Oklahoma City 55+ Communities

There are over two dozen retirement communities in Oklahoma City. Since you have plenty of options, you should review each one to find the community that matches your needs best. Some things to consider include price, basic amenities, and services offered by the facilities.

How much do 55+ communities cost in Oklahoma City?

Since many 55+ communities include meal plans, housekeeping, and other services in their rental agreements, it usually costs more to live in them than standard apartments. The exact price, however, can vary greatly from location to location. SeniorAdvisor offers pricing, reviews and more for communities located in Oklahoma City. This can save you a lot of time and money because you will have the information needed to make a sound decision.

Even though 55+ communities cost more than apartments, it is useful to consider how much the average person in Oklahoma City pays for a rental. In December 2015, the average apartment in the Oklahoma City area was $798 per month. Two-bedroom apartments were more expensive at $832 per month. Single-bedroom apartments were cheaper at $665. While you probably will not find retirement communities with such low prices, you can use these as a baseline to help you determine which options are affordable.

How to pay for 55+ living

If you are approaching retirement, or you have already retired, then you may wonder how you will pay for living accommodations in a 55+ community. There are several approaches you can take. Many people decide that they can downsize after they reach 55. They aren’t raising children anymore, so they don’t need large homes with multiple bedrooms. Selling the family house can give you a significant amount of money to fund your post-retirement apartment.

You may also want to consider splitting the rent with someone. This is an especially attractive option for single retirees. By getting a two-bedroom apartment and splitting the cost with someone, you can save hundreds of dollars each month. Not all 55+ communities will let you do this, so make sure you understand their policies before you decide to pursue this option. Also, you should have a trial run to make sure that you are comfortable living with a roommate. Don’t sign a lease until you know that you can get along easily with someone else in your home.

What to look for in a retirement community

Before you visit retirement communities in Oklahoma City, you should make a list of your priorities. This will help you choose a community that is in line with your interests and concerns. Some people, for instance, find that they really want to live in a community that’s near their grandchildren. Others are primarily concerned about choosing affordable options that will help them conserve money.

It makes sense to think about retirement community qualities by breaking them into four groups. That way, you can talk to your friends more easily about your priorities. You’ll also be able to review your options more efficiently.

The basics

Most 55+ communities include some basic amenities with rent. Paid-for amenities may include utilities, cable television, and Internet access. Group transportation to shopping centers, doctors offices, and grocery stores is also common.

If a community offers a meal plan as a basic amenity, then you should find out exactly what that plan covers. That way, you won’t unintentionally spend money on something that isn’t included. If you have a pet, then you should also find out which 55+ communities are pet-friendly. Some may require a pet deposit or extra rent.

The extras

There are also plenty of extra amenities that you may want to look for when choosing a retirement community. You will likely find that many of the communities near you have indoor pools, fitness centers, on-site salons, and other conveniences. Other perks to look for include:

Golf courses

Art classes

Fitness classes

Dog parks

Garden plots

On-site massage therapy

Outdoor dining and grilling areas

Game rooms

Theaters

The neighborhoods

Many people choose to drive less after they move into a 55+ community. Oklahoma City is a rather walkable city, but some neighborhoods are certainly easier to live in without a car. These neighborhoods include Deep Deuce, Plaza District, Heritage Hills, and Crown Heights.

The future

The amenities that you need in the near future are not necessarily the ones that you need right now. Since moving is often inconvenient, it makes sense to choose a 55+ community that will meet your needs for many years. Look for options that give you easy access to nurses, dementia specialists, and lifestyle coaches. This could make life much easier as you age.