I'll be honest. The thought of being in a retirement community in my later years surrounded by Deadheads doesn't sound bad.

That was my reaction after reading an article in the New York Times recently about how niche and specialized retirement communities are being created to cater to people with similar interests and passions, even an affinity for the Grateful Dead.

The Times story discusses communities that cater primarily to those in "specific" markets such as the LGBT community (Fountaingrove Lodge) and to entertainment professionals (Lillian Booth Actors Home, around since 1902).

The wonderful thing about these communities is that they provide a community of "like minded" people to spend one’s later years with. They are often not cheap — the Fountaingrove Lodge has a $750,000 entrance fee — but they provide an experience that is more unique and focused than your typical retirement community.

As reported by the Times, Andrew J. Carle of George Mason University views them as "flavors of ice cream." Carle is a former hospital and senior-housing executive who goes on to say, "When the boomer generation ages, they just want more flavors on the shelf. They're not going to be satisfied with vanilla, chocolate or strawberry."

Another innovation is the university-based retirement community where residents live near a college campus and must take classes. Other possibilities: communities for retirees of Indian heritages (ShantiNiketan in Florida) and those specifically interested in recreational vehicles (Escapees Care Center in Texas).

As wonderful as these specialized communities sound, and however well they respond to the needs of the varied boomer generation, the reality is that you still have to do your due diligence no matter what type of retirement community you consider.

Brad Breeding of LifeSite Logics and author of "What's the Deal with Retirement Communities" says that there are five key aspects to the decision process when choosing a retirement community, each of which is equally important: lifestyle, affordability over lifetime, contract details, financial stability of the provider, and health care. According to Breeding, "It is important to live in a setting where the lifestyle and culture is compatible with your preferences. A niche community may appeal to some older Americans who otherwise might not have considered a retirement community. Yet, this alone should not eclipse the other important aspect of the research process."

As with any major financial decision you make at any stage in your life, it pays to listen to the professionals. Along with Breeding's advice to always do your research, I also am interested in the points made by Max Greenberg, a senior-living adviser in Palo Alto, Calif., who says that his prediction is “that we will see more specialty communities popping up, including ones run by large national fraternities and sororities, allowing seniors to once again experience the partying, socialization and spirit of frat life they had in college."

It was Greenberg's last comment that got me really enthused. He further predicted that he "wouldn't be surprised to see a Grateful Dead–oriented community sprout up in the Bay Area, either."

Imagine sitting around in retirement with fellow Deadheads discussing the best recordings of “Bertha” and ”China Cat Sunflower,” or the differences between Jerry's playing before and after his coma. I would love to hear how anyone thinks that the Barton Hall show at Cornell from 1977 isn't the best Dead show ever. That would make an interesting after-dinner discussion among retirees.

It would truly be a groovy way to retire. I'm sure that the snacks would be great as well. Peace, dude.

DISCLOSURE: Jack Tatar has ownership in the company that published Brad Breeding’s book.