Retiring to the Dallas Area? Check Out These 8 Unique 55+ Retirement Communities

Last Updated: February 2, 2024

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Retirement brings with it many critical decisions. Among the most important is where you will live, be it in the home you’ve raised your kids in, an old family home, or one you are thinking of retiring too once you walk off into your sunset.

If you’re thinking about retiring to a favorable local and enjoying a unique type of living and lifestyle, a 55+ retirement community near Dallas is definitely a choice worth considering.

Introduction

As of 2023 nearly 56 million people in the U.S. were age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And that number is expected to double by 2060. Yikes!

What that means is that the baby boomers, the front-end of which started retiring back in 2008 at the age of approximately 62, are mostly in or fast approaching retirement. Some are well into their retirements, to the tune of 16 plus years. Hard to believe!

If you’re reading this there is a good chance you are in that group. If not already retired, somewhere near the tail end of the boomers, having hopefully spent years saving and preparing for the day you can walk away and start ACT II of your life.

As you’re preparing, or maybe you have already walked away but are still trying to determine where you are hoping to live out your life, you might want to consider an area many retirement-age people like yourself have decided upon– namely, Texas.

Fact is Texas is very attractive for people planning to retire. One of the reasons it’s a common choice for retirees is the tax advantages the state offers. There is no individual income tax and no state property tax, making Texas appealing!

In addition, Texas’s warm weather and mild winter temperatures (mostly) make it an obvious choice for retirees who have tired of fighting the cold found in much of the rest of country.

There are actually many great areas to select from when it comes to retiring in Texas, but today we are going to focus on one of the most popular places people just like you seems to be flocking to – the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

As we look at the area we do want to keep a couple key things in mind. First, this isn’t your parent’s retirement we are talking about. Retirees today have grown accustomed to resort-style experiences when they travel and they want some of that built into their retirement lifestyle.

You know, maintenance and worry free, understandably so. But instead of just when you travel, you probably want some of that lifestyle every day.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly a third of retirees live alone. That’s not good on many levels, as it can lead to serious issues, such as isolation and depression. These are just a few negative consequences of not staying connected, especially after you retire and no longer have a built-in social network like you did for those many years you worked.

To counter this it’s important that whether retiring with a spouse or loved one, or on your own, you  need to focus some on staying connected. Best to actively participate in a community and engage in many activities.

Which is another key feature that retirees today are looking for – vibrant communities that offer a unique lifestyle and an array of like-minded people who enjoy engaging in activities much like you do.

Truth is that where you choose to live out your life can have a huge affect on how much fulfillment and happiness you will experience in your senior years.

Whatever your reason for deciding to move after your retirement (e.g., to downsize, move near family, for a better climate or weather), it’s a big decision…obviously! So take it serious.

For today, we are going to keep our attention focused on 55+ retirement communities in the Dallas area. Not the old-style neighborhoods replete with flimsy old mobile homes, cement-cracked shuffleboard courts and a tiny pool with tiny lawn chairs surrounding it.

No, instead we are focused on some pretty sweet communities offering different kinds of homes, resort-style amenities and livings experience, different prices ranges, and lots of built-in activities. An assortment of 55+ communities you could be proud to call your home.

Last thing – keep in mind that these eight are just a small sampling of 55+ communities in and around Dallas. There are many more and you are encouraged to use these as a starting point, but you should definitely spend much more time investigating before making a decision. Ultimately you want to make a decision that will fit your life, lifestyle, budget and other key criteria you decide upon for yourself.

Bottom line you want to make a good decision on which retirement community will make the most sense for you and that you will feel comfortable joining and calling home.

For now, here are eight communities worth learning about:

The Village at Frisco Lakes (Del Web)

This Del Web planned retirement community offers the best in resort-style, low maintenance living. It includes an 18-hole, par-72 golf course with two clubhouses, and features 3,000 single-story plantation-style homes. The community is age-restricted (55+) and homes are available on a resale-only basis.

The community was built between 2006 to 2020 and is situated about 30 miles outside of Dallas surrounding Lake Lewisville in Frisco, Tx. There’s plenty of close dining, shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. Homes range from over 1,100 to nearly 2,900 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and elevations. Prices range from mid-$300ks to high $800ks.

According to the community, amenities include:

• On-site activity director
• 18-hole golf club and two clubhouse
• 3 outdoor resort-style pools
• Indoor pool
• Three fully-equipped fitness centers
• Tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Paved walking and biking trails
• Indoor walking and jogging path
• More than 100 social clubs
• Meeting rooms
• Regular community dances and parties
• Fitness and learning classes free or at reduced cost

Heritage Ranch

This 55+ gated community is set on 575 acres and offers a country-setting filled with ponds, creek beds and lots of rolling terrain. It has 1,144 single family homes and attached villas created by assorted builders that are available on a resale-only basis. The community features an Arthur Hill designed 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course and clubhouse.

The community was built between 2000 to 2007 and is situated northeast of Dallas in the City of Fairview, Tx., with plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment and medical facilities and options nearby. Homes range from over 1,300 to 3,350 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and elevations, with many sporting outdoor patios and options such as golf cart garages. Prices range from mid-$300ks to high $600ks.

According to the community, amenities include:

• On-site activity director
• Arthur Hill designed 18-hole golf club and clubhouse
• Indoor lap pool
• Outdoor pool
• Fully-equipped fitness center
• Lighted tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, as well as horseshoe pits
• More than four miles of walking and biking trails
• Numerous social clubs
• Restaurant
• Meeting and activity rooms, as well as a ballroom and library in clubhouse
• Regular community dances and parties
• Fitness and learning classes

Learn more: https://www.heritageranchgolf.com/live-here (community association)

Watermere at Southlake

This gated 55+ picturesque community filled with ponds and lots of greenspace and scenic settings is set on 67-acress. It features a championship golf course, both an elegant-dining and casual lunch restaurant, and a full-service bar in the clubhouse. There are 106 homes ranging from single-family, attached, condos and cottages, with both new and resale homes available for purchase.

The community was started in 2007 and residences continue to be built to present day. It is located in Southlake, Tx., situated between Dallas and Fort Worth. There’s plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and medical facilities and options nearby.  Homes range from over 2,130 to 2,660 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and elevations. The Cottages are all custom-built and range from 2,500 to 3,600 sq. ft.  Prices range from high-$100ks to low $1Ms.

According to the community, amenities include:

• On-site activity director
• 18-hole golf club and clubhouse
• Indoor pool
• Fitness center – fully equipped
• Lighted tennis, pickleball, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, plus horseshoe pits
• Plenty of walking and biking trails
• Numerous social clubs
• 2 restaurants and a separate full bar
• Meeting and activity rooms, as well as ballroom and library
• Salon, spa and barbershop
• Regular community dances and parties
• Fitness and learning classes

Learn more: https://www.watermere-at-southlake.com/ (community association)

The Legends

This gated 55+ neighborhood was developed by the well-regarded retiree community builder/team of Lennar Homes and Village Builders. The intimate community boasts scenic lakes and ponds, and features 91 single-family homes with attached garages, many with patios and open floor plans. The Legend’s 4,500 sq. ft. clubhouse is the social center of the community where members are able to relax, socialize and engage in numerous activities together.

The community was built between 2014 to 2018 and is situated in Flower Mound, Tx., in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There’s plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and medical facilities and options nearby. Homes range from 2,100 to 2,500 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and elevations. Prices range from mid-$400ks to low $500ks. Homes are available on a resale-only basis.

According to the community, amenities include:

• Outdoor pool
• Fully-equipped fitness center
• Outdoor patio and lounge
• Plenty of walking and biking trails
• Numerous social clubs
• Meeting and activity rooms
• Regular community functions and social activities
• Fitness and learning classes

Learn more: https://www.legendsresidentialcommunity.com/Page/27 (community association)

Robson Ranch

This 55+ gated community offers some of the best resort living in the Dallas area, featuring a championship golf course, a 17,500 sq. ft. clubhouse and a 450-seat grand ballroom and stage. There’s also a full-service restaurant/lounge/sports bar. It’s planned to eventually have 7,200 single-family and attached homes, with both new and resale homes available for purchase.

The community was started in 2002 and building continues presently. It is situated 50 minutes from Dallas and 35 minutes from Fort Worth in Denton, Tx. There’s plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and medical facilities and options nearby. Homes range from nearly 1,300 to 3,750 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and elevations. Prices range from mid-$300ks to low-$1Ms.

According to the community, amenities include:

• On-site activity director
• Gary Stephenson designed 18-hole championship golf club and clubhouse
• Indoor pool
• Outdoor resort-style pool
• Fully-equipped fitness center
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Baseball and softballs fields
• Plenty of walking and biking trails
• Numerous social clubs
• Restaurant
• Salon, spa and barbershop
• Meeting and activity rooms
• Regular community dances and parties
• Fitness and learning classes

Learn more: https://robson.com/communities/robson-ranch-texas/ (community association)

The Orchards at Arlington Highlands

This 55+ community is well-suited for those seeking to downsize into maintenance-free living and who prefer to lease versus purchase apartment-style luxury homes. The community contains 180 one- and two-bedroom apartments for lease.

The community was started in 2018 and completed in 2022. It is situated approximately a half-hour from the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Arlington, TX. The area is the home of AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), and offers plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and medical options.  Apartments range in size from 766 to 1,246 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and with different features. Monthly leases range from $1,600s to $2,700s.

According to the community, amenities include:

• Concierge
• Outdoor pool
• Fully-equipped fitness center
• Walking and biking trails
• Clubhouse/amenity center
• Social clubs
• Lounge
• Spa
• Fire pit
• Meeting and activity rooms
• Monthly activities

Learn more: https://www.orchardsarlingtonhighlands.com/ (community association)

Del Webb at Trinity Falls

This is one of several Del Web 55+ resort-style retirement communities in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. Trinity Falls is a picturesque community that boasts more than 450 acres of open space, with 537 single-family homes planned across 127 acres. There’s a 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails that are set among scenic landscapes, ponds and open areas. Only new homes are available for purchase presently.

The community was started in 2018 and residences continue to be built to present day. It is located on the banks of the East Fork of the Trinity River near McKinney, Tx., approximately 40 miles north of Dallas. There is plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and medical options nearby. Homes range from over 1,300 to 2,800 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts and elevations. Prices range from mid-$300ks to mid-$700ks

According to the community, amenities include:

• On-site activity director
• Clubhouse
• Outdoor resort-style pool
• Courts for pickleball and bocce ball
• Outdoor patio
• Fitness center – fully equipped
• Plenty of walking and biking trails
• Numerous social clubs
• Fire pit
• Boat launch
• Performance/movie theater
• Meeting and activity rooms
• Regular community activities and parties

Learn more: https://www.delwebb.com/homes/texas/dallas/mckinney/del-webb-at-trinity-falls-210272/ (community association)

Elements at Viridian

This elegant 55+ neighborhood features Lennar, David Weekly and Drees homes. The community boasts scenic lakes and plenty of open space. It will eventually contain 700 single-family homes upon completion. The community clubhouse is the center of activity hosting plenty of social groups and activities, as well as a community garden and putting green. Only new homes are available for purchase presently.

The community was started in 2017 and residences continue to be built to present day. The community is located in Arlington, Tx., approximately 25 minutes outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There’s plenty of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and medical facilities and options nearby. Homes range from 1,700 to more than 3,100 sq. ft., and come in a number of layouts (ranging from two to six bedrooms), and elevations, each with attached multi-car garages. Prices range from mid-$300ks to mid-$700ks. Homes are available on a resale-only basis.

According to the community, amenities include:

• On-site activity director
• Clubhouse
• Outdoor heated pool
• Courts for tennis, volleyball, pickleball and bocce ball
• Lakes and fishing
• Fitness center – fully equipped
• Plenty of walking and biking trails
• Numerous social clubs
• Pet park
• Meeting and activity rooms
• Regular community activities and parties

Learn more: https://www.viridiandfw.com/elements-55-plus-community/ (community association)

Conclusion

When it comes time to decide where you will hang up your boots and retire, there will be all kinds of decisions…and options.

One good option, at least while you have decent health, is choosing a community of at least somewhat like-minded people. In this case, seniors who seek to enjoy a similar lifestyle and standard of living where they can live as they wish and enjoy many benefits and amenities that are built right into the community in which they choose to retire. 55+ retirement communities are a great option in that regard.

Speaking of retirement, wherever you stand (approaching or already retired), you definitely need to be following a solid retirement plan that can help ensure your plans and goals are fully incorporated and accounted for.

At Oak Harvest we can look at your current retirement plan to determine if it can really meet your goals. Or we can assist you with a retirement plan capable of helping you do so. We can build a holistic, comprehensive retirement planaddressing relevant issues, utilizing strategies that cover taxes, income, spending, healthcare, legacy, and more, customized to your family’s specific needs.

A plan created with the goal of ensuring you can successfully live out the retirement you and your spouse envision.

If you are ready to take the next step and talk to a team of retirement planners who can advise on all your retirement needs, and who will put your interests first, Schedule a call today!