55+ communities, or active adult communities, are residential areas designed for individuals aged 55 and older. These communities offer a lifestyle tailored to older adults, featuring low-maintenance housing and various amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and walking trails. Social interaction is encouraged through organized events, hobby groups, and recreational activities. Many communities provide additional services like healthcare facilities, transportation, and dining options. Located in desirable climates and scenic areas, they offer a serene and enjoyable living environment. The primary goal is to foster a vibrant, supportive atmosphere where residents can enjoy their retirement years with a focus on health, wellness, and social connections.

Although sometimes referred to as the Ozark Mountains, the region is a high and deeply dissected plateau. Geologically, the area is a broad dome around the Saint Francois Mountains. The Ozark Highlands area, the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the Black Hills of South Dakota are the only major highland regions in the U.S. between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. The Ozarks and Ouachitas are sometimes referred to collectively. For example, the ecoregion called Ozark Mountain Forests includes the Ouachita Mountains, although the Arkansas River valley and the Ouachitas, both south of the Boston Mountains, are not usually considered part of the Ozarks.