Best Retirement Communities: Choosing a Retirement Community to Fit Your Needs
When you are searching for planned retirement communities, there are a number of factors to consider to determine if the community will be a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
First, think about the year that the retirement community was built. Older communities will have established neighborhoods so you know exactly what you are getting. They may also have maintenance issues. Newer communities may not be fully constructed. You may not know exactly how the neighborhoods will form, and there may not be as many residents for social events.
Think about the size of the planned community. Smaller ones may be built all at once, with no plans for growth. Larger ones are often built in phases. Some communities will feel like one large neighborhood; others will feel like interconnected villages or subdivisions. Do you prefer a small community in a large city or a large community away from it all?
Consider the types of housing and/or real estate offered. Some communities only have single-family homes. Others offer single-family homes mixed with condos, townhomes, apartments, etc. Decide if you’d like an eclectic neighborhood or a more homogeneous one. And, of course, consider housing prices, taxes, and HOA fees.
Do you want city amenities, such as museums or shopping, close by, or are the stores, restaurants, and golf course(s) on-site enough? How close are mountains, the ocean or lakes for recreation? Will there be activities for the grandkids? Does that matter? Do you want to live where activities are structured and planned for you?
Is the community designed for aging gracefully? Are homes built on a single-level; do they have lever door handles and 24-hour emergency signal systems? Do you want a community with assisted living facilities on site? Do you want one close to a major medical facility? Does the community offer any kind of transportation? For what maintenance will you be responsible?
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