Retiree relocation Raleigh to MA (Boston, New Bedford: real estate, HOA fees, mortgage)

[bizcuit]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

A few retiree comments:


Massachusetts has a nonprofit Council on Aging. All towns participate. My town funds a senior center, community nurses, and social workers. They have elder daycare that I presume is mostly people with dementia. I believe the state subsidizes those services in the lower tax base towns. So if you're looking for elder services, there is typically a Council on Aging link on the town website that will show you all the resources.


For yucks, I searched for the one in Northampton. My town seems to have more services but it may be that the web information for Northampton is incomplete or they pulled things down during COVID-19.

https://www.northamptonma.gov/716/Council-on-Aging


I also see this page:
Senior Services | Northampton, MA - Official Website

There is a senior center in Northampton. There is also a van transport in town for seniors. I don't have more details, but this is the link to the "Senior Services" page on the Northampton town site.

ETA: Oops, I see that you already found that ^, I'm reply happy, heh.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by bizcuit

There is a senior center in Northampton. There is also a van transport in town for seniors. I don't have more details, but this is the link to the "Senior Services" page on the Northampton town site.

ETA: Oops, I see that you already found that ^, I'm reply happy, heh.

Researching towns, I'd call their council on aging and ask what services they have. My town has a bunch of things like community nursing and social work. I don't know for certain if that's something all towns offer.

[affirmed1]

I'm taking a drive to look at this complex. thoughts welcome https://www.thetrailshopkinton.com/

[bizcuit]

I just heard about this organization in Northampton: Northampton Neighbors. They also have a Facebook page. Apparently it is an organization set up to assist people aging in place in Northampton.

Here is their "About Us":

"Northampton Neighbors is an "aging in place" community centered in Northampton, Massachusetts. We are a non-profit coordinating access to support services and social programs assisting seniors who want to live independent, engaged lives at home.

Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal was the catalyst for the creation of Northampton Neighbors. After reading his book, two separate groups began to explore the possibility of creating a village like the ones Gawande discussed. In February 2016 the two groups joined forces. Organizing efforts then took off.

As a first step, Northampton Neighbors joined the Village to Village Network and talked to many other villages around the country, who kindly shared their expertise and experiences. Wellesley Neighbors generously agreed to serve as a mentor village and continues to provide helpful answers to many questions. One member attended a meeting of all Massachusetts villages in June 2016 and came home with many additional useful resources.

By the end of 2017 Northampton Neighbors had registered as a nonprofit corporation, formed a Board of Directors, developed a mission statement and bylaws, created a logo and brochure, set up a website, and received 501(c)(3) (non-profit) status, and had set up a training program for our member-volunteers. We began providing services to our members in November, 2017. Unlike many other villages, we do not charge a membership fee. Rather we rely on donations from our members, support from local businesses, and donations from non-members.

We have added new Board members, formed relationships with strategic partners, sought and received grants, established member interest groups, and launched other programs. As of October 2020 we have more than 900 members and 100 trained volunteers."

[MMS02760]

I might suggest you consider looking toward the SE Massachusetts area if work and commuting is not an issue. Home prices are lower and the area has milder weather by New England standards with less snow. It is close to the Cape and not all that far from either Boston or Providence.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by affirmed1

I'm taking a drive to look at this complex. thoughts welcome https://www.thetrailshopkinton.com/

New forum topic?

[newdesire]

I like this new topic.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by affirmed1

I'm taking a drive to look at this complex. thoughts welcome https://www.thetrailshopkinton.com/

My son and his wife are looking at places in that area. I will pass this info on. Having lived in HOA's like that I suggest you ask a few questions:
1. Is there an HOA? If yes, its fees and what does one get for the fees?
2. How is landscaping handled?
3. How is one wanting to make changes to the exterior of their unit handled?
4. What can one do to their backyard, assuming one has a backyard?
5. Last but not least, prices?

Keep me informed so I can pass the info on.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by johngolf

My son and his wife are looking at places in that area. I will pass this info on. Having lived in HOA's like that I suggest you ask a few questions:
1. Is there an HOA? If yes, its fees and what does one get for the fees?
2. How is landscaping handled?
3. How is one wanting to make changes to the exterior of their unit handled?
4. What can one do to their backyard, assuming one has a backyard?
5. Last but not least, prices?

Keep me informed so I can pass the info on.

It's all right here: https://www.thetrailshopkinton.com/faqs

[bigfatdude]

Unfortunately $350K won’t get you much anywhere in MA unless you’re OK with opioid zombies outnumbering the living, especially if you’re looking for 1800+ sqft. Why not move to Asheville instead if you want nature, mountains, hippies and an occasional snowfall?