For many people, reaching 55 marks the start of an exciting new chapter, one with more time for friends, hobbies, travel, and the things that matter most. It’s also a natural moment to rethink where and how you want to live. But with so many active adult communities to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit?
Beechwood Organization founder and CEO Michael Dubb and Principal and President Steven Dubb recently joined News 12’s beWell to discuss exactly that, sharing what buyers should consider when choosing a 55+ community.
It Starts with the Lifestyle
A 55+ community is about more than square footage and floor plans. The best communities are designed around how residents actually want to live day to day, with opportunities to stay active, connect with neighbors, and enjoy life without the upkeep that comes with a traditional home.
When touring communities, it helps to picture a typical week. Where would you work out? Where would you meet friends? What would you do on a Tuesday afternoon? The answers say a lot about whether a community will truly feel like home.
Amenities That Support Active Living
Amenities are the heart of the active adult lifestyle. At Beechwood communities, residents can enjoy features such as:
- Resort-style pools for relaxing, swimming laps, or spending a summer afternoon with friends
- Clubhouses that are beautifully designed, almost like a hotel amenity and serve as the social hub of the community, hosting gatherings, events, and everyday get-togethers
- Fitness centers that are modern, well-equipped and make staying active convenient, right outside your front door
- Walking trails for morning strolls, evening walks, and time outdoors
- Pickleball courts for one of the fastest-growing sports among active adults
- Thoughtfully designed green spaces that bring natural beauty into everyday life
When comparing communities, look beyond the amenity checklist. Ask how the spaces are used, how often they’re programmed, and whether they fit your interests.
Community and Connection
One of the greatest benefits of a 55+ community is the chance to build meaningful relationships. A shared Clubhouse for organized activities and shared hobbies make it easy to meet neighbors who are in a similar stage of life, and many residents say the friendships they form become one of the best parts of living there.
A strong sense of community doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built into the design and the day-to-day culture.
Homes Designed for This Stage of Life
The home itself matters too. Single-level living, low-maintenance exteriors, and flexible floor plans allow residents to enjoy their homes comfortably for years to come.
At Country Pointe Preserve in Yaphank, the Beech model delivers exactly that: 1,450 square feet of single-level living, plus a lower-level buyers can customize to fit their lifestyle. Whether it becomes a guest suite, a hobby room, or a home gym, that extra space often turns out to be one of the home’s most valuable features.
The Beechwood Difference in New York and North Carolina
Beechwood has been building communities on Long Island since 1985, and today you’ll also find its neighborhoods in Saratoga Springs and in Chapel Hill and Greater Charlotte, North Carolina. Its 55+ communities are built around a simple idea: this stage of life should be about doing more of what you love. That might mean a morning walk on the trails, a pickleball game with friends, or catching up with neighbors at the clubhouse. It’s all right outside your front door.
Watch the full segment above to hear Michael and Steven Dubb’s insights, and when you’re ready to explore what 55+ living could look like for you, check out our communities →
As seen on News 12 beWell.