Jacksonville 55+ Communities

Entering retirement means that you don’t have to do a lot of the annoying things that were once part of your daily life. By moving into a retirement community, for instance, you can avoid lawn maintenance, cooking, and housekeeping.

Jacksonville has at least 34 independent living communities for you to consider. Make sure you compare them before you decide where to live.

How much do 55+ communities cost in Jacksonville?

The average cost of an apartment in Jacksonville was $915 per month in December 2015. A one-bedroom apartment’s average price during that time was $795 per month and two-bedroom apartments were priced at $920 per month.

A 55+ retirement community will usually charge higher prices than the average cost of renting an apartment. That’s because they include extra amenities and services that you won’t get from a typical apartment.

The average price of an independent living apartment can vary drastically. For pricing information and reviews you can visit SeniorAdvisor. Here you will also be able to get details and descriptions so you can make the best choice for your long-term happiness.

How to pay for 55+ living

A lot of retirees worry about how they will pay for apartments at independent living centers. That’s an understandable concern since you may not have a steady income after you retire. However, there are several ways that you can make a 55+ community more affordable. Most people rely on money from their retirement savings, investments, and Social Security to help them pay bills during retirement. If you are able, you can treat these financial resources like income sources.

You may also want to sell your home before moving into a retirement community. Downsizing not only puts money in your bank account but makes it possible for you to avoid chores like housekeeping and lawn maintenance. Many people don’t want to do those things after they retire. Since 55+ communities usually provide these services, it makes sense for some to sell their homes.

Getting a roommate can also make your rent more affordable. Before you choose this option, you should try living with your potential roommate for a few weeks to make sure you get along. You will also need to talk to the retirement community’s manager to make sure this arrangement is in line with their policies.

What to look for in a retirement community

Before you start visiting retirement communities, spend a few minutes making a list of your top priorities. This will help you find an option that’s right for you. Many people make their grandchildren a priority, so you may want to look for a community that’s located near your loved ones. Others are primarily concerned about how much money they will spend. For example, if you plan to travel a lot during retirement, you might only need an inexpensive place to stay when you’re in town. As you compare available amenities with your list, look for options that fall into these categories:

The basics

Basic services that you will find at most retirement communities include:

Group transportation

Housekeeping

Laundry services

Utilities

Cable TV

Many also have meal plans that make it affordable for you to eat at on-site restaurants. Make sure you know the details of the plan so you understand what items are not covered.

The extras

Retirement communities may also offer a lot of extras to make life more enjoyable and healthy. Some of these extras include:

Fitness facilities

Daily exercise classes

Art classes

Garden plots

Free Wi-Fi

Game rooms

On-site massages

General stores

On-site pubs

The neighborhoods

Since you may not want to drive as often after you retire, it makes sense to choose a Jacksonville neighborhood that’s highly walkable. That way, you don’t have to spend money on gas and vehicle maintenance. Plus, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are often pleasant places to live. Some parts of Jacksonville that you might want to consider include San Marco, Arlington, and Riverside. You can learn more about Jacksonville’s neighborhoods here.

The future

Your concerns and needs will likely change over time. It’s wise to consider these potential changes when choosing a retirement community. If you don’t, then you may find that you need to go through the hassle of moving to another facility several years from now.

While it’s difficult to predict exactly what services and amenities you will need, it is relatively easy to think of likely possibilities. For instance, most people need to increase medical attention as they age, so you may want to choose a 55+ community with an on-site nurse or doctor.