Should I move to an apartment for independent seniors?

C

charlotta

Member
Location
montgomery alabama
My daughter wants me to move to Charlotte, NC to be near her and my 2 grand children. The g kids are 2 and 5. My son is not married and wants me to do what I want to do. My garden home is about 1700 sq feet, with a small yard, 2 patios one enclosed with brick and another patio that is larger and more open, but is roofed. The inside has 2 bedrms and a small office. The great room is an open floor plan with dining area and a kitchen with half wall separating dining area. Wonderful windows with lots of light coming in. I don't have a mtge and the property taxes are really low ( $400 a year). I have someone to keep my yard and he does a lovely job.The upkeep is expensive. I have a okay social life, but I would love to be living in a more diverse neighborhood.

I drove to Charlotte last week and stayed 4 nights. We looked for apartments for senior living. I found a couple that I liked. The pluses were: a lot of social activities such as movies, music, exercise classes, games, walking paths, visitors to speak about different topics. Cost for all this starts at $2500. This includes tv cable, maid service, and weekly washing of linens, and all heating and air. The down size is the apartments are small and one bedroom with very little storage space. The $2500 ones are older. Others are $3000 plus.

I am 73 yrs young and know I will not be driving to Charlotte alone, much longer. It's about 7 or more hour drive .
Do you know anyone that has settled for a rental apartment that caters to senior citizens. I only want an apt not a free standing home.

I'm sorry if I am too wordy.
charlotta
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How do you feel Charlotta, would you like to have the freedom of living in an apartment with social activities, etc.? I think it would be a nice idea to move closer to your daughter and your grandchildren, especially if she's welcoming you there.

I have no idea about the costs for something like that, but considering that cable, maid service, laundry, heating and air are all included, then $2500-$3000 sounds reasonable to me. It's been so long since I lived in an apartment, I have no idea what they charge these days, especially for one that caters to seniors.

You're right about making that long drive, in the future you may not be able to. Also, as you get older, it's nice to have your daughter close by in case you need her assistance with things. What would you do with the home you have now, sell it, or give it to your son?
 
If you really want to see more of your grandchildren go. Otherwise, stay put and enjoy your independence as long as you can...
 

I sold my home earlier this year in another city and moved to a age 55 plus gated community apartment complex. I am 15 minutes away from my daughter, grand kids and great grand kids. golf course, shopping, medical facilities. My apartment is two bed, two bath, full kitchen, built in washer and dryer. Cable & utilities are not included but the rent is quite reasonable and the social activities and amenities of the community are out standing.
I haven't lived in a apartment since early marriage in my 20's. It's fun and Deja Vu.

http://www.westwoodbluffs.com/
 
One bedroom for $2500?!?

I'm sure we have two very different financial situations, but for that kind of money I could find a place that would shine my shoes, trim my hair and make me a 5-star dinner every night! :D

Seriously ... cable and utilities are one thing. Linen and maid service, okay, that might be where the extra cost comes in. If that's something you think you'd like then at least try to figure out what the costs are.

As for the social structure, well, many senior apartments have that without using it as a cost-point.

It just seems a bit pricy to me ...

ETA: A quick look at Craigslist shows quite a few nice 2br apartments in Charlotte for the same price, but without the maid service, so I suppose Charlotte is just one of those places with higher prices ...
 
It sounds like you are really paying for all the extra amenities. If you just want to be close to your daughter, but do not need all of the maid service, etc; then just finding a nice place to live that is a little larger might work out for you.
Where you are living now, you are independent, and taking care of yourself, so I think you could also do that in Charlotte, and spend the rent money for things you do really need and want.
Most places have a lot of options for seniors nowdays, depending on how able they are to take care of themselves, and how much you can afford.
 
There are options available, but I think I would enjoy the social life of apartment living. I can even find one cheaper. Maggie and I were looking near her neighborhood, so if she needed me or I needed her if would be
convenient. They may be more expensive in her area (south Charlotte).

My daughter has gone through a lot. When she was nursing her, then, 9 month old, she discovered a lump and it wouldn't go away. It was breast cancer. She has just gotten finished with all of that
and is cancer free. She just finished breast reconstruction. She really wants me closer.
She doesn't need another person to care for, so I'm not worried that she will be trying to tell me what to do. I really can and will decide what I need to do.
Thanks, again, for your input. I have a lot to think about.
 
I live in an apartment for seniors and some disabled...and think its just great. Do what your heart tells you to do... don't rush into the decision, just tell yourself you will make the RIGHT decision for your highest good... and you will!
Best wishes to you! :love_heart:
 
Good luck with your decision, Charlotta, this is something I think about too, but I've decided to stay put as long as I can, so I'll just keep mowing the grass for a few more years.
 
Tough question and I think all the others have answered the post better than I could.. if it was me I would do what Happy Flower Lady suggests , closer to your daughter but living like you do now.. in a smaller home.. I really think its a follow your heart decision and really think it over ... best of luck with your decision..
 
Ralphy1 said:
If you really want to see more of your grandchildren go. Otherwise, stay put and enjoy your independence as long as you can...
Click to expand...

Agree. I think I would be fine living in a senior type apt one day. But not anytime soon. It all depends on you and if you are ready for such a move. Beat of luck.
 

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