Washington, DC 55+ Communities

One of the good things about reaching retirement age is that you can stop doing many of the things you may dislike. Not only do you get to stop going to work, but moving into a retirement community could mean that you get to avoid things like housekeeping and lawn maintenance.

There are many different retirement communities in the Washington, DC area. This gives you plenty of options, so you should do some research to make sure you choose a community that’s right for you. Some of the things you should think about include affordability, amenities, and meal plans.

How much do 55+ communities cost in Washington, DC?

The average cost of rental apartments in Washington was $1947 per month in December 2015. One-bedroom apartments were $1763 per month and two-bedroom apartments were $2244 per month. While you will likely pay more for an apartment in a 55+ community, these numbers give you a good idea of approximately how much you may spend per month.

Renting an apartment in a 55+ community is usually more expensive because it includes extra amenities that you don’t get from a typical apartment. The amenities that you get will depend on the facility you choose, but you can expect services such as utilities and cable television to be included. Detailed pricing information and amenities offered can be found on SeniorAdvisor.

How to pay for 55+ living

People often wonder about how they will pay for 55+ communities after they retire. Without a steady source of income, this could become challenging. There are, however, several ways that you might fund your new apartment.

If you have a pension, Social Security, or retirement savings, then you can use those sources to help pay for an apartment in a retirement community. If you currently own a home, you may want to sell it. Most people find that they can downsize considerably when they retire since they don’t need room for children. In many cases, a large home simply becomes a burden. By selling it, you get an influx of cash that will make your new apartment more affordable.

You may also want to consider finding a roommate to make your apartment more affordable. Instead of renting a one-bedroom, get a two-bedroom apartment and split the rent with someone. Some retirement communities have policies against this, so you will want to talk to the manager before deciding to take this course. It’s also smart to have a trial run with your potential roommate. Try living together for a few weeks to make sure you get along well and don’t mind sharing space with someone.

What to look for in a retirement community

It’s a good idea to make a list of your priorities before you start researching retirement communities in Washington, DC. Your biggest priority might be living near your grandchildren so you can see them often. You might also want to find a place that gives you plenty of fun activities to try. By making a list, you can compare your priorities with the services and amenities that Washington, DC retirement communities offer. That way, you can choose one that matches your needs. Consider exploring features that fall into these four categories:

The basics

When you contact retirement communities, ask them what utilities are included in your rent. Many automatically include services like water, electricity, and even cable television. Most also offer weekly services like housekeeping and laundry. Other basic services that you can expect to find at many 55+ communities include:

Group transportation to nearby shopping and medical centers

Meal plans that cover the cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner

On-site security to ensure your safety

Ask the communities to give you details about these services.

The extras

You will also find that many communities offer extra amenities that can make life more comfortable and rewarding. Some of the extras you may encounter include:

Free Wi-Fi in communal areas

Garden plots for residents to grow plants

On-site massage therapy

Game rooms

Covered parking to keep your car safe during DC snowstorms

Gyms with fitness classes

Art and craft classes

The neighborhoods

Many retirees prefer living in walkable neighborhoods where they don’t have to drive often. Cleveland Park, Logan Circle, and Georgetown are areas you may want to consider. You can learn more about the neighborhoods in Washington, DC here.

The future

Don’t forget to think about your future needs. While you may not need them now, you may eventually want a 55+ community that offers healthcare and living assistance services.