Cincinnati 55+ Communities

Later in life, many people over the age of 55 begin to focus on the quality of life. For some, this means exploring their options for living in a community that is designed for older people that are ready to slow down a bit and enjoy more of life. Many senior living communities cater to active seniors who want to pursue activities while they continue to enjoy good health. Senior living communities relieve senior citizens from some of the cumbersome responsibilities that tie down their time, such as home maintenance and repairs.

Livability.com ranked Cincinnati as the best place to retire in 2013. Cincinnati ranked high for health care, housing, cost of living, transportation, parks, and cultural activities. Having a low crime rate was another important factor in the ranking.

Senior Community Living Costs in Cincinnati

For seniors who live on Social Security or who will soon look to government funding as a source for living expenses, Cincinnati is an excellent choice for retirement living because of the low rent costs. An average apartment within 10 miles of Cincinnati was only $858, as of December 2015. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for about $698, and two-bedroom apartments are only slightly higher at $883 per month.

You’ll find the most luxurious and expensive apartments located in Mount Adams, the Central Business District, and Columbia-Tusculum. Look for less expensive apartments in Mount Airy, College Hill, and Mount Washington.

Budgeting for Senior Community Living Costs

When you begin to visit senior living communities, you may start to think that they are so fabulous you could never afford to live there. Remember that your monthly rent payment may include some of the things that you are now paying for separately. Your rent may include repairs to the exterior of the building or regular maintenance and upkeep. It may also include such amenities as snow removal and lawn care.

You may decide to use the proceeds from the sale of your home to help fund living in a 55+ community. It may be more advantageous to rent your home and apply the income to your new community rent payment. There are many ways to afford senior community living. Explore all of the financial possibilities and consider consulting with a financial advisor.

Identifying the Perfect 55+ Community

With over 160 senior living communities to choose from, it can be quite a task to find the senior living complex that is right for you. If you have family in the area, you may want to start your search for communities near where they live. Start your search by comparing properties online at SeniorAdvisor and it will quickly become obvious which properties are not right for you. That will narrow your list further. When you are down to a few good candidates, start scheduling visits. You’ll get a true impression when you visit them in person.

Understanding Basic Amenities in 55+ Communities

Senior communities offer more than shelter. If you aren’t a fan of doing laundry or cooking meals, you may be able to find a senior community that includes those amenities in your monthly rent. Find out if the rent includes any of the utilities, including cable television or internet services. Some senior communities offer free WiFi in common areas of the property. That is just one way that you can trim your expenses if you only need an internet connection occasionally.

Make a plan for how you will get around to the bank, the post office, and the grocery store, as well as to medical appointments. Many senior communities offer group transportation. Runs may be limited to certain days or times, so be sure that you can access transportation when you need it.

Discovering Extra Amenities in 55+ Communities

You may decide to pursue some fun activities in your new living space. Ask for a calendar of activities so you can see if you are a good fit with the other residents. Find out if they have fitness classes, workshops, group outings, art or craft classes, or dance classes. It’s a perfect time to pick up old activities that you once enjoyed or learn some new ones.

Cincinnati Retirement Location Options

Senior communities exist in every part of Cincinnati. The place that you choose really comes down to budget and personal preference. One thing that might help is to review the options for senior transportation in different areas of the city.

Transition to Alternative Care Options for Eldercare

You may not want to think about alternative living options that will be available if your health begins to fail later in life. At some point, you may need some assistance to live independently, or you may need to be cared for in a nursing home. Compare communities with and without alternative living services such as in-home care, assisted living and nursing care to ease your burden at a future point in time.