There is a wonderful 55+ community in my town that my husband didn't know about all the years he's lived here. My parents checked it out several years ago, and boy were we impressed. I describe it as "a neighborhood within a neighborhood" within the historic "old town" part of the city. One can buy into a free-standing home w/garage, a duplex or single, and have the option of assisted living (if needed) or full care (if needed). The grounds are beautiful, manicured and well-kept. This place has many happy, active seniors. Claremont also has one of its own for active seniors. I wouldn't describe either of these places as "ghetto", not even remotely ----- unless I'm not understanding the current use of the word.
Ghetto: Any section of a city in which many members of some minority group live, or to which they are restricted as by economic pressure or social discrimination
We often think of a ghetto in terms of gang banger localities. Or, the failed housing projects. In fact, as the definition points out, it is any gathering of a minority group. In this context we old folks are a minority group. We face discrimination in many areas. Some react by retreating to a self segregated community. The Villages is such a community but not the only one.
In addition to the social concerns there is a very real economic concern. That is whether the residents will be able to maintain all the amenities that make places like it so attractive when the developer turns it over to the residents. During my visits I got a whiff of doubt that the luxury amenities stand a good chance of going away.
BUT, we can not move right now so all this is, like this thread, discussion. I never make up my mind until time to do so. After all until then I don't have all the facts available.