Retiring in a Resort Community? What to Consider Before You Move

After years of juggling work, school calendars, and back-to-back schedules, you finally get to choose how your days play out. For many people, that decision starts with where they are going to live. Resort communities offer more than just scenic views; they’re designed to support the lifestyle you truly want, whether that means early morning tee times, lazy afternoons on the lake, or evenings spent with the neighbors and friends.

This guide walks you through what to consider before choosing a resort-style retirement, including lifestyle goals, healthcare access, community feel, and long-term value. Let’s take a closer look at what your next chapter could look like.

What is a Resort Community and Why Does It Appeal to Retirees?

Real estate for retirement isn’t just about downsizing; it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels like a reward. For many retirees, that means looking beyond traditional subdivisions and toward resort lifestyle communities, where daily living is defined by ease, beauty, and possibility. Homes typically feature open floor plans, natural finishes, and expansive windows that showcase incredible views, whether that’s a quiet cove, wooded hillside, or mountain horizon.

Designed for recreation, comfort, and connection, they often have nearby golf courses, pools, walking trails, wellness centers, marinas, or private clubs. Your days can be as relaxed or active as you like, with plenty of room to socialize, recharge, stay fit, or simply enjoy your own space and time. Retirees are especially drawn to resort communities for these reasons:

• They make it easy to live the lifestyle you’ve worked toward. Leisure, wellness, and connection aren’t just occasional luxuries. They’re part of the rhythm, from morning yoga by the lake to neighborhood dinners that feel more like family gatherings.
• They’re designed to feel beautiful, peaceful, and low-maintenance. Think mountain views, manicured trails, and homes built for comfort and simplicity, where even daily errands come with a dose of serenity.
• They create space for connection and belonging. With shared amenities, community events, and friendly neighbors just a golf cart ride away, it’s easy to feel welcome and part of something.

Designing Your Next Chapter

Before browsing listings, ask yourself: “What kind of life do I want in retirement?” Buying real estate for your retirement isn’t just about square footage or resale value; it’s going to be more about choosing a home that supports the way you want to live every day. Here are a few lifestyle questions to help guide your search:

Do you want an active social calendar and a built-in community?

A country club or golf community might be just the ticket. Beyond tee times, you’ll find group fitness classes, member dinners, walking clubs, and holiday events. These are great places to meet people and stay connected. Explore SML’s premier country club communities.

Are you looking for peace and privacy, with natural beauty all around you?

Lakefront and mountain resort communities often offer larger lots, wooded views, and direct access to hiking or the water. At SML, there are many homes where the loudest thing you’ll hear in the morning is a heron gliding by your dock. Browse our guide to lakefront and mountain homes at SML.

Do you want low-maintenance living so you can lock up and travel freely?

Luxury condos and townhomes in resort communities are designed with ease in mind. Landscaping and maintenance are typically included, which is perfect for seasonal residents or retirees who plan to travel often.

Are wellness and fitness part of your daily routine?

Resort communities with wellness centers, walking trails, and health-focused amenities are designed to support active living. Some include spa services or on-site dining with nutritious options. For those prioritizing health in retirement, these communities offer a ready-made foundation.

Do you expect to host friends and family often?

Flexible layouts with guest suites, bunk rooms, or finished basements make hosting easy. Communities with marinas, kid-friendly pools, and walkable attractions make it easier to turn your home into a go-to destination for the grandkids (and their parents, too).

No matter what you’d love your retirement to be, there’s a community that fits. The key is to define your lifestyle first and let that shape your real estate retirement decisions. When your home reflects how you want to live, everything else tends to fall into place.

Looking for more guidance? Read these five tips for choosing the best retirement home.

What It Really Costs to Live in a Resort Community

When you’re browsing retirement homes, in Virginia or otherwise, it’s easy to zero in on the listing price, but that number only tells part of the story. These homes come with amenities that enhance your lifestyle, and a few ongoing costs that help keep those perks running smoothly.

• HOA dues

Homeowners’ association fees typically cover basics like landscaping, snow removal, and road maintenance. In resort-style neighborhoods, they often go further, giving you access to fitness centers, pools, security, and social events.

Before you commit, it’s smart to review the HOA’s rules and covenants. Some communities have guidelines about rentals, exterior updates, or even what kind of landscaping you can install. They’re meant to protect the look and feel of the neighborhood, but it’s best to know the boundaries before you move in.

• Initiation or membership fees

If your community has a golf course, marina, or wellness center, you may encounter a one-time initiation fee or separate membership dues. Some are optional, others are bundled into your residency. It all depends on how the community is structured, and you can always ask your real estate agent to help you navigate the process.

• Taxes, insurance, and utilities

Lake views and luxury finishes can come with higher property taxes, and insurance needs may differ, especially in waterfront or rural locations. It’s also worth checking on utility costs if your new home is larger, more remote, or more energy-intensive than what you’re used to.

Understanding all the moving parts, from fees to long-term value, helps you plan with confidence and focus on what matters most: choosing a home that makes every day feel like you’re where you’re meant to be.

Access, Essentials, and Everyday Ease

Even in a setting designed for relaxation, convenience still matters. The best resort communities make daily life smoother.

• Healthcare and wellness services

Full-service hospitals, urgent care, and specialists should be within reasonable reach. It’s also worth checking for local pharmacies, dental and optical providers, and physical therapy. Keep in mind that with telehealth now part of everyday care, strong broadband coverage is important too.

It’s also wise to think long-term. Even if you plan to age in place, having a continuum of care, like in-home support, short-term rehabilitation, or assisted living, nearby can offer valuable peace of mind as your needs evolve.

• Grocery stores and everyday shopping

A nearby grocery store is a must, but it’s even better if you’ve got access to a local farmers market, specialty shops, and a neighborhood bakery. Don’t forget basics like pharmacies, hardware stores, and banks, which are easy to overlook until you need them.

The farmers market over at Moneta is a personal favorite among SML residents. You’ll find local produce, homemade pies, and more than a few friendly faces, especially on Saturday morning when everyone seems to have the same idea.

• Roads, travel, and tech

In lakeside and mountain areas, it’s important to ask about road conditions year-round. Are roads well-maintained? Is the location easy to access during the winter months? If you expect visitors or travel often, proximity to airports or major highways can be another plus.

Smith Mountain Lake checks all of these boxes. Daily errands are a breeze thanks to Westlake Towne Center, where you’ll find a grocery store, pharmacy, banks, and restaurants all in one place. Healthcare services and hospital care are within easy reach, and broadband coverage continues to improve throughout the area.

Thanks to mild winters and well-kept roads, the area stays accessible all year, although you may need to dust off the snow shovel once or twice.

Connection, Community, and Getting Involved

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down your social life (unless you want it to, of course). One of the most rewarding aspects of resort lifestyle communities is how naturally they support connection. Whether you’re hoping to dive into an active social calendar or take things one friendly conversation at a time, these neighborhoods make it easy to feel like you belong.

Clubs and social gatherings

Many resort communities organize regular events that bring neighbors together. There are plenty of wine tastings, book clubs, pickleball matches, themed dinners, or sunset cruises you can join. But sometimes, it’s the smallest traditions, like Sunday coffee on the porch with neighbors, that end up meaning the most.

Opportunities to give back

Resort communities aren’t just about leisure. Many are rooted in strong local networks where it’s easy to volunteer at animal shelters, food banks, libraries, or other local nonprofits. Church groups and civic organizations also offer meaningful ways to stay engaged and meet others with shared values.

Staying in the loop

From HOA committees to community newsletters and resident groups, staying informed and involved is simple. Private social media pages or group texts often help neighbors keep track of events and opportunities, which makes it easy for new residents to jump in.

Many people in resort communities have been the “new one” at some point, so whether you’re the type to organize the next chili cook-off or just wave from the porch, you’ll find your rhythm. Once you do, that friendly wave could turn into a real connection, and pretty soon, it’ll feel like home.

Resale and Legacy

While choosing real estate for retirement should be geared predominantly to your pleasure, a lifetime of smart decision-making is always present. Will this home grow with you? Will it support your needs in the future? Maybe most importantly, what kind of legacy might it leave for the people you love?

A home that ages well with you

Many plan to stay in their retirement home for the long haul. That’s why it’s worth looking for features that will make life easier down the road: single-level living, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms. These homes aren’t just more livable today, they’re also more desirable when it’s time to sell.

Understanding the resale landscape

Resort lifestyle communities tend to hold their value well, especially in scenic areas like SML. Still, not every home sells at the same pace or price.. Buyers pay attention to condition, location within the neighborhood, ease of upkeep, and access to amenities. A well-maintained, move-in-ready home close to the action is always going to attract interest.

Planning for the legacy you want to leave

For many retirees, this home will be more than just a place to live. It might become a family gathering spot, a vacation tradition, or part of an estate to pass along. Some adult children may want to keep it in the family. Others may prefer to sell. Either way, it’s worth thinking through what role this home might play in your broader plans.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Retiring to a resort community means designing a lifestyle that feels rewarding, peaceful, and genuinely yours. From healthcare and cost of living to long-term planning and social life, we’ve covered the key things to think about before you make your move.

My name is Jane Horne, and as a long-time resident of a resort community and a local real estate expert at Smith Mountain Lake, VA, I’ve helped many clients find their dream retirement home. Whether you’re still exploring your options or ready to start living your best life at Smith Mountain Lake, I’m here when you’re ready to help. Call (540) 493-1690 or send me an email.