Phoenix 55+ Communities

Phoenix has many 55+ communities. Since it is a popular place to retire, you can find a wide range of options, including those that are located on golf courses. Having so many options means that you will have to take a planned approach to choosing where you want to live.

How much do 55+ communities cost in Phoenix?

Living in a 55+ community usually costs more than renting an apartment. That’s because most of the communities give you access to additional services and features that you won’t get from many apartment rentals. SeniorAdvisor lists pictures, descriptions, reviews, and pricing information for independent living communities in Phoenix. You can save a lot of time by doing your research on one convenient site.

The average price of regular apartments in the Phoenix area was $1082 in December 2015. Two-bedroom apartments were $1,184 on average during the same period. One-bedroom apartments were $915 on average.

The neighborhood you live in can also have a significant affect on how much you spend. If you live in Maryvale, then you can expect to spend about $800 per month on an apartment. Apartments in Laveen, New Village and Desert View, however, often cost over $1,200 per month.

How to pay for 55+ living

Many people worry about how they will pay for apartments in 55+ communities after they retire. Without a steady source of income, this can create a lot of anxiety. The good news is that there are several ways to make the cost more affordable.

Since you probably don’t need a large house anymore, you can downsize and sell your current home. That’s a significant source of money that could fund a decade or more of living in a retirement community.

You can also lower your monthly expenses by getting a roommate. Instead of paying for the whole apartment on your own, get a two-bedroom and split the cost. Of course, you will want to have a trial run before you sign a lease. You don’t want to get stuck living with someone who drives you crazy.

What to look for in a retirement community

Before you devote your time to visiting 55+ communities in Phoenix, you should make a list of the things that are important to you. This will help you decide which community really matches your priorities. For instance, you may want to find an inexpensive option so you don’t have to worry about money during your retirement, or perhaps you want to live near your grandchildren. These and other considerations should shape your choice.

Once you have made your list, compare it to what each community offers. You may want to pay particular attention to features that fall into these categories:

The basics

Many 55+ communities include some basic services with your rent. This often includes utilities, cable television, and basic services. It’s also common for the communities to provide group transportation so residents can go to the grocery store, attend church, or visit the doctor.

Since many of Phoenix’s 55+ communities offer meal plans, you will want to find out specifically what the plans cover. It may not include snacks, desserts, and certain beverages. You may also want to ask about the community’s security. If you have a pet, then you should find out what the community’s pet policy is.

The extras

Phoenix communities may also offer extra amenities. These often vary significantly from place to place, so you’ll want to get a list from each community. Some of the extras that you might find include:

Game rooms

Golf courses

Walking trails

On-site salons

Garden plots

Free Wi-Fi

Covered parking

Gym access

Daily or weekly fitness classes

The neighborhoods

Many retirees prefer living in neighborhoods that put them near local shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. By choosing a community that offers easy access to these places, you won’t have to rely on your car daily. Some pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that you might want to look at include Hy-View, Maple-Ash, Agritopia, and Medlock Place.

The future

Since you’ll probably live in the community for several years, take a few moments to consider your future needs. Depending on your preferences and family history, you may want to look for communities that offer access to nurses, doctors, and dementia-care specialists. You can still live independently even if you need to meet with a medical professional regularly. If you end up getting sick, then you can get the care you need without having to move to a new facility.