TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Harvey Campbell was a reluctant convert to active adult living -- that is, residing in a neighborhood developed specifically for seniors.

Campbell didn't want to leave his traditional neighborhood, despite his wife's glowing praise of The Greens at Seven Oaks, which offered more social activities for seniors.

"Finally one day my wife said, 'Harvey, I'll miss you,'" he said, chuckling.

Campbell, 80, dutifully followed, and today is one of the lifestyle's biggest cheerleaders.

Active adult communities are residential developments designed for seniors, typically age 55 or older.

They are for people who can live independently, as opposed to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which cater to elders with cognitive and/or medical needs.

The homes range in size, can be detached houses or condos, and are usually one-level to accommodate buyers whose mobility may decrease over time.

Most communities come with amenities aimed at encouraging interaction, such as pools, tennis courts and community centers. A homeowner association fee covers the expense of such features, and sometimes pays for an on-site activities director.

The oldest active adult community in Bakersfield is Kern City, built in the 1960s.

Decades passed before another one arrived, but in recent years at least four others have sprouted around town and are in various stages of completion.

That's not because of any conscious effort on the city's part. There is no organized campaign to market Bakersfield as a retirement mecca a la Las Vegas or Phoenix, said planning director Jim Movius.

The communities grew up organically, fueled at one time by a robust real estate market and later by the aging of baby boomers.

About 9 percent of Kern County is age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and that number is expected to grow as boomers get grayer.

That infusion has transformed the active adult lifestyle, said Leslie Norvello, sales manager for Solera at Kern Canyon.

"It used to be these were true retirement communities, but about half of our residents are still working," she said. "Our average age is only 62."

These are not folks who stand around playing shuffleboard, Norvello said.

"One of our clubs is a computer club where they're learning how to do Web sites," she said.

New and existing home sales in local retirement communities have slowed since the housing bubble burst, but the homes generally retain their value better than their counterparts in mainstream neighborhoods, said Gary Crabtree of Affiliated Appraisers, which puts out a monthly report on local real estate.

"There's very little turnover, and usually the residents who buy there are financially secure, so you don't get into the subprime loans and all of that.

"If there's a default, it's typically because of some catastrophic medical issue."

Real estate agent Jeanne Radsick of Century 21 Home Town Realty has earned a Senior Advantage Real Estate Council designation, a certification for special training in issues affecting seniors.

People considering active adult living need to do a little honest introspection before choosing a neighborhood, she said.

"Ask if the clubhouse is staffed or if activities are directed by the members," she said. "Nobody wants to admit they aren't self-directed, but the fact is some people need more guidance than others."

Other factors to consider are proximity to shopping and medical services, whether you're up to mowing a lawn and what kind of retirement you envision, Radsick said.

"Reading the community newsletter is almost more important than reading the price sheet," said Solera's Norvello. "You'll want to know what kind of activities are offered."

That's the most exciting part of senior living, said Mary Kelly, 68, who lives in Solera Kern Canyon.

"Until I came here, I never had a calendar before," she said. "Now, if I don't look at my little planner every morning I don't know if I'm coming or going. There's so much stuff to do."

Moving somewhere where all the neighbors know each other also provides a safety net, added Fran Sokoloff, 65, who moved to K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons from Los Angeles a year ago.

"It's like moving here to be with family," she said. "People check up on you, ask about you. It's really awesome."

Sense of community is a big draw for age-restricted neighborhoods, so the number of occupied homes is another consideration.

"You don't want to walk into an empty clubhouse," said Jim Redstone, a Coldwell Banker real estate agent who lives and sells in Brighton Parks.

But when there's critical mass, residents enjoy a thriving social life, he said.

Rendall Brushey, 63, wants to keep The Greens at Seven Oaks full and vibrant, so he recently helped put together a Web site to market his neighborhood to prospective buyers.

Brushey, who hails from the Bay Area, says Bakersfield's weather, proximity to Los Angeles and cost of living could easily woo seniors from across the country.

"We looked at Palm Springs and a few other places, but this was so much better," he said. "We just love our community, and we want to get the word out."