Retirement Communities - Choosing Where to Retire by Home Style Do you think you would choose what state to retire to based on the style and appearance of the homes located there ? No , you laugh , how absurd to even think of making an important decision that way . However , styles of homes vary so much , depending on the region of the U . S . , that the style of home you find appealing may be a reflection of your personality , and a clue as to where you might like to live . I reviewed the styles of new homes in active adult retirement communities . Take a look at the following styles by region or state and ask yourself which you prefer . It may tell you something about your personality and where you would like to live . And it turns out most of these home styles are what you would envision them to be for that region . Florida : - The stucco sidings of condos and single homes are frequently painted a rose color . Sometimes the rose is deep and sometimes pale but a lot of pink to rose paint is used . As you would guess , the roofs are Spanish tile that is preferred for tropical climates but recently a more up - to - date look combines three color tones and in lighter rosy hues . The use of columns and enclosed porches sometimes called " Florida rooms " is prevalent . Florida ' s style is tropical and unique and not used anywhere else in the U . S . The landscaping in Florida features palms of all kinds . Georgia : Georgia is a Southern state but the architectural style is strikingly different from its next door neighbor , Florida . In Georgia the colors are more neutral and surprisingly somber . Lots of bright white trim along with the muted taupe colored paint of the wooden clapboard siding . English cottage style seems to suit Georgia . Long shutters seem more New England but here they are happily displayed in Georgia along with boxwoods , blooming roses and floor plans named after English towns . California : This is my favorite style and my preferred place to live . Lots of unabashed Spanish styling . Heavy Spanish tiled roofs and heavy wooden doors in that Canyon gray color . It ' s such a California classic look and it never goes away . California developers also still love the low - slung ranch look with recessed entries . Architectural details are combined in such a way that these homes are always surprising and never boring . Creamy stucco abounds and today the tan shake roof is more popular than the dark . Lots of clingy twining vines . A hint of an Old California Mission style is everywhere even if only in the heavy rustic wood of your front door . California style is fabulous . Southeast : Brick homes are the standard here . Do you like homes with a permanent anchored feeling , colors of neutral taupe that , well , look staid is the word that comes to mind . Dark roofs seem preferred . These homes lighten up with the use of filmy clouds of flowering trees and shrubs in masses . These home styles give the appearance of possessing financial security and responsibility and if you like to appear that way , you may like the homes of the Southeast . North Carolina floor plans had names like Dogwood and Cardinal . Northeast : Lots of wood and brick siding and sometimes in combination , dark shingled roofs , colonial and English manor touches or Federal styling . Sometimes Northeast homes border on looking boring but elegant at their best . Floor plans can have English names . New England : New England homes change in appearance from their Northeast neighbors and become a misty grey as if trying to blend with the sea . Grey wood siding with crisp white collars of molding . Shake or shingle dark roofs . Dark pine trees surrounding the landscape and to brighten up they use classic colors of cardinal red and forest green in painted shutters . This is a refreshing look -- so different from anywhere else in the country . Midwest : Contemporary ranch , bungalows , lots of shutters , colors of taupe , very straightforward , honest , and some might call plain but what those living in the midwest like -- the heartland of our country . Very Americana names for floor plans such as Heritage . Northwest : Very near to California but the home styles aren ' t at all alike . This is surprising since so many Californians retire to Washington state . These homes appear more like a rugged version of the Northeast style . Dark colors , woodsy , more plain as if trying hard to not look like their flashy neighbor . Some Northeast touches are dormers , bay windows and faux brick trim . Arizona : Distinguished by their use of stone -- large chunks decorating the stucco sidings . Of course , as expected in very hot areas , Spanish - tiled roofs . Texas : Texas has its own distinguished subtle western - look style . I saw use of stonework combined with painted accents using the rich colors of leathery western saddles . Another look was of stark white stucco combined with black - hat colored shingle roofs . The names of the floor plans show Texans love of their countryside with names of local wildflowers and trees . Well , of course , this has all been just for fun . No one would decide to move somewhere just because they liked the architectural style of the homes -- or would they ? - - ------------------------~ by Carol Fena . Article Source : http : / / EzineArticles . com / ? expert = Carol _ Fena