Based on our expertise in finding homes for folks transitioning toward more carefree retirement lifestyles, were always glad to talk about the finer points of Delawares 55+ communities. Our blog included posts in 2020 and 2021 encouraging buyers to ensure they understand the basics of age restrictions. Today wed like to focus on factors that can help you determine if this type of community is right for you.
One: Is there any chance we might one day be an intergenerational household again?
The pandemic we experienced over the past couple of years upended all kinds of careers and living arrangements and sometimes required folks in our generation to welcome their adult children to move back in. Whether it was a blessing or a challenge, living in a community with age restrictions would have been a complicating factor and one you should consider if this is a future possibility.
And what about those grandkids? If youre lucky, you enjoy lots of quality time before sending them home full of Kohr Brothers custard from the boardwalk and prizes from Funland. But is there any chance your family circumstances might lead you to become the primary parent again? That could likewise be a challenge if youre living in a 55+ age restricted community.
Two: How much time are you going to spend in that pool or clubhouse?
If you scroll through the 55+ communities spotlighted on our web site youll see many offer a wide array of amenities. That includes outdoor and indoor pools, clubhouses with fitness centers, game rooms, planned activities and even on-site restaurants, and in some areas easy access to walking and biking trails.
This is all terrific if it naturally fits into your lifestyle. At the height of the summer youll have lots of reasons to avoid the beach-bound traffic in favor of relaxation and fun right outside your front door. But it comes at a cost, not unlike a condo fee. So if you expect to spend a lot of the year travelling out-of-state or simply arent interested in those group fitness classes or organized socializing, a community without those options and costs might be smarter.
Three: Have you been dreaming of ditching the mower and snow-blower?
The vast majority of Americans and many of those moving to Delaware hail from suburban communities. If youre one of them you might have spent decades taking care of that wide green lawn and trimming those bushes and shoveling your driveway instead of sitting by the fire and watching the snow.
Perhaps you loved it, for the exercise and satisfaction. But even if you did, do you want to expend the same level of effort in your 60s, 70s or 80s? And what about an alternative approach, with the planting, weeding, mowing and snow removal accomplished by skilled landscapers, while giving you the opportunity to maintain your annuals and perennials around your patio?
Most of the communities we spotlight offer some level of yard maintenance, which makes them an especially good choice if the active lifestyle you prefer means more time riding the Junction-Breakwater Trail and less time dealing with that aching back.
If so, we encourage you to review the amenities weve listed for each 55+ community, and would be happy to provide additional details based on what weve learned through so many conversations with Active Adults buyers and sellers as well.