Moving to an active adult community means you will have more time to do the things you love to do, start a new hobby, or have more time to spend with your family. But you will potentially also lose some freedoms you used to have, like being able to stay up late or having overnight houseguests. This usually depends on the living community you choose. Active adult communities in North Carolina offer different environments to facilitate a particular lifestyle. It is essential to have specific issues to look out for when searching for an active adult community. These are some of the most important.
What You Can Afford
If you’ve recently retired, sitting down with a financial planner is essential to ensure your new living expenses do not impact your long-term financial security. For instance, some living communities have restaurants. Your living expenses fee will not cover the cost of meals or health care. You may also need to budget separately for these expenses. Your monthly payments also go toward exterior maintenance and community areas like a clubhouse or pool.
The most important thing when looking for an active adult community is first sorting out your finance, es and choosing one that you can afford would be best if you aimed to get all the services you need without running out of cash.
The Level of Activity You are After
The “correct” response to this question will depend on the current and long-term benefits you anticipate from the living community.
Some living communities include sizable clubhouses, a dizzying array of planned senior-friendly events, and a packed social calendar that provides for anything from Christmas parties to cruises to nearby sights. Others might not participate in many organized activities. If the development’s most well-liked activities do not appeal to you, you should search elsewhere.
How Long do You Want to Stay in the Retirement Community
While you may be enticed by “active” as part of “active adult” communities, if you plan to retire in this home for the next 20 or 30 years, your needs will change. Be sure to plan now for how you will stay in your home as quickly and independently as possible—for as long as possible.
Think about your long-term needs — especially if you expect to be in a wheelchair in the next few years.
The Surroundings of the Retirement Community
Whether you are looking for a community with several recreational senior-friendly amenities steps from your doorstep or something a little more ‘off-campus,’ make sure you factor in the availability of nearby activities that don’t involve mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, or paying association dues.
Imagine moving into your dream home, but a quick look at a map and realize that your relocation dreams are doomed if you do not consider the distance between your new home and your grandkids or a new business opportunity. If living close to loved ones or having loved ones visit you is essential, you must be diligent about which zip code prioritizes proximity to an airport over other needs. Since everyone plans to travel at some point in retirement, making sure that good local amenities are within proximity of a good airport—when moving to a new location—is critical.
