| re baby boomers approach retirement, new homes | | | | Many retirement communities and active adult living |
| designed for aging adults are popping up everywhere. | | | | developments have certain philosophies. The question |
| There are numerous housing developments and adult | | | | is, do they match your own? If you love hunting and |
| communities springing up around the country | | | | fishing, you may not enjoy spending your retirement |
| designed for residents over the age of 55. | | | | in a community dedicated to vegetarianism and |
| Many of these communities offer the opportunity for | | | | artistic pursuits. |
| socializing, recreation, outdoor maintenance that's | | | | For example, there's a retirement community in |
| taken care of, on-site restaurants, golf courses and | | | | Arizona that's committed to academic research, |
| numerous other amenities. There are generally four | | | | another in Florida that's focused on extremely active |
| types of retirement communities. These are | | | | living and yet another in California with a passion |
| independent living facilities, active adult communities, | | | | toward being an environmentally sustainable |
| continuing care retirement communities and assisted | | | | community. So, before you buy, make sure you |
| living residences. | | | | understand the driving principles. |
| Most new housing developments that target aging | | | | Is It Pedestrian Friendly? |
| adults tend to be either active adult communities | | | | The reality is that many seniors don't continue to |
| (AACs) or a blend of AACs with some continuing | | | | drive for the duration of their lives. So, finding a |
| care facilities, like an on-site doctor or medical facility. | | | | retirement community that is either very pedestrian |
| If you're thinking about moving for your retirement, | | | | friendly or has easy access to public transit is critical. |
| new homes in age-restricted resort communities can | | | | You'll appreciate the easy access to groceries and |
| be a fantastic option. No more lawn work, lots of | | | | pharmacies. |
| activities, and beautiful settings await you. But, how | | | | Would I Get Along with the Other Residents? |
| do you choose the right community for you? Keep | | | | Before you buy into a new retirement or adult |
| reading for a breakdown of the criteria you should | | | | community, you should always attend an information |
| look for in a retirement community. | | | | session to get a feel for other potential residents. |
| How Close is it to the Kids? | | | | Alternatively, if you're moving into an existing |
| If being close to your family is important, then you'll | | | | community, ask to spend the day at their recreation |
| want to look for a home or retirement community | | | | hall or community lounge. |
| that's close to your kids. Another consideration is | | | | Look around the room and ask yourself if you could |
| space. Many units are sold as one-bedroom | | | | see yourself spending your retirement with these |
| condominiums or two-bedroom homes. If you're | | | | people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of |
| planning to have many grandchildren visit, you may | | | | retirement together? Whether or not your home is |
| want to look for a community that offers larger | | | | new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical |
| units. | | | | part of enjoying your overall community experience, |
| How do the Philosophies and Principles Compare to | | | | and you want to be sure to include that factor in |
| Yours? | | | | your decision. |