These are some of the best senior housing deals that you should check out this year; there are some truly surprising options to check out if you know where to look. Having your own home is central to the American Dream. It’s no secret that there is a housing shortage in America, as anyone who is looking for a place to live can attest to. Market conditions in some America’s most populated areas has meant soaring home prices and high rents. Many are surprised to learn, however, that America’s home-builders are hard at work. Companies like Lennar, Toll Brothers, and Shea Homes are quickly erecting new structures, and they have special options for seniors fifty five and up.
These “55+” communities, often called things such as “active adult” or “independent senior living” are located where you might not think to look. Active adult homes are a popular choice for seniors who want to have an active yet easy lifestyle in their golden years. Many such communities include amenities such as dog parks, community gardens, fitness centers, card rooms, bocce ball courts, and other things which may appeal to seniors who want to socialize with one another. Just because you want to retire cheaply doesn’t mean you have to live in a shack on the bayou. Without further ado, here are some of the most attractive brand-new senior living options
Florida
No list of places to retire is complete without Florida, so this list starts with it right off the bat. There are a number of brand-new, unsold home options, ranging from roughly $250,000 to the $400,000 mark. The Stillwater development at St. Johns County has homes such as the Jessica and the Alexia, which start at $369k and $374k, respectively. Each are two bed two bath homes with more than 1,500 square feet. Their single-story layout and lack of stairs or entry stairs makes it easy for seniors who use a wheelchair or a walker. If you would prefer a more luxurious option and are willing to sacrifice single-family status for a townhome, the Terra Collection from luxury home builder Toll Brothers starts in the upper $300’s in Babcock Ranch, Florida, and are attached villa-style homes with floor-to-ceiling windows and open concept floor plans. Lastly, for a more value conscious consumer, Shea Homes offers seniors the Ocala Preserve community, which is set amongst live oak trees and green spaces, a 7 acre lake, and a 600+ acre community. The best part about Ocala Preserve is the price, from just $252,990.
Pennsylvania
While not a member of the historically popular-amongst-seniors Sun Belt, Pennsylvania presents a number of great retirement living options for seniors. Landmark Homes, a developer specific to the state, has a number of 55+ living options. Cortland Park 55+ Living is located in the prestigious Winding Hills of Merchanicsburg, offering resort-like features while being surrounded by nature. Prices start at $335k for townhomes and include lawn care, snow removal, parks, gas, sewer and water. Single detached home options start at $345k in Landmark’s Sweetbriar development, 45 minutes from Cortland Park, offering a more rural setting but not without the shopping conveniences of an urban area. If you prefer a gated option, check out nearby Lake Frederick (a stone’s throw away in Northern Virginia), where Shea homes offers a gated community for 55+ seniors starting at $436k. And for a luxurious option, Regency at Kimberton Glen from Toll Brothers has one and two story options for seniors starting at $575k.
Arizona
Another retirement favorite, Arizona is known for warmer temps than Florida, but without as much humidity. From the gorgeous rocks of Sedona to the trees of Flagstaff and the hot desert sun of Phoenix, Arizona has a little bit of something for everyone. In 2022, more people moved to Arizona than any other state. One of America’s most affordable large cities, Tucson, offers similarly affordable living options for seniors. Starting at just $319k, Meritage Homes has a number of developments to make senior living both affordable yet desirable. The Preserve is a gated community with 50 acres of stocked lakes and 125 acres of greenbelts. 3 bed, two bath options range from $319k to $331k depending on square footage and options. Larger options exist as well, including The Estates, which are 1900-2500 square feet, starting at $395k. Similarly priced homes also exist in the more populous Phoenix metro area, with Shea homes offering multiple new developments such as Encanterra and Trilogy, the latter of which is priced from $402,900 and has not one but two golf courses!
Texas
Texas also offers seniors a respite from harsh winter climates, with many towns and cities that have some of the nation’s lowest costs of living. From the hustle and bustle of San Antonio, Houston and Dallas to the prairies and ranches of the old West, Texas has it all from mesquite style Bar-B-Que to very modern and progressive cities. Nationally renowned luxury home builder Toll Brothers has some of its cheapest 55+ homes in the nation in Texas, including the Regency at Santa Rita Ranch Garden Collection. These 55+ single family homes in Liberty Hill, Texas start at just $321,995 and have 50 foot wide homesites. The community has a lifestyle director that curates senior social gatherings and events, and it is less than 35 miles from bustling downtown Austin, Texas. The future clubhouse will include a resort-style pool, bocce courts, and pickleball. Toll Brothers also offers the Flamenco Collection at Esperanza outside of San Antonio which starts at $455k. Meanwhile, on the outsets of Fort Worth, Lennar Homes offers Viridian, an active adult 55+ community starting at $399k. The move-in ready Sinatra home is $401,999 with 1,746 square feet of space and has energy-conscious features and a low maintenance layout. Move-in ready Monroe units start at $412,999.
Conclusion
While it may seem that everything is always increasing, from the social security retirement age to the price of groceries, there are still relatively low cost options available for seniors to retire in beautiful and brand-new luxurious homes right here in America. While your Social Security dollars certainly go farther if you decide to retire abroad, you will be further away from friends and family, and you may have to learn a second language. If you know where and how to look, you can find an amazing deal online, using the internet. Be sure to check listings in your area to see what kind of pricing you can find