Housing Options for Retirees

Thinking about retirement is always a good idea no matter what age you are. The sooner you and I start to think about it, the smoother the process can become. One of the big questions is what type or style of house is available for retirees. Here's a quick overview of the Top eight housing options for retirees to help make
your own decision easier.

1. Patio Home - the patio home is one story living in a community of other homes and can include townhouse or condos as well as single family homes. Many patio homes are located in home owners association neighborhoods that include maintenance on the lawn, snow plowing and can include the roof and exterior. Oftentimes, you'll find that a patio home lot and land is owned by the association and you own from the walls inward. A patio home can be a good option for you if you don't want the maintenance of yard work any longer and just want to enjoy your home and friends in retirement but, still have the sense of community around you.

2. Ranch Home - similar to a patio home, a ranch style home is one story living that is typically set on it's own lot and not in an association community - at least not that I've found in the eastern part of the USA. I'd like a ranch home especially if it were in an association so that the landscaping would be done for us. I'll continue to look and let you know if I find any. You probably want to check out your area of the country too.

3. Tiny House - these are becoming more and more popular with those wanting to seriously downsize and get just the smallest space they need. They're in the news and on the internet a lot and many are a mere several hundred square feet in total. They're affordable and many retirees would find they can pay for them without carrying a mortgage so a great benefit there as well as the cost to run the household and maintenance are minimal. Could you live in the smallest of spaces? A Tiny House could be your answer to easy retiring.

4. Condo - this housing option for retirees is one to consider. A condo unit is usually many apartment style homes all contained in one building making neighbors something to consider. Especially intriguing are the amenities included such as a pool, clubhouse, restaurant, bar, community gathering area, tennis, bowling or bocci ball. Most condos offer an elevator making moving in and shopping trips easier for the elderly.

5. Condo Villa - these are condos without the walls of your neighbors. Each unit is a self contained home and still has all the benefits and no maintenance of condo living. Check them out in your area and see if it's the best fit for your retirement home.

6. Townhouse - similar to the condo, a townhouse is usually not as many units in one building but, rather are three to five homes next to each other. Sometimes, you can find single story townhouses to rent or buy and they do include caring for the lawn and exterior of the building.

7. An RV - yes, you can live in an RV and travel during your retirement if you'd like to consider this house option for retirees.If you've always wanted to see the sights, a recreational vehicle could be for you. You'll want to check out where you're going to park it and you should also know how to maintain it yourself to save costs.

8. Senior Housing Apartments - look for these apartment style homes surrounded by neighbors if you want to be nearer to hospitals and doctors with contained services in the building. This makes for easy to get to dining areas, laundry, community centers and are often next door to a hospital. Check out Tips for Buying a Home in a Retirement Community.

As the elder population rises, new home builders will be offering more opportunities for senior citizens to find affordable, convenient home styles that fit our budgets and lifestyle so stay tuned. There's a perfect home for you as you retire and you'll want to make sure to check out all the top options for senior citizens so you get what you can afford, in a safe neighborhood and with the amenities that help you continue to have the lifestyle you want.
Follow more ideas for your own retirement journey on our blog.