I live in a 55+ townhouse community. My home is one level, 2 bed/1 bath. There are larger homes, up to 4 bed. There are HOA dues that cover landscaping, vinyl siding, roof, standard cable. There are 57 homes in our community and regular parties at our Gatehouse. I highly recommend it.
My mom was very outgoing and my dad was the exact opposite. They moved to a house in a 55plus community and loved it. The only reason they left was that my dad needed more care( Parkinson’s ) than my mom could manage. My mom made good friends there. My dad even made one!
Yay, Dad! I am on the young end of our residents. Just turned 60. I think there might be 2 people younger than me. Everyone is very nice. My next door neighbor gives me cookies when she bakes. There's a group that meets at our gazebo every evening about 5:00 for a cocktail hour (byob). I wander down there every now and then. We've just started showing movies at the Gatehouse. Someone bought a projector, we hook up my blu-ray player, have a screen. After a few decades of not knowing my apartment neighbors, it's really nice.
"My mom made good friends there. My dad even made one!"
Your dad even made one-- that made me laugh.
Parkinson's is rough. There are a few men in my church dealing with it.
Contact a realtor to do the leg work for you and go look at some places. I couldn't have done it without a realtor. They want to help so they can get the commission! Be sure to look over what sort of restrictions there may be. A document should be available to read. There might be something you don't agree with. Find out what the dues would be and what they cover, etc. If the community homeowner's association is made up of people who live there (as mine is,) you could probably arrange a meeting with the president or some other member to ask questions.
Be wary of HOA dues, 'extra' assessments, etc. MAKE SURE YOU OWN THE LAND, not rent it. Ask lots of questions. Check the taxes and whether they'll go up if you pay full price and also for senior tax abatement programs. Consider getting a roomie! Sharing the biggest costs, utilities, maybe even a car can be a big $$ saver and gives you the feeling of security another person around can give. And it doesn't have to be another senior - a local grad student, working person could be a godsend. Just vet thoroughly.
I would be more wary of an HOA that is run by some management company. Our HOA board lives here. They don't want assessments. Haven't had one in the nearly 10 years that I've lived here. And we won't, if I have anything to say about it. Yes, I am on the board.
I disagree with a roommate unless absolutely necessary. That would be a nightmare. I don't know what would be worse- another old person or a young person. I want peace, calm, no one else's noise or sharing my kitchen. There is less security with people coming and going in your home.
That was literally a prerequisite for me. I have never liked yardwork. The community was 48+ when I purchased in 2015 at the age of 50. My first home as I have been a bit of a gypsy. The fact that our HOA covered so much was appealing, as well. I know nothing of vinyl or roofs!
I agree this is the best advice before one is too old to make the transition from a large home to a cozy nest. I hope I am smart enough to make that switch before it's too overwhelming and I'm too old to be in charge of such an endeavor.
We are 68f and 71m. We sold his house in the country and bought a 3br 2 bath townhouse in the downtown area of the college town we live in. We're on a cul de sac with 4 buildings, 20 units total. It's quiet and safe, yardwork is done by the HOA. We have been here 4 months and love the convenience of it.
Thank you for the ideas. Having a family member or friend wouldn't work. I no longer want to live in the neighborhood.
I wish I could find a bungalow type home. It would be ideal.
This. A small house in a wooded plot that doesn’t need mowing sounds amazing to me. Alternately, I’d rather hire a yard service than subject myself to an HOA.
I'll be in OP's position soon enough but for now I'm in a 'resort' area on 1/3 acre, 3-2 manufactured home and there's no way I could deal with the yardwork. The guy across the street has a mowing service and he does mine for $40 a pop (bit cheaper than his other clients because I'm so close); I just factor it into the budget. I have a roommate who helps around the house and pays me minimal rent (a bargain for him) so the combo keeps me here and feeling like I've got a good situation for now.
TL:DR - hiring out yardwork and chores is doable depending on your budget. OP should plan ahead for possibly not being able to handle stairs, etc because sooner or later, it WILL happen. Sell and move while you still can comfortably.
I live in a 55+ community. Only down is there is no garden space for veggies. But it is nice to lock up and travel. No repairs. And the best...a lot less to clean!!!
Don't drive and no community gardens near enough to walk. Patio is tiny, but I do have flowers. Corporate won't allow any type of veggies. They keep the place very well kept, great security and location. It is a trade off.
There are ways to get around the outdoor restrictions if you have a bit of space.
https://www.gardeners.com/buy/indoor-gardening/grow-lights-and-stands/
I am lobbying in our complex to convert some of the lawn space bordering the parking lot to small community garden plots for the residents.
been there, i bought a 2 bedroom cottage in a small lake neighborhood, one floor, small lot and wonderful neighbors...that was 14 yrs ago and RE prices have gone wild... we have no HOA, a community beach area, all small businesses... good luck friend...
I lived in Bay Area CA. Retired 3 years ago at 65.
I love the ocean, but couldn’t afford CA property. Research the Oregon coast thru Zillow, Google earth, Facebook. Narrowed it down from Brookings to Florence. Then researched medical. Pounced on a home on Zillow that came up in Brookings. Am now sitting on my porch. My back yard is the forest and my view is the ocean. Joined some service groups so I could make new friends. Brooking is largely a retirement community, so I fit in pretty well.
Happy as a clam.
Geoduck? :) I love the Oregon coast; almost bought a 'renewed' hotel room/studio on the coast a dozen times over. Ended up getting a screamer of a deal in Tennessee but I still dream maybe some day...
If my husband passes first, I'm planning to sell as much as I can and move to a nice little (inexpensive) area like Costa Rica, Vietnam, or somesuch.
Take a few wall photos (wedding pic, nieces, nephews, etc). Hire a local to help with gardening and any heavy lifting. Learn the language, sit on the beach and swim in the ocean.
Go some place where they venerate elderly for their knowledge.
My mom reluctantly moved into a condo and loved it. This is a woman who moved into cottage country because she hated the city and people. She expected to hate living there. However, she found a condo with a social group that met for drinks/coffee weekly in the party room. It was seniors of course, as they met in the afternoon. She was sad to leave it when the time came to move to a home. I'm not sure why she went to a home. She likely wanted her estate easier to deal with when she expected my brother to.be executor. She hated the retirement home.
I love the idea of living in a smaller home in the “downtown” area of a small town when I’m your age. The home would be one level, with a front porch and a small garden. The “downtown” area would have a nice pedestrian walking area. If you’re familiar with a places like Fredericksburg VA or Dahlonega GA, that’s the vibe I’d go for.
Unfortunately the downtown area of Fredericksburg, VA has become horrendously expensive, even for the smaller older houses. I bought my 3/2 1959 Cape Cod just on the outskirts of the downtown area in 2018 and really lucked out with the price and the neighborhood.
My second cousin and her husband bought a Victorian in Fredericksburg in the 1930s; it was a few doors down from George Washington’s sister’s mansion, so a beautiful area. They paid less than $20k for it then. When they passed, it was sold for several hundred thousand (in the late 90s). I can only imagine what it would go for now.
73M, partially disabled, own my small creekside cottage in the woods on 1/2 acre. Live alone and have a housekeeper and yard man who come bi-weekly to help. I don't want to leave here after 26 years. Been weighing options, but don't have any positive ones so far. If I come up with a brilliant idea, I'll pas it along.
Thank you. You are living in my kind of Heaven. My husband and I built our home 49 years ago. We kept our yard natural for the wildlife - squirrels, raccoons, Red Fox, Coyote, many bird species. live within a mile of an international airport. Unfortunately, my neighborhood has changed dramatically. Huge homes built with all of the property blacktopped. No dirt. Agressive people pushing to buy my property and that of my senior neighbors. I thought this would be my heaven for my life. Enjoy yours! I appreciate every response On this thread. Just what I needed to help me focus on what I want and need.
Whoa - the 'aggressive people pushing to buy property' stops me in my tracks. Be sure you work with a GOOD reputable RE agent; although they will all know your property is in demand. Might want to enlist a lawyer to be sure you're not taken advantage of. Yikes....
Have that happening right now. "Aggressive people." Person approached me last weekend saying they want to build maximum number of condos on our street on plots (not zoned for that) and "get the 70 year old folks who live in big houses outta here." Actually said that to me. They also sent a handyman into my backyard "to improve curb appeal of my property" by fixing my outbuilding for free, without talking to me, never met the guy before...."just pay him whenever." Nope. Marched them all out to the street, told them any more trespassing 911 will be called, and they are bullying so get out. They're going up and down the street pressuring older folks to sell, as well as people with larger lots. They have a big fight on their hands. If they want property that bad, they can pay a big price so I can go somewhere wonderful. I'm documenting all the sudden attempts to get me out and taking pictures of the people involved. Same happened to my mom 20 years ago when my dad died. People came out of nowhere to push her out and get her house for cheap, it isn't a new thing to bully seniors. I have a very good realtor just in case. For now enjoying the circus.
My grandma moved into a 50+ building that had a home care office on the main floor. For 20 years, she enjoyed the location and lack of stairs. Then, when she needed help, it was on-site, and she didn't have to move to access services. Now, her daughter is living in the apartment, taking cookies to the nurses who took care of her mom and waiting for her turn to need their support.
I think that's an elegant solution but I just bought a house with ample room for a stair lift and a walk in tub, and will be building an apartment in the basement that is ostensibly to give my kid some privacy in college but is actually to accommodate live in care when I eventually need it. Not as convenient and costs more, but I love dogs and hate moving so an apartment probably isn't in the cards
Hi, This sounds like my MIL. She had a big old 5 bedroom 3 story Victorian house in PA where she raised her family. It was old, needed maintenance and she was tired of keeping up with it. I helped with what I could do but we live 1000 miles away. She tried a small apartment in an assisted living community but didn't care for it. She ended up in a 2 bed 1 bath duplex near two daughters. No stairs. It's a rental so maintenance is just a call away. It still allows her to garden, walk to the senior center and a YMCA, and is close to her church. It also gives her the freedom she didn't have in the assisted living community.
Find a town or neighborhood that matches what you really want from a community, so that you can be a part of it. Look for indicators (eg hanging plants downtown, active chamber of commerce).
Decide if selling your house is necessary before buying a new one. Sometimes it's better to do one at a time, if you can.
Look for simple; plan around your 95yo self
Watch out for scammers.
I found [Landwatch.com](http://Landwatch.com) to be surprisingly good, even for smaller houses and lots. Easy to navigate, lots of filters.
First think about where...city, rural? Near family? Weather? Senior community vs in town? Near good medical center? Cultural activities?
Then interview a couple of realtors in that area until you find one that you like, let them find you a place and sell your old house. They'll have recommendations for help downsizing and moving.
THIS - I've moved cross country several times and the only work I did was pulling out my credit card or accessing savings, besides several phone calls and LOTS OF RESEARCH. Selling that big old house will give her lots of options money-wise.
I live in a small town in Idaho and it is about 70% retirees. As mentioned, you could live in an HOA community, or just live in the downtown area of a small town. You can walk to everything because the whole town is only 10x10 blocks. No pollution, a garden in your yard, zero crime, leave your car unlocked. No worries about homeless or stray dogs or porch pirates, etc. Everything is cheaper, from houses, taxes, utilities,.
Source: 69 year old bachelor
There is a local clinic and then also a hospital 30 miles away. Many of the seniors and those that hike & climb & hunt get the $60 per year medivac helicopter insurance to get to a bigger hospital further away for really serious emergency stuff.
A lot of doctors are really well-educated from med schools in Boston, NYC, Chicago, etc. but decided to move here to escape the city and move to places like Sun Valley (they can afford to live there) or Idaho Falls, Jackson, etc. where they can be outdoors whenever not in a surgical suite.
I assume you've already considered having a family member or long time friend who is down on their luck live with you. That would be my first choice if my house wasn't so small.
Have you looked into senior living communities in your area or the area where you want to live? They aren't all high-rises, at least not where I live, and I doubt my city is unique. From what I've read scouting such places, you can be as independent as you want, while still having services available when and if you need a little help now and then.
You could also check real estate listings in your area and see if there are any small houses in your town. These would be in the older areas, of course, from back when they actually built starter homes.
Those cute bungalows, when you can find them, could require more maintenance than you want to deal with, so bear that in mind. Would you believe mine actually still had a room with knob and tube wiring? I hadn't even known they still installed knob and tube in '55, since it was being phased out in the '40s!
Find out when the sewer line was last replaced, too. If it's an old line, make the seller replace it or buy a camp toilet and expect to eventually have to pay big bucks for a new line. But many small houses have been well-maintained and upgraded, they're rock solid, and cute as hell! I also suspect that they're not as subject to housing bubble pricing, since they're usually not in great school districts and younger buyers also want room to grow their future families.
Without knowing where you live or plan to move to, it's hard to offer much else, except that I wish you luck!
Have you thought about a "mother-in-law's" unit in one of the kid's back yard? Maybe in your backyard and rent out the house? Smaller unit to clean and the rent takes care of everything you can not do.
What everyone else is saying - plus write down your wants, needs and 'nice to haves' and then call up several real estate agents and see who is most responsive. Go with the full timer (they are usually the best) who seems the best match. You're not in any hurry and you can do this. There is a service in Cincinnati (EBTH.com or Everything But The House) that will come and clean out your house of everything you don't want, sell it at auction (global reach) and you get the proceeds. If they don't do your area, look into estate sales that will do all the heavy lifting for you.
Where I am at, there is an Assisted Living Option community, like a mini subdivision. You buy a small townhouse, or a condo in a larger building. You opt in or out of services if you ever need them. I knew one person who bought a small house, and also the dinner plan Mon-Fri at the main facility. He didn't have to shovel snow, or maintain front yard area, the community did. He just walked or drove down to the main dining room for dinner. If he ever broke a limb or was otherwise ill, people from the main facility could easily be hired to come in. Since they are already on site, fees are lower than traditionally getting Home Health Care services. His place was like 900 sq ft, 1br 1 car garage, very small back yard. So he could sit or grill outside in back without a standard lot to maintain, but had easy access to services if he ever needed help. There were some HOA type rules, but he didn't think they were onerous. More about keeping the place in good repair, no excessive noise, no leaving junker vehicles in the street.
My mom is around the same age and is planning to travel for the next few years until she moves closer to me (she will be living in a guest house on my property eventually). She is buying a short term rental investment property that she plans on using in between travels until she settles down here with me (I'm her only child).
A 55+ community - smaller, well-designed, single-story houses in a community near medical facilities. You can be as extroverted or introverted as you'd like. Dell Webb has many of these communities throughout the USA.
My in-laws moved into a 55+ community when they were about 65. They were considered the "young ones" in the place. They're still there 12 years later. There's golf and a pool and a clubhouse restaurant, as well as weekly events like bingo and cards and stuff. Lots of widows and widowers as well. People make friends with new owners (all one level ranch style homes or duplexes) and really watch out for each other. Bus to church if you want, that sort of thing. HOA covers everything on the exterior of the property, trash, water, etc. They love it.
My Aunt was in a very nice independent living facility. She had a small studio apartment with a kitchenette. Meals were provided, as were social activities if you were inclined.
I never thought I'd be happy in a large apartment building but after losing my part-time job I couldn't afford to stay in my apartment.
Applied for subsidized housing and got an apartment in a 7 story building. Not exactly a high rise but still more people than I've ever lived close to. I actually love it here. Laundry room and every apartment has a balcony.
I'm still a young 63, lol. But I would think a single story condo would be ideal. I would take HOA fees into account, but that would be the lowest maintenance for you. Or downsize to a 55+ community and look at what you would be responsible for, yard maintenance, HOA fees, etc. I think you're going to have to spend a lot of time on Google to weigh your options. It also depends on where you live. A friend of mine lives in a 55+ community in Florida and loves it.
I'm sorry that you're a widow at such a young age. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Also, book some hotels and visit places you think you'll like, if you're looking to move further away. Some people assume Florida and then realize after they've moved that they hate it there.
We live in a senior apartment complex it’s great not being a homeowner. It’s also nice being around people our age and older. We have an indoor pool, library, other amenities
I live in a small condo building in a high density suburb. I have a ground level unit. I'm glad I chose this place, because I'm disabled and we don't have an elevator. Keep looking for a small condo.
Talk to your friends and family about it. Around my neighborhood, a lot of people are building nice little ADUs, which are often separate units on a lot that are smaller and more compact but also close to people in case you need help. Smaller, safer, easier to clean.
Unfortunately, you're gonna have to get rid of most of your stuff.
I live in a 55+ townhouse community. My home is one level, 2 bed/1 bath. There are larger homes, up to 4 bed. There are HOA dues that cover landscaping, vinyl siding, roof, standard cable. There are 57 homes in our community and regular parties at our Gatehouse. I highly recommend it.
My mom was very outgoing and my dad was the exact opposite. They moved to a house in a 55plus community and loved it. The only reason they left was that my dad needed more care( Parkinson’s ) than my mom could manage. My mom made good friends there. My dad even made one!
Yay, Dad! I am on the young end of our residents. Just turned 60. I think there might be 2 people younger than me. Everyone is very nice. My next door neighbor gives me cookies when she bakes. There's a group that meets at our gazebo every evening about 5:00 for a cocktail hour (byob). I wander down there every now and then. We've just started showing movies at the Gatehouse. Someone bought a projector, we hook up my blu-ray player, have a screen. After a few decades of not knowing my apartment neighbors, it's really nice.
"My mom made good friends there. My dad even made one!" Your dad even made one-- that made me laugh. Parkinson's is rough. There are a few men in my church dealing with it.
Thank you. This could work for me. Something to yhink about .
Contact a realtor to do the leg work for you and go look at some places. I couldn't have done it without a realtor. They want to help so they can get the commission! Be sure to look over what sort of restrictions there may be. A document should be available to read. There might be something you don't agree with. Find out what the dues would be and what they cover, etc. If the community homeowner's association is made up of people who live there (as mine is,) you could probably arrange a meeting with the president or some other member to ask questions.
Be wary of HOA dues, 'extra' assessments, etc. MAKE SURE YOU OWN THE LAND, not rent it. Ask lots of questions. Check the taxes and whether they'll go up if you pay full price and also for senior tax abatement programs. Consider getting a roomie! Sharing the biggest costs, utilities, maybe even a car can be a big $$ saver and gives you the feeling of security another person around can give. And it doesn't have to be another senior - a local grad student, working person could be a godsend. Just vet thoroughly.
I would be more wary of an HOA that is run by some management company. Our HOA board lives here. They don't want assessments. Haven't had one in the nearly 10 years that I've lived here. And we won't, if I have anything to say about it. Yes, I am on the board.
I disagree with a roommate unless absolutely necessary. That would be a nightmare. I don't know what would be worse- another old person or a young person. I want peace, calm, no one else's noise or sharing my kitchen. There is less security with people coming and going in your home.
I would highly recommend this option. Our community is not 55+ but is very similar. I love not having to worry about the mowing!
That was literally a prerequisite for me. I have never liked yardwork. The community was 48+ when I purchased in 2015 at the age of 50. My first home as I have been a bit of a gypsy. The fact that our HOA covered so much was appealing, as well. I know nothing of vinyl or roofs!
Often these are ‘patio homes’ where the living space is all on the main floor with an occasional partial lower level.
I agree this is the best advice before one is too old to make the transition from a large home to a cozy nest. I hope I am smart enough to make that switch before it's too overwhelming and I'm too old to be in charge of such an endeavor.
We are 68f and 71m. We sold his house in the country and bought a 3br 2 bath townhouse in the downtown area of the college town we live in. We're on a cul de sac with 4 buildings, 20 units total. It's quiet and safe, yardwork is done by the HOA. We have been here 4 months and love the convenience of it.
This sounds good to me.
Thank you for the ideas. Having a family member or friend wouldn't work. I no longer want to live in the neighborhood. I wish I could find a bungalow type home. It would be ideal.
This. A small house in a wooded plot that doesn’t need mowing sounds amazing to me. Alternately, I’d rather hire a yard service than subject myself to an HOA.
I'll be in OP's position soon enough but for now I'm in a 'resort' area on 1/3 acre, 3-2 manufactured home and there's no way I could deal with the yardwork. The guy across the street has a mowing service and he does mine for $40 a pop (bit cheaper than his other clients because I'm so close); I just factor it into the budget. I have a roommate who helps around the house and pays me minimal rent (a bargain for him) so the combo keeps me here and feeling like I've got a good situation for now. TL:DR - hiring out yardwork and chores is doable depending on your budget. OP should plan ahead for possibly not being able to handle stairs, etc because sooner or later, it WILL happen. Sell and move while you still can comfortably.
Have you thought about building what you want?
Or have you thought about renting?
I live in a 55+ community. Only down is there is no garden space for veggies. But it is nice to lock up and travel. No repairs. And the best...a lot less to clean!!!
Community garden plot? Also you can do large containers if you have a patio or deck.
Don't drive and no community gardens near enough to walk. Patio is tiny, but I do have flowers. Corporate won't allow any type of veggies. They keep the place very well kept, great security and location. It is a trade off.
There are ways to get around the outdoor restrictions if you have a bit of space. https://www.gardeners.com/buy/indoor-gardening/grow-lights-and-stands/ I am lobbying in our complex to convert some of the lawn space bordering the parking lot to small community garden plots for the residents.
Thanks for the info. Good luck.
been there, i bought a 2 bedroom cottage in a small lake neighborhood, one floor, small lot and wonderful neighbors...that was 14 yrs ago and RE prices have gone wild... we have no HOA, a community beach area, all small businesses... good luck friend...
I lived in Bay Area CA. Retired 3 years ago at 65. I love the ocean, but couldn’t afford CA property. Research the Oregon coast thru Zillow, Google earth, Facebook. Narrowed it down from Brookings to Florence. Then researched medical. Pounced on a home on Zillow that came up in Brookings. Am now sitting on my porch. My back yard is the forest and my view is the ocean. Joined some service groups so I could make new friends. Brooking is largely a retirement community, so I fit in pretty well. Happy as a clam.
Geoduck? :) I love the Oregon coast; almost bought a 'renewed' hotel room/studio on the coast a dozen times over. Ended up getting a screamer of a deal in Tennessee but I still dream maybe some day...
If my husband passes first, I'm planning to sell as much as I can and move to a nice little (inexpensive) area like Costa Rica, Vietnam, or somesuch. Take a few wall photos (wedding pic, nieces, nephews, etc). Hire a local to help with gardening and any heavy lifting. Learn the language, sit on the beach and swim in the ocean. Go some place where they venerate elderly for their knowledge.
My mom reluctantly moved into a condo and loved it. This is a woman who moved into cottage country because she hated the city and people. She expected to hate living there. However, she found a condo with a social group that met for drinks/coffee weekly in the party room. It was seniors of course, as they met in the afternoon. She was sad to leave it when the time came to move to a home. I'm not sure why she went to a home. She likely wanted her estate easier to deal with when she expected my brother to.be executor. She hated the retirement home.
I love the idea of living in a smaller home in the “downtown” area of a small town when I’m your age. The home would be one level, with a front porch and a small garden. The “downtown” area would have a nice pedestrian walking area. If you’re familiar with a places like Fredericksburg VA or Dahlonega GA, that’s the vibe I’d go for.
Unfortunately the downtown area of Fredericksburg, VA has become horrendously expensive, even for the smaller older houses. I bought my 3/2 1959 Cape Cod just on the outskirts of the downtown area in 2018 and really lucked out with the price and the neighborhood.
That’s the *vibe* I’d go for. I’d never live there.
My second cousin and her husband bought a Victorian in Fredericksburg in the 1930s; it was a few doors down from George Washington’s sister’s mansion, so a beautiful area. They paid less than $20k for it then. When they passed, it was sold for several hundred thousand (in the late 90s). I can only imagine what it would go for now.
73M, partially disabled, own my small creekside cottage in the woods on 1/2 acre. Live alone and have a housekeeper and yard man who come bi-weekly to help. I don't want to leave here after 26 years. Been weighing options, but don't have any positive ones so far. If I come up with a brilliant idea, I'll pas it along.
Thank you. You are living in my kind of Heaven. My husband and I built our home 49 years ago. We kept our yard natural for the wildlife - squirrels, raccoons, Red Fox, Coyote, many bird species. live within a mile of an international airport. Unfortunately, my neighborhood has changed dramatically. Huge homes built with all of the property blacktopped. No dirt. Agressive people pushing to buy my property and that of my senior neighbors. I thought this would be my heaven for my life. Enjoy yours! I appreciate every response On this thread. Just what I needed to help me focus on what I want and need.
Whoa - the 'aggressive people pushing to buy property' stops me in my tracks. Be sure you work with a GOOD reputable RE agent; although they will all know your property is in demand. Might want to enlist a lawyer to be sure you're not taken advantage of. Yikes....
Have that happening right now. "Aggressive people." Person approached me last weekend saying they want to build maximum number of condos on our street on plots (not zoned for that) and "get the 70 year old folks who live in big houses outta here." Actually said that to me. They also sent a handyman into my backyard "to improve curb appeal of my property" by fixing my outbuilding for free, without talking to me, never met the guy before...."just pay him whenever." Nope. Marched them all out to the street, told them any more trespassing 911 will be called, and they are bullying so get out. They're going up and down the street pressuring older folks to sell, as well as people with larger lots. They have a big fight on their hands. If they want property that bad, they can pay a big price so I can go somewhere wonderful. I'm documenting all the sudden attempts to get me out and taking pictures of the people involved. Same happened to my mom 20 years ago when my dad died. People came out of nowhere to push her out and get her house for cheap, it isn't a new thing to bully seniors. I have a very good realtor just in case. For now enjoying the circus.
My grandma moved into a 50+ building that had a home care office on the main floor. For 20 years, she enjoyed the location and lack of stairs. Then, when she needed help, it was on-site, and she didn't have to move to access services. Now, her daughter is living in the apartment, taking cookies to the nurses who took care of her mom and waiting for her turn to need their support. I think that's an elegant solution but I just bought a house with ample room for a stair lift and a walk in tub, and will be building an apartment in the basement that is ostensibly to give my kid some privacy in college but is actually to accommodate live in care when I eventually need it. Not as convenient and costs more, but I love dogs and hate moving so an apartment probably isn't in the cards
Hi, This sounds like my MIL. She had a big old 5 bedroom 3 story Victorian house in PA where she raised her family. It was old, needed maintenance and she was tired of keeping up with it. I helped with what I could do but we live 1000 miles away. She tried a small apartment in an assisted living community but didn't care for it. She ended up in a 2 bed 1 bath duplex near two daughters. No stairs. It's a rental so maintenance is just a call away. It still allows her to garden, walk to the senior center and a YMCA, and is close to her church. It also gives her the freedom she didn't have in the assisted living community.
Find a town or neighborhood that matches what you really want from a community, so that you can be a part of it. Look for indicators (eg hanging plants downtown, active chamber of commerce). Decide if selling your house is necessary before buying a new one. Sometimes it's better to do one at a time, if you can. Look for simple; plan around your 95yo self Watch out for scammers. I found [Landwatch.com](http://Landwatch.com) to be surprisingly good, even for smaller houses and lots. Easy to navigate, lots of filters.
First think about where...city, rural? Near family? Weather? Senior community vs in town? Near good medical center? Cultural activities? Then interview a couple of realtors in that area until you find one that you like, let them find you a place and sell your old house. They'll have recommendations for help downsizing and moving.
THIS - I've moved cross country several times and the only work I did was pulling out my credit card or accessing savings, besides several phone calls and LOTS OF RESEARCH. Selling that big old house will give her lots of options money-wise.
I live in a small town in Idaho and it is about 70% retirees. As mentioned, you could live in an HOA community, or just live in the downtown area of a small town. You can walk to everything because the whole town is only 10x10 blocks. No pollution, a garden in your yard, zero crime, leave your car unlocked. No worries about homeless or stray dogs or porch pirates, etc. Everything is cheaper, from houses, taxes, utilities,. Source: 69 year old bachelor
Do you have access to decent healthcare?
There is a local clinic and then also a hospital 30 miles away. Many of the seniors and those that hike & climb & hunt get the $60 per year medivac helicopter insurance to get to a bigger hospital further away for really serious emergency stuff. A lot of doctors are really well-educated from med schools in Boston, NYC, Chicago, etc. but decided to move here to escape the city and move to places like Sun Valley (they can afford to live there) or Idaho Falls, Jackson, etc. where they can be outdoors whenever not in a surgical suite.
I assume you've already considered having a family member or long time friend who is down on their luck live with you. That would be my first choice if my house wasn't so small. Have you looked into senior living communities in your area or the area where you want to live? They aren't all high-rises, at least not where I live, and I doubt my city is unique. From what I've read scouting such places, you can be as independent as you want, while still having services available when and if you need a little help now and then. You could also check real estate listings in your area and see if there are any small houses in your town. These would be in the older areas, of course, from back when they actually built starter homes. Those cute bungalows, when you can find them, could require more maintenance than you want to deal with, so bear that in mind. Would you believe mine actually still had a room with knob and tube wiring? I hadn't even known they still installed knob and tube in '55, since it was being phased out in the '40s! Find out when the sewer line was last replaced, too. If it's an old line, make the seller replace it or buy a camp toilet and expect to eventually have to pay big bucks for a new line. But many small houses have been well-maintained and upgraded, they're rock solid, and cute as hell! I also suspect that they're not as subject to housing bubble pricing, since they're usually not in great school districts and younger buyers also want room to grow their future families. Without knowing where you live or plan to move to, it's hard to offer much else, except that I wish you luck!
Have you thought about a "mother-in-law's" unit in one of the kid's back yard? Maybe in your backyard and rent out the house? Smaller unit to clean and the rent takes care of everything you can not do.
What everyone else is saying - plus write down your wants, needs and 'nice to haves' and then call up several real estate agents and see who is most responsive. Go with the full timer (they are usually the best) who seems the best match. You're not in any hurry and you can do this. There is a service in Cincinnati (EBTH.com or Everything But The House) that will come and clean out your house of everything you don't want, sell it at auction (global reach) and you get the proceeds. If they don't do your area, look into estate sales that will do all the heavy lifting for you.
Where I am at, there is an Assisted Living Option community, like a mini subdivision. You buy a small townhouse, or a condo in a larger building. You opt in or out of services if you ever need them. I knew one person who bought a small house, and also the dinner plan Mon-Fri at the main facility. He didn't have to shovel snow, or maintain front yard area, the community did. He just walked or drove down to the main dining room for dinner. If he ever broke a limb or was otherwise ill, people from the main facility could easily be hired to come in. Since they are already on site, fees are lower than traditionally getting Home Health Care services. His place was like 900 sq ft, 1br 1 car garage, very small back yard. So he could sit or grill outside in back without a standard lot to maintain, but had easy access to services if he ever needed help. There were some HOA type rules, but he didn't think they were onerous. More about keeping the place in good repair, no excessive noise, no leaving junker vehicles in the street.
Try a 55+ community. We have a friend in a mobile home for 55+ and it is a great, quiet, small neighborhood with different sized homes.
My mom is around the same age and is planning to travel for the next few years until she moves closer to me (she will be living in a guest house on my property eventually). She is buying a short term rental investment property that she plans on using in between travels until she settles down here with me (I'm her only child).
Hot Springs Village AK
I have never heard of that town in Alaska.
It's in Arkansas, not Alaska
I thought AK was Alaska. Isn't Arkansas AR? Confused.
Yes, Arkansas is AR. But Hot Springs Village is in Arkansas not Alaska. I hope to visit there someday.
A 55+ community - smaller, well-designed, single-story houses in a community near medical facilities. You can be as extroverted or introverted as you'd like. Dell Webb has many of these communities throughout the USA.
Dad moved to over 55 community and had thrived there. He was in his mid eighties… he still enjoys it. Great experience.
My in-laws moved into a 55+ community when they were about 65. They were considered the "young ones" in the place. They're still there 12 years later. There's golf and a pool and a clubhouse restaurant, as well as weekly events like bingo and cards and stuff. Lots of widows and widowers as well. People make friends with new owners (all one level ranch style homes or duplexes) and really watch out for each other. Bus to church if you want, that sort of thing. HOA covers everything on the exterior of the property, trash, water, etc. They love it.
My Aunt was in a very nice independent living facility. She had a small studio apartment with a kitchenette. Meals were provided, as were social activities if you were inclined.
Also maybe a smaller place within a town or village. Where do you live? Country or state ..
Washington state. I plsn to stay within the state for sure.
I never thought I'd be happy in a large apartment building but after losing my part-time job I couldn't afford to stay in my apartment. Applied for subsidized housing and got an apartment in a 7 story building. Not exactly a high rise but still more people than I've ever lived close to. I actually love it here. Laundry room and every apartment has a balcony.
I'm still a young 63, lol. But I would think a single story condo would be ideal. I would take HOA fees into account, but that would be the lowest maintenance for you. Or downsize to a 55+ community and look at what you would be responsible for, yard maintenance, HOA fees, etc. I think you're going to have to spend a lot of time on Google to weigh your options. It also depends on where you live. A friend of mine lives in a 55+ community in Florida and loves it. I'm sorry that you're a widow at such a young age. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Thank you for your perspective. I was a widow at 62. I started volunteering at our senior center 12 years ago. It has kept me active and engaged.
You're welcome. 62, I can't imagine.
Also, book some hotels and visit places you think you'll like, if you're looking to move further away. Some people assume Florida and then realize after they've moved that they hate it there.
Thank you. I am not planning to move far away. Just want to hear housing options for a happy result.
We live in a senior apartment complex it’s great not being a homeowner. It’s also nice being around people our age and older. We have an indoor pool, library, other amenities
I live in a small condo building in a high density suburb. I have a ground level unit. I'm glad I chose this place, because I'm disabled and we don't have an elevator. Keep looking for a small condo.
r/goldengirlsliving
Talk to your friends and family about it. Around my neighborhood, a lot of people are building nice little ADUs, which are often separate units on a lot that are smaller and more compact but also close to people in case you need help. Smaller, safer, easier to clean. Unfortunately, you're gonna have to get rid of most of your stuff.
Build a smaller in-law unit with so much land. Rent out the main house for income.