Where did your mind go when you read the words “55 and Over Community”? Did you suddenly have visions of golf courses and bingo nights and shuffleboard and….your grandparents?
If you’re age 55 or older, you might not consider yourself retirement ready. Perhaps, however, you are ready to live among your peers and away from the typical neighborhood chaos of young families.
Today’s 55+ communities aren’t what you think they are. Many luxury active adult projects have sprung up in recent years in San Diego, offering homeowners resort-style amenities and more.
Here are 8 reasons to consider moving to a 55 and over community in San Diego:
Lower Costs
Homes and condos in a 55 and over community are usually smaller and priced less than similar homes in the area. This may give you the opportunity to buy in a more upscale area than you were able to previously afford.
Less Maintenance
Even if you purchase a detached home, many active adult communities will take care of some or all of your home’s exterior maintenance needs. With less square footage to take care of inside, you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your home and new community.
Floorplans Designed For Your Stage in Life
Many 55 and over communities offer single story floorplans or contain the essentials like the kitchen and master suite to the main floor. You may also find homes with wider doorways and other features that are geared towards helping you age gracefully.
Security
Gates, restricted access, and security patrols are common features of active adult communities. If you live alone, you may enjoy moving to a community with these services.
Peace and Quiet
The minimum age limit of the community means that children and younger adults will only be guests of the community and as guests, will need to abide by the community rules. This might be a welcome change if you’ve previously lived in a community with a lot of children and teenagers. Think garage band.
Location
Most 55+ communities and certainly some of the newer projects are close to shopping, dining, entertainment, medical facilities, and more. Some active adult communities provide transportation to these nearby resources.
Amenities
The amenities available in 55+ communities vary wildly from project to project, but many of the newer luxury communities offer very attractive amenities. Sparkling pools, state-of-the-art gym facilities, clubhouses, BBQ pits, pickle ball, bocce ball courts, golf courses, and more. There may also be additional services offered that are geared towards an aging community like health services, housekeeping, meal preparation, and more.
Be aware that buying into an active adult community usually means you will need to pay more fees, either in the form of increased HOA dues or just general fees to cover the cost of all the amenities and community maintenance.
Opportunities for Socialization
One of the prime reasons people choose to move to a 55+ community is because of the opportunities to socialize and develop friendships with your neighbors. Along with the great amenities, many communities offer monthly or weekly events to get you out of the house and interacting with other people. Everything from fitness classes to yes, bingo games, help retirement-age people fill their time. Homeowners will tell you it’s the social activities they love.
When shopping for a home in an active adult community, be sure to check out their events calendar to see what kinds of activities and social outings they plan. It will be one indication if the neighborhood may be a personal fit.
If you are thinking of downsizing from your current home, I would love to talk to you about your next step, whether that’s buying in a 55 and over community or somewhere else. Give me a call at (858) 735-5767!
