Active adult living in California: What today’s 55+ communities need to thrive

California’s active adult communities are thriving, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing. As the state’s leading HOA management company, FirstService Residential works closely with 55+ communities to help them meet rising expectations around lifestyle, compliance, and long-term financial health.

We spoke with Kyle Bacchi, vice president of community management for FirstService Residential’s active adult division in Northern California, to explore why these communities are growing so rapidly, what makes them unique, and how boards can position their associations for long-term success.
 

Why active adult communities are booming in California

Demographic shifts and changing lifestyle preferences are fueling unprecedented growth in California’s active adult housing market. According to the Community Associations Institute (CAI), more than 14.4 million Californians live in over 50,700 community associations, and homes in these communities are valued approximately 4% higher than comparable non-HOA properties (CAI Fact Book). That trend is even more pronounced in the 55+ sector, where demand for vibrant, maintenance-free living continues to rise.

On a national level, active adult communities maintain occupancy rates between 94% and 96%, significantly outperforming traditional senior housing options (NIC Report). The U.S. active adult market is projected to grow from $635.5 billion in 2024 to $906.6 billion by 2033, reflecting a 4.02% compound annual growth rate (Grand View Research). Much of this growth is driven by Baby Boomers, a generation redefining retirement by prioritizing lifestyle, social connection, and independence over care-based models (Private Communities).

"Active adult communities thrive because they offer more than homes. They deliver a lifestyle. Residents expect strong social programming, well-maintained amenities, and strict adherence to age-restriction requirements. Boards need a property management partner who understands these nuances."

Kyle Bacchi, vice president of community management for FirstService Residential’s active adult division in Northern California
  

Today’s 55+ buyers are not simply downsizing. They are actively seeking wellness-focused, socially engaging environments. Amenities such as fitness centers, pickleball courts, resort-style pools, and walking trails have become essential rather than optional. Communities like Regency at Folsom Ranch, Heritage Solaire, and Bickford Ranch reflect this shift.

Kyle adds:

"Boards should ask their management company how they support lifestyle programming and compliance. These aren’t extras. They’re core to the resident experience."

What active adult communities should look for in a property management company

Selecting the right management partner is one of the most important decisions an active adult board can make. Kyle encourages boards to look beyond day-to-day operations and evaluate whether a company can support the community’s long-term vision.

"Ask your management provider about staffing and succession planning. Continuity matters in active adult communities because relationships drive engagement. Boards should confirm there’s a pipeline of trained professionals ready to step in when needed."

Specialized training is equally critical.

"Managers need ongoing education in California Civil Code, Fair Housing regulations, and age-restricted community requirements. At the same time, they must understand how lifestyle engagement works. Compliance and lifestyle programming go hand in hand."

Boards should also assess whether their management company offers:

• Vendor and reserve planning expertise: Proactive financial planning to support high-use amenities such as clubhouses, pools, and fitness centers.
   
• Lifestyle programming support: Dedicated resources to sustain social events, fitness classes, and clubs that define active adult living.
   
• Regulatory and legislative advocacy: Clear processes for keeping boards informed and compliant with California’s evolving HOA laws.

"Boards should partner with a company that doesn’t just flag legislative changes, but also explains how to implement them. That level of expertise protects property values, ensures compliance, and preserves the lifestyle residents expect."

California property management trends shaping the future of active adult communities

As expectations continue to evolve, active adult boards are placing greater emphasis on technology, financial stability, and meaningful resident engagement.

"Our proprietary platforms, FirstService Residential Connect™ and HODA®, support exactly what today’s boards and residents need. They provide residents with 24/7 access to services and information, while giving boards streamlined operations, better communication, and full transparency. In communities where engagement and responsiveness define success, those tools are critical."

Technology has become a cornerstone of modern HOA management. Active adult residents increasingly expect online payments, real-time updates, digital event registration, and amenity reservations. FirstService Residential delivers these capabilities while maintaining a high-touch management approach.

Financial planning is another area where expertise makes a measurable difference.

Kyle explains:

"Through FirstService Financial, we help associations build strong reserves without increasing dues. Our scale allows us to negotiate vendor partnerships that reduce operating costs, which is especially important for communities with extensive amenities. We also assist with securing competitive insurance coverage, which is a major challenge in today’s insurance environment."

These advantages translate into cost savings, financial resilience, and long-term stability, allowing communities to sustain their lifestyle offerings without placing unnecessary financial pressure on residents.
 

What sets FirstService Residential apart

• Dedicated lifestyle programming support

  Specialized coordinators help design and sustain social calendars, fitness classes, and hobby clubs that foster connection and engagement.
   

• Local expertise backed by national resources

  Kyle explains:

  "We combine deep knowledge of California regulations with the strength of being the leading management company in North America, ensuring compliance with Civil Code, Fair Housing, and age-restriction laws."

• Proactive legislative advocacy

  FirstService monitors state HOA legislation and delivers actionable guidance to boards, helping communities avoid costly compliance missteps.
   

• Succession planning and staffing stability

  Active adult communities thrive on continuity. FirstService maintains a strong pipeline of trained professionals to preserve institutional knowledge and trusted relationships.

"Our approach is holistic. Technology, financial strategy, lifestyle programming, and compliance expertise all work together to create communities where residents don’t just live, they thrive."

Looking ahead: building communities where residents thrive

California’s active adult market continues to expand, and boards need a management partner who truly understands the unique demands of 55+ communities.

Kyle says:

"It’s about creating a lifestyle, not just managing properties. When boards and management work together, communities become places where people genuinely want to live, connect, and spend their time. That’s always our goal."

If your community is ready to elevate its resident experience, partner with the leader in active adult HOA management. From innovative technology and financial strategies to lifestyle programming and compliance expertise, FirstService Residential delivers solutions that keep your community vibrant, connected, and future-ready.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your active adult community.