If you are thinking about a move to a Westhaven 55+ home, you are probably balancing excitement with a long list of practical questions. You want a home that feels easier to live in, easier to maintain, and still rich in comfort, style, and daily convenience. The good news is that Westhaven’s active-adult offering gives you several strong options, but the timing, budget, and purchase process matter. Let’s walk through what to plan before you make your move.
Westhaven 55+ at a Glance
Westhaven’s current 55+ offering is an age-restricted active-adult neighborhood within the larger Westhaven community in Franklin, Tennessee. This section is located near the southeast corner of Mack Hatcher Parkway and Highway 96, and Westhaven places the broader community in historic Franklin, about 14 miles from Nashville. For many buyers, that means a location that blends neighborhood amenities with access to the wider area.
The active-adult section is planned for about 190 for-sale homes on roughly 52 acres. Westhaven says the mix includes single-family homes, townhomes, and villas. Construction has begun, homes are now selling, and the section is not gated.
It is also important to know the age restriction details upfront. Westhaven states that residents must be 55 or older, and children under 19 may not reside in the community. If you are planning a move with family considerations in mind, that rule should be part of your early decision-making.
Know the Difference Between the Two Offerings
One of the most important planning steps is understanding that Westhaven’s active-adult homes and Astor Club & Residences are not the same thing. The active-adult neighborhood is the for-sale option. Astor Club & Residences is a separate lease-only project.
That distinction matters because buyers sometimes assume every 55+ option in Westhaven is available to purchase. According to Westhaven’s current FAQ, Astor Club & Residences is planned for about 208 units, is expected to be completed in late 2028, and does not include an assisted living program. If your goal is ownership, focus on the active-adult homes rather than the lease-only residences.
Choose a Home That Fits Long-Term Living
For many 55+ buyers, this move is not just about downsizing. It is about choosing a home that supports how you want to live now and over time. That often means looking beyond square footage and paying close attention to layout, maintenance needs, and flexibility.
Westhaven’s current materials highlight several features that can support longer-term living. These include townhomes with elevators, single-level living, and some homes with second-floor bedrooms and bonus space. That variety can be helpful if you want main-level daily living but still need room for guests, hobbies, or a home office.
When comparing options, it helps to think through a few practical questions:
- Do you want the simplicity of a townhome or villa?
- Would a single-family home give you the right amount of privacy and space?
- Do you want elevator access for easier movement between floors?
- Will you need flexible rooms for visiting family or personal interests?
A move like this works best when the home fits both your present routine and your likely future needs.
Plan for a Low-Maintenance Lifestyle
A major reason buyers consider a 55+ move in Westhaven is the appeal of lower-maintenance ownership. That can free up more time for travel, social activities, wellness, and simply enjoying your home without the same upkeep burden.
Westhaven says full lawn maintenance is provided for all homes. It also states that townhomes and villas include full exterior maintenance. Those details can make a meaningful difference if you are coming from a home with more yard work or exterior responsibilities.
That said, low maintenance does not mean no planning. You will still want to understand exactly what is covered through HOA dues and what remains your responsibility. Comparing those costs and duties against your current home can give you a much clearer picture of your true monthly lifestyle expenses.
Look Closely at Amenities and Daily Convenience
Lifestyle is a big part of the value in Westhaven’s 55+ community. If you want more than just a new home, this is where the conversation becomes especially important.
Westhaven says purchase in the 55+ community includes Astor Club membership. The club is designed around indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, a cold plunge, pickleball courts, fitness and yoga, a library, theater, dining, a salon, and a dog spa. For buyers who want built-in opportunities for activity and connection, those amenities may be a major draw.
The broader Westhaven community also adds to the appeal. Current materials list a 15,000-square-foot residents club, nine miles of trails, 20 community parks, tennis and pickleball courts, and an 18-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course. The Village Center includes restaurants, shopping, healthcare, professional services, and other everyday conveniences.
Westhaven’s FAQ also says the 55+ section is walkable to the Village Center and that plans include a park, bocce ball, and walking paths within the for-sale area. If your goal is to drive less and enjoy more within your immediate surroundings, that walkability can be a very practical part of your decision.
Build a Realistic Westhaven Budget
When buyers first look at a 55+ move, they often focus on purchase price alone. In reality, your full budget should account for the complete cost of ownership and the timing of your move.
Westhaven’s current pricing starts from the upper $600,000s for townhomes and from $1 million and up for single-family homes. Because pricing and features can change without notice, it is wise to treat those figures as starting points rather than fixed assumptions.
Your planning budget should also include:
- HOA dues
- Maintenance coverage details
- Closing costs
- Moving expenses
- Prep work or updates for your current home
- Carrying costs if your sale and purchase do not line up perfectly
A clear budget can help you decide not only what you can buy, but also how comfortably you want to make the transition.
Prepare for the No-Contingency Sales Process
This is one of the biggest planning points for Westhaven buyers. Westhaven’s FAQ says there will be no contingent home sales in the active-adult section. That means you may not be able to secure a home there while waiting on your current home to sell.
For many buyers, this changes the entire strategy. You may need to discuss pre-approval, available cash, bridge-style planning, or the timing of listing your current home before you try to move forward on a Westhaven purchase.
This is also where experienced local guidance can make a real difference. A clear plan for your current home sale, your financing, and your purchase timeline can help reduce stress and keep you from missing an opportunity in a community where availability may change.
Understand Property Tax and Carrying Costs
Property taxes are another important piece of the move plan. The City of Franklin states its property tax rate is $0.296 per $100 of assessed value, and Williamson County notes that local tax rates are set each year by the county commission and city governing bodies.
In practical terms, you should verify the exact tax district for the specific parcel you are considering before estimating monthly costs. That is especially important when you are comparing your future carrying costs with those of your current home.
Tennessee also offers property tax relief for qualifying low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. In addition, the state Comptroller notes a property tax freeze program for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older in participating jurisdictions, but Franklin says the city has not adopted the freeze for city property taxes. If tax planning is part of your move decision, it is worth reviewing how those programs may or may not apply to your next home.
Think Through the Sale of Your Current Home
If you are selling one home and buying another, timing matters on more than one level. Beyond the no-contingency policy, your current home sale may affect taxes, cash flow, and how flexible you can be in negotiations.
The IRS says a homeowner may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or up to $500,000 for certain joint returns, when selling a main home if ownership and use tests are met. It also notes that this exclusion generally can be used only once during a two-year period.
That does not mean every seller will qualify in the same way, but it does mean timing can be important. If you are planning a move to Westhaven while selling your principal residence, it is smart to discuss your timeline and tax questions early so your housing decisions work together.
Questions to Answer Before You Move
A smooth move usually starts with asking the right questions before you fall in love with a floor plan. In Westhaven’s 55+ section, a few details can shape the entire experience.
Here are some of the most useful questions to answer early:
- Which option best fits your long-term plan: townhome, villa, or single-family home?
- What is included in HOA dues and maintenance coverage?
- How should you time the sale of your current home if contingent sales are not allowed?
- What is the exact tax district for the property you are considering?
- Do any Tennessee property tax programs apply to your situation?
- Are you likely to qualify for the home-sale capital gains exclusion?
- Which homes or floor plans are currently available?
- How quickly are available homes moving?
- How does the builder-side sales process work, and where do negotiation, inspection, and closing support matter most?
The clearer your answers, the more confident your move can feel.
Planning a move to a Westhaven 55+ home is about more than finding a beautiful property. It is about matching your next home to your budget, your timeline, and the way you want to live day to day. With the right strategy, you can make this transition feel more organized, more informed, and far less overwhelming.
If you are weighing your options in Westhaven and want a local team that understands both new construction and the broader Franklin market, The Reed Collective can help you build a smart plan from sale to purchase.
FAQs
What is the Westhaven 55+ community in Franklin, TN?
- Westhaven’s 55+ community is an age-restricted active-adult neighborhood within the larger Westhaven development in Franklin, with about 190 planned for-sale homes including single-family homes, townhomes, and villas.
Are Westhaven 55+ homes for sale or for lease?
- The active-adult homes are for sale, while the separate Astor Club & Residences project is lease-only.
What age rules apply in the Westhaven 55+ neighborhood?
- Westhaven states that residents must be 55 or older, and children under 19 may not reside in the community.
What types of homes are available in Westhaven’s 55+ section?
- Westhaven says buyers can consider townhomes, villas, and single-family homes, with features such as single-level living, elevators in some townhomes, and flexible bonus space in certain plans.
What amenities come with a Westhaven 55+ home purchase?
- Westhaven says purchase includes Astor Club membership, with amenities designed around pools, fitness, pickleball, dining, a library, theater, salon, and dog spa, along with access to broader Westhaven amenities.
Does Westhaven allow contingent home sales in the 55+ section?
- No. Westhaven’s current FAQ says there will be no contingent home sales, so buyers should plan financing and sale timing carefully.
What should buyers budget for when moving to Westhaven 55+?
- In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for HOA dues, maintenance-related costs, closing costs, moving expenses, and any work needed to prepare their current home for sale.
How do property taxes work for a Westhaven 55+ home in Franklin?
- Buyers should verify the exact parcel tax district, since Franklin and Williamson County set local property tax rates through their respective governing bodies and the specific property location affects the estimate.
