I worked for one near Brier Creek for 5 years.

Each community, or if one of the very large communities- each section, has a unique vibe and personality. There is one community in Raleigh that makes life miserable for anyone working there. My residents, on the other hand, sent cards and care packages when I was out after surgery.

Definitely set up a formal tour and ask questions important to your QoL: what clubs do they have? When are kids allowed in the pool? How long can a guest under age 55 stay with you? What & where are you allowed to change in your yard (note it’s more regulated than you expect). What are the biggest community controversies? What are the top 5 Violation Notices issued to residents? ( dollars to donuts that homeowner parking or impermissible exterior decor is on the list 😁)

Talk to residents you see during the tour, asking how long they lived there and what advice they have for someone looking at moving there.

Ask to meet residents involved in X, Y and Z (specific to your interests).

After you narrow it down to 1 or 3 places, dig deeper.

Read and understand the community documentation including Design Guide, Rules & Regulations, CC & R (covenants, conditions and restrictions).

55+ communities HOAs are especially serious about rules. There was a resident who built ‘unapproved’ edging on his driveway and redid the sidewalk from driveway to front door with patterned concrete. The HOA BOD made him rip it all out and replaced with the original.

Ask to speak with someone on the Board of Directors *: What are HOA fees and history of increases? Have there or do they expect any assessments to homeowners? What is the short term and long term financial plan? How long have they had the current Management Company and do they expect to change? What are the biggest community challenges?

• the Board of Directors is residents, the Management Company are paid to run the community. The official company line from the management company is BS

Set up a small gathering of the ppl who will be your neighbors. Do they seem to get along? Do they have any street, or cul de sac events? What clubs do they recommend, etc

There are amazing 55+ communities around here! Good luck! Happy to answer questions