Objectives Leading an active life in old age underpins positive life experience. This study aimed to compare the levels of active aging in senior housing residents and community-dwelling older people. Methods We combined data from the BoAktiv senior house survey (N = 336, 69% women, mean age 83 years) and AGNES cohort study among community-dwelling older adults (N = 1021, 57% women, mean age 79 years). Active aging was assessed with the University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging scale. Data were analyzed with general linear models, and the analyses were stratified by sex. Results Men in senior houses demonstrated lower active aging scores in general than community-dwelling men. Women in senior houses showed greater will to be active, but poorer ability and possibilities for activity than community-dwelling women. Discussion Despite the social and supporting environment, senior housing residents’ possibilities for leading an active life seem to be compromised, potentially leading to an unmet activity need.