Denver 55+ Communities

Deciding to move to a 55+ community sets the stage for a new season of life. It’s an opportunity to leave some of the responsibilities of homeownership behind and look forward to freedom and leisure. Gaining more hours in the day opens up choices for enjoying activities that you couldn’t find time for in the past. Seniors are ready to focus more of their time and attention on family relationships and friendships.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a scenic place to spend the retirement years. With over 60 senior living communities in the Mile High City, Denver offers a senior living community to suit every lifestyle.

How Much Will You Pay for 55+ Living in Denver?

Rents have steadily been climbing in Denver over the last decade. Apartmentlist.com shows that rental costs are up 6.2% over last year in the Denver area. Average rent costs for a Denver, Colorado apartment were $1250 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1480 for a two-bedroom apartment. Upscale areas like Broomfield range from $1330 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1660 for a two-bedroom apartment. You’ll find the highest rents in Boulder, Denver and Centennial, and you can find the best rent prices in Colorado Springs.

Rising rents are expected to continue for some time, but with new housing developments under construction, the rental market will become more competitive and prices are expected to decline.

SeniorAdvisor is a fantastic resource for finding detailed descriptions, pricing info, and independent reviews of 55+ communities. Researching your options online can save a lot of time and money.

Financing the 55+ Senior Living Community

Upon your move to a senior living community, you can certainly expect a more leisurely lifestyle. The expenses that you pay will not differ greatly from single family or condo living. Expect to pay for your living expenses through continued employment, Social Security benefits, and retirement savings.

Find extra funds by selling your home or renting it out as a supplemental income source. You may also check into getting a reverse mortgage which will allow you to tap into your home’s equity. Explore the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage before applying for one. It can reduce your family’s inheritance and you will pay a higher interest rate.

You will also find that many senior communities will offer an introductory rate or one month’s free rent.

Finding the Right Senior Living Community

You finally have the freedom to live the lifestyle that you’ve always wanted and maybe you still can’t afford everything on your wish list. It helps to narrow things down to the amenities that will make you the happiest. Perhaps you’d prefer a smaller living space in exchange for a community that offers meals or recreation.

Think about if there is space in the community where you can spend time with your children and grandchildren. If you have a pet, you will want to look for a pet-friendly environment.

Once you’ve prioritized your needs and wants, you will be ready to start the process of visiting and comparing senior living communities in the Denver area. Use a spreadsheet as a quick comparison guide by listing location, costs, and amenities.

Basic Expenses in Senior Communities

Decide if you want to purchase or rent a unit. Ask if building repairs and maintenance are included in your rent or home association fees. Explore costs for internet, phone, and television services. The administration should be able to provide you estimated costs for any utilities that are not included in your rental or purchase fees. Decide if you will have a garage or parking area for a car of if the complex provides group transportation to grocery stores, medical appointments, and recreational activities.

Extra Amenities in Senior Communities

Some senior living communities offer meals on-site, so you may not even need to cook your meals. You may enjoy the company of dining with other seniors at mealtimes. That will save you time and money. Finding a community with an indoor swimming pool is a nice feature so that you can escape the cooler temperatures and get some water exercise. You might find other amenities like exercise classes, outdoor grilling areas, and game rooms.

The Denver Area

Downtown Denver makes living without a car easy. You will be able to walk to most places including the grocery store, the pharmacy, and department stores. You may also be within walking distance of some of the major attractions such as museums, botanical gardens, and the zoo.

If you need help with minor home repairs, call the Safety of Seniors Handyman Program Volunteers. It’s a program for Denver residents aged 60 and over where they can get help with safety assessments, minor repairs, and minor modifications to their dwellings to help them live as independently as possible.

Changing Needs Later in Life

As we age our health declines, so you may want to look at options for assisted living and nursing care within your preferred community. If these services don’t exist in your first choice senior living community, you might look for another community that offers an expanded array of living quarters. It’s also possible that the administration will review options that most of their residents may use later in life.