My husband and I would like to purchase a free standing home in one of the "Active Senior Communities" (age 55)in Northern California. I've found many in Southern California but not in Northern....?? Anyone know of a nice senior community? Thanks, Kelly

The Villages in San Jose, California is a 55+ active community with golf course.

There are several very nice ones with golf courses, etc (Del Webb and others) in western Placer county around Roseville and Lincoln. This area is north of Sacramento and about 90+ minutes from Lake Tahoe.

There are also some in the Napa/Sonoma area but they are mostly VERY expensive.

I have also seen advertisements for some in the central valley - Rio Vista, Stockton, and so on.

Thanks for the suggestions. We'd prefer to buy a brand new home if possible. The Lincoln community north of Sacramento sounded perfect. I found their web page and unfortunately they're sold out and closing their models Today! How's that for bad timing. There are really nice, new tracts in Riverside County but the new ones seem few and far between in Northern California. We don't want a mobile home or a condo...just a smaller single family home. Thanks! Kelly

Kelly, if you are really desirous of only a new house, take a look at Springfield at Whitney Oaks, a Pulte development in Rocklin near Sacramento. Smaller, and in my opinion, nicer than Sun City. I can't believe that Sun City Lincoln Hills is sold out, they must just mean the current phase: they are planning 6,800 homes with a scheduled build-out of 2003-2004. Just south of Sacramento in Elk Grove there is Heritage at Lakeside, a U.S. Home development where you can still get a new home.If you are open to a resale home take a look at Oakmont in Santa Rosa or Del Webb's Clover Springs in Cloverdale. As Bob has suggested, The Villages in San Jose is lovely but big bucks. If you want to look as far south as Carmel, there is Del Mesa Carmel, but again, big bucks. My book on retirement communities in CA is currently at the publisher. Seems like there could be a market!

Jim,
So sorry...I had it wrong. It is Springfield at Whitney Oaks, a Pulte development in Rocklin that is sold out and closed their models. This comples sounded so perfect! Not sure that I've looked into Sun City Lincoln Hills, but I will. Thank you! Kelly

I second Bob's recommendation about The Villages in San Jose.
www.the-villages.com

Rio Vista - a trilogy development by Shea Homes

Kelly,

No one has suggested San Louis Obispo. This is a very popular retirement community. It is not the most northern California, but is located just north of Santa Barbara, a beautiful location and nearby Hearst Castle.

Kelly--a few suggestions for you to check out:
Sun City in Lincoln, Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, Chandler’s Gate in Tiburon, Oakmont Village in Santa Rosa, Kelly Ridge Estates in Oroville, The Vineyard in Redding, Trilogy at Rio Vista, Saddle Creek in Copperopolis (near Stockton), farther south--River Island East in Springville, the Greens at Seven Oaks in Bakersfield.

San Luis Obispo is a great area, but the prices are skyrocketing. (but I don't know Kelly's budget) As far as I know, there aren't any active senior communities.