Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I don't see why any retiree would buy a gigantic sized house for retirement, maybe a former President or some other important official who would need to entertain, but for most people, you need something smaller.
I like the small 1950s ranches that are mostly being torn down these days. They're just right for a retired couple except maybe the yards can be too big. They usually have three bedrooms so there's extra space for relatives who come to visit, the kitchens are okay and -wow-they actually have a window! You can update the kitchen if you want to though. The bathrooms are good in most cases and, again, they have a window! Everything is on one level and you could install a stacking washer and dryer, maybe inside a closet.
Capes are good too because they usually have a bedroom downstairs plus a tv room/office/extra bedroom. Good living room and kitchen. And they have two bedrooms upstairs that you don't have to use but they are great for guests. Stairs get to be a real drag and a danger as you get older so I don't understand the people who buy huge houses with staircases. It won't be that long before they have to purchase an expensive and slow stairlift.
We live in the house my wife was brought home from the hospital after being born. Her parents built a house up the street when she was around 6. A few years later her grandparents ended up buying this house. After her grandmother had to go to a nursing home she moved in. We got married and bought the house from her mother after her grandparents were both gone.
We plan on giving it to our daughter. I'm not from here and I think about going back to where I consider my hometown but I know we are never leaving here. My MIL now lives around 5 minutes from here in a place where someone takes care of the lawn, landscape, etc. Might we move there after she is gone? Maybe.
My last three homes weren’t bought to be forever homes, but were bought with the idea that they COULD be forever homes. All were one story, not too large, distinct enough architectural points of view that I wouldn’t tire of them and wish for something less bland. The last two, of course, didn’t become forever homes. Career changes took me to different states/cities. The current one very well could be my forever home. I’m winding down my career, and while I have always had a vague plan to move back to my last city upon retirement, prices have simply skyrocketed there, while at the same time I’ve really (surprisingly to me) come to enjoy what my current city has to offer over the last four years. My location is ideal, and the house itself is just about perfect. 1,600 sf, 3/2, Usonian in style with a simple layout and lots of built-ins and wood. It needs landscaping and an updated master bath, but that’s all doable.
I think the regrets mainly come from those who make big cross-country moves to locales where they have never before lived, imagining some sort of retirement utopia. While many are happy with their new beach, mountain, lake, desert or town square, I surmise an equal number are unhappy, or at least less happy than they had hoped themselves to be, and then their search continues. For me personally, I’ve stopped looking at those “ideal retirement locations” with anything other than a casual curiosity. I’m either going to stay put, or go to one of two other places, both of which I’ve lived in before and know what to expect.
I don't see why any retiree would buy a gigantic sized house for retirement, maybe a former President or some other important official who would need to entertain, but for most people, you need something smaller.
I like the small 1950s ranches that are mostly being torn down these days. They're just right for a retired couple except maybe the yards can be too big. They usually have three bedrooms so there's extra space for relatives who come to visit, the kitchens are okay and -wow-they actually have a window! You can update the kitchen if you want to though. The bathrooms are good in most cases and, again, they have a window! Everything is on one level and you could install a stacking washer and dryer, maybe inside a closet.
Capes are good too because they usually have a bedroom downstairs plus a tv room/office/extra bedroom. Good living room and kitchen. And they have two bedrooms upstairs that you don't have to use but they are great for guests. Stairs get to be a real drag and a danger as you get older so I don't understand the people who buy huge houses with staircases. It won't be that long before they have to purchase an expensive and slow stairlift.
I agree with all your points. We live in a nice "smallish" 1950s home that is almost perfect. It is one story, although there are a few steps up due to the elevated foundation. We are renovating it as much of it was past its prime, but had good bones. I had thought our last little rancher might be our retirement home, and we still own it; but it was far too small and we had tired of being in that town. The only downside to this house is that it is located on a very busy street, but the neighborhood and location otherwise is superb and beautiful.
We have learned to never say "never." We have bought and sold many homes throughout our marriage including some I never thought we would sell. But tastes, needs and circumstances change. While I loathe moving I would never say this house will be our last, but it might.
I have lived in 5 states and it takes a lot of effort and time to find your tribe. I moved here 25 years ago for a job and would never leave. I have a group of friends and family that I really enjoy. That’s priceless.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Article
