As an aging population races toward retirement, new homes designed for those 55 and over are cropping up all over the United States. Resort-style, age-restricted communities are becoming increasingly popular.

New facilities and planned communities allow retired residents untethered access to incredible recreation facilities, restaurants, social clubs and health-related services. In general, these communities are typically active adult communities or independent living facilities with the privacy and independence of individual units or homes.

Some are blended and offer the support and services of on-site health professionals or home care workers without forcing residents to give up their independence.

If you're thinking about moving for your retirement, new homes in age-restricted resort communities can be a fantastic option. No more lawn work, lots of activities, and beautiful settings await you. But, how do you choose the right community for you? Keep reading for a breakdown of the criteria you should look for in a retirement community.

Proximity to Your Family

If you want to be close to your children and grandchildren, that's going to be a primary factor in choosing a retirement community. When making your decision, think about how far you'd be willing to drive or the distance you'd expect your children and family to travel for a visit. For some people, it might be 15 minutes while for others it could be a few hours.

How do the Philosophies and Principles Compare to Yours?

Many retirement communities and active adult living developments have certain philosophies. The question is, do they match your own? If you love hunting and fishing, you may not enjoy spending your retirement in a community dedicated to vegetarianism and artistic pursuits.

Some retirement communities have a "green" focus, others have an "active lifestyle" focus, and still others are committed to social activities and recreation. Make sure you understand the priorities and direction of your community before you commit and move in.

Pedestrian and Transit Friendly

The reality is that many seniors don't continue to drive for the duration of their lives. So, finding a retirement community that is either very pedestrian friendly or has easy access to public transit is critical. You'll appreciate the easy access to groceries and pharmacies.

Would I Get Along with the Other Residents?

One of the best things you can do before you buy into a new retirement community is attend a meeting for potential homeowners. If the community is already built, then ask to join in a social or recreational function.

Look around the room and ask yourself if you could see yourself spending your retirement with these people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of retirement together? Whether or not your home is new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical part of enjoying your overall community experience.