From those desiring to live in a community that caters to specific age groups, or one in which all personal and healthcare needs are catered to, or perhaps a life aboard a luxury cruise ship exploring the oceans, there are many unique choices available.
Sailing The World
A ship quite appropriately named The World has been providing a floating address since 2002. Referred to as “the world’s largest private residential yacht,” The World has 165 private homes ranging in size from 580 to 888-square feet one and two-bedroom studio apartments to spacious two and three-bedroom apartments as large as 3,242 square feet in size. Residents enjoy housekeeping and concierge services to allow them to focus on enjoying life rather than performing mundane chores. Owners can live aboard full-time or simply come and go as they please. Multiple restaurants and lounges provide diverse dining opportunities as the ship cruises to exotic locations, including Antarctica, Greenland, the Falkland Islands, New Guinea, and many more exciting spots.Embracing the Cruise Lifestyle
Another firm is also planning to offer a constantly-changing address and view in the form of apartments aboard a luxury cruise ship that travels the globe; MV Narrative is designed to be a 741-foot-long, 98-foot-wide vessel with 18 decks, three pools, a helipad, bars, 20 restaurants, a movie theater, a microbrewery, a library, lounges, a marina, schools for children, and numerous other common areas, all staffed by a crew of 450.The fully-furnished units will range in size from a 237-square foot one-bedroom studio apartments to two-story, four-bedroom 1,970-square foot homes with balconies overlooking the ocean, offering ample room for an active family. These are located on the exclusive 18th deck and provide access to its “members only” amenities. The majority of the units will be used exclusively by their owners, families, and guests, or they can be purchased as income-producing investments to be offered for lease. Other apartments aboard Narrative will be offered for sale to multiple owners as three-month-long fractional interests.
Florida Neighbors
For those who prefer to plant their feet firmly on solid ground, there are many communities across the country that focus on activities, such as golf, or are limited to certain age groups. One example that covers both categories is The Villages, comprised of more than 100 neighborhoods in central Florida, south of Ocala and north of Orlando. The overall community is limited to residents at least 55 years of age or older, and features more than 50 golf courses, as well as a wealth of recreational facilities including archery ranges, kayaking lakes, tennis courts, softball fields, woodworking shops, disc golf, and pools, plus classes in yoga, dancing, painting, and many more.Residents use golf carts to get around the various communities which include retail stores, fast food providers, banks, medical, dental, and veterinarian centers, grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty shops. The intent of the developer was to create a community where older residents who do not require an assisted living facility can enjoy the Florida lifestyle among like-minded residents; because there are so many clubs and activities, it is likely new residents will be able to make new friends and settle in quickly. The homes range from apartments available on annual leases to single-family residences, including areas reserved for manufactured housing.
Golden Life
Another category of unconventional residences is the new generation of assisted living facilities. Unlike nursing homes which can be drab and depressing, there are a growing number of options such as Miami’s Belmont Village, a unique partnership with Baptist Health, that provide an upscale, active environment for seniors seeking a healthy lifestyle with access to a holistic wellness center staffed by physicians and other specialists offering preventive medicine as well a physical, occupational, and speech therapy.Situated in a 10-story luxury apartment building, it is geared towards seniors who want to take a break from home care duties, without compromising on their lifestyle. Residences range from those designed for fully-independent occupants, to those who require memory care. The property features an elegant restaurant, casual dining, housekeeping, a theater, classes, a putting green, wine storage, a dog run, car service, concierge and valet personnel, and special activities. It also encourages residents to enjoy nearby parks, golf courses, beaches, shopping, and dining while taking take part in local festivals and activities—living life to its fullest.
The Villages, in central Florida, focus on offering a wealth of activities to their residents. Courtesy of The Villages
