| For many a senior, new homes represent a chance | | | | life, otherwise you might find yourself regretting the |
| to break free from ongoing house maintenance. And, | | | | move all together. |
| if the home is located in a retirement community, | | | | Health Care and Amenities |
| there's an opportunity to combine the freedom of | | | | A good senior's community will have a pharmacy |
| independent living with the security of on-site | | | | within close proximity and walking distance from all |
| assistance, community and recreation. | | | | the houses. An even better senior's community will |
| Retirement communities and age-restricted resort | | | | offer an easily accessible health care clinic. The best |
| communities are one of the fastest growing sections | | | | would be one staffed by an on-site nurse or close to |
| of the residential building country. These | | | | a nearby hospital. |
| mega-communities are targeted toward seniors and | | | | Can You Easily Get Around? |
| filled with state-of-the-art recreation centers, on-site | | | | Not only is walking a great way to stay in shape and |
| social coordinators, gyms, golf courses and even | | | | keep your muscles moving, it's often easier than |
| community centers. If you're thinking about moving | | | | driving - and for some seniors, it's their only mode of |
| to an age-restricted or retirement community, read | | | | transportation. Before you buy in a senior's |
| on to find out what you should look for in a | | | | community, ask yourself if you could walk to the |
| prospective new home. | | | | nearest grocery store or pharmacy. If not, is there |
| Closeness to Your Family | | | | at least accessible transit nearby? |
| If you're a family person, then how close the | | | | Your New Neighbors |
| retirement community is to your children and | | | | Moving into a new community concerns a lot more |
| grandchildren is going to be a crucial decision factor. | | | | than simply appreciating the house and the amenities |
| When calculating distance, also factor in time, traffic | | | | - you also need to like your neighbors. Before you |
| patterns, and the possibility that you may not be | | | | buy into a new senior's development, try to get out |
| driving forever. | | | | to a new owners' meeting. Look around the room |
| On-Site Recreation and Activities | | | | and ask yourself if you could spend your retirement |
| If you love to swim, search for a retirement | | | | with them? Introduce yourself to people and get a |
| community with an on-site swimming pool. If you are | | | | feel for the community before you commit to a |
| into to golf, find one with a gold course. And if you | | | | purchase. |
| get a kick out of making pottery, look for one with a | | | | If you're a senior, new homes in an age-restricted |
| potter's studio. Fitness buffs should make sure | | | | community are a great way to combine independent |
| there's an on-site gym. | | | | living with a neighborhood that's focused on the |
| Basically, you want to find a senior's community that | | | | needs of seniors. But, before you buy, remember to |
| appeals to your likes and interests as a senior. New | | | | evaluate the community itself, how close it is to |
| homes are great but they can't be moved - so, look | | | | nearby amenities and your family, and whether the |
| for a home that's close to everything you enjoy in | | | | facilities match up with your own needs. |