We're in our 50s and moved into senior living. Our neighbors average 76.

The Leaitus moved into their senior living complex in October 2024.

Courtesy of Amy Leaitu Downsizers Amy Leaitu and her husband wanted to move into a studio apartment in their mid-50s.

They found the perfect location: a senior living community that houses people 55 and above.

The couple, who've made many older friends, shrug off remarks about being "too young" for the place.

This story is based on an interview with Amy Leaitu, 56, of Bellevue, Washington, an HR analyst for a 911 call center.

It has been edited for length and clarity.

Almost every weekday evening after work, my husband, Dominic, 57, and I meet a bunch of neighbors in the bar of our 22-story building.

We're always gossiping and having fun, and we say we are like our own "Cheers" group, after the characters on the 1980s TV show.

It doesn't matter that some are old enough to be our parents.

We love spending time with them so much.

They're one of the main reasons we moved into the senior living facility in the first place.

The concept only came onto our radar after my mom and stepfather moved into a 55+ community about a decade ago.

They're snowbirds and split their year between their home in Vancouver, Washington, and the complex near Las Vegas.

As soon as I visited, I thought, "What a great idea!" There were tons of like-minded folks and activities, including pickleball , gardening, and a happy-hour club.