If you’re looking to move to a 55+ community, there are some specific factors for you to consider that go beyond finding the right house. Even if you find the perfect home to fit your needs, you’ll also want to consider whether the overall community is a good match. As you begin your search for the perfect 55+ community for you, keep these five factors in mind.
Age Restrictions
Some 55+ communities are age-restricted and have specific rules about who can live in the community. Others are simply age-targeted. This means that while they are meant to attract a certain buyer, likely in the 55+ demographic, there are ultimately no set rules about who can buy or live in the community. An age-targeted community may have some of the attractive features a 55+ buyer might be interested in, such as amenities and single-level living, but will likely have a more diverse community overall. Each community will have different policies regarding age requirements, so it’s important to be aware of any restrictions.
Maintenance
Different communities will provide varying levels of exterior maintenance. This could include mowing, snow removal, and upkeep of the home’s exterior, including windows, siding, and the roof. Exterior maintenance will have a large impact on Homeowner’s Associations (HOA) fees, so it’s important to know what’s covered.
Amenities
Many 55+ communities have amenities that encourage socialization and an active lifestyle. These could include a clubhouse, gym, pool, walking trails, and other amenities. There may also be specific activities that the community organizes to encourage neighbors to get to know one another. You’re more likely to find a lot of amenities and activities in large communities, while smaller ones might stick to the basics. Keep in mind amenities will also likely have an impact on monthly HOA fees.
Cost
Once you’ve decided how much you want to spend on a home itself, you should also consider additional expenses like a town’s taxes and the community’s HOA fees. These expenses can vary widely and could add up to thousands of dollars a year, so you’ll want to carefully consider the location of your new home.
Customization
If you have particular wants and needs for your home and aren’t looking to renovate, you may want to consider buying in a new home community. Some builders offer semi-custom homes where you can choose from established floor plans, make selections for the finishes, and possibly be able to make some changes to the floor plan itself depending on the specific community, builder, and stage of construction. Some builders allow few to no changes to floor plans, while others will provide a much more custom experience.
These five factors should help you narrow down your choices when considering the right 55+ community for you. View The Gove Group’s current 55+ communities now, or speak to an experienced REALTOR® about your next best steps.
