The 65-year and older population grew by nearly a third in the past decade. As people age, it’s time to start thinking about retirement and how to spend those days. Are you thinking about a retirement community for either yourself or a family member? Wondering if the investment is worth it?
In short, the answer is yes, so keep reading to find out more about these communities and why they are a great choice for retirement.
What Are 55 Plus Communities?
Active adult communities cater to those over 55. These 55+ communities aren’t typically too much different than other residential communities, but there are age restrictions. This is because they are made to be retirement-friendly and have a low-maintenance lifestyle readily available for residents.
There are a variety of options to choose from including condos, patio homes, apartments, and townhouses. Typically, these communities are near restaurants, parks, shopping, and other attractions for residents to stay active in their retirement years.
Residents are responsible for the daily upkeep of the interior, but the exteriors are part of the maintenance program. This is usually part of the monthly HOA dues that handles the repairs and home maintenance.
One of the major selling points is that there are onsite facilities for activities. Depending on the community, you may find golf courses, tennis courts, pools, clubhouses, and more. This helps you make new friends and stay busy in your retirement years.
Benefits
While you start thinking about the various senior living options, let’s take a look at the benefits of these 55+ communities. Here are the benefits.
Make Friends With Other Retirees
Let’s face it—moving to someplace new can be scary, especially when you don’t know anyone. That’s where a retirement community can help you. In these communities, you can make friends with other retirees.
Whether you go to an event or live close by, you can find someone with similar interests, which can be hard to do moving anywhere else.
Low- Or No-Maintenance
This is probably the biggest selling point of retirement communities. After you have spent years mowing the lawn, painting, raking, snow-blowing, or performing any other repairs, you can ditch those responsibilities. You can downsize to a smaller home to have less maintenance inside as well.
Quiet Environment
Don’t worry adult children and grandchildren are welcome for visits to a retiree community. But, for the most part, these areas are quiet.
Security
An understated benefit of retirement living is the added security. There are additional entrances and exits along with cameras, locks, and 24-hour emergency staff.
Maintain Independence
You can keep your independence longer without sacrificing your safety. Living in a retirement community lets you have your own space and you can make your own social schedule as well (most of the time, you may not even have to drive anywhere). You are never truly alone in a retirement area but you still have your independence.
One Place Fits All
You can also look for communities that offer more care as needed. There are independent living sections along with assisted living and medical care options. This prevents you from having to make a larger move if you need more health care.
Other Things to Consider
When considering the cost, you will also have to budget for your monthly fees. If you buy a home, you will have HOA fees to consider, or if you rent, your price may be all-inclusive.
It’s important to get a breakdown of your costs to make sure it fits your budget. You need to compare apples to apples, so think about your current costs including maintenance, utilities, and entertainment costs that are included in this price. You should budget about one to four percent of your purchase price for repairs and maintenance.
Make sure you check the rules of a community to make sure you agree with them and can comply. This can include items like owning a pet, how you decorate outdoors, and visits from outside guests.
How to Find the Right Community
If you decide you want to live in a retiree community, you need to make sure you find the right one for you (or your loved one). First, you need to decide where you want to live. Do you want to move somewhere with warmer weather, or do you prefer your current location? If you are making a year-round move, don’t forget to think about the weather for all 12 months.
Determine your budget and start looking for something that fits your budget. You may be surprised to find that you may pay about the same when you consider your monthly bills.
Check the amenities and ask for a community calendar so you can see if there is something you enjoy. Talk to some of the residents and see how they feel about the area. Look online for reviews and ask to see all areas if there are multiple living options.
Ask about the HOA. Take a look to see that it is in good financial shape should there be any maintenance issues.
Find Your Retirement Community
Retirement is an exciting time in your life that you have worked hard for. Finding the right retirement community gives you the independence you want without the hassle of maintenance. You can make friends, have fun, and live with others your age.
If you are considering a retirement community and searching “over 55 communities near me”, contact Bluegrass Senior Living. We would be happy to give you a tour and let you see the many amenities and living options available.