City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (704) 714-5500, (800) 643-1665

Address: 3442 Cypress Club Dr.

Description: Built in 1999, the Cypress is one of Charlotte’s most upscale retirement communities. The Cypress includes villas and individual cottages for independent living, an elegant 40,000-square-foot clubhouse, and an on-site health center providing assisted living and Alzheimer’s and skilled nursing care. Members may purchase homes from 17 different floor plans from 800 to 3,100 square feet. Garages and covered parking are available. The Cypress clubhouse features lakefront fine dining, casual dining on the veranda, an indoor pool with water aerobics classes, fitness center, library, art studio, bank, and hair salon. Other amenities on the 60-acre grounds include home-delivered meals, housekeeping, home maintenance, transportation, security, and valet service. Located in SouthPark, the Cypress was named the Best Seniors Housing Community in the United States by the National Association of Homebuilders.There is generally a waiting list to get into the Cypress.