What Is An Active Adult Community? Complete Guide to 55+ Living in Maine
Turning 55? That’s not a signal to slow down. Active adult communities get that.
More people are hitting retirement age with zero plans to “wind down.” If you're exploring active adult community options in Maine, you're looking at one of the fastest-growing housing choices in the country. Built for residents 55 and older, these communities deliver independence. Low-maintenance living. Opportunity to stay social and active. All without the headaches of traditional homeownership.
So what actually defines an active adult community in Maine? And how do you know if it's right for you?
This guide breaks down what active adult living really means—plus how communities like The Cove at Highland Lake in Windham, Maine are bringing that lifestyle to fruition.
What Defines an Active Adult Community?
Active adult communities are built for people who want freedom minus the maintenance burden. They're designed for folks who'd rather spend Saturday kayaking than mowing the lawn.
Communities like these can include single-family residences, townhomes, or condos. All thoughtfully designed for comfort, accessibility, and ease of living. You own your home. You control your space. You just don't have to shovel snow anymore.
Designed for an Active, Independent Lifestyle
Here's the thing: many of today's 55+ homeowners aren't looking for "senior housing." That term feels dated because it minimizes the zest for life that older adults enjoy for decades.
They want freedom, flexibility, and a lifestyle that supports their interests instead of restricting them.
Active adult communities in Maine are often located near:
Outdoor recreation and walking paths
Dining, shopping, and entertainment
Fitness and wellness opportunities
The Cove takes this up a notch. Highland Lake is now your backyard. Morning walks along the water. Afternoon kayaking. Evening cocktails watching the sunset. A trip to downtown Portland for dinner and live music.
The lakeside setting naturally encourages movement, connection, and time outdoors. A morning paddle. An afternoon hike. An evening spent with neighbors at the clubhouse.
Low-Maintenance Living Without Giving Up Ownership
Here's the beauty of active adult living: you own your home, but you're not married to a lawnmower.
You handle your interiors. The homeowners' association manages exterior maintenance. Monthly dues cover landscaping, snow removal, and exterior upkeep. Your weekends are yours again.
For many residents, this shift means:
More time to travel without worrying about the house (did we mention how close The Cove is to the Portland Jetport?)
Fewer seasonal chores eating up your schedule
Less stress when you are away for extended periods
At The Cove, low-maintenance living supports a lifestyle that feels both effortless and refined. You're not cutting corners. You're cutting grass off your to-do list.
Community, Connection, and Shared Interests
Active adult communities are designed to foster connection. Because residents are at similar life stages, friendships form naturally. No forced activities required.
Shared amenities and gathering spaces encourage:
Fitness and wellness activitie
Social events and clubs
Casual, everyday interaction
At The Cove, this shows up through pickleball games, impromptu conversations by the water, neighborhood gatherings, and a shared appreciation for an active, social way of life. You'll find your people here because they chose the same priorities you did.
What Active Adult Communities Do Not Provide
Quick clarification: active adult communities aren't assisted living facilities.
Active adult communities:
Do not provide on-site healthcare services
Do not include assisted living or nursing care
Do not offer mandatory dining programs
This makes them ideal for individuals and couples who are comfortable living independently and want the flexibility to shape their own daily routines. You're not signing up for scheduled activities. You're opening up your calendar for whatever you choose.
Who Chooses an Active Adult Community?
Active adult communities attract residents who are:
Social and community-oriented
Physically active and wellness-minded
Well-traveled and value flexibility
Ready to downsize without compromising quality
At The Cove, homes in Maine reflect thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and a lifestyle-driven community. Residents aren't just buying a home. They're choosing how they want to spend the next chapter.
Best Active Adult Communities in Southern Maine
Quality matters when you're choosing where to spend your retirement years. Not all 55+ communities are built the same.
NH based custom-home builder Stiletto Construction has deep, decades long ties to Maine, which made them the perfect fit for helping redefine what an active-adult community could look like. With a track record for getting the details right, Stiletto Construction is already proving to be the best fit white-glove general contractor this unique community called for. When you’re creating something this intentional, you need a partner who understands that quality shows up in everything. From how a home sits on the land to how the community flows around the lake.
The Cornerstone Award recognizes a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and community design that sets new standards for 55+ living in Maine, proving this isn’t just another development. It’s award-winning architecture meeting lakeside lifestyle.
The difference shows in the details: energy-efficient construction, universal design elements for aging in place, premium materials throughout, and a setting that makes every day feel like vacation.
Is an Active Adult Community Right for You?
If you're seeking:
A 55+ community designed for independence
Low-maintenance living in a scenic Maine setting
Opportunities to stay active, social, and connected
Then an active adult community might be your next smart move.
Communities like The Cove offer a clear example of how active adult living should feel. Intentional, connected, and rooted in lifestyle rather than age. You're not moving somewhere to wind down. You're moving somewhere to live fully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Adult Communities
What's the minimum age for active adult communities?
Most active adult communities require at least one resident to be 55 or older. Some allow younger spouses, but age restrictions vary by community.
Do I have to participate in community activities?
Nope! Amenities and activities are available for those who want them, but participation is always optional. Many residents love the flexibility to engage on their own terms.
What's typically included in HOA fees?
HOA fees usually cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, common area upkeep, and amenity maintenance. At The Cove, fees also support the clubhouse, lake access, water and irrigation, cable and wireless internet!
Can I rent out my home in an active adult community?
Rental policies vary by community. Many active adult communities have restrictions on rentals to maintain the residential character and quality of the neighborhood. The Cove at Highland Lake allows for 6-month or longer rentals.
Learn More About Life at The Cove
Want to explore what award-winning active adult lakeside living looks like in Windham, Maine? We'd love to show you around.
