Why do seniors prefer 55+ communities?

There are many benefits of living in an over 55 community, such as safe, desirable locations, many amenities promoting active lifestyle and social interaction to low maintenance living. They are an attractive option for empty-nesters, retirees, and pre-retirees who want to live an active and low-maintenance lifestyle in a secure setting; and although 55+ communities are commonly referred to as retirement communities, you don’t have to be retired to live in one.

If you are considering moving into one of our Torrance and South Bay 55+ community, check out these five benefits of living in one.

Age-Restricted
With membership limited to the 55 and better crowd, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people that share similar interests, making it easy to forge new friendships. The age restriction also means plenty of peace and quiet, with no splashing children to interrupt your leisurely swim in the pool and no rowdy teens disturbing your sleep at night.

Active Lifestyle
55+ communities are perfect for active adults because they emphasize activity and fitness, with amenities and activities designed to keep residents mentally and physically active. You’re likely to find swimming pools, fitness & wellness centers, golf, pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, field trips, classes, and a range of clubs to join.

Convenient Location
Most 55+ communities are located within a short drive or walking distance to shops, restaurants, theaters, churches, and medical facilities. Communities typically offer public transportation or walking paths that lead to these everyday conveniences, so you can leave the car at home. You’ll have more time to spend doing the activities you love, whether in town or in your community.

Low-Maintenance Living
Homes within 55+ communities are designed with you in mind, with floorplans and features that accommodate active adults and contribute to a low-maintenance lifestyle. You’ll maintain your independence while not having to worry about yard work and exterior maintenance of the home.

Sense of Community
The sense of community is one of the most praised aspects of living in a 55+ community. Studies have shown that having a sense of community greatly impacts a person’s well-being and quality of life. Neighbors build lasting friendships and often become close like a family. Opportunities to give back, share hobbies, and engage within the community foster a sense of pride and belonging.

Click here to find your perfect active senior 55+ community

Why Downsize To a Smaller Home? In what situation would it be advantageous to sell your house and buy a condo or a smaller house?

Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies. But what does that mean for your home?
If you’re looking for ways to focus more on the important things in your life, the answer could be downsizing. A recent article from The Balance talks about why it could be a great option, saying: “There are many reasons to buy a smaller home—or to downsize from your present home—but sometimes, the idea that “less is more” is what propels homeowners to buy a smaller home.”
You Can Find the Right Home for Your Needs
The 2022 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides more information on why people of retirement age choose to move. It shows the need for a smaller home, the desire to be closer to loved ones, and retirement itself as three of the top reasons homebuyers over the age of 55 make a move.
If you’re in this group, changing priorities may be top of mind for you today, and that could be driving your decision to downsize. After all, as your lifestyle changes, what you need in your home likely changes, too.
Plus, as The Balance notes, moving into a smaller home can open your schedule up even more. When you downsize, you can spend less time maintaining your home and more time with the people you love or exploring newfound hobbies. That’s a recipe that can lead to less stress and increased happiness.
Your Equity Can Make a Big Impact When You Downsize
Home equity plays a big role when you sell your existing house and move. It could be a great tool to use to help you downsize. According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained about $55,300 in equity over the past 12 months. Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains how important price appreciation and equity gains are for existing homeowners:
“Home prices rose 18% during 2021 in the CoreLogic Home Price Index, the largest annual gain recorded in its 45-year history, generating a big increase in home equity wealth, . . . For low- and moderate-income homeowners, home equity has historically been a major source of wealth.”
As home prices rise, your equity does, too. So, you may have more equity than you realize because of the record levels of home price appreciation over the past year. Those equity gains could allow you to make a larger down payment on your next home. And putting more money down can lead to a smaller monthly mortgage payment, which can give you greater financial freedom. It can also be a significant help in navigating today’s competitive housing market, since offering more money up front could help your offer stand out.

Contact us today and we will help you to find the best option in your situation.

If you’re an active senior and would like to move into one of our beautiful South Bay 55+ communities, you found the right place and senior experts. Click below to view the South Bay, Torrance, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes senior 55+ communities:
South Bay 55+ Communities and Condos For Sale
Another downsizing options would be a smaller single story home as you approach retirement.
Single Story Houses For Sale