by Robert Borges on June 6, 2025

For a growing number of retirees, the traditional single-family home or senior living center is no longer the dream. Instead, senior townhomes are becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice — offering the perfect blend of independence, low-maintenance living, and built-in community.

What Are Senior Townhomes in Active Adult Communities?

Senior Townhome community

Senior townhomes are multi-family homes—often one-level or with an owner’s suite on the main floor—designed specifically for adults aged 55 and over. Found in active adult communities, these homes typically share at least one wall with another unit, but offer plenty of privacy and comfort.

There are several types of senior townhomes available to suit different lifestyles and mobility needs:

  • Ranch-style townhomes are single-level residences ideal for those who want to avoid stairs entirely.
  • Multilevel townhomes may feature the main living space and primary suite on the ground floor, with guest rooms or flex space upstairs—perfect for visiting family or hobbies.
  • Elevator townhomes offer the ease of multi-story living with the added convenience of a private elevator, making them a smart choice for aging in place.

In many 55+ communities, senior townhomes come with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) that manage landscaping, exterior maintenance, and even some utilities. This setup appeals to retirees looking for a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle, especially those who travel or seasonal snowbirds dividing time between multiple homes. Residents also enjoy access to the community’s full suite of amenities, such as clubhouses, fitness centers, golf courses, and walking trails.

Why Are Townhomes for Seniors Growing in Popularity?

The demand for senior townhomes is rising — and for good reason. According to The Senior List, older adults are increasingly drawn to townhome living because it offers the best of both worlds: privacy and independence, combined with a sense of connection and convenience.

Several factors are driving this trend:

  • Low-maintenance living: Many retirees are tired of yardwork and home repairs. Townhomes eliminate that burden.
  • Affordability: Townhomes often cost less than single-family homes in the same community.
  • Aging in place: Thoughtful layouts and features like first-floor owner’s suites make townhomes ideal for aging comfortably at home.
  • Community connection: Close-knit neighborhoods and shared spaces naturally foster interaction and friendships.

Amenities, Social Life & Lifestyle Perks

Amenities and lifestyle in senior townhome communities

One of the biggest draws of senior townhome living is the lifestyle that comes with it. In active adult communities, townhome residents typically enjoy:

  • Fitness centers & recreation complexes
  • Golf courses, pools, and clubhouses
  • Boating, hiking, and nature trails
  • Onsite restaurants and social clubs

Beyond the physical amenities, these communities are built for engagement. Neighborhood get-togethers, clubs, and social events make it easy to stay active and meet like-minded neighbors.

Senior Townhomes in Tellico Village: Resident Stories & Community Highlights

Tellico Village TN community with affordable senior townhomes

Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, Tellico Village is a standout example of a master-planned community offering senior townhomes. Spanning 5,000 scenic acres along Tellico Lake and just 15 miles from Knoxville, this vibrant community blends natural beauty with resort-style living.

From a yacht and country club to multiple recreation and fitness centers, residents enjoy amenities that cater to an active lifestyle. Tellico Village also features dozens of social and special interest clubs, making it easy to connect and build lasting friendships.

For Pat and John Ezell, Tellico Village offered the perfect blend of independence and community:

“Living in a townhome is great for people who travel a lot, because then they don’t have to worry about getting the lawn mowed, or anything like that,” Pat said. “Our townhome association also plans social events, organizes neighborhood get-togethers, and it’s great.”

Laura and Chuck Imboden, who first visited Tennessee to be closer to family, found themselves drawn to the ease and beauty of the lifestyle:

“We were living in our RV in the mountains of Colorado... and 17 years later we still love it here,” Laura shared. “We’ve since retired from RV-ing, but now we enjoy golfing and the community church here.”

Townhomes in Tellico Village are priced from the mid $300,000s to the low $700,000s, offering options for many retirement budgets.

How to Find Senior Townhomes Across the U.S.

Search Senior Townhomes throughout the U.S.

If you're considering the benefits of senior townhome living, Private Communities Registry (PCR) is your trusted source. With nearly 30 years of expertise, PCR connects retirees and active adults with the country’s top lifestyle communities.

Explore PrivateCommunities.com to search for senior townhomes by region, amenities, lifestyle features, or price point. You'll find detailed listings, community profiles, and direct contact options to learn more from community representatives.

FAQs About Senior Townhomes

What is a senior townhome?

A senior townhome is a low-maintenance, multi-family residence designed for adults 55 and over, often located within a planned community that offers amenities and social activities.

Are townhomes good for retirees?

Yes! Townhomes are a great fit for retirees seeking a lower cost and maintenance-free lifestyle with access to community amenities and opportunities to socialize.

How do senior townhomes differ from condos?

While both may offer similar maintenance-free living, townhomes often have private entrances and attached garages, and provide more of a single-family home feel.

Where can I find senior townhomes for sale?

You can browse hundreds of senior townhome options in lifestyle communities across the U.S. at PrivateCommunities.com, a leading resource for 55+ and active adult communities.

 

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.