Active Adult Retirement Communities: Ten Things to Know

by: Carol Fena



Most articles about active adult retirement communities state this important fact: Baby boomers have turned 60. Some will choose to sell their homes for a variety of reasons: financial, to downsize, to be closer to children. As homebuilders are building more retirement communities and discovering what features boomers want making them more appealing, more boomers are considering retirement at active adult retirement communities.

Here are ten things you should know when you begin your research into active adult retirement communities:

1) Choose an Area: First thing decide where you would like to live by region, state and then city. A variety of websites now cover this subject thoroughly and are very helpful. My website also gives descriptions of the areas if you are wondering what it would be like to live in California, for instance. Find the communities listed under that area or city. The type of community we are talking about here will be categorized as Active Adult and sometimes Independent Living. Make a list of the active adult communities you want to consider further. There are many types of active-adult communities so notice what kind it is. For instance, some communities only have rental apartments. There are some that are manufactured homes only or RV. Some have assisted living available. The most common type is the outright purchase plus homeowners fee.

2) Make a list of your wants and needs: Is a golfcourse necessary? What are your hobbies and can you pursue them there. What other activities are there that you may wish to try in the future. Do you want a resort-type active adult community. Is having a college nearby important or your favorite medical facilities. How about scenery. Is a view important to you. Make a list putting your highest priorities first.

3) Decide on your budget: Do you wish to purchase or rent. What is the homeowner's fee and what does it cover. Are there any other fees. Make a list of your total expenses. What is the policy regarding raising fees. Are there other active adult community plans that you find more desirable than outright purchase. There are many types of financial plans, however, the most typical is purchase plus a fee. My fee covers property tax and insurance, utilities, basic cable TV, security services, Clubhouse, and amenities such as fitness center and tennis. My tai chi class is an additional small fee. Usually there is an extra fee for golf and outdoor pool. For the greatest security, make sure you can cover your monthly expenses for the rest of your life.

4) Make appointments to Visit: A good plan is to contact the community or homebuilder and let them know you are interested. I find the retirement community will then send a generous packet of information. Sometimes they may have a visitor's program offering a tour of the property and sometimes an overnight stay at reasonable rates. Visiting gives you more detailed information.

5) During your visit, be observant: Notice if the seniors appear happy and active and sometimes greeting you. Ask them if they like living there. Notice if the landscaping is well kept and beautiful. What amenities are offered. Where do you put out your trash and do your laundry. Seriously, both of these are conveniently right outside my door. My trash shute makes my life a lot easier. The building is cleaned every week. Sometimes, of course, you will have your own machines in your home. Make sure the floorplan makes your life easier. Are there any unique health programs for seniors such as restaurants serving a menu that is lower in fat, salt and sugar. Get the newspaper or activities calendar and ask if there are resales, check out the local real estate office. They can also give you an objective opinion on the community.

6) Is there transportation for residents? Is there a shuttle bus? This is wonderful if you take the one car to work and your spouse stays home all day. You may not want the expense of two cars anymore or any car at all. You don't want to be stuck in your home and no way to get around. How far is the shopping center. Can you walk?

7) Where are the grocery store and major shopping: Is there a shopping center located nearby and where is the major shopping mall. Ours is conveniently next to the community and we can walk if we want to.

8) Emergency Services and Hospitals: Fortunately, most active adult communities are located near these facilities since adult community homebuilders know it is important. However, some that are in more remote areas may not be near enough and you may have to weigh this in your decision.

9) Security Services: What does this consist of? Is it an electronic gate only, a 24-hour manned gate, or manned gate and patrol. The manned gate plus 24-hour patrol is best. Our security service also handles just about anything that may come up that we need assistance with or are concerned about. It is wonderful and gives so much peace of mind.

10) Now choose which communities you like best: Once you are in a community, you will only then know how important having all these conveniences will be to you. Get the names of persons you came in contact with for any questions you may have later. Narrow your list down to only one or two. Get more details on the community and maybe try to rent there first to try it out. Retirement communities usually have short-term rentals available. You may wish to do a follow-up visit.

Choosing which adult community you will reside in will be easier than you think. The people you come in contact with at retirement communities are very gracious and helpful. Soon you will enjoy the new sense of freedom and pleasure that only a great active adult retirement community can offer.

Carol Fena http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com (c)2006


About The Author

Carol Fena, after many years of real estate employment, resides in an active adult retirement community and enjoys writing articles about them for her website http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com