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Winston Ridge in Youngsville meets your first floor living, 2500sqft or less with nice finishes but not mandatory 55+. Currently building. Small yards for easy maintenance.
Some thoughts from my ongoing 55+ experience here:
Note that you will be surrounded by Cranky Old People. At times this is far less than fun.
Do not diss amenities. You might be surprised how important they will become. We had no clue whatsoever that we would spend so much time in the indoor pool and gym here, and how much time our social activities would center on the Amenity Center.
We have just completed a sweep of 55+ developments in the Triangle area (evaluating whether it is cheaper to move or redo our kitchen and bathrooms). Carolina Arbors seems to have the biggest and most developed (we live there) Carolina Overlook is just starting, but Clayton is a boom town. The Flowers Plantation places lack an indoor pool, though. Carolina Gardens, down in FV, is nice, and FV itself is charming. Hidden Valley lacks an indoor pool.
Watch out how wide the roads are-- some of them are so tight there is no way to park on the streets and let other cars pass.
10 years old... ummm, that means you are likely to need new HVAC and appliances any day now. The developers bought the cheapest stuff they could. Guess how we know?
If you have not lived in an HOA you might be surprised how annoying that "extra layer of government" is. READ THE COVENANTS and resident handbooks first. Research how they handled Covid19 restrictions, and what the rules are for parking. Some go totally berserk about flags, holiday decorations and political signs.
Walkways and greenways are a great idea unless they go behind your property.
You cannot be far enough away from the pickleball or basketball courts. They can be heard from orbit.
Did I mention that you will be SURROUNDED by Cranky Old People? You WILL be surrounded by Cranky Old People.
We want a newer SFH under 2500sqft - and outside of 55+ communities builders just aren't building that small.
Sure they are. That's not that small. If you set those parameters on a site like Redfin, you'll come up with quite a few hits. I didn't see that you needed single story living, but if you did and wanted it under 2500 sq ft under 10 years old, that would be more challenging to find outside a 55+ community but still not impossible. And you could still definitely find some 1.5 story homes.
I've got several more years to go, but I honestly cannot imagine living in a 55+ community when the time comes. Actually come to think of it, my husband isn't far off. But still, no. I don't get the appeal. It just seems so depressing and unnecessary. I think it would really limit resale too unless it's in a high demand location, especially in ten years or so when the shine is gone and it's likely due for some repairs and relocation patterns may have shifted.
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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Originally Posted by ITB_OG
Sure they are. That's not that small. If you set those parameters on a site like Redfin, you'll come up with quite a few hits. I didn't see that you needed single story living, but if you did and wanted it under 2500 sq ft under 10 years old, that would be more challenging to find outside a 55+ community but still not impossible. And you could still definitely find some 1.5 story homes.
I've got several more years to go, but I honestly cannot imagine living in a 55+ community when the time comes. Actually come to think of it, my husband isn't far off. But still, no. I don't get the appeal. It just seems so depressing and unnecessary. I think it would really limit resale too unless it's in a high demand location, especially in ten years or so when the shine is gone and it's likely due for some repairs and relocation patterns may have shifted.
If you haven't spent time in an 55+ Active Adult community, you might be surprised about how NOT depressing they are. In fact, they are quite upbeat and lively. My parents bought a SFH in a 55+ Active Adult community about 20 years ago (brand new). Most people were in their 50s and 60s (they tend to be on the younger end in brand new communities). These are people who are seeking out an active lifestyle. The clubhouse is abuzz with people playing pool, cards, dominoes, etc. The swimming pool is busy. There are always people on the tennis/pickleball courts. They have a newsletter with optional trips to see Broadway shows, visit quaint towns, casinos, gardens, etc. There are always people out walking, gardening, or sitting on their porch. People are friendly. It's true that you don't see kids on their bikes or playing basketball, but you do see families visiting, so it's not like it's only elderly there. And people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, etc. do not even look old anymore like they did 50 years ago! Senior Living places are actually in demand. My daughter's college just added Senior Living as a concentration for Hospitality Management majors because it is such a growing field, with more and more senior living facilities being built, and people in that age group demanding/needing more and more amenities.
For my parents' development, most people tended to move on around age 80 or so. Many moved to Independent Living (Continuing Care Community) or some have health problems and go to nursing homes or pass away. But I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by 55+ developments. You have practically built-in friendships with people at the same stage of life as you. It's actually quite nice.
ETA: I just turned 55 and my husband is 57, and we are not looking to live in one, mainly because we are looking to live in a walkable, urban environment when we move next, but I do not find them depressing at all. I have actually always been uplifted visiting my parents (even in their current Independent Living facility) seeing how active one can be and how much fun and friendships one can have as an elderly person.
If you haven't spent time in an 55+ Active Adult community, you might be surprised about how NOT depressing they are. In fact, they are quite upbeat and lively. My parents bought a SFH in a 55+ Active Adult community about 20 years ago (brand new). Most people were in their 50s and 60s (they tend to be on the younger end in brand new communities). These are people who are seeking out an active lifestyle. The clubhouse is abuzz with people playing pool, cards, dominoes, etc. The swimming pool is busy. There are always people on the tennis/pickleball courts. They have a newsletter with optional trips to see Broadway shows, visit quaint towns, casinos, gardens, etc. There are always people out walking, gardening, or sitting on their porch. People are friendly. It's true that you don't see kids on their bikes or playing basketball, but you do see families visiting, so it's not like it's only elderly there. And people in their 50s,60s, 70s, etc. do not even look old anymore like they did 50 years ago!
For my parents' development, most people tended to move on around age 80 or so. Many moved to Independent Living (Continuing Care Community) or some have health problems and go to nursing homes or pass away. But I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by 55+ developments. You have practically built-in friendships with people at the same stage of life as you. It's actually quite nice.
ETA: I just turned 55 and my husband is 57, and we are not looking to live in one, mainly because we are looking to live in a walkable, urban environment when we move next, but I do not find them depressing at all. I have actually always been uplifted visiting my parents (even in their current Independent Living facility) seeing how active one can be and how much fun and friendships one can have as an elderly person.
Oh I'm sure there's lots of activity at some of these places, and I'm sure it'd be great for some folks. It's just that I personally would find living around only older people, or any other specific age group for that matter, rather limiting and depressing. I do not want to live in one of those neighborhoods teeming with young families either. I like neighborhoods with more diversity although I can see how it might be easier to make connections living around similar people. Give me a few years, and I might change my mind.
Interested in information/opinions about the 55+ housing options in the Raleigh metro area.
We'll be wanting to downsize in a couple years (not quite 55 yet!) and every time I come across a smaller house I like - it's in 55+ developments.
I do assume the HOA costs will be significant - however we pay a significant cost now for lawncare services so that softens the blow of that. (grass allergies, can't diy the lawn)
We would be looking to live in one until we retire, so roughly ten years. So resale value matters.
We want a newer SFH under 2500sqft - and outside of 55+ communities builders just aren't building that small.
Thanks for your input.
OP our Wake Forest neighborhood was originally meant to be age-targeted, although not restricted. As it turns out we do have some young families here. The homes are brand new, and just a smidgen above 2500 sq ft. The primary bedroom is on the main. We really like it here.
..And you could still definitely find some 1.5 story homes.....
David Weekly Homes makes some 1.5 story homes throuout the Triangle. They are suitable for people who want first floor living, but have an older child at home who gets private quarters on the upper floor.
They also have 55+ section called Encore within the all-ages development at Wendell Falls. That seems like a good option if you still want young families in the development.
Last edited by goldenage1; 01-26-2023 at 03:13 PM..
"David Weekly Homes makes some 1.5 story homes throuout the Triangle. They are suitable for people who want first floor living, but have an older child at home who gets private quarters on the upper floor."
That's how our home is designed. Our son on the spectrum has his own bedroom and loft upstairs, with another bedroom upstairs for guests/ my office.
I believe there is a new 55+ community place on Bilyeu Dr., right by Dix Park? Don't know the name, but I know someone who lives there.
You probably mean Overture Centennial. It is a mid-rise rental apartment community with concierge services. I think the Overture communities are great for people who do not want to have a house with all the yard work. It is convenient to urban amenities like the Farmers Market.
Last edited by goldenage1; 02-03-2023 at 08:31 AM..
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But still, no. I don't get the appeal. It just seems so depressing and unnecessary. I think it would really limit resale too unless it's in a high demand location, especially in ten years or so when the shine is gone and it's likely due for some repairs and relocation patterns may have shifted.
