There are downsides to living in niche retirement communities. According to research by Harvard Law professor Cass Sunstein, "eople who surround themselves by like-minded people are more likely to become more extreme in their views. Sunstein observed increasing polarization in the United States in "ideologically-homogeneous communities" where groups composed of exclusively like-minded people isolate themselves from the wider, mainstream community and have limited exposure to alternative viewpoints. Carle also noted that residents in affinity communities can get burnt out with their life centered around what was once a favorite hobby.