Choosing a retirement community to spend your golden years in isn’t always straightforward. For example, suppose there is nothing suitable in your area. In that case, you may be in for a larger move instead of simply relocating to a new community within the city.
Even if you’re not quite ready to retire or make the move to a senior community, it never hurts to look ahead to the future. You’ve spent your whole life working hard and contributing, so you deserve to live independently precisely where and how you want to when you retire.
Considerations When Choosing an Active Retirement Community
When looking at different communities, there are several factors that you’ll want to consider as you’re making the list of potential places to retire.
Budget
One of your primary considerations will be budget. There is no real one-size-fits-all answer for the cost of retirement communities because they can vary so much in price. But figuring out the average prices in various areas will give you a good idea of where to start your search for the perfect place to call home.
Another aspect of the budget is confirming what is and isn’t included with your monthly rent. For example, many communities offer additional things you can access for an additional fee. Where others include everything for one price. So, finding out the details is important in choosing a community within your budget.
Location
Another of the primary considerations will be location. After all, you want to retire somewhere you enjoy the weather and your surroundings. The first part of the location would be the general area of the country. Do you want warm and sunny year-round or do you enjoy long, white winters?
In addition to the general location, you’ll want to pick a community in a specific area you like. Considering what kind of outdoor activities you enjoy is a good indicator of the location that’s a good fit. For example, do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, or would you prefer to be surrounded by nature?
Age-Restricted or Age-Targeted Community
Another thing to consider is whether you want to live in an age-restricted community or an age-targeted one. They are similar but have significant differences.
An age-restricted community is exactly as it sounds. To be a community resident, you must be a certain age. 55+ communities are an example of an age restriction. These are typically much quieter communities with amenities and services catering to older adults.
Another option is the age-targeted community. Like the last example, these communities typically have amenities and services that target older adults. However, they aren’t restricted to a certain age. So, there may be kids or teens sharing the community spaces.
One plus side to an age-targeted community is that there are typically fairly strict community rules. For example, you probably won’t have to worry about loud parties happening in the community.
Amenities and Services
Your wants and needs are also a major consideration. Many retirement communities have similar offerings but are unique in their specific services and amenities. It’s not only about the things you want to do for fun; you’ll also want to consider medical and dietary needs.
For example, if you need special medical care, the community you choose should supply it. Or, you should at least have access to it nearby.
Tips for Making Your Community Choice
Once you’ve got a few potential places, it’s time to get to the fun part: choosing where you want to live.
Visit the Community
The first thing you’ll want to do is visit the communities. Nowadays, booking tours can usually be done online. Going on a tour will allow you to see the place firsthand instead of going by pictures on a website. It’ll also allows you to ask the staff questions about the specifics of living in that particular community.
Visit the Surrounding Area
While touring the communities, you should also visit the surrounding area. If you’re looking to stay active, you’ll want to ensure there are plenty of things to do. In addition, you can ensure there is adequate medical care and shopping options available.
Make a List
While visiting these places, it pays to make a list of each one. Write down what you liked and didn’t like about each community. Then you can sit down after the tours and decide where you want to live based on the pros and cons of each community.
Find Out More About Your Options
If you’re considering Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, give The Lodge at Truitt Homestead a call today. Our helpful and compassionate staff are available to provide you with a tour at a time that’s convenient for you. And they can answer all your questions about what you can expect from the community.
