thinking of where to move after we retire

We live in the DC metro area and are wanting to leave after retirement which is next year. We'll be in our early 60's. Don't have any family to be concerned with so that is not an issue. We've been looking at Pennsylvania, Arizona, and down south. NC/GA.

I like the idea of a 55+ active community for the activities, but I actually like kids around and younger people. So I was wondering, are there communities that have the fun atmosphere of a 55+ community without actually being one? Or for those of you who do live in one, is it really like a cruise ship with all the activities or is that just marketing?