So you are winding down, thinking of downsizing and considering your options. There is a movement going on right now that is redefining retirement communities. Gone are the days of “retirement communities”, making way for redefined and re-outfitted active adult communities.
This period of your life should be an exciting time. You’ve “paid your dues” and it’s time for you to take it a little easier and enjoy the rewards of all your hard work. That said, preparing for this transition can seem like a big task and even be a little unsettling. Who will help you sell your current home? How much research will you have to do to find the perfect adult community? What is the right mix of social and recreational offerings vs. value for the money it costs to live in the community?
Today, we are finding that more and more, baby boomers want amenities like fitness rooms, personal trainers, media rooms, bicycle paths and cultural events, all available inside the communities they are living in. To those ends, today we wanted to share some things to consider, as you are in the process of picking your retirement destination.
1) This isn’t your parent’s retirement community
The term Retirement Community has a bad connotation. It gives one the vision of a nursing home for old people. Today’s Active Adult Communities are nothing like that. Boomers are moving to active adult communities for the amenities, sense of community and fun times.
2) Even With Vast Amenities, Active Adult Communities Can Be Affordable.
When it comes to amenities and activities, active adult communities offer a huge range of options. If you are interested in living in a place with tons of recreational and social activities, it can be very affordable. These “bundled” groups of activities are able to be offered to community residents often at discounted prices that are significantly lower than you would pay if you were to try and put all these things into action, on your own, one by one.
That said though, consider whether or not you actually want or need the recreational and social activities offered in the community you are looking at. For instance, if golf course privileges are a large part of a community's offerings, however you do not like to play golf, financially it may make much more sense to choose an alternate community.
3) Do your due diligence
Moving to an active adult community is kind of the same as living in a Condo complex that has a Home Owners Association. To those ends, you need to treat your move the same and do some checking into the health of the community and it’s association. For instance, are there lots of residents that are behind on paying their monthly dues? Are there maintenance issues that are stacking up that might put the HOA reserve funds in jeopardy? Are there lots of properties falling into foreclosure?
All of these things can negatively impact the HOA and community, ultimately putting undue burden on the other residents that live there.
4) Don’t forget: This is supposed to be fun
Last, and certainly most importantly, do not forget that this is supposed to be FUN! You’ve worked hard, paid your dues and deserve to be able to relax and enjoy the next chapter of your life. To those ends, think long term. Make sure there are plenty of things for you to do now, tomorrow, and even 10 years from now that you are going to enjoy doing.
The more you get to experience, the happier you will be. Statistically, the happier you are, the healthier you will be. You are setting out to embark on one of the most exciting chapters of your life. You deserve nothing but happiness.
If you are considering downsizing and possibly moving to an active adult community, but don’t know where to start, please contact us anytime. We are more than happy to speak with you in a confidential, no obligation consultation, to give you tips and suggestions, and make sure you start off on the right foot.
