Forum Discussion

NevetsW's avatar
NevetsW
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015

Age Restricted Communities

Well, after what I thought was fairly thorough research, I just purchased my first RV. It's a 1987 30ft Class A Coachmen Classic. Overall, I'm pleased with her. I've named her LaRue or just "Rue". :-)

Now that I've got her home,tuned and cleaned up, we're getting ready to leave out for St. Petersburg, Florida. I've been in the process of looking at apts to relocate there for a few months now. But I have learned alot of pet restrictions and such, and where they accept I don't really approve of the location. I I have 3 small dogs that are not negotiable. They go where I go. ( For the most part.) So instead, I went with another option, staying in this rv for a few months until I am able to find other options there. Who knows? I may get comfortable with this small space living. I looked at an apt almost the same size,literally 420Sq ft for $900. So... Shouldn't that count for something?

But now... I have hit another road block. Most of the RV communities have age restrictions of 55+. :-/ What's the deal with that? And i mean no disrespect by that in any way. (I miss all 4 of my grandparents.) I'm a 29 yr old married male, work in the hotel industry, and have 3 furry friends... instead of children. I don't think I've ever had a neighbor complain about me. These communities seem ti be very common though, especially in coastal areas.
As a newbie to the RV roads, I'm accepting and open to all suggestions in regards to this or other safe clean campgrounds/communities in that area. Do these communities ever bend the rules on this policy? Please? Any help at all?
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Apr 11, 2015
    If you like age restricted, I guess that is fine.

    For us (70 year old and 73 year old) I cannot imagine life without kids around. Since our own are grown we depend on other people's to keep us young and our minds active. If you have not noticed, try them some time. They do NOT think like us old people.)
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Apr 10, 2015
    You'll find most 55+ parks in the winter "snowbird" destinations of Florida, Texas, Arizona and southern California. Retirees like to do things with folks their own age. It's just a nice change for them during the winters.
  • Tlauden's avatar
    Tlauden
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2015
    Ive also never heard of a 55+ RV park around here (PA). I understand that down south they are catering to a different crowd though. Me being 24 and my wife being 23 have a long way to go before we can stay in those parks!! I guess until then if we do encounter one with an age restriction, then so be it. If they want to keep us "young and rowdy" folks out, its their choice I guess.
  • Finally_Time's avatar
    Finally_Time
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    I have been traveling and camping in private RV parks in the western half of the USA for 10 years, first with a travel trailer, now with a motor home. I have never seen a 55+ RV Park. Apparently they are not that common out this way.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2015
    ...'Most' of the RV communities have age restrictions of 55+. :-/ What's the deal with that?...

    ...ok I'm glad I got that off my chest, I think people should voice their opinions and boycott these places....


    Are you serious? :?

    First of 'most' of the CG's/parks are NOT all 55+.

    Second of all This is a free country and people can stay where ever they want that has the amenities they need or like. Who are you to say that age restricted communities should not exist?

    It's real simple. STOP looking up CG's or parks that are 55+. You don't fit the requirements period.

    There are mega millions of CG's/trailer parks across the US that you can stay at for long term stay, google it! :R
  • ol__yeller's avatar
    ol__yeller
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2015
    We live in an over 55 community but it isn't for mobiles or campers. They just sold out last year the last of the 1400 homes here. They broke ground here beginning in 2002. There is no problem with resale here, in fact nothing lingers on the market in our development unless it is way over priced so I don't think these types of communities will be going away anytime soon. The HOA is vigorous in making sure it stays "Over 55".

    The advantages are numerous. Activities here are geared for this generation, People at this point in their lives are generally at the downsizing point so there is room in the garage for the car, not out clogging up the street. HOA rules are typically followed without a lot of drama. Our development has its own RV storage lot complete with AC power. While grandkids are welcome, the indoor pool is seldom overcrowded as are the tennis courts and pickleball courts, The workout facilities are set-up with this generation in mind. People take pride in the appearance of their homes. The HOA provides landscaping services so no one has an unkempt yard. It is a very pleasant place to live especially when you have age related health issues. The only downside is the number of times you see the 911 guys come to your neighbors.
  • C-Bears's avatar
    C-Bears
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2015
    I walk through 4 different RV resorts every morning in Fort Myers Beach (the town of Fort Myers Beach, not the beach itself). The one we are in is 55+ and you can own the lots with certain dogs welcome. One is all rentals 55+ with dogs welcome, one is all rentals 55+ with no dogs allowed, and the last one is owned lots 55+, and dogs allowed on outer sites.

    During this 4 miles morning walk I am going through four parks containing about 2,000 sites, which were all full from December to March. I am pretty sure nothing will change with these types of restrictions any time soon.

    If I was only 50 years old I would probably consider getting a fake I.D. to stay in our park because it is very nice.
  • lots2seeinmyrv's avatar
    lots2seeinmyrv
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2015
    We both just turned 55 and 55+ parks will be our first choice to make reservations:) I just wish there were more of them across the country to choose from.
  • scbwr's avatar
    scbwr
    Explorer II
    Apr 07, 2015
    westernrvparkowner wrote:
    Reading these posts you would think the park owners are idiots. Do you really think that a park being a 55 plus only park drives away business? Do you really believe a park full of 55 plus adults is rowdier and has more problems than a park full of children? Those parks are 55+ because the ownership has determined it is in their best interest. Nobody forced them to make those parks age restricted. It was a business decision that apparently works, since those parks haven't either changed their business model or gone into bankruptcy. Life is full of things that are not open to everyone and anytime. Just a fact of life.


    Let's face it...us folks that have already seen the 55th birthday come and go many times over prefer parks with a more quieter population. And in Florida, there's a big market for the snow bird crowd that want's to be in a park that is more like "summer camp for seniors"! A lot of us live in 55+ communities for a multitude of reasons...and we do. Now, I do like the fact that we're a small community and I get to see young families with children all the time. I can't say as I would be happy in a 55+ community that was so large (i.e. The Villiages) that I would never see younger people.

    But, in 20 years or so, there may be a lot of changes as there won't be as many 55+ folks to fill all of these RV parks and communities. Time marches on.

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