Senior Citizen Communities & Housing
With the mean average age in the United States going up (thanks to longer life spans), the demand for senior citizen communities and housing is likewise growing. As the designation suggests, senior communities, neighborhoods or facilities are those that can only be purchased or rented by those over a specific age. Some places set that age as 55 while others begin around 62.
This age designation may have other parameters too. For example, some may require that ALL residents are over a specific age. Other senior communities might only require that one household memeber meets the minimum age requirement.
Advantages of Senior Citizen Communities:
There are several advantages to Senior housing. For one thing, its very attractive to the retiree who wants amenities that he or she might not otherwise be able to afford in a house. So some senior neighborhoods offer everything from swimming facilities and yoga classes to golfing and hobby groups.
Another advantage to senior communities is that individuals with a low tolerance for young noise will know in advance if the living facilities theyre considering has the age restrictions desired. On the flip side,people who just want to be around people their own age find a great comfort zone in these neighborhoods, houses or apartments.
Third is the safety factor. Being in a community of agingindividuals means people watching out for each other. Lets face it, as we get older the chances of sickness and injury increases. If youve got other people around who are sensitive to your situation, youre more likely to get a helping hand in times of need (and relatively quickly too). In fact, some retirement homes and communities offer on-site medical services.
Whats Available?
If youre considering a retirement community or facility you might wonder what choices are available to you. Of course, some of these choices depend on your region, but here are just a few of the types of senior facilities you can ponder in your quest for a space to sit back and enjoy lazy days:
1. Senior Apartments or Senior Condominiums: These are ideal for the person who wants to scale back. Not all of us have large families who will be coming to visit, and even if they do the size of your space gives you an excuse to kick them out at the end of the day. Additionally these types of facilities usually have ground-keepers meaning no more mowing, weeding or raking!
2. Modular Homes: Modular homes may appeal to retirees who only want to live in a location part time, then lease their space to pay for it in other months.
3. Cottages: Not really a cottage, this is akin to an inlaw apartment or small house on the same lot with another home. This gives much wanted privacy but also the comfort of knowing someones near by.
4. Shared Housing: Want to move in with some others who will help pay the bills? You can! There are some business out there who will help match you up with the best possible housemates.
5. Retirement Communities: Typically individual homes, sometimes gated with amenities, where other seniors live, work, and play.
6. Assisted Living: For apes who need a little extra help, there are senior communities that have staff on hand to support your needs.
7. Nursing Facilities: This type of facility is perfect for someone who has on-going medical issues that need to be monitored.
Are you Ready to Retire?
Before looking seriously at senior communities and housing you need to ask yourself if youre really ready to make this move. Like any other real estate transaction, moving is stressful and youre making an investment that represents where you want to be for your golden years. Take your time and consider your options carefully. Talk to others who have taken the leap and see how theyre faring. Then if youre ready, find the right senor community that meets your needs.
