Senior living might not be as expensive as you imagine, especially if you know where to look.
It’s not something many people think about, but you do have to live somewhere after you’ve retired. Why not look into senior apartments or similar living arrangements? So long as you are willing to put in some legwork, you can definitely find affordable choices where you can kick back and relax.
California
Anyone who has lived in the Golden State will know property prices there can be pretty ridiculous. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to retire there comfortably. There are subsidized housing programs that you can take advantage of if you visit www.hud.gov. Also, the cheaper senior apartments in Cali can be as low as $900 a month with assistance from low-income programs. You would most likely save money living elsewhere, but just be aware it’s not as bad as some people say.
Ohio
It’s easy to forget that Ohio can be a fantastic spot to vacation, or even retire to. From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the beautiful views of Lake Erie, the Buckeye State can be the perfect place to relax.
There are several accommodations you can look into, such as the Senior Homes of Findlay, or the Indian Hills Senior Community. Both have affordable living arrangements ranging from $500 to $650, and are close to tourist destinations. Indian Hills in particular is right outside of Cleveland and is a short drive to Lake Erie.
Texas
If living in the north isn’t your thing, what about Texas? The state is so large that there’s a myriad of different options to retire to. Whether you want to live in a more urban environment or you want peace in the countryside, you can find all that and more in the Lone Star State.
That kind of versatility also comes with a wide range of price points. For example, the Las Brisas Manor Senior Community in Del Rio has units that start at around $261 a month. If you prefer to live somewhere closer to Dallas, there’s The Plaza at Chase Oaks. Units begin at $765, and is conveniently located to a myriad of activities. It’s likely that you’ll be able to find whatever you are looking for in Texas as long as you are willing to do some research. That, and you’ll be sure to be near some quality BBQ restaurants
Florida
At this point, Florida is kind of the benchmark for retiree destinations. It’s often the first state that pops up into mind, and there’s a good reason for that. From beautiful beaches to theme parks, there’s a lot to love about living in the sunshine state. Premium property there can be quite expensive, but there are lots of affordable options as well.
On the low end, The Landings of St. Andrew is almost right on the Gulf of Mexico. One bedroom units start at $476 a month, which gives you access to many amenities and community features. The Lutheran Residences outside of Tampa is also very reasonable, starting at $468. If you do want to shell out a bit more for something more luxurious, what about The San Juan Apartments? Pricing begins at $734, though there is a waiting list to get in.
Massachusetts
There’s just something quaint about the idea of retiring to New England, and Massachusetts is a fantastic choice. While Boston is an expensive place to live in, prices even just an hour outside the city are excellent.
Worcester is about an hour west, and has several senior living communities. There are also a number of small communities like Milton and Longmeadow that offer a quiet place to live. The Berkshires is a favorite for mountain lovers, and that includes famous authors like Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Prices for these areas are normally around $900 to $1000 a month.
Alabama
One state that doesn’t get much notice for senior living is Alabama. Although it never ranks near the very top of people’s lists, it’s usually not very far behind. It’s very similar to Florida thanks to the warm weather and sandy beaches. The main difference here is you don’t have to pay Florida prices to live there.
There are plenty of options from $300 to $500 a month, including several earmarked for low income tenants. You can decide on finding a place near the coast for those seaside views, or go further inland for beautiful forests.
Final Word
While many people suggest retiring abroad to save money, you don’t have to go out of country to find a good price. There are communities all over the United States where you can comfortably live without requiring deep pockets. As mentioned before, you just need to be willing to do your own research.
Keep your mind open, and don’t quickly settle with the first thing that looks good. With enough legwork, and you are sure to find the perfect senior living arrangements for the perfect price.
