08.09.10
Over 55 RV and Mobile Communities
Many seniors reach retirement and find themselves either needing or wanting to downsize. Their family home may be larger than needed and the house and yard maintenance may be more than they want or are able to handle. Bustling active neighborhoods full of families may no longer hold the same appeal now that children have left the nest. Pensions or social security may limit seniors’ choices of retirement places, but there are still plenty of viable options for retiring seniors on a limited income. Seniors in this situation often decide to downsize and simplify, to find a place that suits them in this new phase of life. The following are a few living options that are structured specifically for seniors looking for a quiet community filled with other retirees.
[ad#ad-1]
Recreational Vehicle (RV) communities
Free from work and family responsibilities, some retirees get an itch to travel and decide to downsize at he same time. Many retired couples decide to sell their current home, and hit the road in a RV, letting them travel in comfort and convenience. Many make these RV’s their home, charting new courses during the spring, fall, and summer, and flying south for the winter to settle into one of the many Seniors-only RV communities.
Many seniors-only RV communities are working to appeal to a higher income bracket of world traveling retirees, and create beautifully landscaped community with upscale amenities including fitness centers, swimming pools, and close proximity to a golf course. For those seniors with the traveling itch who have rejected the idea of being tied down to one specific retirement community these upscale, seniors-only RV communities hold a tremendous appeal.
[ad#ad-1]
Seniors only mobile home communities
Other seniors wishing to downsize and settle down long term in a more welcoming climate and quieter community often choose a seniors-only mobile home community.
These over-55 communities often have strict rules to ensure their residents peace, quiet, and security. In many of these closed communities, children are not allowed, or visits are restricted to daytime hours, so check with the individual community if no overnights at grandma’s will be a deal breaker. Also, many of these communities have a no pet policy, so read the fine print or you might have to find a new home for Fido. Parties may also be out for those seniors who like to gather a crowd. However, some of these communities are set up with special areas or buildings for larger gatherings, and some have more family and pet friendly grounds and rules.
Choosing an RV or mobile home community
Determine what your needs and preferences are. Are you wanting to be mobile? Or just wanting to down size and find a quiet community to call home?
Cost is obviously a major determiner for many seniors who are living on pension or social security, so the kind of RV that is affordable may also determine the RV communities you might spend most of your time in, and is dependent on the amenitites each community offers. An on-line listing of seniors-only RV communities and the amenities they offer can be found athttp://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com/rvretirementparks.html.
Often single seniors opt to find a quiet mobile home community where they can develop friendships with other seniors. Some places prefer residents to have their own mobile home and rent the space, others have mobile homes for sale. The cost of moving a mobile home must be taken into consideration since it can get quite expensive. Some communities require an homeowner or membership fee which usually includes yard care, snowplowing (if applicable), water supply, waste disposal, access to the swimming pool, tennis court, golfing, or other amenities. Be sure to find out if these membership fees are refundable if you decide to leave, and whether or not a rental contract is required for a set time period.
Location
Where the RV or mobile home community is located is a huge decision maker for many seniors. Are you looking for a certain climate? Do you want to be close to family? Do you prefer to have easy access to shopping or to have a scenic view outside of town? Making a list of what is most important to you will help you determine which community will suit you the best.
Recommended communities
Seniors-only RV and mobile home communities generally try to set themselves apart from typical RV and mobile home communities, but finding a highly recommended site or community is advised. Seniors weigh in on their favorite or least preferred communities on this site:Â http://www.seniormobiles.com/index.php.
Some seniors look forward to the new sense of freedom retirement brings, others find the transition from home to mobile or community living difficult at first, but rewarding and satisfying in the end. Keeping in touch with friends, family, and former co-workers can ease this transition. Choosing a familiar city or visiting the new home and getting to know some community members several times before making your final decision will also help. Bringing those cherished keepsakes, pictures, and family heirlooms will also help make your new place more like home.