Getting together with just a few of our friends at RCW.
My husband Thom and I never planned to live in a 55-or-older community. When a person is younger, those neighborhoods seem like a step away from entering a nursing home. Who wants to be surrounded by old people? Then when we hit our 60s we began seeing some of the benefits. Plus, when combined with our decision to “rightsize” our life nearly 15 years ago, we discovered it was a way to combine the two lifestyles—and suddenly it became the perfect solution for our current wants and needs. And no, we have discovered they are much more than just a place for old people!
In case you are not familiar with rightsizing, that was a word my husband Thom and I began using when we decided to downsize our lives around 2010. Like so many others we had bought a beautiful big house in a great neighborhood with a swimming pool/spa and a three-car garage. It was everything we thought we wanted until it wasn’t.
Gradually we realized we didn’t need nearly as much space as the house contained, we barely spent time in the pool, the garage space was just another storage area and the yard, although beautiful was expensive to maintain. That’s when we decided to sell the big house and go smaller. Without children at home, we didn’t have to be concerned about schools. Just finding a neighborhood that offered some of the amenities we liked—quiet, clean, good walking and biking and near facilities like shopping and a library was enough. We found one nearly half the size as before and were able to buy it outright with the proceeds from selling our larger house. I personally wasn’t sure we could live in that smaller size but within weeks knew we’d make the right decision. Best of all we were able to save significantly on our monthly expenses. That move was a win-win-win for us and if you want to read more about how beneficial it was—search for more articles here on this site or check out my book titled, Rightsizing for Retirement.
For over ten years our rightsized house was perfect for us. Yet many people saw our downsizing as giving up or a sacrifice. Instead, we saw it as tailoring our lifestyle toward what we wanted to experience more of in our lives. Rather than use our finances to maintain our “larger” lifestyle, we were able to use that money to buy experiences, travel and do things that brought us a better quality of life.
Then at some point I began to feel I was isolated in our neighborhood. Sure, we were surrounded by families—even some of our own personal family members—but they all seemed busy with their lives, school and work. I was finding less and less connection with people close by who could share my likes, understandings and concerns. Sure, I could join groups that were nearby—like ten to 25 miles away. But I became less and less interested in driving to meet others whenever I mostly just wanted to connect and chat. Then COVID happened and we all know where that happened to lead.
Then around two years ago we happened to visit Tucson AZ when looking for an investment property. 
We’d visited Tucson a couple of times before and really liked the city. One of the major attractions here is a 140-mile dedicated bike trail that nearly surrounds the entire city. While exploring options, we happened upon Rincon West RV Resort that offered direct access to this bike loop. It was there that we were introduced to a seldom considered version of a tiny home—the “park model.”
As I’ve written about before, many RV parks around the country allow park models as a more permanent way to visit and enjoy the advantages of living in a RV resort. RCW is very large with over 1,200 spaces, with over half being permanent park models. The rest of the spaces are for RVs like trailers, motorhomes and Fifth Wheels that come and go. What brings most people to a park like Rincon West RV Resort is the amenities and the location. With easy access to downtown Tucson (we can drive there in 15 minutes or less) and are backed up to Saguaro West National Park on one side, we can easily access the freeway both north and east.
After renting for a month to see if we liked it, we bought a park model close the clubhouse and fixed it up exactly the way we wanted it. All in—we’ve spent less than $50,000! It is comfortable, clean and has everything we want and need. But it is small—right around 600 sq. ft. However, like majority of people who live here—most of us are only here for five or six months. I’m guessing most residents have homes elsewhere (especially those in northern climates.).
Again, one of my big arguments against living in a 55+ community was that everyone is old. I’ll admit that there are several Centurions who live here. But there are also a large majority who are 60 to upper 70s and yes, even those in their 50s. We’ve found that the combination of RV people and those who live in park models are a great mix. That’s because RV people and those drawn to this lifestyle still tend to be very active, engaged and enjoy being outdoors.
And in case you think everyone is impaired and infirmed, you’d be very wrong. Some of those in their 70s and 80s are far more active than me. There are hiking clubs, biking clubs, pickleball, bocce, tennis and just about every sport you can imagine. Of course, there is also a huge woodworking room and facilities for creating art (stained glass, ceramics, sewing, etc.) and a library stuffed with books. They offer my personal favorite of line dancing (three times a week), ballroom dancing, several types of yoga along with water aerobics—and yes there is an Olympic sized (heated) pool and hot tub. There are so many activities and groups I can’t mention them all.
Another big highlight for people who live in our 55+ community is gated security. But even more important than that is the fact that I know practically everyone on my street by name. They look out for us, and we look out for them. And not a day goes by when you can stop and have a chat with dozens of people—if you want. At the same time, no one pesters you if you don’t want to be bothered. There is a Happy Hour nearly every night of the week on one street or another—and yes, bring a chair, your own beverage, and you’re invited. Sure, there are a few people who are cranky, and you might want to avoid (aren’t they everywhere?). But for the most part one of the biggest attractions here at Rincon is how friendly everyone is. One of the largest challenges is trying to remember everyone’s name!
If you google the disadvantages of living in a 55+ community one of the consistent complaints is that there is a HOA (homeowner’s fee.) And yes, even though you can own your own park model or RV, you must “lease” the space where it is parked. While not necessarily cheap, it is nearly impossible to rent a home anywhere in the country for less. Then when you throw in all the amenities, it is incomparable. Only maintaining our tiny yards, our homes and any storage shed sitting on our lot is our responsibility. Taxes for a park model are very low.
Do some people live here all year long. Yes. And it is the desert, so it gets very hot during the summer. 
Most everyone tries to take vacations if they can during that time of year, but there are those who stay here all year round. Resort activities definitively decline for the six months when it’s hot. But there are always the pools, the clubhouse, the gym and the many things still happening.
I imagine there will be a time when living at a place like Rincon is not possible. If you reach an age when you can no longer be independent, then it could be time to move to an assisted living center or similar. However, I’ve heard of several residents who have a person either do home visits or live-in care so that too is alternative. Obviously, the cost to live here—even with more hands-on care—is far less expensive than most other options.
I think more traditional 55+ communities like Sun City or others are another great alternative. But like my checklist for rightsizing, it all comes down to what you need—sometimes even more than what you want. I don’t need all that space and why hang on to “stuff” I seldom (if ever) use? Plus, this is just our 2nd “winter season here in Tucson and I already know more people—and have a LOT more in common with them—than I ever did living in our California neighborhoods for 30 years. I also have dozens of activities and things I can do every single day, and I don’t have to drive anywhere to do them—they are right outside my door.
There are no hard and fast rules for living a “rightsized” life. What’s important is knowing your options and making choices that fit both your needs and some of your wants. As we age, we all must make decisions about where we will live and what our financial resources will allow. And I believe it is better to make those choices while we are able rather than have them forced upon us by circumstances.
A big intention for my next ten years is to travel as much as possible. We plan to be gone all summer long—just like we did the last three or four. Living our rightsized life in a 55+ community gives us the resources to do that—and to continue to travel and enjoy our lives fully. As always, that sounds SMART to us!
Thank you, I will. Hope you guys come south one day before that. Hugs, Jim
Kathy and Thom, I enjoyed this whole 365, of course, all your articles are interesting, and knowing you guys makes me feel like I am along for the ride. Living in a 55+ Community has been on my mind lately, being looking in Arizona and New Mexico so I can see my three kids and nine grandchildren more than I see them here in Mexico, however, with the economy being in the disaster as it is not a good time to sell, however,r my property value has never been higher here. After reading all your articles and the comments from others who follow you, I guess my thoughts may be a good idea, I have just been looking. Being 70 as Thom, my High School best Friend, I truly appreciate all that you post on SMARTLiving365.com I have learned so much, maybe more than I learned in High School, but I will leave that in the Past. Thank you, Kathy and Thom
Hi Jim! Thank you for your kind words. And I happen to think that finding a 55+ community would be very beneficial for you for all sorts of reasons. Let us know if you decide to make the move! ~K & T
Kathy, that looks like a really fun place to live! Very low stress and you have the chance to socialize with people at a similar place in life.
Hi Bethany! Yes, it is a fun place to live…and Tucson is a great “small” city too so it is a win-win! (at least for now!). ~Kathy
Hello Kathy,
You have some strong arguments for living in a 55+ community. I like all of them and I’m glad you and Thom are faring well in Tucson during the winters. I’d really enjoy surroundings and activities like that, too. And I love Tucson.
As a matter of fact, when we house sat for three weeks one year in Florida’s “The Villages” 55+ community, we were super impressed with all the offered activities and the healthy appearances of our neighbors.
Are you considering selling your home in California and living in Tucson part time and travel for the rest of the year?
Hi Liesbet! I do believe that living in “some” 55+ communities can be very advantageous but I also know that they are all individual… Just like we all are…so finding the right fit is always important. And while all the amenities and activities can be important…a certain mix of people is also critical. Most people if you ask them why they like RCW (the name of our community) is that after traveling to many other places they found that this place had the friendliest people. Pretty good recommendation don’t you think?
And no, we won’t sell our place in CA anytime soon. We do plan to rent it out (not short term) for a while and use the income to be able to afford to travel!!! Are you headed back this way anytime soon? ~Kathy
Nope. Not heading back to the US at all. Other than potential quick visits. Trying to stay away for at least four more years… Of course, this mainly depends on how Mark’s mom is doing and where we will end up after our South American adventure comes to an end within the next two years.
Hi Kathy! You make some fabulous arguments for considering a 55+ community. Since we have visited you there, I can attest to everything you’ve said about your neighborhood (including the nightly Happy Hours). Although we aren’t ready to sell our house and move, we are looking forward to experiencing a whole week in our own rented park model soon.
Hi Janis! Thanks! Now that you’ve visited here you do know some of what our community offers–and in a couple of months you’ll have an even better idea when you spend a week here. I think that it is so important for all of us to try out different options before we ever take a BIG leap. And you are fortunate that you like your permanent home so much. But like many of the people who are here for the winter only, it is still an option as an inexpensive 2nd home where the weather is good. Thanks for your thoughts AND for letting me know that my spam blocker was giving you trouble. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy:
So nice to hear from you again! And this idea interests me because a good friend down in Tucson recently invited us down there this spring. I have another reason to go there, lower elevation. My lungs are not getting any better and I have been on O2 for 4 years now. Maybe we’ll come down there and see you sometime??? Laura from 7,000 feet in southern Colorado
P.S. Is it hard to get wifi and TV subscriptions for half a year?
Hi Laura! Nice to hear from you! And yes, if you come to Tucson we can finally meet in person. Of course while it is a much lower elevation than where you are…it also gets VERY hot in the summer. So be sure and visit before May. Not sure you would like the hotter temps any more than I do. And I agree about elevation. My BP wouldn’t let me do 7,000 feet at all.
Depending where you decided to stay, it is possible to rent here in Rincon at a place that has wifi and TV subscriptions already. Plus I think a lot of vacation rentals do the same. If you were to buy you could just pay month to month on the TV but not sure about the wifi.
Let me if you plan a trip down and we can arrange a meetup!
~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Your experience at Rincon West RV Resort is inspiring, especially the sense of connection, active lifestyle, and adaptability it offers. It’s a wonderful reminder that aging isn’t about limitations but about making choices that support a vibrant and fulfilling life. I’ve missed your posts so it was great to hear from you. Donna
Hi Donna! Yes isn’t it great that we have so many choices as we age? I don’t think our parents had nearly as many options about where and how they would be living–if they were as fortunate to live this long? Plus with the advantages of advanced health–who knows what it might lead to? Our goal then is to maximize those advantages don’t you think?
And thank you for saying you’ve missed my posts! At least for now I’m determined to do my best before I’m off traveling again. And for you? I always enjoy checking out what’s happening in your life whenever I pop over and read your posts. Carry on…right? ~Kathy
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Oops – that was supposed to be a ‘heart’!
Ah… I’m fine with questions but I will also take a heart anytime as well. Sending one back to you! (I tried to put a heart in there myself 3 times and it won’t take it. Oh well! :–)
I think moving from the city to a smaller place has many similarities to what you are experiencing and what I experienced moving out of Vancouver to Courtenay. Less traffic and more friends and activities.
Hi Ann! Good for you for moving to a place that works for you while you are still young enough to enjoy it! And thank you for thoughts on this and for saying “Hi!” ~Kathy
Kathy, thank you for a comprehensive and honest evaluation of living in a 55+ community. Connections are important at our age and finding the ‘right’ community is important. Malcolm and I had a different experience to yours when we lived for one year in a 55+ apartment community. Although the calendar was full and there were plenty of stimulating offerings, the average age skewed upwards of 75, and the demographic was mostly female, making it hard for us to make meaningful connections as a couple. My advice to anyone considering living in an Adult community is to check it out carefully and read this blog! I’m glad you found a place that works for you. You guys look happy.
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for your perspective on the 55+ Community. You are absolutely right that they might not work for everyone and I’m guessing a BIG reason why we like ours so much is that they are connected to an RV community as well. RV people tend to still be VERY physically active (they have to be to drive and navigate their RVs) and then once they get tired of that they often move into a park model…but that “adventurous” personality sticks with them. And maybe because we are such a large community it offers a bigger range of age groups over 55.
Even then, they might not be for everyone but I do think more of us need to consider that price-wise more people should consider a park model simply because of the price point. Ive read about seniors trying to live on their Social Security and not being able to afford a house (especially a big family one!) nor being able to maintain it…but can’t afford to move. Having options as we age is really important, right?
And yes, we ARE happy. At least for now. Who knows what the future brings?
Thanks again for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy