Minneapolis 55+ Communities

As seniors enter a new season of life, they often look forward to painting the next chapter of life with a different brushstroke. Their perspectives on life and living often change. As they look towards how they will spend their retirement, they may be happy to trade some of the responsibilities of homeownership for the freedom of gaining more time to do the things they enjoy. Communities that are designed for the 55+ are geared towards the amenities that older people are looking for.

As some people age, either they can’t or don’t want to shovel snow, mow the lawn, or perform other home maintenance. They may want to socialize a bit more with their families and make some new friends. Most senior communities host activities and outings that keep seniors active and engaged. One of the most important benefits is how a shared sense of community promotes a sense of safety and security.

Minneapolis hugs St. Paul so tightly that they are called the Twin Cities. The Twin cities boast over 31 senior living communities. SeniorAdvisor has all the pricing details and amenity listings you need to narrow down your choices to the options that best suit your lifestyle needs.

Costs for 55+ communities in Minneapolis

Seniors looking to make the switch to senior community living will find that the monthly costs are higher than standard apartment rentals but lower than assisted living or nursing home arrangements. The average apartment within 10 miles of Minneapolis was $1225 as of December 2015. Rates are closer to $1770 for an apartment downtown Minneapolis. The range of rates for seniors varies widely from $800 per month to $4000 depending upon size, location, resident services, and amenities.

Ways to Cover Costs for 55+ Living

You’ll have better results paying your rent or lease out of your own funds rather than wasting time trying to find a government program to cover it. It pays to shop around for a community that offers all of the amenities that you want that also fits into your budget.

Factor in variable expenses that you may not have in your new apartment, such as lawn care, home maintenance, car insurance, car payments, and auto and home-related repair costs. Having fixed expenses will help you budget wisely.

If you are a homeowner looking to downsize, you may be able to use the equity in that home to subsidize the cost of senior community living. Proceeds from the sale of the home can be put into an annuity that offers you a monthly payment. You might also consider using your home as rental income. Still another way that your treasured family home can help you is to take out a reverse mortgage, which is a type of mortgage that turns home equity into cash.

A Retirement Community: What It’s Like

A good approach to beginning your new home search is to form a mental picture of what the next chapter of your life looks like. Consider how you will spend your time and how you will get where you want or need to be. Think about if there is adequate space to entertain children and grandchildren in your living space or elsewhere on the premises. Maybe you love living downtown where everything is within walking distance. Perhaps country living may have more appeal to you than city living. You might opt for a smaller place to spend the warmer months in Minnesota and escape to a warmer climate during colder months. If so, you’ll need to plan for expenses for both homes.

Searching online is a good place to start. Get recommendations from others and read online reviews. Once you’ve narrowed your search, you can schedule some appointments to visit properties.

Basic Needs

When researching senior living communities, you will find that you can either rent or purchase a home. Either way, ask if maintenance fees are covered in your rent or homeowner association fees. Learn whether the utilities are included in your payments and whether they include the internet, phone, or television services.

Some 55+ communities offer a full or partial meal plan or on-site laundry services. If you need transportation for errands, see if the complex offers group transportation or if public transportation is readily available.

Extra amenities

Nearly every senior living community offers a few extras. Swimmers might love to have access to an indoor swimming pool, sauna, or hot tub to stave off cold winter nights. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and bicycling. Many senior communities also offer enrichment classes and workshops.

Location

Think beyond what city or country living offers. Golfers might enjoy living near one of the golf clubs or driving ranges. York Gardens senior community in Edina is just south of Minneapolis. They offer a number of amenities including outings to Mystic Lake Casino and Guthrie Theater. Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so there is a good chance that whichever community you choose, you’ll be near trickling streams and sparkling lakes. It might be the right time to dust off that old fishing gear and practice some casting.

55+ and Beyond

You may be healthy and able-bodied when you join the senior community, but you might also want to consider whether the community offers alternatives for when age begins to affect your health. Some communities also offer senior group homes, assisted living, and nursing care options on-site.