3 Types Of Properties That Can Help You Stay Socially Active As A Single Senior

If you're facing your retirement years alone after your spouse died, you may have to rethink where you'll live as you get older. The house or condo you choose could have an impact on your social life and how active you can continue to be, especially if you don't like to drive. Here are some ideas for property types to look for when you want to stay socially active as a single senior.

1. Retirement Community

When you search the residential property listings, refine your search when possible to age-restricted communities if that type of lifestyle appeals to you. Everyone living in the community is retirement age, and there are couples and singles alike. The best thing about retirement communities is they usually have active social calendars. Since an active social life is what appeals to you in this situation, you'll want to examine their clubhouse and event list just as closely as you examine the properties for sale.

You can buy into an age-restricted community at all budget levels and choose a single-family house, condo, or manufactured home. Some even offer senior services so you can stay in your home as long as possible. The community may provide group meals and transportation along with recreational and social activities.

2. Urban Condo

If you live in the heart of the city, it's easier to find public transportation, grocery stores, and shops you need on a regular basis. You may also be closer to your bank, doctor, and utility offices so you can pay bills in person and get out of your condo more often. It may be easier for your friends to come visit when you live in a convenient condo building too. Look for a condo in a safe neighborhood in an active part of town that is senior friendly. This might be a better option when you want to stay active and get out of your house often than if you move into a subdivision in the suburbs where you'll be isolated and where transportation is more difficult.

3. Resort-Style Community

Some communities offer all the amenities you might find at a resort. You might buy a golf course home or a condo built around a resort pool. The community might have a large exercise room where people gather, a community building with fine dining, and a bar. There could be walking trails, tennis courts, or even water activities on a lake. You can find resort communities for seniors of all ages, and you can find residential property listings for condos or single-family homes. You can walk right out your door and be surrounded by numerous opportunities for recreation and socialization so you don't have to stay cooped up at home and be lonely.

Plus, the advantage of staying in a resort-style community is you're surrounded by beautiful grounds so you always feel like you're on vacation. If you and your spouse planned to do a lot of traveling during retirement, but you don't want to travel alone, then moving to a resort community could be the next best thing and also help you stay active.