| Do your visions of retirement include tossing out that | | | | volunteer? |
| winter wardrobe and heading to a retirement | | | | Choosing your retirement community is your chance |
| community in a Southern or Southwestern climate? | | | | to create the lifestyle of your dreams. Make your list |
| Do you see yourself hitting the golf course in | | | | of must-haves, and start thinking about your budget. |
| mid-December wearing the same polo shirt and | | | | Owning your retirement home requires a |
| golfing shorts which now spend eight months of the | | | | commitment, while renting allows you more flexibility. |
| year folded away in a drawer? Perhaps you dream | | | | If you rent find out what your monthly payments |
| of basking in the late Indian summer sunshine of a | | | | cover-- will you have to pay for utilities and access |
| quiet New England college town, catching up on a | | | | to the retirement community's amenities separately? |
| lifetime of reading and cultural pursuits. | | | | What about meals? |
| Whether your retirement will be spent in some | | | | If you purchase, what will your homeowner's fee |
| distant place, or within an hour or two of your | | | | cover? Does it include property taxes, utilities, and |
| current home, choosing the right retirement | | | | insurance? Or does it simply cover things like cable |
| community can be challenging. Thanks to millions of | | | | TV, and the use of the community's fitness facilities? |
| retiring Baby Boomers, there are more quality | | | | Is there a fee for keeping a pet? How about your |
| retirement communities than ever. With so many | | | | transportation? If you find a facility with shuttle bus |
| choices, how can you find the best retirement | | | | service to the local mall, theater, medical facilities, and |
| community? | | | | grocery stores, you may be able to do without your |
| Retirement communities fall into one of three | | | | own car. If you're renting an apartment, will you have |
| categories; Active Adult; Active/Supportive (with | | | | your own laundry? |
| both individual residences and healthcare facilities); and | | | | Every retirement community will be happy to provide |
| Supportive (for those who can no longer live | | | | you with informational packets, so use them to |
| independently). There are retirement communities in | | | | narrow down your choices. Pay attention to the |
| which you can own your home and those which are | | | | reputation of each community's builder. Make |
| strictly rental communities. Most people joining | | | | appointments to see the communities at the top of |
| retirement communities will purchase their homes and | | | | your list. Arrive at each one prepared to observe |
| pay a continuing homeowners fee. | | | | how well the community is maintained. Don't be afraid |
| When choosing your retirement community, think | | | | to talk to some of the residents. |
| about how you want to spend your time. Are you a | | | | Finally, ask if the community either allows potential |
| golfer? Do you love to spend time on or in the | | | | residents to stay overnight, or has short-term rental |
| water? Are you a fitness buff who thrives on regular | | | | units. If so, take advantage of the opportunity, |
| exercise classes and a gym? Do you need to be near | | | | because experiencing a retirement community |
| growing things? Would you be lost without a | | | | firsthand can be the best way to keep your |
| spectacular view? Are you concerned about having | | | | retirement dream from becoming a retirement |
| easy access to high-quality medical care? Are you a | | | | nightmare! |
| shopaholic, movie fan, or someone who loves to | | | | |