There are many types of independent living and retirement communities to choose from, and they vary greatly in services offered, scope and price. The communities range from lushly landscaped, country-club style condominium developments in a suburb to senior apartments in a bustling urban area. Traditional retirement communities, sometimes called active adult communities, restrict admission to adults above a certain age and offer security, recreational facilities, planned activities and perhaps communal dining and housekeeping. Planned adult communities can be open to renters or offer condominiums or homes for purchase. Medical services are not included, but are generally located nearby. Senior apartment complexes, also called congregate housing, generally charge a monthly rental fee and security deposit for services such as transportation, activities and meals. Some are under federal housing guidelines and only accept low income seniors, but most are privately owned.
Independent living communities should provide the finest in amenities while freeing you of worry about exterior maintenance and providing cost-saving features like SmartBuilt energy efficiency.
