Close to MainLine areas to consider (Ardmore, Blue Bell: renting, condo, houses)

[Mayvenne]

I don't want to piggyback onto some other threads - so starting anew.
Likely within the next 2 years I will be looking to move to the area. Currently in central NJ, working, looking to probably retire in the time frame and move to senior friendly housing.
It will be husband and I, to move near daughter and son in law and grandchild.
When I say senior friendly, I just mean that it whatever it should have a bedroom and full bath on first floor (and laundry room too). We are used to a lot of space and will be downsizing. Ideally would still like a basement and it could certainly have an upstairs but looking with long range planning would like to not HAVE to move again for mobility issues. I am well aware that as people age, stairs are not always friendly. For now of course, stairs are not an issue.
I have been searching and even looked a bit in real life, but still figure I will ask.

Undecided about condo/single family home - would definitely consider either. I think a minimum of 1400 sf. (currently living in 3500...). Maximum price would be 450 for perfection with low monthly fees, so realistically max price is really very low 400's and less would be even better.
Would like to be within a 30 minute drive to Merion Station/Bala for example.
So far, searching Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Radnor, Jenkintown, Flourtown, Bala Cynwyd, Narberth, and recently added Blue Bell area.
We would not reject a 55 plus community either, but the few I have seen seem really pricey or don't have the first floor master. Just wondering if there is somewhere else I should consider or maybe an area I have overlooked.
I was excited to see Millridge in Bryn Mawr, but would prefer also garage.
Any feedback suggestions would be welcome.
If we stumble on the right thing, we would consider buying sooner and either renting it out or even moving...

[Mayvenne]

trying.... perhaps my thread title was not well done... hoping for some comments.

[chessimprov]

It will be hard to find a home like that that might be "senior ready" for lack of a better term. It might be best to look for a home in a community you desire, and then modify the internal parts as necessary to make things more accessible.

As you may know, in these type of communities, you generally cannot modify externally or must get approved permission to do so beforehand.

[WaffleCone]

There are tons of ranch houses with basements and low 400's for 1500sqft is a healthy budget so you shouldn't feel too limited.

From a keeping costs low standpoint, you may be better off buying a newly renovated older house (40+ years) with low taxes versus a newer house (20 years or less) with usually much higher taxes. Since school districts don't matter, avoiding townships like Radnor and Lower Merion might be a good idea as well. They are great places to live so don't rule them out altogether, just be aware of the price you're paying for schools and it only goes up.

I'm mostly familiar with areas in Marple Twp, Newtown Square, and parts of Wayne. There are tons of empty nesters and retirees living in small to medium sized ranches and they seem to love it. They have the independence of a single family home with low upkeep yet are still in a community with people of all ages.

My parents have a few friends in 55 plus communities and I'd say they are more like 55+++ and they make you feel OLD living there. They are always complaining that most residents are 70+ and somebody is always dying or newly widowed. The conveniences aren't that different from owning a ranch with lawn service. None of the 3 couples I'm thinking of are happy living there after downsizing from a family. To be fair, some of it could be them being old and not adjusting as well as someone younger but still not good reviews.

Different strokes for different folks, but my preference would be to find a ranch you like in a very walkable area. If you state what you're looking for in terms of restaurants, shopping, slightly more open vs. more dense, mixed politically vs. very liberal, religious preferences, etc... that may help steer one direction or another.

What do you like to do when you're not with the grandkids? If you like babysitting or want to be doing it often (assuming grandkids are young), being 10 minutes away is a lot better than 30.