Florida is known as a great place for those getting older and ready to settle into their golden years. The weather and availability of health care options and housing choices makes moving to Florida a smart selection for those who are moving into a more retirement type of mindset.
There are a variety of desirable and many affordable retirement residences to suit varying levels of independence and care requirements as well as budget constraints. From communities offering homes for sale in in Coral Gables, Coral Springs homes for sale and Port St. Lucie homes for sale, adult community living is available all over.
Why Consider Adult Communities
Most people contemplating a move to an adult community are still relatively healthy and active. They may just need to downsize from a large home that is requiring too much maintenance and upkeep.
Perhaps it’s a security issue. If traveling is part of their retirement lifestyle, then it can be difficult to leave homes for sale in Coral Gables for extended periods of time unoccupied. When part of an adult community, the options to have someone look or care for your things are much easier and the security that typically goes along with these types of properties is a benefit.
Depending on the community, residents might even have the option to sign on for a meal plan. Now the chore of cooking and making sure a kitchen is stocked is no longer a duty that needs to be done. Meals turn into an everyday treat that are looked forward to in anticipation, particularly since many of these adult community living places have a qualified chef on staff.
Other duties, such as light housekeeping, laundry and similar tasks sometimes are included in the monthly expense or rent. With all this newly acquired freedom, retirement has never been better.
Where to Start Looking
There are so many options, it can be overwhelming. One of the best ways to start is to check out retirement residences recommended by friends or family members.
You also should enlist an experienced real estate professional who can help narrow down the places to view, based on price and required amenities. A Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty professional can find homes for sale in Coral Gables and other locations perfect for you and your lifestyle.
Types of Active Adult Housing
When it comes to active adult communities, choices include single-family homes, town homes, cluster homes, manufactured housing and multifamily housing. There are three different types: age-restricted, age-targeted and leisure communities.
Age-Restricted Communities: These are specifically aimed at people aged 55 and older. Under rules set down by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) in the Fair Housing Act, the housing must include at least one person who is age 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units. Anyone under the age of 19 is restricted from being a permanent resident.
Residents typically lead an independent, active lifestyle in a country club setting where they can take advantage of amenities such as a clubhouse, a golf course, walking trails, hobby centers, computer labs, and other recreational spaces. These communities are usually not equipped to provide increased care or health-related services. Outdoor maintenance normally is included in a monthly homeowner’s association or condominium fee.
Age-Targeted Communities: The only real difference between Age-Restricted Communities and Age-Targeted Communities is that these communities are not explicitly age-restricted.
Leisure Communities: There are no age restrictions, but typically leisure communities target empty nesters. Amenities such as clubhouses, golf courses and community pools in resort-like settings are a mainstay. These communities predominately offer two and three bedroom homes and are perfect for those whose children have grown and moved away, although children are welcome.
