// ROSSMOOR OWNERSHIP GUIDE

Taking the Guesswork
out of Buying in Rossmoor

Everything you need to know about living at Rossmoor Walnut Creek,
from home types and costs to what makes our community uniquely rewarding.

Home

Rossmoor Ownership Guide

Welcome to Your Buying Journey

This comprehensive guide walks you through the information you should know before purchasing.

Whether you're just beginning your research or ready to make an offer, this guide provides clarity so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Why Rossmoor is Unique

Your Investment

Breaking Down Insurance

Membership Transfer Fee (MTF)

Rossmoor Mutuals Directory

Approval Process

Why Rossmoor is Unique

Rossmoor Walnut Creek stands apart as a premier 55+ community. Here's what makes us special:

True Ownership

You own your home with a deed or share certificate, not a lease. Build equity and leave your home or share to heirs.

All-Inclusive Living

One monthly fee covers most amenities: clubhouses, pools, fitness center, security, counseling, transportation and more.

Vibrant Community

55+ active adults enjoy clubs, events, social activities, golf and other sports, and welcoming neighborhoods.

24/7 Security & Public Safety

Gated community with entrance control, motorized patrols and EMT assistance brings peace of mind.

Maintenance-Free Lifestyle

All exterior maintenance is included, from roofing to landscaping, so you can focus on living, not repairs.

Diverse Home Options

Choose from affordable co-ops to luxury single-family homes across multiple neighborhoods (Mutuals).

Understanding Your Investment

Transparency is important. Here's a breakdown of purchase prices, monthly fees and what's included.

Price Ranges by Home Type

Cooperatives

$250K-$650K

Share certificate ownership across 3,368 manors in 3 Mutuals, perfect for budget-conscious buyers seeking community living.

CONDOMINIUMS

$400K–$1.5M+

Individual deeded ownership with 3,245 manors across 19 Mutuals, offering the widest selection of floor plans and locations.

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

$1.9M

Deeded ownership in Mutual 61 with 63 detached homes, offering privacy and the most space.

Monthly Fees (Coupons) Explained

Your monthly fee is a mostly all-inclusive investment in worry-free living. Average total ranges from $1,000 to $2,000/month.

RWC Portion

$351.51/month

Same for everyone

All clubhouses access and maintenance

Golf Shop and maintenance of golf courses

Five pools

Fitness Center

Sports facilities and hobby studios

24/7 security, gate staffing and EMT services

Bus transportation

Cable/Internet (Comcast included)

Rossmoor News (weekly newspaper)

Rossmoor TV

Counseling services

Recreation programs, including concerts, classes and movies

Community events

Common area landscaping

Parks and open spaces

Mutual Portion

$900-$2,000/month

Varies by Mutual

Exterior maintenance (painting, roofing, siding)

Decks and patios

Landscaping

Sidewalks and driveways

Street repairs within Mutual

Master insurance policy (building structure)

Common area utilities, including trash and recycling

Reserve fund contributions

Appliance replacement (certain conditions)

CO-OPS ONLY: Mutual portion is basic assessment only. Each manor's unique property taxes are added onto coupon and paid monthly.

p

Mutual 61 does not cover exterior or landscape maintenance, water, trash or insurance.

Download 2026 Monthly Fee Schedule

See exact monthly fees for each Mutual: 2026 Coupons by Mutual (PDF)

The Waterford (Mutual 58) is not managed by RWC Property Management or a part of the Master Insurance Policy. Its monthly fees start at around $2,997 and include one daily meal and weekly housing cleaning. For more information, contact The Waterford at (925) 977-7700.

Rossmoor vs. Outside the Gate

Here's how the all-inclusive Rossmoor lifestyle compares to maintaining these services independently:

Outside the Gate (Your Cost)

At Rossmoor (Included in Fee)

Homeowners Dues

$300 to $400

$885 to $1,939 range of monthly fees for Mutuals

Exterior home maintenance

$200 to $500

All Included

Lawn and Garden Care

$100 to $300

Included

Comcast Ultimate cable TV & internet
service package

$218

Ultimate TV and 500 Mbps Internet included

Water Service

$90 to $150

Included

Trash Pickup

$30 to $60

Included

Dwelling insurance
(not including personal property)

$110 to $150

Included in Master Insurance Policy

Fitness club/gym membership

$40 to $60 (per person)

Unlimited access included

Swim club membership

$90 to $200 (per person)

Multiple pools included

Golf/tennis club membership
(with reasonable greens fees)

$50 to $300 (per person)

Access included (greens fees additional)

Arts/crafts studios membership

$100 to $250

Access to studios included

Transportation

$100 to $200

Dial-a-Bus service included

Social and recreation programs

$300

180+ clubs, recreation-sponsored events,
movies, activities included

Media

$10 to $20

Weekly newspaper and TV channel included

Counseling Services

$100

Brief individual or couples therapy included

Security Services

$300 to $1,000

24/7 gate and patrol, EMT services included

Total Monthly Expenses

$2,138 to $4,208

$885 to $1,939

*Comparison is approximate and based on average Bay Area costs, which depend on location and lifestyle choices. There are also some differences
in services covered and costs for the different Mutuals.
*** The Waterford is not included above. Monthly fees there start at $2,996.62 and in addition to above amenities and services also include one daily meal, weekly house cleaning, and more

Membership Transfer Fee (MTF)

One-Time Investment in Your Community

New buyers to Rossmoor pay a one-time Membership Transfer Fee (MTF) that goes directly into the capital fund to pay for infrastructure improvements and new capital projects that benefit the entire community.

This fee ensures that Rossmoor continues to maintain and enhance the exceptional facilities and amenities that make our community special. The MTF helps fund major projects like clubhouse renovations, golf course improvements, and infrastructure upgrades, all without impacting monthly fees.

What the MTF Funds

Clubhouse renovations and expansions

Golf course improvements

Fitness, recreation and vehicle equipment

Pool and facility upgrades

Road and infrastructure maintenance

Technology improvements

Emergency reserve funds

Long-term capital planning

Key Points to Remember

Paid once by the buyer at purchase

The same fee, and only one fee, charged per manor

100% goes to capital improvements

Protects property values

Ensures community sustainability

Transparent use reporting

Board oversight and approval

Benefits all residents equally

The MTF is an investment in the long-term quality and value of your home at Rossmoor.
The current MTF is $18,000 (as of April 1, 2026)

Rossmoor Mutuals Directory

Find governing documents for 22 of the 23* Rossmoor Mutuals. (* The Waterford not included)
For real estate professionals and residents.

First Mutual

Co-op Residences

View Governing Docs

Second Mutual

Co-op Residences

View Governing Docs

Third Mutual

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Fourth Mutual

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Fifth Mutual

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual Eight

Co-op Residences

View Governing Docs

Mutual 22

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 28

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 29

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 30

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 39

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 40

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 48

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 50

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 53

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 55

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 56

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 59

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 61

Single Family Homes

View Governing Docs

Mutual 65

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 68

Condominium

View Governing Docs

Mutual 70

Condominium

View Governing Docs

How Insurance Works in Rossmoor

Master Insurance Program

All Mutuals except 58 and 61 maintain a Master Insurance policy that covers the building structures and common areas, along with basic liability for common areas. Personal property is not covered under this policy.

Master Policy details:

"Walls-in" coverage provided for interiors only if Mutuals governing docs require it.

Shared Deductible Agreement: Mutuals share cost for loss amounts up to the Master Policy deductible of $250,000.

Policy might not cover damage caused by appliances, systems or system components that are owned or are the responsibility of manor owner.

Personal Insurance Needed

Dwelling: interior ceilings, walls, floors, permanently attached fixtures (not covered by Master Policy)

Personal Property: furniture, moveable fixtures, artwork and portable appliances

Additional Living Expenses: alternative living quarters while displaced

Personal Liability: Injury or damage to another or their manor

Loss Assessment: For a loss not covered by the Master Policy and assessed to owners by Mutual

Approval Process

Most Mutuals just review applications for membership to ensure new residents meet the requirements for membership as outlined in that Mutual’s governing documents and state law.

The three co-op Mutuals also have financial requirements. If obtaining loan financing, they want proof that the lender’s requirements have been met. If a cash purchase, the following are the general requirements needed to qualify:*

Mutual 1: Net monthly income must be 3 ½ times the monthly coupon, plus $50,000 in liquid assets. Or in lieu of the net monthly income requirement, have $500,000 in liquid assets above the $50,000 required.

Mutual 2: Annual income must be 3 times the annual total of the coupon, plus $50,000 in liquid assets.

Mutual 8: Net monthly income must be 3 ½ times the monthly coupon, plus $50,000 in liquid assets.

* See the governing documents for full qualification details

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our complete faq library

Can I tour Rossmoor before making a decision?

Absolutely! We encourage prospective residents to schedule a comprehensive community tour. You'll explore different home types, tour amenities like our golf courses and clubhouses, and get a feel for daily life at Rossmoor. Schedule your tour today →

Can I come visit Rossmoor for the day?

Rossmoor is a gated community so only guests of residents are permitted. Prospective buyers and visitors are welcome to tour Rossmoor with a local real estate agent. See our Visit & Buy page for more information.

What is a Mutual?

Short for Mutual Benefit Corporation, it’s another way of saying homeowners’ association or HOA.

How do I get on the waiting list to move into Rossmoor?

There is no waiting list. All homes are independently owned.

Are homes available for rent?

Some homeowners will make their homes available for rent but the foundation doesn’t maintain a rental list. Check with the area real estate agents or the Classified section of the Rossmoor News. Renters pay a usage fee that allows them access to the facilities and amenities; sometimes the owner will include the fee as part of the rent.

How old must I be to live in Rossmoor?

At least one designated occupant of a home must be 55 years or older. Any additional designated occupant must be 45 years old, unless they are a caregiver providing financial or medical assistance on the advice of a doctor. No one under the age of 18 can live in Rossmoor.

Does Rossmoor offer assisted living?

No, residents of Rossmoor must be able to live independently or privately hire their own caregivers. All homes in Rossmoor are independently owned or rented by the owner.

Are pets (dogs or cats or any other animal) allowed in Rossmoor clubhouses and other buildings?

RWC has a policy that no pets are allowed inside RWC facilities except for service animals that are registered and have the appropriate identifying information that it is a service animal. There are signs posted at the entry of almost every RWC building indicating animals are not allowed.

Browse our complete faq library

The real Rossmoor experience
felt in every moment, every connection

I love living in Rossmoor as it feels like I am living in a park with all the generous trees, plants, and wildlife — a small town within a larger city.

My participation in the Pickleball Club and the LGBTQ+ Alliance provides me with a wonderful, welcoming community of people I have grown to love, along with a chance to play a sport I am crazy about.

What a great place to practice aging!

Cynthia D.

Resident since 2023

We looked at about 6 or 7 senior communities in San Francisco as well as the East Bay and Rossmoor was far and away the nicest. The first time we came through the gate, the gate went up, we drove inside and the stress from the outside world just evaporated.

Robert S.

Resident since 2024

When I go on vacation, I look around, and wish I was back in Rossmoor.

Rossmoor has built-in, planned activities as we age. When younger and active, there’s tennis, pickleball, golf, and a gym. Too strenuous? There’s lawn bowling. Too far to throw the ball? There’s bocce ball. Too hot? We have four swimming pools. Bored? We have several clubhouses, hobby studios, a restaurant and bar, and over 180 clubs where you can find new friends. Also, San Francisco is next door.

Ken Andersen

Resident since 2009

Our love for Rossmoor just deepens with each year. When we first came at the age of 55, there was nothing that was beyond us. We could hike, we could bike, we could swim, we could be part of all the different clubs. What we love about it most now is waking up in this beautiful Tice Valley.

Tracy J.

Resident since 2011

Hear From Our Residents

Ready to Take the Next Step

Your journey to worry-free living at Rossmoor starts with four simple steps

1

Submit Request

Complete the request form and get connected with a real estate agent to learn more about Rossmoor

2

Find an Agent

Visit the Real Estate section to discover and connect with real estate agents who truly understand Rossmoor living

3

Tour Community

Tour the community, and if you're ready, view available homes with your real estate agent.

4

Purchase Home

Work with your real estate agent to purchase your home from the current owner