10 Niche Retirement Communities That Sound Like a Lot of Fun

Who says planning for retirement has to be all about practicalities? Boomers are changing the retirement community landscape by seeking out places that will allow them to continue living the lifestyles they prefer, from active and kinetic to eclectic and artistic.

If you're seeking to spend your golden years with like-minded souls who seize the day, every day, these communities may have exactly what you're looking for.

Adults 62 and older can enjoy state-of-the-art studio facilities and free arts and wellness programming in this North Hollywood enclave that provides both one- and two-bedroom units.

The neighborhood boasts everything that Hollywood has to offer, and the facility comes outfitted with a stage and theater on the lower level under a parking area and three floors of housing. Health and wellness enthusiasts will also love the fact that there's a heated pool and fitness center.

All of the amenities you can dream of await in this Tucson community. From gardening to spa treatments there's plenty to enjoy. However, the real draw here is the community's In the Presence of Horses program, which facilitates equestrian experiences with trained animals.

Pricing varies based on your individual needs.

Townhomes start at $300,000 in this community for aviation aficionados, but million dollar hangar-style mansions are also an option. But, no matter which of the 1,300 homes you select, this former airfield near Daytona Beach turned residential fly-in community is a great place to park your plane — and John Travolta has done exactly that here.

There are plenty of things to enjoy on the ground as well, including social events and activities like golfing.

Queer elders and their allies can live the authentic good life at this midcentury modern, resort-style community in beautiful Palm Springs. Amenities include a pool and spa, fire pit, bocce ball courts, golfing areas, parks, and plenty of places to walk your pooch. As an added bonus, queer-friendly Palm Springs is your backyard to enjoy.

Pricing starts at less than $5,000 per month, and includes top-tier dining, services, and amenities.

University Retirement Communities (URCs) are thriving, and this 20-story luxury building at Arizona State University (ASU) has it all: Warm weather, campus classes and amenities, and fine dining.

This combination of university living with high-end touches satisfies both the student of life and the discerning connoisseur. And when you need to venture out, Tempe is at your fingertips. Retirees should have plenty of money to spend when they cruise around town, considering that the monthly fees start at around $5,232 for all of the bells and whistles.

This luxurious, 9-story building in Coral Gables in South Florida is designed for the eternally posh, with Miracle Mile shopping just outside its door. The award-winning, five-star amenities include a heated pool and spa, multi-course dining options, game rooms, theaters, an English library, multiple bars, and more.

All-inclusive, independent living costs start at approximately $5,900 per month.

Adults 60 and older can find this inclusive, zen-inspired retirement community in Healdsburg, California, where mindfulness is the directive. Quaker community meetings, zazen meditation sessions, and full moon ceremonies are all offered here.

Looking for lifelong learning sessions, wellness and fitness amenities, sustainable farm-to-table dining, and local excursions in beautiful Sonoma County? You'll find them here, too. And the good news is, you may be able to find the perfect price point as well, since this non-profit community has pricing options based on your lifestyle needs.

Oberlin College is especially renowned for its music conservatory, so moving to this URC means you can enjoy opera previews, concerts, and more. In addition to the music, you can enjoy college town perks, exercise in top-notch fitness facilities, take college classes, and volunteer at Oberlin or in Cleveland proper.

Kendal at Oberlin provides a financial calculator so you can calculate individual pricing to see whether this community is within your retirement budget.

Want to spend your retirement poolside with a drink in your hand amongst fellow Jimmy Buffet fans, all day every day? Latitude Margaritaville has three locations for parrot heads ages 55 and over: Daytona Beach and Watersound in Florida, and Hilton Head in South Carolina.

New homes start at $300,000 in these communities where you can waste away in Margaritaville happily, where the beach is never far away.

Disney is getting in on the planned community game with its retirement community Longtable Park, located within Cotino in the Greater Palm Springs area. Here, you can live the Disney lifestyle while going horseback riding, playing bocce ball, and barbequing among olive groves. The entire gated community will be imagineered to Disney specifications.

Perfectly manicured homes will set you back a pretty penny once they're built, and expected to cost somewhere in the upper millions.

A stress-free retirement is the dream for all of us, when we can finally enjoy the fruits of our lifelong labor. All the better if we can do so in the presence of like minds who share the same niche interests and lifestyle choices.

Note that there are communities you may want to look into that aren't exclusively for retirees. Multigenerational living is just as viable an option when planning for your golden years, so you may want to consider all your options before settling in.