by Robert Borges on June 9, 2025
What Are Affinity Retirement Communities?
Affinity retirement communities—also called niche retirement communities or affinity communities—are lifestyle-driven residential developments where retirees live among others who share their values, hobbies, culture, or interests. Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett-loving “Parrot Head,” an avid equestrian, a retired professor, or a devoted dog lover, these like-minded communities foster a unique sense of belonging.
Unlike traditional retirement options, affinity retirement communities are designed around connection and shared purpose—providing a built-in network of peers who "get you" from the start.
Why Are Affinity Retirement Communities Gaining Popularity?
The answer lies in the psychology of connection. After decades of building careers and families, retirees now want to build community—real community—around shared identity.
Affinity retirement living helps meet that need by:
- Encouraging authentic friendships with shared common ground
- Providing activities and amenities tailored to specific lifestyles
- Offering emotional comfort and a strong sense of belonging
- Supporting wellness through meaningful social engagement
This type of retirement is more than just a trend—it’s a movement. As the baby boomer generation continues to redefine aging, affinity communities are rising to meet the demand for personalized, meaningful living options.
Examples of Affinity Retirement Communities
Here are just a few niche retirement communities already thriving across the U.S.:
- Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head: A Jimmy Buffett-inspired paradise for Parrot Heads
- Equestrian communities: Horse lovers can live among peers with on-site equestrian ranches and easy access to riding trails and stables
- Artist enclaves: Designed for creatives who want to be surrounded by fellow painters, writers, or musicians
- Dog-friendly neighborhoods: With dog parks, grooming stations, and pet-centered activities
- Faith-based and cultural communities: Including Christian, Jewish, or LGBT-friendly retirement developments
And these are just the beginning. From military veterans to wellness-focused yogis, the possibilities are nearly endless. It only takes about 200 residents to launch a sustainable niche retirement community—and millions of baby boomers are seeking those exact connections.
Are Affinity Retirement Communities the Future of Senior Living?
Yes—and leading experts agree. Andrew Carle, founding director of the Program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University, estimates there are currently around 100 affinity retirement communities in North America, with many more on the horizon.
“They are the future of housing and will explode in the next 10 to 15 years, when baby boomers hit 70,” Carle predicts.
These communities cater to a generation that invented choice. As Carle puts it:
“When you look at the generation that created 12 different kinds of Coke, baby boomers aren't going to settle for a generic retirement community or just two or three choices."
Find the Perfect Affinity Retirement Community with PCR
At Private Communities Registry (PCR), we’ve been helping retirees discover the best lifestyle communities for nearly 30 years. From what is a Del Webb community to elite golf communities, PCR has deep knowledge of all types of niche communities.
Our platform connects you with:
- Gated and private retirement developments
- 55+ active adult communities tailored to your interests
- Affinity communities where your people already live
- Expert guidance backed by decades of real estate insight
So if you’re ready to live among others who share your passions—whether that’s sailing, spirituality, sustainability, or swing dancing—PCR can help you find the place that feels like home.
FAQs About Affinity Retirement Communities
What is an affinity retirement community?
An affinity retirement community is a niche residential development where residents share a common interest, background, culture, or lifestyle.
How are affinity communities different from traditional retirement communities?
Affinity communities focus on shared identity, whereas traditional communities are usually based on age or general lifestyle. The social bonds in affinity living tend to form more naturally and deeply.
Who are affinity retirement communities best for?
They’re ideal for retirees who want meaningful connections with neighbors who share their passions—such as music, faith, animals, education, or sports.
Are there affinity communities for equestrian lovers?
Yes. Some of the most popular affinity options are equestrian communities and equestrian ranches, where horse lovers enjoy shared barns, stables, and equine-centered recreation.
Where can I find affinity communities near me?
Private Communities Registry (PCR) has a curated directory of hundreds of communities—including many niche and affinity retirement communities—across the U.S.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
