| ally speaking, retirement communities are classed one | | | | 3. Investigate online. |
| of two ways - either 'age targeted', or 'age | | | | Most retirement communities have good websites |
| restricted'. Age restricted retirement communities | | | | that offer lots of information - videos, testimonials, |
| simply do not allow anyone younger than 55 to | | | | descriptions of the area, and other juicy information |
| purchase a home and may have some extremely | | | | you would want to know before you decide on a |
| strict rules on how long family members of certain | | | | place to retire. This information can really help you in |
| ages may visit. An age-targeted retirement | | | | choosing a retirement community. |
| community will not restrict the purchase of a home | | | | 4. Calculate the costs. |
| from an interested buyer younger than 55, although | | | | An affordable retirement solution is extremely |
| the amenities and demographics will be vastly geared | | | | important. Calculate the cost of living in the |
| to retirees. | | | | retirement community you are looking into. Generally, |
| Either way you choose, you will undoubtedly have | | | | places like Florida offer a cheaper cost of living, while |
| the opportunity to interact with new people with | | | | other areas may be more expensive. Be aware of |
| whom you share common ground, interests, and | | | | "hidden costs." Some retirement communities, such as |
| activities, while enjoying a retirement lifestyle you've | | | | the Villages in Florida, have a CDD - which means that |
| always wanted! | | | | the community builders will take out loans on your |
| If you are looking into the possibility of choosing a | | | | mortgage which will increase your monthly mortgage |
| retirement community, here are some tips to follow: | | | | costs. |
| 1. Ask around for anyone who might have already | | | | 5. Find a retirement location that offers great health |
| chosen a retirement community. | | | | care. |
| A lot of times, friends or family members know of | | | | As you look forward to the future, great health care |
| someone who has already gone before you - there is | | | | options are extremely important. Look around for a |
| nothing better than hearing through a friend about his | | | | retirement community in a location that has a |
| her experiences when choosing a retirement | | | | reputation for excellent health care! |
| community. | | | | 6. Take a tour! |
| 2. Make a list of what retirement activities are most | | | | Most retirement communities offer 2 or 3 night stays |
| important to you. | | | | in their retirement community so you can receive a |
| Do you enjoy recreation such as golf, fishing, boating, | | | | great tour, and experience a taste of what you may |
| swimming, or exercising? Make a list of your favorite | | | | be looking forward to in the future. While you're |
| pastimes and search for retirement communities that | | | | visiting, be sure to spend time to speak to current |
| may offer these. Check into the clubs, groups, and | | | | residents and some of the staff. Residents will give |
| activities that the retirement community your are | | | | you a great picture of what it will be like to live in |
| looking into offers. Make sure you choose a | | | | the community, and by talking to the staff you'll get |
| retirement community that will satisfy your interests. | | | | a good idea of how you'll be treated. |