10 top luxury retirement communities

1. The Samarkand | Location: Santa Barbara, California | Estimated cost: Entrance fees start at $119,000, and monthly fees begin at $2,235 | Sounds exotic — and the Samarkand certainly has the elements for a fantastic getaway in its surroundings: as GoBankingRates says, "Blue skies, colorful sunsets, mesmerizing mountains and warm beaches," with the lapping waters of the Pacific on one side and the soaring heights of the Santa Ynez mountains on the other.

10. Rio Verde Community and Country Club | Location: Rio Verde, Arizona |Estimated cost: $350,000–$1,000,000+ |There are 1,000 custom-built homes in the Rio Verde community, available at a wide range of prices. Only minutes from Scottsdale, the community is close to the Tonto National Forest, with both mountain proximity and the dining and bustle of the Phoenix area offering tempting opportunities to residents.

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9. Sun City Hilton Head | Location: Bluffton, South Carolina | Estimated cost: $200,000+ |While there are 8,000 homes in this planned adult community in South Carolina's low country near golf mecca Hilton Head Island, bear in mind that one can spend quite a bit more for one than the starting price listed above. Still, it could be worth it, since Sun City made 55places' 2017 list of the best retirement communities in the U.S.

8. The Villages | Location: The Villages, Florida | Estimated cost: $115,000–$1,000,000+ | Another retirement community with a big emphasis on physical activity, The Villages offers such amenities as softball fields, golf, exercise classes and even polo grounds. Residences come in a range of styles (and prices), varying from patio villas to "premier" homes. | It also boasts community-focused activities, with three different town squares.

7. On Top of the World | Location: Ocala, Florida | Estimated cost: $150,000–$300,000+ | Floor plans and amenities vary to accommodate different tastes here in central Florida, with eco-friendly options, and there are activities again to support an active lifestyle — appropriate, since Ocala bills itself as the "Horse Capital of the World."

6. Sun City Summerlin | Location: Las Vegas |Estimated cost: $150,000–$500,000+ (with a few at $800,000+) | It might be only minutes away from Las Vegas, but it's very different from the hustle and bustle of the Strip — although you can see the Strip from there, as well as Nevada's Spring Mountain Range. It's a 55-plus community that encompasses about 7,800 homes with 42 different types of units, including duplexes and single-family homes, and offers cooler temperatures thanks to its elevation.

5. Solivita | Location: Kissimmee, Florida | Estimated cost: $150,000–$500,000 | A mere 21 miles south of Disney World and the Orlando airport, Solivita is close enough for doting grandparents to spoil their grandchildren without having to deal with theme park traffic on a daily basis. It also boasts two golf courses, wooded nature reserves and lakes on 4,300 acres. This gated community also offers 24-hour staff, controlling access and providing roving community security.

4. Covenant Shores | Location: Mercer Island, Washington | Estimated cost: Entrance fee starts at $91,000; monthly fees start at $1,930 | On the other side of the country, Covenant Shores not only offers proximity to Seattle's cultural and commercial amenities, it boasts a private marina from which one can go sailing or kayaking; a putting green; lakefront barbecues; a creative arts center; and a multitude of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment floor plans for residents.

3. Del Webb at Lake Oconee | Location: Greensboro, Georgia | Estimated cost: $269,000 and up | Atlanta is less than two hours away from this community on the shores of Lake Oconee, the second largest body of water in Georgia. Walking/biking trails, tennis, a community ramp and dock, bocce and fishing are among the outdoor facilities/amenities on offer. | Ironically, WalletHub ranked Georgia pretty low on the list of desirable states to retire. So prospective residents should bear that in mind.

2. The Clare | Location: Chicago |Estimated cost: Based on the number of bedrooms and views, prices range from $300,000–$1.5 million | City dwellers, rejoice — not all retirement communities are nestled in the bosom of Mother Nature. In fact, The Clare is the antithesis of a country retreat, a high-rise offering luxury independent living residences as well as a range of assisted living programs, just blocks from the Museum of Contemporary Art. | Among its "ultra-luxury" amenities are transportation services, valet parking, 24-hour security, complimentary breakfast, a pool and more.