Things to Consider when Looking for a Home

Empty nesters may find their old homes too large or empty after their children have left their nests.  Folks often consider moving to a smaller home where they can enjoy the good life.  Many senior retirement communities offer a variety of styles of homes for your consideration.  These homes may feature two or three bedrooms, dens, separate living and dining areas or an open plan ‘great room’ concept, and two or three-car garages, etc.  However, your final choice may well depend on your budget and the expectations you have in our mind with regards to how you wish to live your 55+ lifestyle.  Here are some essential factors to consider before making your choice.

Location, Location, Location

Where would you like to live?  This is an important question.  Many baby boomers prefer to move to an area where they will be in proximity to existing friends and neighbors.  This means you have to select a community close to your neighborhood.  However, if you are not really interested in staying in touch, the sky is the limit.  Then, where do you wish to go?  What State?  Do you wish to live in sunny California in a community such as Barcelona by Shea Homes in Brentwood, where the sun shines nearly every day of the year, or Alaska’s Mountain Rose Estates, Palmer, where you could have snow for much of the year?  This is the first step to take before going any further in your investigations of an active adult community.

Budget

The next item on your agenda is your budget.  How much is too much for a home in a retirement community?  This depends on how much you are willing to spend to ensure a life of leisure and excitement.  Most communities you will find online are reasonably priced unless, of course, they are luxury communities.  However, luxury communities, such as Regency at Dominion Valley by Toll Brothers in Haymarket, VA, do have their comforts that make it all worthwhile.  But, you are in luck, as you may be able to find communities that sell homes, such as Trilogy at Redmond Ridge – Redmond, WA, where the starting price is just $150,000.

Requirements and Needs

You should not move into a community just because the price is right.  You should always consider a community where you get what you want.  Are you interested in playing golf?  If this is so, you should consider communities such as Trilogy at Verde River by Shea Homes in Rio Verde, AZ, Trilogy at Redmond Ridge in Redmond, WA, or Heather Gardens in Aurora, CO.  What type of adult community are you looking for?  Is it a resort-style community, waterfront community, or mountain community?  Should it be in proximity to doctors’ offices, a hospital, grocery store, pharmacy, etc.?  Once you consider these requirements and needs, you will be able to find a community that suits you.

There is nothing like an active adult community to spend your retirement years.  Each active adult community caters to a set of differentiated needs of 55+ active adults.  You will find fitness centers, pools, tennis courts, billiards, games, card rooms, and libraries in and around the clubhouses of these communities so that you never have to spend a dull day at home.

Many more active adult communities are available for your consideration through our website ActiveAdultLiving.com.  Visit our website to look at details on more than 8,500 communities and select the community that best fits your requirements.  We are sure you will find many that will accommodate your preferences.