Tag: active adult communities

  • Traditions of America: Benefits of Buying New

    Traditions of America: Benefits of Buying New

    A new home built just for you may seem almost too good to be true, but that is the VERY mission at Traditions of America: delivering beautiful, new DreamHomes everyday! And, we believe buying NEW is better, and here’s why. 

    Your Design Choices: A big benefit of buying a new home is that it is designed just for your wants and needs, no renovations required! Pick the floorplan you desire, the cabinets you’ve dreamed of, and everything in between. Buying new means getting your DreamHome, your way.

    Smart Home Features: The future is in your new home, and by that, we mean all the newest technology! Buying a new home means you get the newest appliances and systems. Close your garage door from anywhere in the world, or even turn off your lights with just a voice command. These smart homes are nearly impossible to find in a resale home.

    Energy Efficient Systems: Today’s new homes are loaded with innovative, energy-efficient products and systems. Not only are they better for the environment, but these energy efficient systems dramatically cut down the cost of utilities. Buying a new home with these products and systems – from windows and insulation to appliances and HVAC systems – not only helps the environment, but it keeps money in your pocket!

    Kitchen Family Room

    Environmentally Friendly Materials: While Traditions of America’s energy efficient systems help reduce your carbon footprint, we also use environmentally friendly materials when building our homes. The latest coolant system and appliances in your new home are all made to help, not hurt, the environment.

    New Safety Features: New homes offer state-of-the-art circuit breakers, high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners, cabinets, carpets and paints that are fire retardant and use less volatile organic compounds, as well as the newest hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. No need to buy a used home with the potential for lead paint or mold, and whatever the previous owner has left behind. Buy new to ensure your house has all the safety features you need. 

    Low Maintenance Lifestyle: Worry no more about spending money to fix a leaky roof or rotted siding when you’ve just moved in. New homes are built with low-maintenance products that are designed to last much longer than traditional ones. Buy new, and you won’t have to spend your time worrying about future housekeeping.

    First Floor Owner’s Suite: The first-floor Owner’s Suite features immense his and her walk-in closets, high ceilings, and more! This impressive suite will be the personal oasis that you didn’t know you needed until you experience it.

    Open Floorplans: New homes are built for today’s consumers, not the consumers of the past. Modern floorplans are open and spacious providing more than enough room for you to fill. Traditions of America creates award-winning, customizable single level living floorplans, so there is no doubt you will choose one you love.

    Living Room Dining Room

    Brand New Appliances: There is no better feeling than knowing you are the first person to stock the top-of-the-line fridge, cook on the stove, and load up the dishwasher. In a previously owned home, the first time for you is not the first time those appliances have been used. When buying a new home, all the bells and whistles will be used first, by you. Including the appliances.

    Don’t miss your chance to Live Better in one of our Traditions of America communities in your new home! Learn more about a community near you on our website or contact us to hear more about Traditions of America.

  • Traditions of America: See How Far Green Pond Has Come

    Traditions of America: See How Far Green Pond Has Come

    We are so excited for the progress at Traditions of America at Green Pond since we broke ground just a short time ago! The roads are being paved, and the Designer Model Homes are taking shape. It won’t be long before homeowners are moving in and Living Better at Traditions of America at Green Pond.

    Green Pond officially opened in August with a VIP Buying Event, where 36 future – and very enthusiastic – homeowners decided to Live Better at this highly anticipated 55+ active adult community in the Lehigh Valley. Green Pond is located only 7 miles from historic Bethlehem, PA, which recently ranked # 1 on Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live and has also earned a spot on Forbes Magazine’s Top 25 Places to Retire List. Green Pond combines the excitement of the city with the serene beauty of Eastern Pennsylvania.

    This resort-style active adult community has so much to offer. The five-star clubhouse will serve as the social hub for the community, offering residents the perfect spot for Friday night happy hours, a fitness center with a full line-up of classes, and a Lifestyle Director on-hand to plan a robust calendar of activities. Spend your summer days at the outdoor heated pool or playing tennis and pickleball. Watch your favorite team in the sports bar and club room while enjoying a friendly game of billiards with other homeowners. Or, grab a cocktail and some conversation on the expansive patio with firepit. Anything you can dream of – Traditions of America at Green Pond has it!

    With neighborhood 1 nearly sold out, don’t miss your chance to Live Better at our most esteemed active adult community yet!

  • Traditions of America: New Communities in Full Swing

    Traditions of America: New Communities in Full Swing

    Although 2019 is starting to wind down, Traditions of America has “geared up” and is wrapping up the year in a big way. We are pleased to announce the grand openings of our three newest active adult communities: Traditions of America at Southpointe, Richland and East Petersburg!

    Traditions of America at Southpointe: The Southpointe active adult community marks our debut in Pittsburgh’s desirable South Hills and is priced from the mid $300s. Only a short drive from the cultural allure of downtown Pittsburgh, residents at Southpointe have the best of both worlds: fabulous shopping, dining, and golf nearby with on-site resort-style amenities right in their backyard. A clubhouse serves as the social hub of the community, with a swimming pool, tennis, walking trails, and so much more. Southpointe has it all!

    TOA Active Lifestyle

    Traditions of America at Richland: Returning to the North Hills of Pittsburgh, and on the heels of our popular Cranberry community, Traditions of America at Richland is priced in the low $300s. This active adult community is perfectly set atop beautiful rolling hills and surrounded by nature, yet minutes from shopping, dining, golf, and supreme healthcare. In standard Traditions of America fashion, the Richland community is loaded with luxurious amenities, such as a clubhouse, outdoor heated pool, fitness center and more. This new, active community is the perfect place to call home!

     

    Traditions of America at East Petersburg: East Petersburg is our newest 55+ community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, priced from the upper $200s. Like the nearby Lititz community, this active lifestyle community is set amidst the picturesque landscape of Lancaster County, with scenic countryside, roads, and meandering creeks, but only a short drive from shopping, dining, world-class golf, and amazing healthcare. With amenities like a five-star clubhouse, heated swimming pool, pickleball, tennis, and walking trails – your calendar is sure to be full!

    TOA Neighbors

    The three newest locations join our expansive list of Live Better communities across Pennsylvania with more to come! Don’t miss your chance to Live Better in one of our Traditions of America active adult communities. Learn more about a community near you contact us to hear more about Traditions of America.

  • Traditions of America 3rd Annual Cross Community Golf Classic

    Traditions of America 3rd Annual Cross Community Golf Classic

    The 3rd Annual Traditions of America Cross Community Golf Classic was held June 3rd, 2019. A few years ago, Traditions of America at Liberty Hills kindly extended an invitation to Sewickley Ridge to play in a cross-community golf outing. Both of these Traditions of America communities were fully functioning under their own elected Home Owner Associations, yet wanted the camaraderie to commence – and the Golf Classic was born! Now, there are a total of five local Traditions of America communities that are invited to play: Summer Seat, Pinnacle at Adams, and Cranberry, in addition to Liberty Hills and Sewickley Ridge.

    Golf Classic

    The Classic is categorized as a “scramble”, so skill isn’t necessarily a factor. All are encouraged to attend and participate, with an emphasis on fun rather than pressure. Foursomes that play are usually a mix of people throughout different communities. This way, homeowners are encouraged to get to know one another across different Traditions of America communities. You may think that you don’t know folks from other communities, but in the past, several couples connected with long-lost friends at this event. Homeowners who have participated say that the “cross community” adds to the fun!

    Golf Classic

    This year’s event was our first sell out with 88 players! Players came from Liberty Hills, Sewickley Ridge, Summer Seat and Pinnacle at Adams. Next year, we hope to add additional players from our newest Pittsburgh community – Traditions of America at Cranberry. The winners of this event were 5 under par followed closely by a group at -4.

    Golf Classic

    As Lead Sponsor, the donation from Traditions of America provided a continental breakfast for the players, as well as door prizes. Traditions of America was a big reason for the smiles on those golfers’ faces, and we take pride in helping our homeowners have the fun, active lifestyle that they deserve! This event was a good time for all, and we can’t wait for the next one!

    Golf Classic

    At Traditions of America, we understand that buying a home is not just about the bricks and sticks. It’s about something much larger. When you buy a home at one of our active lifestyle communities, you are not only getting the home you’ve always dreamed of, but you are stepping into a community where you can explore new passions, expand on your interests, and feel like you belong to something much larger. It’s that feeling of community – and belonging – that truly makes a house a home.

    Golf Classic

  • Springtime Activities at Traditions of America

    Springtime Activities at Traditions of America

    It’s official – spring is almost here! Although that doesn’t mean the weather will be warmed up completely just yet, it does mean that there is a lot to look forward to in the next upcoming months! All of our active adult communities are conveniently located with easy access to so many fun happenings around the springtime, plus a multitude of things to do right inside your own community.

    Traditions of America at Silver Spring:

    Every April you can join the town of Mechanicsburg in the Cumberland Valley for their Earth Day Festival, which honors our planet with music, workshops, kid’s activities and more! This will be a great activity for the grandkids, and a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air of the spring season. Looking for something more your speed? Car show season kicks off with the Spring Carlisle at the end of April! Plus, there will be other spring auto shows at the Carlisle Fairgrounds later in the season!

    Traditions of America at Lititz:

    We are sure by now you know that Lititz was named one of the Coolest Small Towns in America, which is why you definitely need to make your way to one (or many) of the Second Fridays this Spring that will happen each month from 5pm-9pm. Up and down Main Street and Broad Street in Lititz you’ll find artists, entertainers, musicians, and exhibits that create a fun party atmosphere. Plus, there’s a bonus: the downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants are open late to accommodate the many visitors who turn up each month! Also, don’t forget that the Farmer’s Market will be returning back to Lititz starting in May!

    Traditions of America at Summer Seat:

    Celebrate Spring with Summer Seat’s first ever Spring Breakfast! This potluck event will be held at the Clubhouse on Saturday, April 6th! Looking for more to do outside of the community in the upcoming months? During peak flower bloom (early to mid-April), visitors are able to walk the trails of the Wildflower Reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park and see dozens of varieties of wildflowers along the way! Another Spring event you won’t want to miss is Phipps’ new Spring Flower Show that’s bursting with color, The Gardens of Rainbow!

    Traditions of America at Saucon Valley: 

    With the change in weather comes the change in outdoor festivals, so bring on the Spring Festivals! The Bear Creek Spring Wine Festival is coming back on April 6th and 7th to the Lehigh Valley in Macungie! This two-day festival features wine sampling, live music, and artisan craft and food vendors. Not into festivals? Don’t worry – let the fresh air of spring carry you through the Lehigh Valley, stopping at many different farmer’s markets in the region. With locally grown produce to unique drinks and crafts, you will want to shop for hours!

  • The Washington Model: Re-Envisioned and Exuding Classic, Relaxed Charm at Traditions of America at Cranberry

    The Washington Model: Re-Envisioned and Exuding Classic, Relaxed Charm at Traditions of America at Cranberry

    Our all-new designer Model Homes made their debut at Traditions of America at Cranberry in a snowy mid-November and they were overwhelmingly well-received by all who toured them. The new floor plans, including the Washington, had been over a year in the making based on customer feedback, changing design trends, and recommendations from our Construction Managers. Staying up to date with our home designs is something very important to the entire Traditions of America team. We always want to create the best possible layouts for our residents, incorporating functionality and space optimization with aesthetically pleasing “flows” for how people really want to live.

    When our in-house architecture and design teams sat down to create the best possible Washington floor plan they could envision, some of the key updates included an enlarged Foyer with an impressive volume ceiling for receiving houseguests, a larger Kitchen and Nook for enhanced entertaining, windows in the Master Bath and Laundry to allow for more natural light, matching his and hers walk-in closets in the Master Suite, a larger Loft and third Bathroom for more comfortable quarters for overnight houseguests, and an optional overlook to the Foyer for a feeling of openness and visual interest.

    With a new and improved Washington floor plan, the next step was a fresh design approach to keep up with ever-changing design trends. For this all-important task, we brought in Lita Dirks & Co., the nationally-recognized, award-winning interior design firm based in Colorado. The result? A gorgeous and inspirational new Washington Model Home wrapped in exquisite design layers showcasing the very best features of this large, popular home. The Washington lends itself to the appealing Craftsman style, with wood columns prominently set on stone pillars at the home’s inviting and distinctive entrance.

    See for yourself in the stunning photo display:

    snowy model home
    Craftsman Style Looks Sensational on the Washington
    living room with shelves
    Sitting Area off Family Room/Kitchen
    light blue bedroom
    Sumptuous Master Bedroom
    clean bathroom
    Sleek Master Bath
    modern open floorpan
    Gorgeous Shot of the Great Room
    rustic dining room
    Dining Room

    And, so much more! Warm and inviting spaces abound in the Washington where there is something to please everyone: from the Steelers fan, to the wine bar enthusiast, to the grandkids!

    rec room with fireplace

    upstairs loft

    man cave

    bunk beds

    Photos are wonderful, but seeing this home in person is the best way to experience the rich design details. Visit Traditions of America at Cranberry today and take a tour. Prepare to be amazed!

  • Lancaster named the NUMBER ONE place to retire in the country by US News & World Report!

    Lancaster named the NUMBER ONE place to retire in the country by US News & World Report!

    US News & World Report unveiled 2019’s Best Places to Retire in the U.S. last week and, my oh my, Pennsylvania did well! Florida and Texas cities also ranked well, but our very own Pennsylvania holds the TOP spot with Lancaster receiving the highest honors. And, we are proud! Another feather in the cap goes to Pittsburgh for ranking as the FIFTH best place to retire in the country.

    Best places ranking logoLancaster, Pennsylvania, topped the list at No. 1 due to increases in housing affordability and the overall happiness of its residents. And, it’s no wonder. We hear all the time from our homeowners at our active adult community at East Petersburg that they simply LOVE where they live. And, that makes sense. Lititz is often warmly referred to as “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Editors at US News & World Report had this to say: “Lancaster offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate. Expansive farms rub elbows with manicured suburbs, which lead right into the bustling city. A short drive can take one through each of these environments. Each area boasts its own unique groups of inhabitants: farmers, families, college students and young professionals. From close-knit church communities to the indie coffee shop scene, Lancaster holds something for everyone.”

    Fort Myers, Florida, jumped from No.15 to No. 2 due to increases in desirability and happiness scores. Sarasota, Florida, fell from No. 1 to No. 3 this year due to a decline in both overall happiness and desirability. Austin, Texas, jumped to No. 4 from No. 9 due to an increase in desirability, followed by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rounding out the top 5. Here is what the editors had to say about Pittsburgh: “Known by nicknames like Blitzburgh and Steel City, Pittsburgh is on the verge of greater heights. Emerging from a dying steel industry, Pittsburgh is earning another name: reinvention city. Since the steel mills closed in the 1980s, Pittsburgh feels cleaner and full of energy. Pittsburgh encompasses almost 2,000 acres of land in just its city parks, and offers county parks, state parks and riverfront parks to its residents.” Our residents at Cranberry, Summer Seat and Richland definitely reap the benefits of living so close to Pittsburgh, yet surrounded by natural, wooded areas and open space.

    The rankings offer a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas based on how well they meet Americans’ expectations for retirement, with measures including housing affordability, desirability, health care and overall happiness. “Deciding where to retire is a big decision,” says Emily Brandon, senior editor for Retirement at U.S. News. “The Best Places to Retire offers a way for future retirees to make a more informed decision based on what matters the most to them. Whether that be housing affordability, access to quality hospitals or the desirability of a place in general, the rankings offer a comprehensive list that can point people in the best direction for their needs.”

    This year, U.S. News increased the weight of the desirability metric from 10% to 15% as it provides a more balanced understanding of the opinions gathered through consumer surveys. Desirability is one of the six factors in the 2019 Best Places to Retire methodology that includes housing affordability, desirability, retiree taxes, the happiness index, job market and health care quality. These measures were selected and weighted-based on a public survey of pre-retirees (age 45-59) and retirement-age (age 60+) individuals across the U.S to find out what matters most when considering a place to retire. Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as U.S. News rankings of the Best Hospitals.

    gold 1

    Here are the top ten:

    (1) Lancaster, PA, (2) Fort Myers, FL, (3) Sarasota, FL, (4) Austin, TX, (5) Pittsburgh, PA, (6) Grand Rapids, MI, (7) Nashville, TN, (8) San Antonio, TX, (9) Dallas-Forth Worth, TX and (10) Lakeland, FL. Another Pennsylvania city earning high marks was Allentown, PA in the Lehigh Valley coming in at number 18. The Lehigh Valley has been a long-time favorite area of Traditions of America, having completed several successful communities there with a new one on the way: Traditions of America at Green Pond in Bethlehem. Visit one of our communities today to see for yourself what the buzz is all about – you’ll be glad you did. And, get on the list to hear the latest news about Green Pond.

    Sources: BuilderOnline.com October 10, 2018 article and US News & World Report 2019 Best Places ranking

  • Meet the Team Behind the Dream: Lititz Lifestyle Director Rachel Bechard

    Meet the Team Behind the Dream: Lititz Lifestyle Director Rachel Bechard

    The philosophy at Traditions of America is completely customer-centric – we cannot rest until YOU are in your DreamHome. Working tirelessly, often times behind the scenes, our employees are truly the “Team Behind the Dream” and they enable Traditions of America to set the gold standard for 55+ living day-in and day-out. Our new “Meet the Team Behind the Dream” blog series is specifically devoted to highlighting the people who work hard to ensure our homeowners Live Better every single day in their DreamHome.

    Cue Rachel Bechard – Lifestyle Director at Lititz. Read on to learn everything from Rachel’s most memorable career moment as Lifestyle Director to what superhero she would be … and more!

    Q: Describe your typical day at TOA:

    A: Every day is different, but it starts the same: listen to voice mails, check emails, answer questions, review the calendar. From there it can go from attending committee meetings to setting up for events. As Lifestyle Director at Lititz, I plan speakers and events, and I get to know the Lititz homeowners. I spend a lot of time listening to the homeowners – they are genuinely the coolest people. I’ve been in customer service my whole life, and the most important part of customer service is listening: getting to know your customer, their likes, dislikes. Getting to know the homeowners at Lititz has opened up a world of possibility when it comes to planning events, trips, and speakers.

    Q: Favorite part of your job?

    A: Planning and putting on events for homeowners. I love working with our social committee at Lititz to do fun, extravagant things! In February we had a Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance catered by Scarlet Runner (all locally-sourced, made from scratch gourmet catering). For Cinco de Mayo, a DJ came to our party and led group dances. This month we are turning our clubhouse into an Escape Room experience for Lititz!

    Q: Most memorable moment in TOA career?

    A: When one of our actors got sick and had to bow out of playing in our Murder Mystery production and I stepped in as “Simone Carlton” (THE MURDERER!) for our show!

    Murder Mystery Dinner Theater; Rachel is third from right front row
    Murder Mystery Dinner Theater; Rachel is third from right front row

    Q: Career theme song?

    A: “Eye of The Tiger”

    Q: If you were a superhero, who would you be, and why?

    A: Karin Murphy from The Dresden Files. She is tiny, fierce, loyal, and her “superpower” is that she’s just plain human. She’s able to face horrors beyond anyone’s imagination with grit and determination. She fights monsters and protects people. She is strong, noble, and always there for her friends.

    Q: First job ever?

    A: Bussing tables and rolling silverware for Hoss’s Steak & Sea House (the one right down the road from Traditions of America at Lititz!)

    Race Against Racism 5k
    Race Against Racism 5k

    Q: Where would we find you after hours?

    A: At a local craft brewery or outside by the pool!

    Q: Word that best describes you?

    A: Heartfelt

    Q: If your life had a movie title, what would it be?

    A: “Tiny, but FIERCE!”

    Q:  If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three items, what would they be?

    A: A boat to get back off the island, a pitcher of craft beer, and sunscreen (because your skin is your best friend!)

    Q: If you could meet any historical person, who would it be and why?

    A: Vincent Van Gogh. I’d love to tell him how much his art would shape future artists for generations to come. It seems so unfair that such a creative, talented human being died penniless, thinking he was a horrible artist, consumed by depression and loneliness.

     

  • The Maverick State: Retirement-Friendly PA

    The Maverick State: Retirement-Friendly PA

    I bet you never thought of a state as a “maverick.” Merriam-Webster defines the term as, “an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party.” Well, when it comes to retirement, Pennsylvania is quite the maverick state. In comparison to its immediate neighbors – New Jersey, New York, and Maryland – all of which rank in the nation’s top five worst states to retire, Pennsylvania truly stands apart from the crowd. Ranked among Kiplinger’s top 14 states to retire in, Pennsylvania has a cost of living below the national average, low health care costs, and is extremely tax friendly for those 65 and older, making it a stellar option for retirees looking to maximize their savings and enjoy a long, care-free retirement. While the Northeast is generally considered a below average region to retire due to its high cost of living and taxes, Pennsylvania is a mighty exception to this rule. So what exactly is up with this retirement-friendly maverick state? Read on for the full scoop:

    For starters, Pennsylvania does not tax Social Security income, withdrawals from retirement accounts, or public and private pension income, saving residents potentially thousands annually. In comparison, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland all partially tax withdrawals from retirement accounts. In addition, New York partially taxes private pension income and New Jersey partially taxes both public and private pension income. Maryland also partially taxes public pension income, and fully taxes private pension income.

    In New Jersey, property taxes come in with the alarming distinction of highest in the nation. Retiree healthcare costs rank third highest and average $440,299 for a retired couple. The cost of living is the 5th highest in the nation, about 27% above the national average. According to Kiplinger, New Jersey also has the worst ranking for fiscal soundness in the U.S, a major red flag when considering retirement.

    Manhattan, with an average cost of living that is 138.6% higher than the national average, is responsible for New York’s high average cost of living, which is about 22% above the national average. In addition, average health care costs for a retired married couple in New York are above average at $433,347.

    People hugging Maryland ranks 2nd highest in the U.S in average household income for people age 65 and up, yet residents get clobbered by high taxes and costs of living. While Maryland does not tax social security benefits, distributions from individual retirement accounts are fully taxable. Maryland is also one of only two states that has both an estate and inheritance tax, making it one of the least tax friendly states for retirees. Oh – and by the way – the other state that has both is, you guessed it, another one of Pennsylvania’s infamous neighbors – New Jersey!

    When considering relocation for retirement, the factors that go into the final decision are different for everyone; proximity to family and friends, weather, hobbies, culture. But one common element weighs heavily for most: where can I live most cost effectively while enjoying a fun-filled and care-free retirement? In considering cost-effective living, Pennsylvania ranks among the best states to retire in the nation. Its tax friendliness, low cost of living, and low healthcare costs make it a clear contender for a long and happy retirement – a true maverick state among its regional peers! With locations all across Pennsylvania, a Traditions of America resort-style community may be a great choice for you!

    Sources:
    https://smartasset.com/retirement/pennsylvania-retirement-taxes#pennsylvania
    https://smartasset.com/retirement/new-jersey-retirement-taxes#newjersey
    https://smartasset.com/retirement/new-york-retirement-taxes#q=new%20york
    https://smartasset.com/retirement/maryland-retirement-taxes#maryland
    https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/T006-S001-best-states-for-retirement-2018/index.html

  • New Twists on a Clubhouse Favorite

    New Twists on a Clubhouse Favorite

    On any given day, you can find our Traditions of America residents gathering with friends for a friendly game of billiards at our active adult community Clubhouses. Pool is one of the most popular versions of cue sports and while most people are familiar with the American-style Eight-Ball style of play, there are many variations of gameplay that keep things fresh and challenging for even the most avid players.

    Cutthroat

    Cutthroat is played with three people. The fifteen balls are grouped into sets: “low balls” *numbered 1 to 5), “mid balls” (numbered 6 to 10) and “high balls” (numbered 11 to 15) and each person is assigned a group to protect while the other players do their best to pocket (or pot) the other players’ balls.

    A player’s turn continues as long as they continually pocket balls with each shot, including their own (also known as “cutting your own throat”). If a player scratches, or pots the cue ball, one ball from your opponent is returned to the table, which may mean a player can be brought back into the game after losing all their balls! Bar area in a community clubhouse from Traditions of America

    One Pocket

    One Pocket is a deceptively simple game. It’s played with all fifteen balls in the rack. Each player is assigned one of the corner pockets on the table into which they must pot all their balls during the course of the game. First player to score 8 points wins.

    Straight Pool

    Straight pool uses all fifteen balls and players are able to earn points on any ball they pot. However, they must call which ball and pocket they plan to shoot. Points are only awarded if the designated ball goes into the correct pocket and can be played up to 100 or 150 points (meaning you’ll need to rerack throughout the game; it’s a good way to stretch a single game through the evening). Play continues until the player faults or misses. You can make things interesting by awarding penalty points for misses.

    Golf Pool

    Golf pool borrows elements from traditional golf. Each player is assigned a single ball and each pocket is assigned a number, typically clockwise starting at the top right corner pocket. Each player then attempts to pot their ball into each pocket in ascending order.

    Pool table in a traditions of America community clubhouseSaratoga

    Saratoga is played with thirteen balls (6 stripes, 6 solids, and the winning ball, which is typically the 8-ball). Each player completes a run on solid or stripes, in order starting with the lowest ball on the table. Once you’ve completed your set, finish off by potting the 8-ball to win.

    These are just some of the many variations that can be played on a pool table. Games like these can challenge even the most experienced player while still allowing novices to have a fun time.

    The heart of each Traditions of America community is the Clubhouse, where residents enjoy 5-star amenities including heated pools, fitness centers, billiards rooms and more. It’s the perfect place to gather and meet new friends, explore new passions or join one of the many resident-led clubs. Discover the Live Better lifestyle at one of our Traditions of America communities!