Data Methodology
How Where55 collects, verifies, and maintains community data — and what that means for the numbers you see on this site.
Overview
Where55 is a directory of active adult 55+ communities across the United States. Every community page on this site represents a real community that has been identified, researched, and indexed by our team. The data fields — pricing, amenities, home types, community size, and more — are drawn from multiple sources and cross-referenced for accuracy.
We believe that better data leads to better decisions. Our methodology is designed to provide the most accurate, up-to-date snapshot of each community we can achieve within our resources.
Data Sources
Where55 uses a combination of primary and secondary sources to build and maintain community records:
Public Records
County property appraiser records, HOA registration documents, state real estate filings, and municipal permit databases are used to verify community existence, size, and legal standing.
MLS and Listing Platforms
Active listing data from Multiple Listing Service feeds is used to cross-reference current pricing, available home types, and homes for sale counts. MLS data provides the most current transactional evidence of pricing ranges.
Community Websites and Marketing Materials
Official community websites, builder marketing materials, and community HOA sites are reviewed for amenity information, new construction availability, and community description content.
Direct Verification
For significant pricing changes, new community additions, and amenity updates, our research team contacts community management offices and sales centers directly. Phone and email verification is prioritized for high-traffic pages.
User Corrections
Residents, real estate agents, and community staff can submit corrections and updates through our contact form. User-submitted corrections are reviewed and verified before being applied to the database.
Third-Party Data Partners
Cost-of-living indices and neighborhood demographic data are sourced from licensed third-party data partners who specialize in residential geographic data. These datasets are updated on an annual or semi-annual basis.
Update Frequency
Different data fields have different update cycles based on how frequently the underlying data changes:
| Data Field | Typical Update Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Community name, address, location | As-needed (rare changes) | Public records + direct verification |
| Price range (price_low, price_high) | Quarterly | MLS data + community site review |
| Homes for sale count | Monthly | MLS feed data |
| Amenities | Semi-annually | Community site + direct contact |
| Community description | Annually or on significant change | Editorial review |
| Rating and review count | Monthly | Aggregated from public review platforms |
| Cost of living index | Semi-annually | Third-party data partner |
| HOA / monthly fee | Quarterly or on change | Direct verification, community filings |
The "Data Last Refreshed" date shown on individual community pages reflects the most recent date any field for that community was updated in our database. A recent date does not necessarily mean every field was re-verified on that date — it means the record was reviewed and any available new data was applied.
Limitations and Caveats
No community directory can be perfectly up-to-date at all times. Users of this site should be aware of the following limitations:
- Pricing is approximate. The price ranges shown are derived from available listing data and may not reflect current inventory exactly. Always verify current pricing directly with the community or a licensed real estate agent before making any financial decisions.
- Amenity data may lag changes. Amenities are added, removed, or closed for renovation without advance notice to directories. If a specific amenity is critical to your decision, verify it directly with the community.
- New construction delivery dates are estimates. Where we show new construction availability, completion and delivery timing depends on builder timelines that can change.
- Age verification and community rules vary. While we document the general age restriction (typically 55+), specific household rules, guest policies, and rental restrictions are set at the community level. Review the community's CC&Rs directly.
Quality Standards
Where55 follows these quality standards in maintaining community data:
- Price ranges are not published unless supported by at least one current data source (MLS, community site, or verified contact)
- Communities are only listed as "active adult" or "55+" if they meet HOPA qualification requirements to our knowledge
- Stale data is flagged rather than removed — a community with outdated pricing is better than a missing listing
- User-submitted corrections are reviewed within 5 business days before application
- Our editorial team reviews all community description content for accuracy and neutrality
Submit a Correction
If you are a community resident, HOA staff member, real estate agent, or community manager and you have identified inaccurate data on a community page, we want to hear from you. Corrections help every user who views that page.
To submit a correction, email us at [email protected] with the community name, the specific field that is incorrect, and the correct information with a source or documentation if available. We aim to review and respond within 5 business days.
You can also use the Contact page to submit general feedback or questions about our data.
Related Resources
- About Where55 — Our mission, team, and editorial standards
- Contact Us — General questions and corrections
- Privacy Policy — How we handle personal data
- How to evaluate HOA fees — Understanding community financial health