You have made it! The kids are gone building lives of their own. You still have the energy to pursue your own interests and you see the end of your work life coming on the horizon.
Suddenly, the four bedrooms, three bathrooms, full basement built out with an entertainment area, and three-car garage is too big. And for sure the acre of land is more than you want or need. You see endless opportunities to spend your time doing what you want to do. But that vision is interrupted when you have to clean the house, do the yard work, and make repairs on the property. If that makes you grimace, it’s time to turn the page into a new chapter of life – and attitude. And that signals it is time to consider new housing options.
As the population of Baby Boomers ages into retirement, many find the benefits of 55+ communities attractive. And just like retirees and their interests vary widely, so do 55+ communities.
What is a 55+ Community?
Broadly, a 55+ Community is a living community designed to accommodate people that are at least 55 years old or older. In some communities only one of the occupants of the property needs to be 55 years old, the other can be younger. The community is designed with amenities that would provide for the needs and interests of people in that age group.
What makes a 55+ Community attractive?
The appeal of a 55+ Community is based on a variety of factors depending on the community. One thing that is a given is the desire to live in a place with peers, people in a similar age-group and stage of life. Well-designed communities encompass many different aspects of senior living. For instance,
- The housing itself is designed with the aging population in mind. For instance, homes are often single story and outfitted with features such as wide doorways, grab bars, and comfort height bathroom fixtures.
- The location of the community is near hospitals and medical facilities, shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions.
- Some communities offer both rental and ownership options for potential residents, depending on their personal preference.
- Most all 55+ communities provide maintenance-free living. That means no more cutting grass, painting the home’s exterior, cleaning gutters, or maintaining driveways and sidewalks in the summer or shoveling them in the winter.
- In some communities the general expenses that go along with housing are wrapped up into one monthly fee. That includes costs such as taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs, etc. You don’t have to get everything in place and keep it in place, because the costs are combined into one payment.
What types of 55+ Communities are there?
There are more types and kinds of 55+ Communities than you can imagine! That means that you can find a 55+ Community to fit in with what you want in this phase of your life. What is important to you? Consider these options as you think ahead and plan:
- Luxury lifestyle community
- Golf and resort living community
- Active senior living community
- Gated community
Perks to 55+ Community living
The types of communities and the amenities offered vary from location to location, but there are a few benefits that come from living in almost any 55+ Community. Think about:
- Maintenance-free living. As previously noted, residents don’t have to spend their time maintaining and repairing their home. You never have to worry about yard work or home maintenance again!
- Activity and entertainment options. Some communities have regularly available activities and events planned. You could spend your time busy with yoga or exercise classes; arts, crafts, woodworking, music classes; volunteer options for local charities and service projects; games, cards, and movie nights. If the Community itself doesn’t organize these types of activities, groups of active like-minded residents create them within the neighborhood. Some communities have common areas that might include recreation centers, pools, tennis courts, and walking trails.
- Social neighborhood living. When you live in a 55+ Community, neighbors become friends, which means there is less likelihood of feeling isolated and lonely as you age. There are people checking in on each other as they age, and someone to lend a hand when needed, or someone to talk to, watch a movie with, or meet up with to take a daily walk. Staying both physically and mentally active in a 55+ Community is easy.
Benefits to choosing a 55+ Community
Making the move out of the family home where you have lived for years is not an easy choice. Often the decision to do so is delayed until it becomes a stressful situation based on reasons other than changing lifestyle. When you make the decision to move to a 55+ Community as a lifestyle choice, you reap several benefits:
- You downsize on your own terms You are in control of the choices made and can take your time to make the choice that is right for you. A thoughtful decision means you do it at your own pace, de-clutter and give away items that are important to you, sell your home for the best price, and make the move from the perspective of new opportunities and adventure.
- You take control of your future You identify the kind of lifestyle you want for now and for your retirement. In a 55+ Community you don’t necessarily have to be retired. You can continue to work for as much (full- or part-time) and as long as you wish.
- You streamline your finances and bills Because so many costs are wrapped into one fee, your monthly finances are easier to manage. Plus, you don’t have to worry about major expenses that crop up suddenly. You don’t have to replace the roof, repave the drive, cut the grass or shovel the winter snow. All those expenses are taken care of by someone else. The responsibility is taken off your shoulders.
- You gain safety and security There is such comfort in knowing your neighbors. You build friendships for socializing but also know someone is watching out for you. If something unusual happens on the street, or you haven’t been out and about for a few days, someone will check in on you or keep you informed. It’s gratifying to know that outdoor lighting is maintained and you don’t have to worry about it. Some communities include other security systems such as gated entrances, surveillance cameras, and access control systems.
As long-time real estate professionals we hear it all the time. After people make the move to a 55+ Community, they lament, “Why didn’t we do this earlier?” That’s one of the reasons we let everyone know that 55+ Community living is an option. If you are ready to find out more about changing your lifestyle by changing your address, contact us for help. Get ready to explore what the next chapter in life can bring you!
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