There are currently three Adult Communities in the Tri-Cities.  I have had the pleasure of marketing two of them from the time of construction.  I have assisted many retirees, empty nesters, or adults seeking a carefree lifestyle.  There are other “carefree” living options, but not specifically “Adult Communities”.

A link has been set up to introduce you to “The Village at Canyon Lakes” and “Pinewood”.  The other Adult Community that is local is the Desert Pines Manufactured Home Park.  It is very well managed and maintained.

Definition of Adult Community: 80% of units must be occupied by at least one person 55 years an older and no one under 18 can reside in an adult community.

Information about the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA)

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Federal Fair Housing Act), as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (prohibits discrimination in housing and real estate-related transactions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap and familial status (in general, the presence of children under the age of 18 in the household) The prohibition against discrimination based on familial status became effective March 12, 1989.  The Act contained a provision exempting “senior” housing from the prohibition against familial status discrimination.

The Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), signed into law by President Clinton on December 18, 1985, amended the housing for older persons exemption against familial status discrimination.  The HOPA modified the statutory definition of housing for older persons as housing intended and operated for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit.  It eliminated the requirement that housing for older persons have significant services and facilities specifically designed for its elderly residents. It required that facilities or communities claiming the exemption establish age verification procedures.  It established a good faith reliance defense or exemption against monetary damages for persons who illegally act in good faith to exclude children based on a legitimate belief that the housing facility or community was entitled to the exemption.

To read more about HOPA go to http://disasterhousing.gov/offices/fheo/library/hopa95.pdf