirement Communities

Trilogy Golf Club at Rio Vista

Rio Vista, CA. – Located in Northern California’s wine region, Rio Vista is located mid-way between San Francisco and Sacramento, about one hour east of the Bay Area and 40 minutes south of Sacramento. Convenient access, unparalleled service and a memorable experience will bring you back time after time.

The Active Adult lifestyle at Trilogy Life Rio Vista provides a full community of world class amenities including a fantastic golf course.  The retirement community new homes will provide a new home nestled in the middle of a resort lifestyle which you can enjoy everyday!

Retirement Community Rio Vista by Trilogy Life

Top 4 Reasons To Play Trilogy at Rio Vista
1. “Best Places to Play 2006 – 3.5 out of 4 Stars” – Golf Digest
2. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy a peaceful day along the delta
3. Great morning tee times are always available 7 days in advance, and 10-minute tee time intervals make for a relaxing pace of play
4. Our course drainage is the best in the area, which means more 90° golf car days than any other course.

Learn more about Trilogy Life at Rio Vista today!

Insights to Identify Comfortable Senior Citizen Communities and New Homes

Author: Trevor Price

If you’re a senior, new homes in a dedicated retirement community can be very appealing. There’s a focus on active adult living, your lawn maintenance is taken care of, the community is committed to seniors and you get to live independently while enjoying the comfort of on-site health care amenities.

Retirement communities and age-restricted resort communities are one of the fastest growing sections of the residential building country. These mega-communities are targeted toward seniors and filled with state-of-the-art recreation centers, on-site social coordinators, gyms, golf courses and even community centers. If you’re thinking about moving to an age-restricted or retirement community, read on to find out what you should look for in a prospective new home.

Closeness to Your Family

If you’re close with your children and grandchildren, you may want to restrict your search to new retirement communities in the nearby area. Also, when planning on many visits from young grandchildren, you may need to opt for a larger home with more than one or two bedrooms.

Recreational Facilities

If you love to swim, search for a retirement community with an on-site swimming pool. If you are into to golf, find one with a gold course. And if you get a kick out of making pottery, look for one with a potter’s studio. Fitness buffs should make sure there’s an on-site gym.

The idea is to find a retirement home that fits your personal needs as a senior. New homes can be beautiful and architecturally perfect, but if the community facilities aren’t there, then it won’t be right for you and could actually turn into a frustrating experience.

On-Site Amenities

If you’re concerned about your future health needs, go after a senior’s community that offers an in-community walk-in clinic or, at a minimum, pharmacy. Health-focused amenities such as an on-call nurse or close proximity to a nearby medical center can be crucial for many aging adults.

Can You Easily Get Around?

Not only is walking a great way to stay in shape and keep your muscles moving, it’s often easier than driving – and for some seniors, it’s their only mode of transportation. Before you buy in a senior’s community, ask yourself if you could walk to the nearest grocery store or pharmacy. If not, is there at least accessible transit nearby?

Your New Neighbors

Moving into a new community concerns a lot more than simply appreciating the house and the amenities – you also need to like your neighbors. Before you buy into a new senior’s development, try to get out to a new owners’ meeting. Look around the room and ask yourself if you could spend your retirement with them? Introduce yourself to people and get a feel for the community before you commit to a purchase.

If you’re a senior, new homes in an age-restricted community are a great way to combine independent living with a neighborhood that’s focused on the needs of seniors. But, before you buy, remember to evaluate the community itself, how close it is to nearby amenities and your family, and whether the facilities match up with your own needs.

About the Author:
For great information on senior retirement preparation – please visit seniorretiretips.com – a popular site providing insights to help prepare for the next steps in your life journey – including Medicare applications – retirement plaques – and many more!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Insights to Identify Comfortable Senior Citizen Communities and New Homes

A Gated Community Home – is it for You?

Author: Jennifer Mackay

As a real estate agent, often I am requested to find my clients specific types of homes and home sites for building. These specifics typically include: Bay front, Lake front, water view, specific number of bedrooms and baths etc. If you’ve ever purchased a home, then you know exactly what I am referring to…

In recent months however, I’ve been increasingly asked to locate homes or home building sites in gated communities around my service area of Bay County: more importantly, the Panama City – Lynn Haven metro area of Florida. I believe we are all well aware of what a gated community is, but if not let’s identify some characteristics of these communities…

“A gated community is a type of residential community which offers controlled access and entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles, and may feature a closed perimeter of walls and fences.”

While gated communities are not a new form of residence, they are often misunderstood. In today’s real estate market there remains a common misunderstanding that gated communities are only for the wealthy and beyond the means of the average home owner. This of course is not entirely true.

While there are some upscale communities that cater to a more costly living style, there are also many gated communities that offer similar life styles and amenities for the average home buyer. In my area there are many of these types of communities all offering various amenities and benefits. From master planned gated lake communities such as Lake Merial or Wild Heron, to master planned gated bay front communities such as Bay Point.

Each gated community may offer unique living and investment potential. For the consumer interested in these types of communities, there may also be additional benefits. When speaking with my customers regarding their desire to own a home in a gated community, an over-riding factor seems prevalent: Gated communities are perceived safer for children and families and offer unique living styles for those that so desire them. They are also perceived as maintaining their home values and appreciation.

While gated communities may not be for everyone, they do offer features many find attractive for their choice of style and quality of living. Features such as private and semi-private marinas, on-site fitness clubs, golf courses and child day care are being required by home buyers more and more in today’s real estate market. These features and amenities tend to be prevalent in many gated communities and fulfill the wants and needs of these types of home buyers.

In addition, I’ve recently been made aware of another unique style of gated community which caters to the racing fan! These communities offer residents race tracks for their amusement. From oval stock car style tracks to 1/8 mile drag racing tracks as well as motocross racing. How’s that for a unique recreation and living style!!!

A retired couple I am currently working with would like to find an Active Adult 55 Community. Both husband and wife workout daily, own a boat and are avid golfers. Naturally, they would like to purchase a home within a gated community, which is either on or very close to the golf course. The community must offer dock space for their boat and have a club house or community club with an exercise room or fitness center.

As I show this couple the available communities, a few items are of particular interest to them: Some gated communities offer limited or no “through traffic” to the residents, which they value. The limited trough traffic value is for their grand children whom visit with them several times a year. Homes within gated communities often exhibit a strong pride of ownership. I’ve yet to find within a gated community a home with an unkempt lawn or debris scattered about the property. In large part this is due to the homeowners’ associations’ rules, or covenants and restrictions which govern many of these communities.

Homeowner association rules often include restrictions such as:

• No overnight street parking
• No boats, campers or RVs allowed in driveways
• Houses must be painted only certain colors
• Landscaping must be pre-approved by an appointed committee

Additionally, residents of these communities take pride in their community and self-monitor and maintain their properties. To some these rules may seem excessively restrictive, while to others they are a necessity to maintain their style and quality of living. Many of these communities have what I refer to as “spot light homes“. These homes are the “premier” homes of the community. Often, they are built for specific owners or for events such as the Panama City Parade of Homes.

They will feature the highest quality construction materials and fixtures, and often are the highest priced homes in the community. While many gated communities offer luxury homes, vacation homes, and luxury condos there are also those that offer affordable homes, condos and home sites.

These communities may not have the full amenities of the more luxurious communities, but still manage to offer safety, community spirit and modest community pools and club houses. Many of these practical communities are specifically and conveniently constructed near schools and local recreation venues.

Summary

Not all master planned gated communities have uniformed security guards and cameras, but all offer unique living opportunities for those that desire the features and amenities the gate community has to offer.

From retirement communities to equestrian communities, from waterfront communities to forested secluded communities, gated communities are sought out by many of today’s home buyer looking for that little something “special” for their investment. Gated communities work for everyone, not just for the wealthy.

© Copyright 2008 Jennifer MacKay. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author:

As a Keller Williams Success Realty real estate agent and REALTOR® working in Panama City Florida, my mission is to provide the public with quality Panama City Beach Real Estate services!

I believe the future of Real Estate sales will be maintained and driven by the online power of the consumer. I provide quality service for Panama City Real Estate investors, from Commercial income properties to 1031 Tax Exchanges.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – A Gated Community Home – is it for You?

55 Plus Communities: Just The Right Communities for Retirement