Miami 55+ Communities

As people near the age of 55, they may be looking forward to their futures as empty nesters. Part of moving to the final season of life gets them wondering what life would be like without the maintenance demands of single family living. The thought of moving to a community with other seniors sounds attractive because of the easy lifestyle that senior living affords.

Florida attracts senior citizens because it offers them many tax benefits. These tax benefits include:

No state income tax

No state death tax

No estate taxes

With year round warm weather and tax advantages, it’s no surprise that Florida has the highest percentage of retirees in the nation.

Planning for Housing Expenses in a Miami 55+ Community

While Florida offers many tax advantages, rents are substantially higher compared to other popular retirement communities across the country. As of December 2015, average rental rates were $2511 per month within a 10-mile radius of Miami. One-bedroom apartments in Miami rent for about $2005 per month and two-bedroom apartments rent for about $2918.

You’ll pay the highest rent prices in North Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and downtown Miami. Find more affordable leases in Flagami, Allapattah, and Little Havana.

SeniorAdvisor can easily assist you in your search for the best 55+ community for you. On the site you will find detailed listings with pricing information and independent reviews. Having this info at your fingertips means you save time and money.

Planning How to Pay for Miami 55+ Community Living

Considering all of the perks that come with 55+ community living, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that your monthly budget won’t vary greatly from your current living expenses. Expect to pay for your senior living expenses using the same resources that you have now.

Seniors are continuing to work later in life. If you are working full-time or part-time, you will use that income to pay for your living expenses, just as you are now. Once you retire, you may be able to tap into Social Security benefits or retirement funds to pay for your living expense.

Think about how you could use your current home as a resource for income. You could rent it to others or sell it and use the proceeds to fund retirement living.

Retirement Communities: What to Look For

The Miami senior living market caters to senior residents living in Florida. Today’s seniors enjoy a healthier lifestyle longer than in the past. Senior communities know that their residents are looking for things like fitness centers, swimming pools, on-site salons, walking trails, golf courses, outdoor grilling areas, and dog parks. It’s a good idea to prioritize the things that you must have, as well as some of the things that you wish to have. There’s a good chance that you will find a community that fulfills both.

Basic Lease Agreements

The lease agreement will spell out exactly what the community pays for verses expenses that fall within your responsibility. Basic lease agreements will cover the interior of your living space. Generally, the community will pay for the outside of the building and maintenance of the common areas.

The community association may include some of the utilities in your monthly fee. They may also take care of some expenses like light weekly housekeeping, garbage disposal and recycling, and laundry services. Since many seniors don’t drive, they may offer group transportation to take you to medical appointments, shopping, and other outings.

Extras That May Be Included

Miami senior communities have listened to what seniors want, so they are offering extra amenities to entice residents to live in their communities. Inquire about dance and fitness classes, art classes, lectures, workshops, on-site community garden areas, free WiFi in common areas and organized trips to local events. You are sure to find communities that offer transportation to some of Miami’s fabulous beaches and restaurants.

Location and Transportation

Look for a location that is near your family and friends so that visiting is within easy reach. Regardless of which location you choose, the city of Miami makes it easy to get around without a car. The city of Miami offers a vast array of public transportation including the Metrobus, the Metrorail, and the Metromover. The city also offers a special transportation service for people with disabilities who cannot otherwise ride public transportation.

Future Needs Planning

Senior living communities have taken notice that residents older than age 55 are not only looking for senior communities where they can remain active but are also looking for complexes that offer additional services for the aging population. Moving is difficult for many seniors, especially when they are frail or ill. Many communities are now offering an array of living facilities including independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care.