retirement communities (retirees, movies, friend, years)

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by SANDYHAIR

I thought we were going to move to an active adult retirement community .But after looking around for a few years we choose not to at this point we brought a new home again and were going to enjoy it for a few years and then go to a smaller home I'm 55 and hubby is 62 But I just could not find a place I loved in an area we really loved there were some nice community's but most were a little out of the way so maybe down the road i'll be ready but for now were very happy with our choice. I bet there our more couples like us .out there. ready but not really ready lol BUT TO ALL LOOKING GOOD LUCK

I would not choose a retirement community such as Sun City or any of the Del Webb communities because I could not live with the restrictions that are placed upon me. You can't do this, you can't do that. Blah, blah, blah. I love my freedom to choose to live however I want, whenever I want, etc. That is why I live in the country on 26 acres instead of a subdivision. I have lived in subdivisions in the past and you can have them.

20yrsinBranson

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by Kooter

Did I say "every"? No I did not, but I have visited about two dozen in 5 states. I think that should be a damn good indicator, and unquestionably better than the poster who said; "someone dies at least once a week". I will repeat - that statement was indeed SO WRONG.

As communities age, so do their inhabitants. Of course, when everyone is age 55, there will be fewer deaths, but as the community homes grow older, unless folks move out, the neighbors will also grow older. Many people die in their 60's, 70's and 80's. It doesn't matter how active you are. It's nature and anyone who thinks they will all live to be 100 is very immature. Face it, time marches on and we will all die eventually.

[maggiekate]

I went to see the Villages. If you want to be real busy, and have money, that would be a great
place to live. The monthly bill if you do pay for lawn, and there ccd fees and all the taxes
insurance etc will run maybe 1500. Then if you finance add that on. If I had the money,
I might have just rented to see what it is all about. Alot of people use this place for the season, then rent there place out. There is always something going on, but deep pockets to enjoy. Homes are real close also. Intresting place, and friendly people.

[Southernatheart]

For years I wanted to live in an over 55 community and looked at the ones in my state. We finally bought into one, but we were still working. On the few occasions we were able to join in on the activities, we found them very clickish and old. The houses were too close and the living felt too restrictive. Fortunately, after trying it for a couple of years, we sold just as the market was declining and we only lost the broker's fee.

We are planning to retire in nine months (me 65 -- he 62) and already have our retirement home in Alabama. Our house is large with acreage (3) and a pool. It may be too much for us to care for as we age, but we thought we'd try it for awhile and if/when it becomes too much, we'll buy something smaller and closer to town. Right now we value the privacy and room.

The one thing I'm apprehensive about is moving so far from dearest daughter and grandchildren -- very sad, but economically necessary.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

I would not choose a retirement community such as Sun City or any of the Del Webb communities because I could not live with the restrictions that are placed upon me. You can't do this, you can't do that. Blah, blah, blah. I love my freedom to choose to live however I want, whenever I want, etc. That is why I live in the country on 26 acres instead of a subdivision. I have lived in subdivisions in the past and you can have them.

20yrsinBranson

But doesn't it get lonely way out there? That's one of the things my dh and I are looking for in retirement is friends and fun.

[46Barb]

My parents loved living in Leisure Village both on Long Island, NY and in New Jersey. There were lots of activities to choose from which they enjoyed.

[Windwalker2]

My parents have lived in Green Valley, Arizona since 1979. It seems more like a small town than anything. There are many different activities for all kinds of interests. There is a wide range of housing types. Covenants are pretty strict, too much so to attract me there.

[ladybee]

Originally Posted by SANDYHAIR

I thought we were going to move to an active adult retirement community .But after looking around for a few years we choose not to at this point we brought a new home again and were going to enjoy it for a few years and then go to a smaller home I'm 55 and hubby is 62 But I just could not find a place I loved in an area we really loved there were some nice community's but most were a little out of the way so maybe down the road i'll be ready but for now were very happy with our choice. I bet there our more couples like us .out there. ready but not really ready lol BUT TO ALL LOOKING GOOD LUCK

We did the same thing. But now we live in a gated community in California and love it. They take care of the lawn and trim everything in the front. It's great. I am 65 and my husband is 74. We have been in this community for 9 years.

[staywarm2]

One of the things I'm considering, when we retire to a new city, if there is no easy meet people our age, is to start some type of senior meet group, encouraging people who don't live in over 55+ communities to get together for socialization, dinners out, events, trips, etc. Basically that's what the over 55+ communities do, and why couldn't it be done without everyone living in the same housing neighborhood?

I feel like it's so, so important to have friends, especially when you're older and family is in another state or busy with their kids and own families. It seems to me that it's harder to make new friends as you age. Opinions, please?

[ConeyIsBabe]

YES, I agree 100% with you!

That's why I have my sights-set on one of those adult-communities in s/CA or FL - only I don't know where or when