Thinking of Moving to a 55+ Community in Northern Virginia? You Are Not Alone

“Now is the time to make a change, to sell our big house and to simplify” says one of my many clients who are currently getting their home ready to sell. We’ve been spending a lot of time together because there is so much to figure out and do. What to keep, what to sell, and where to go? Then there’s the huge task of getting the home ready to sell. What to renovate, what to paint, how to landscape?

If you’re thinking of downsizing it can be exciting and scary at the same time.  Expect stress and anxiety—this is a very big change for you. The couple I’m currently working with are a great example. They love their grand piano and want to find a 55+ community in Northern Virginia that has large living areas so they can take it with them. And this hasn’t been as easy as you might think! They have other needs as well; more important needs. They have health issues, so require on-site care, but still want a vibrant community full of activities and social life.  And then there’s that piano...

When it comes to retirement communities, there’s a lot to consider—including your wants, needs, budget, and lifestyle. To help make the right decisions, discuss your expectations with family, friends and your Realtor—because chances are, they’re already thinking about it, too! In fact, according to recent research by the AARP, more than 75 percent of children with parents reaching retirement age have already considered their parents’ independent living options, even if they’ve never talked about it before.

Next, create a prioritized “wish list” for what your dream community will offer. This will help you determine what retirement lifestyle you want—and don’t want—and make it easier to select potential communities. Make sure to consider the importance of location, amenities and activities. For example, some of the communities in this area that I’ve been looking at with my retirees don’t have a pool. I thought that would be an issue for them, but it isn’t. Some communities are made up of single-family homes and some are one-level condos. Some, like Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, put more emphasis on elderly care and have medical facilities on site. They also have a restaurant, café, bank, spa and barber. I liked that place a lot, as did my clients, but the entrance fee is on the high side, and the apartments were too small for that piano. There was also a wait list for larger units.

In the Northern Virginia area there’s a large variety of 55+ communities and at this point I’ve enjoyed checking out most of them with my senior clients. (I think Leisure World in Leesburg might just be my personal favorite.) We all have different wants and desires so make sure you find a Realtor who listens to your needs and is familiar with local choices and knows the right questions to ask. Whether you’re considering a senior community for yourself or for your parents, it pays to do your homework to be sure you’ll be happy in your new home and have the amenities you want and need.

As Albert Einstein once said—“Life is like a bicycle. To keep you balance you must keep moving.”

Good luck and have fun searching for your next home, and all the adventures and friendships that await you!

Ellen Moyer RE/MAX Allegiance
www.ellenmoyer.com