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Is a retirement community right for you?

Downsizing makes sense for many retirees. If you鈥檙e ready to trade in your family home for a space that鈥檚 better suited for two, consider a retirement community. Among the perks: less home maintenance, built-in social activities and on-site amenities.

Tom and Kris O鈥橦ara moved to Legacy Oaks in suburban Allentown, Pa., 11 years ago and never regretted it, says Tom, a retired print shop owner. What they love most is that it鈥檚 a truly active adult community 鈥� within walking distance of retail, grocery stores and restaurants. 鈥淥ur community has a wide range of activities and neighbors that make it interesting,鈥� says Tom in an interview conducted by 麻豆传媒.

Community living is a growing trend among seniors. According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, the for senior housing properties is rebounding since the temporary disturbance caused by the pandemic.

Lee Russell, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, says that moving into the Air Force West Retirement Village near Los Angeles was one of the best decisions he ever made. And his daughter, Bonnie Russell, a legal researcher and the founder of , says her father鈥檚 move restored his vitality. 鈥淗e goes to the gym every day and will congenially run the pool table,鈥� she says in an interview conducted by 麻豆传媒.

Community living isn鈥檛 for everyone though, cautions Terence O鈥橫alley, a Kansas City lawyer who specializes in long-term-care planning for seniors. O鈥橫alley says there are certain personality types who simply don鈥檛 enjoy group settings. 鈥淚f you are someone who finds social environments more annoying than enjoyable, downsizing to a private condo or a smaller home may be a better option for you,鈥� O鈥橫alley suggests in an interview conducted by 麻豆传媒.

As a past board member for his community鈥檚 homeowners association, Tom says potential residents should keep in mind that most communities have regulations that prohibit or restrict exterior changes, including limits on holiday decorations. Some agreements even restrict what can be done to the home鈥檚 interior.

But if you鈥檙e OK with playing by those rules and picture your golden years filled with a busy social calendar, or if you crave the convenience of on-site amenities, a retirement community could be the right move for you.

When you begin your search, Marlene Rotering, Corporate Operations Director at Life Care Services in North Andover, Mass., recommends considering the following four factors to help you find the perfect fit.

1. Location, location, location

It鈥檚 the most important piece of any real estate puzzle, so ask yourself if you鈥檇 like to stay near your current neighborhood or move closer to your family. Maybe you want a warmer climate. Another factor to consider is the size of the community where you would feel most comfortable. A smaller number of people may make it easier to get to know other members, while a larger community could offer a greater chance of finding others who share your interests.

2. Amenities and services 

Make a wish list of on-site amenities and prioritize which are 鈥渕ust-haves鈥� and which are simply 鈥渘ice to have.鈥� Maybe a full and varied activities calendar tops your list, or perhaps a fitness center and on-site restaurant come first. Other common amenities that may appeal to you include housecleaning services, private transportation and personal services.

3. 55-plus or life care?

Communities that are designated 鈥�55-plus鈥� offer some amenities, but many do not have continuing-care facilities on-site. Because of this, you may need to make one or more additional moves as your health needs change. If you have a current health issue that will likely require in-home care, memory support, short-term rehabilitation or long-term nursing care in the future, a life-care retirement community may be a better option for you. Keep in mind, however, that these communities tend to have an additional entrance fee to join (a portion of that fee is returned to you or your estate when you leave the community).

4. An insider鈥檚 perspective 

If you are seriously considering a retirement community, be sure to talk to residents to get their input. These questions can help provide useful insights: Is the organization financially healthy? Is the board of directors local and involved in the community? What do you love most about living here? Is there anything here that you dislike?

鈥淲e talked to residents before making any decisions,鈥� replies Tom. 鈥淚 literally just knocked on doors and asked questions.鈥�

Whether you decide to stay in your home, downsize to a smaller one, or move into a vibrant retirement community, take some time researching the possibilities to make sure you find the right fit for you. After researching retiree housing options, talk with your financial professional about your plans so your retirement strategy can be designed to help you retire where you want, when you want.

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