New York City 55+ Communities

If you’re about to retire and you live in New York City, you might think that in order to really enjoy your time off you have to move out of the big city. That is not true at all! You can still enjoy everything that New York has to offer while you enjoy your retirement. SeniorAdvisor.com has even given top awards to places like Brookdale Battery Park and Carnegie East House for being some of the best places for a senior to live.

What is all the hype about independent living communities? They are specially designed to make sure that you don’t have to worry about anything other than your interests. These communities let you spend your days with people who are your age and enjoy the same things you do. They provide services like home repair, chef-prepared meals, field trips, day excursions, transportation, and even medical attention if needed.

55+ Communities And Cost of Living

An independent living community is going to cost you more than the average rent of a New York City apartment. In December 2015, a 1-bedroom apartment cost around $3,190 and went up to $3,980 for a 2-bedroom.

The cost for a 55+ community will be higher, but understand that you are getting more for your money due to the amenities that are offered.

SeniorAdvisor has the latest information on independent living communities in New York City. Accessing many reviews, rates, and amenity listings online will save you a lot of time and money. Visiting communities that meet your needs are also recommended after your initial research.

Paying For A 55+ Community

Perhaps the biggest thing that stops people from going ahead and moving into a senior living community is the cost and worrying about payment. That is a valid concern because more often than not you are going to have to pay for these facilities with your own money. Many benefits programs, like Medicaid, won’t cover these costs but that doesn’t mean they are totally out of reach.

If you own your own home and are planning to move or downsize anyway, consider using the money from those sales to pay for your new home. You could also think about renting out your own home and use that income to pay for a 55+ community. If you’re single and don’t mind living with someone, a roommate can help lower the total cost of an independent living facility.

There are also some financing programs that are offered through your state or through the facility itself. Talk with the director to see if there are any programs that you can use to help lower the cost. Some places will also let you pick and choose which amenities you use and that can result in a slightly lower overall cost if you decide to opt out of a few services.

The Basics And Perks of A 55+ Community

Because you now have a lot of free time on your hands, you want to be able to spend it in a way that makes you happy. This is the biggest benefit of a 55+ community, the ability to choose a place that fits not only your budget but also your lifestyle and interests.

First things first, go over your budget and make a list of the basic things that you want to be covered. If you don’t want to pay utilities, make sure those things are covered in your total cost or else you may have to pay extra for them. Next, decide what kind of community you would like to live in. Do you want to have a small place that has minimal upkeep so you can travel around the country, or are you looking for a place that you comfortably can spend all day in? New York City has a wide range of options and you can find what works for you.

Keep in mind the rules and regulations of each place you look at so that you don’t feel restricted. If you have a pet, make sure the community allows pets and has places where they can get some exercise. Some places won’t let you have overnight guests. So, if you always have family visiting then you might need to look elsewhere. On that same front, make sure that young children are allowed to visit.

Finally, take a look at the extras that each place offers and see what interests you most. If you love the city and want to keep active by exploring it, look for a community that arranges day trips or special visits to concerts or shows. Many places will arrange field trips to places like the Empire State Building, the Statue Of Liberty, and various museums, shows, and performances.

Each community will also offer services such as art studios, on-site salons, church services, swimming pools, and community centers where you can gather with friends to play games like bingo or other board games. Many facilities will also have medical professionals on staff to address any emergencies. You can find everything you need at a New York City 55+ community.