If you have never lived in a 55-plus property, this article will help you select a suitable complex or facility, make the adjustment, get involved socially, and enjoy your life there.
I will cover the following areas: expectations, research, adjustment, and socialization. Don’t let the first part discourage you, as it gets better as you read further, and it ends encouragingly.
Expectations
As soon as I turned 50, I immediately got the idea of moving into a 55-plus apartment as soon as I could to take advantage of the low rent and quiet neighbors. The rent was comparatively lower, but I didn’t expect the amount of noise I encountered.
I had envisioned a peaceful apartment complex free of loud music, roaring motorcycles, barking dogs, and rowdy neighbors returning from late nights out on the town. I also imagined that all neighbors would be exceptionally courteous. This seemed like a logical expectation since all residents would be over 55. To me, this meant that they would be mature and refined. I was shocked to find that this was not the case.
Although most residents were as I expected, enough of them were not to ruin the quiet I had imagined. Although I eventually resolved these problems, here’s what I dealt with.
- Neighbor who plays the same ’60s song at high volume every morning.
- Neighbor who allows her dog to bark continously for hours while she is away.
- Neighbor who starts his loud motorcycle very early and late for ridiculously short trips.
- Neighbors who arrive home rowdy and loud very early on Sunday mornings.
I did manage to solve these problems, but it was a burden to do so. I should mention that I am rather particular, especially about noise, so some of these issues might not be a problem for you. Having good apartment management was crucial to resolving these noise issues.
I recommend that you refrain from establishing expectations. Instead, keep an open mind and don’t expect perfection. Additionally, avoid comparing living in an apartment to living in a detached house. That would be an unfair comparison.
Research
There are numerous websites and print publications for researching 55-plus properties, but don’t rely solely on pictures when making a decision. The photographs can be very deceptive as they only show the best parts, and you don’t know how old they are. So you must tour the property.
Here are some questions to ask management when you visit.
- What soundproofing materials do these apartments have in the walls and floors?
- What are your rules on noise, e.g., loud music/televisions & barking dogs?
- What utilities do residents pay for, and what is the typical monthly cost?
- What are the options for rent payments, e.g., bill pay, direct deposit, or check?
- What is the procedure for getting maintenance issues handled?
- What are the parking and storage arrangements?
- What are the security features of this property?
- What are the recreational features of this property?
- What activities do you organize, host, or sponsor?
- What are the top three complaints of residents who move out?
- What are your policies on giving notice, breaking the lease, and cleaning?
Here are some things to consider when picking an apartment within a complex. I’m just going to give you the ideal location and why.
- Top floor end unit. Fewer adjoining walls and no apartment above you means less possibility for noise. You’ll also have lower heating costs since heat rises. If there is an apartment above you, and the floors are “not” made of soundproof concrete (very few are), then you’re probably going to hear their footsteps, vacuuming, and exercising. In short, you’ll have to adjust to “their” schedule.
- North-facing. Best position for an apartment with the coolest summers. Additionally, it helps keep your utility bills down. A south-facing apartment is the next best choice, but you may get more sun and heat than you want during the fall and spring. Refuse a west-facing apartment, especially in climates with hot summers.
- Away from high traffic areas. Select an apartment as far away as possible from busy streets, parking lots, pools, laundry rooms, trash shoots, elevators, and entry doors. Each of these high-traffic areas is a source of noise. To me, quiet and peaceful is more important than having to walk a few extra feet.
Tip: Do not let the leasing agent convenience you to take an apartment that does not meet all of “your” criteria. Keep in mind that most leasing agents receive commissions and/or bonuses for renting apartments, especially for those that are less desirable.
After you’ve visited the property, return at key times, such as after everyone returns home between 6 and 8 pm. If possible, walk the property on your own during this time to assess noise levels and parking availability.
Your final task is to drive around the neighborhood. Here are some key points to consider.
- Is the neighborhood free of litter and trash?
- Is the neighborhood free of graffiti and gang members?
- Is the neighborhood appealing to you?
- Is there a grocery store nearby?
- Is there a convenience store nearby?
- Is there a suitable restaurant(s) nearby?
- Is there a gas station nearby?
- Is there a doctor (and dentist) within your insurance network nearby?
- Is there a hospital within your insurance network nearby?
- Is there an auto maintenance facility nearby?
- Is there a shopping center nearby?
- Is there a shopping mall nearby?
- Is there a library nearby?
- Is there a park nearby?
Tip: Do not listen to anyone who may be more motivated to see you “placed,” so that they are free of responsibility and guilt, than they are in helping you find an apartment “you” truly feel good about.
Adjustment
Like any move to a new home or town, there will be a period of adjustment. If you are living in a detached house, the adjustment will be more significant. If you’ve been living anywhere for a long time, it will take time to acclimate yourself to your new surroundings. There are several ways to become familiar with the area and make it feel like home.
Take walks through the property and neighborhood. Take drives around town on Sunday mornings when traffic is light. If you don’t have a car, jump on the bus and ride the entire route.
Set aside some time to walk around and explore your new grocery store or shopping center. Spend some time at the local library, community center, and park.
Continue visiting these places until you become very familiar with them. Remember to be upbeat and friendly. However, don’t let your desire to find new friends make you too eager and forward. Friendships take time to develop.
Tip: Many 55 plus communities have free shuttle buses to transport residents to the grocery store and doctor’s appointments. In addition, some grocery stores offer home delivery at a reasonable cost.
The more you get to know the area, the more comfortable you’ll feel. You’ll also discover restaurants, shops, and businesses that will fulfill your needs.
The age you move in will also be a factor in your adjustment. I moved in at around 55. It may have been too early, as it took me quite a while to adjust to living in an apartment complex where most of the residents were significantly older than I was. Once I did get used to it, I found that I enjoyed being the youngest stallion in the stable. I also found that my purpose for being there at that point in my life was to help the older residents when I could and gain insights and inspiration for books and articles.
Socialization
55-plus apartments have a unique social environment for several reasons. Unlike moving to a new town or starting a new job, everyone is in the same age group. If it’s a low or high-income property, then the residents are even more alike.
I have found these similarities to be an advantage. There is a sense of camaraderie that we’re all in the same boat. Everyone is in the same stage of life. There are no conflicts related to a few young unruly residents. Everyone lives a similar lifestyle. The majority go to bed early and get up early. And most are at home throughout the day.
There is one thing you’ll need to watch out for, however. There are always a few residents who are bitter and negative. They will express their complaints at every opportunity. I recommend offering these individuals a kind smile, an encouraging word, and then going about your way.
If you’re at the younger end of the resident population and in good physical shape, I recommend offering your help whenever a situation arises. This would include mostly simple tasks, such as holding doors open, lifting groceries and packages, and repositioning furniture. This will not only make you feel great, but it will also establish a favorable reputation for you among the residents.
Since I moved in at a relatively young age, I found myself in situations to help those who were much older or physically impaired quite regularly. Being a person with a helpful nature and strict upbringing on issues of courtesy, I had no problem with this most of the time. But when a resident appears to need assistance at a time when I don’t feel like helping or I’m in a hurry, I have to remind myself that I’ll be as old as they are someday.
Most 55-plus properties organize and host or sponsor social activities and events. These range from morning coffee, board games, and movies to lectures, barbeques, and trips.
You’ll make friends over time with minimal effort simply by being a friendly, positive, and respectful neighbor. If you enjoy having many close friends, attending social events will accelerate the process.
To be well-liked, attend social events to listen and learn, rather than talking about yourself and educating others. Get to know the residents, the culture, and the key players. Get involved and establish a good reputation by volunteering your time to assist at events.
Avoid giving your opinions and suggestions on matters related to the property or activities until you’ve been there for a reasonable amount of time. In other words, when you no longer feel like a new resident but rather an “old-timer.”
Social opportunities abound in 55-plus properties. Even if you prefer to stay to yourself, you’ll still feel like you’re a part of the community because you have several key similarities with the other residents.
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Life can be good at a 55-plus property. There are more social opportunities and activities than at a standard property. And it’s easy to feel like you are a part of the community almost from the beginning.
The keys to being happy there are: (1) have no expectations, (2) maintain a positive attitude, and (3) be friendly.
Bottom-line: The advantages of 55-plus properties greatly outweigh the disadvantages.