5 Things to Consider when Looking for the Right Retirement Community
Most people don’t want to spend their time mowing the lawn or repairing a broken window when they could be swimming in the pool or playing golf! But, when it comes to choosing where to live after you retire, the options can be overwhelming. Sometimes so much so, that you might decide to stay put in your current home! But, if you stick with the status quo, you are likely facing a lot of upkeep and maintenance instead of enjoying yourself in your retirement.
You’ve spent a lot of time working hard to reach this point in your life so take advantage of it! Active, retired adults looking to find their ideal 55+ community may have a few questions before ordering the moving truck.
Important questions to ask yourself when choosing the right retirement community for you:
1. What type of home are you looking for?
Most 55+ or retirement communities are either age-restricted active adult communities, active lifestyle communities that do not have an age requirement or senior living communities that provide residents with medical care and help.
When searching for a new home, ask yourself what type of community you want to live in. Active adult communities can offer a combination of home types, such as single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, and condominiums. Some communities offer homes for sale and others are rent-only. You can also find places that offer a mixture of both.
Think about how much room you need, how many bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you want a garage, covered parking or just a parking space? Would you enjoy a patio, or are windows just fine? Do you want neighbors in the same building as you or stand-alone units? Are you looking for a low-maintenance home or do you want to take care of everything yourself? Are you living alone or with others? Do you want to attend community events such as BBQs or happy hours or would you prefer to be alone without a lot of community interaction? Will you be home a lot or mostly traveling?
Considering the lifestyle you are looking for will help you decide what type of home is right for you. Some people enjoy condos or apartments if they do not wish to have any upkeep or maintenance. If you have a lot of personal belongings you may need to have storage or a basement.
Something else to consider is if you have a pet or want to get a furry companion. Some communities only allow cats or small dogs. Some places do not allow pets and others may not have a pet rule at all. However, it is important to find out before you sign on the dotted line.
2. What type of lifestyle do you live or want to live?
Do you want to live in warm weather all year? Do you want to golf, play pickleball, or lounge by the pool all day? Or do you prefer cold weather? Will you enjoy a place where you can ski or snowshoe? Do you enjoy the country where it is quiet and there’s not much going on or do you prefer the city nightlife? Do you like to be outdoors hiking or gardening? Or would you rather be enjoying museums and shows? Do you want to live all year in one location or split it up?
There are many communities specifically targeted to active adults who wish to live in their community only part-time. Florida is one of the most popular states for warm weather lovers with many low-maintenance communities that allow residents to have a flexible living style.
Vermont is a popular destination for those who love cold weather activities and stunning seasons all year round. You can leaf peep during the Fall in Stowe or watch the flowers bloom at Shelburne Farms in the Spring. People never want to leave Lake Champlain during the Summer months because of the countless activities it has to offer and its gorgeous Adirondack mountain views.
The community you choose should not only have a home that meets all your emotional and physical needs, but your financial ones as well. That brings us to our next topic – budget.
3. What is your budget for retirement?
When you are thinking of retiring, money is likely top of mind. Your retirement budget will help you decide the style of home you move into, whether you rent or own, the community you want to live in, and the area you may want to be in. Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to start your retirement, but it is important to consider your budget.
It’s a great idea for you and your family to sit down and write out what you want and your plan for budgeting. Sometimes writing it down helps clarify what your actual needs are as opposed to what you thought you wanted. You can also use this type of guided meditation to find your dream home and the area you want to live.
Once you know your budget and have an idea of what you are looking for, you can look within those parameters with confidence. When you don’t know your budget it is difficult to even start looking. Budget is always a great place to start!
4. What kind of amenities are you looking for?
Social clubs, amenities, sports, and various services that a community offers are some of the factors that draw active adults into a 55+ community. It is fairly common for an active adult or active lifestyle community to have a long list of amenities and clubs, although this is not always the case. There are also plenty of active adult or lifestyle communities that do not include clubhouses and amenities. If you are looking to rent or purchase a home in an active adult community, consider what kind of amenities you are looking for or if you prefer a community without amenities.
If you are looking for a home with amenities, you will find communities that offer a community room, fitness center, pool and patio, and various sports courts. Some have more specific amenities such as a golf course, woodworking or poetry shop, day spa, continuing education center, and much more.
Some questions to consider when thinking about amenities might be: what are your interests? Do you exercise or want to start? Are you looking to utilize your athletic skills? Or are you hoping to start a hobby? Another thing to consider for those 55 and older might be social clubs. Some active adult communities have their own lifestyle director or concierge to organize events. Whether you are looking to plan your own fun or want to have activities to choose from, it is important to consider what life is like throughout your community in order to make the best decision for you and your interests.
5. Do you want to live near a healthcare facility?
Access to quality healthcare is something that many seniors consider. Active adults who are looking for a community close to a variety of medical centers may have specific medical requirements that should not be overlooked when choosing the right home. If you are concerned about being close to medical facilities then you may want to take a closer look for the best places to retire with conditions, such as arthritis or type 1 diabetes.
Another important factor to consider is if you want to age in place. Some retirement communities are affiliated with or next door to assisted living and memory care facilities. Sometimes, if you feel more comfortable with those facilities being close, it makes the transition easier when the time comes to do so. Thinking of these questions and your health will help you to decide whether or not living close to healthcare providers is important.
Whether you are ready to move in today or need some time to consider what it is you want from your retirement community, it is important to consider these questions and all the different prices, environments, amenities, home styles, and restrictions that can be found in active adult communities across the country.
We, here at The Residences at the Essex, offer a luxury, 55+ environment with many amenities to enjoy. You can choose from one or two bedroom units, all with underground parking. Residents are allowed to bring their pets, and have a paid membership to The Essex Resort and Spa, right next door, where you can enjoy swimming in the indoor/outdoor pools, relaxing in the hot tub, or working out in the fitness center. You can play tennis or relax at the spa. We are a very short distance to grocery shopping, recreation paths, UVM Medical Center, restaurants, The Flynn Theater, and The Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington, VT.
We would love to show you around so please give us a call!
802-861-1131
