5 minute read
Answer: Yes, a 55+ community is a good fit for a single retiree seeking social opportunities and low-maintenance living. However, a 55+ community may not be a good fit for a single person seeking more privacy and age diversity. To help make this decision, it’s a good idea to tour any community you’re considering.
When you look at information about active adult communities, most articles and advertisements feature pictures of couples enjoying their retirement years together. But what about single people over 55? Just like adults of any other age, not all seniors are married. People who are single in their senior years may worry about fitting in with their married neighbors.
If you’re single and over 55, you may wonder what’s the right place for you to live. After all, single people may be interested in different things than their married counterparts. Is there a place in 55+ communities for single people? Here’s what you need to know.
Download Our Homebuying Guide
Not sure where to start? Our homebuying guide can help you take the first step.
Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities for Single People
When deciding about moving into an active adult community, it’s important to take a good look at how it will affect your life, in both positive and negative ways. Active adult communities are no exception, so let’s take a look at some pros and cons.
Pros
Many of the benefits of active adult communities apply to both married and single people. However, some of these perks may mean even more to people living alone.
Lower maintenance
You may be able to take care of all the chores that come with homeownership. However, that doesn’t mean you want to. Keeping up with the maintenance of a home is no fun for anyone. And it can be frustrating if you don’t have anyone to share the to-do list with. Many 55+ communities provide maintenance of the grounds, so you don’t have to worry about shoveling snow or mowing the lawn.
Higher Security
A gated community that has security guards can provide a lot of peace of mind to someone who lives alone. On top of this layer of security, many 55+ communities have security systems installed in their homes, so you can feel thoroughly protected.
Great Location
One of the benefits of active adult communities is that they offer amenities inside the community, and they tend to be located in areas that offer many important opportunities for retirees. Whether you’re looking for entertainment or medical care, the facilities you’re seeking are probably close to your home if you live in a 55+ community.
Concentrating these services in one area makes it easier to get where you need to go. Some communities even offer shuttle service to shopping or medical appointments, so transportation duties don’t all fall on you.
Social Opportunities
Social isolation raises your risk of many health issues, including depression and cognitive impairment as you age. Most 55+ communities provide opportunities for residents to get together for entertainment, learning, adventures, and more. This is a great way to meet people and establish friendships. If you opt for a community that caters to single people, these social events may be even more entertaining for you and your friends.
Cons
Of course, there are also a few downsides to these communities. Here are some to consider:
HOA Fees
Most communities include a homeowner’s association (HOA). Although they generally take care of maintenance and repairs on shared property, they also charge a monthly fee. Make sure these costs fit into your budget before committing to the property.
Community Rules
Most communities have rules about issues such as what pets you can own, how many vehicles you can have parked on the property, house color, and more. Again, these may not be a problem for you, but be sure to take a good look at them before you sign on the dotted line.
Should You Opt for a Singles Community?
For some people, the idea of surrounding themselves with people who are also single is appealing. These communities often organize mixers and outings that don’t require someone to be a part of a couple. The social atmosphere is a little different when your neighbors understand the challenges and benefits of the single life.
On the other hand, some people feel just as comfortable in a community with people whose relationship status is different from their own. Especially if they aren’t interested in dating, sharing a neighborhood with couples doesn’t affect their social life much. If a community has the home and amenities you’re looking for, you may not need anything else to make it feel like home.
Evaluate What’s Best for You
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you prefer a 55+ community for single people or not. To help you make this decision, it’s a good idea to tour the communities you’re considering. Speak to residents and work with a real estate agent who has a thorough knowledge of the area and what it offers. There’s no cut-and-dried answer to this question; you have to make the decision that’s best for you.
Either way, single seniors interested in a 55+ community have many options. To ensure that you’ll find the perfect one for you, it’s important to work with an expert in these communities who can guide you through the process.
Let the Experts at 55places Help You Find the Right 55+ Community for You
55places was created to help people navigate their concerns and find a 55+ community that they’ll love. Our network of real estate experts is designed to make sure you’re not alone as you find a home where you can enjoy new adventures. Active adult communities are a great way to simplify your life and expand your horizons.
Whether you’re looking for a community that caters to single people or not, we can help you navigate the options and find a home that’s just right for you.
Discover what’s next.
To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.
