Is Living in a 55-plus Community for Me?
Homeowners who have recently experienced empty nest syndrome or who have an active lifestyle but don’t want the upkeep of a private home are flocking to age restricted communities. Purchasing a home for the next stage in your life doesn’t need to be hard and it makes sense to simplify and downsize when you are still active and don’t need care. So, what should you keep in mind when looking for an active lifestyle community to live in?
Age Restricted Communities are the Answer for You
These communities are built with older folks in mind and usually have a variety of amenities, clubhouses and homes built on a single level. Most are overseen by a homeowners or condo association. They go by many different names – 55-plus, independent living, active-adult and others. Each age restricted community can make individual HOA (Home Owners Association) bylaws that address how many residents must be the stipulated age. These communities generally appeal to those who want to create a lifestyle change.
In Merrimack NH, Overlook Estates is the newest 55-plus community to hit the market in southern New Hampshire. This tranquil setting abutting the Souhegan River features maintenance free condo living with 45 single level condominiums. Each condo with have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a three-season sunroom, one car garage and walkout basement. Many upgrade options are available during the construction phase.
Choose a Professional Realtor:
When deciding where to buy a home look for a professional realtor who has experience with age restricted living and sales. Their knowledge of senior home purchases will be invaluable for you. Overlook Estates has the benefit of working with the Parrott Realty Group at Keller Williams to oversee the sales of these 45 beautiful duplex style condominiums.
Compare Communities:
Remember that no two communities are the same. The amenities and services will vary widely from one place to another. Think about what is important to you. If you have never played golf before and don’t want to start then why buy into a golf community. Look for a development that suits your interests and your price range. Overlook Estates in Merrimack, NH will have a beautiful clubhouse for activities and meet-ups.
Know the Requirements:
Learn about what life will be like in a 55 and over community by visiting several of them before you buy. Know that there will be rules and there will be HOA or Condo fees. The more activities and services that are offered at a community means the higher these fees will be. Make sure you are comfortable with these costs before deciding on where to buy.
Will Children be There:
Remember that in some age restricted communities only one individual owner per household must be over a certain age. Some restrict only a percentage of residents to be of a certain age. If you really don’t want to be living next door to children, be sure that you know the HOA (Home Owners Association) Bylaws before you buy. Overlook Estates will have a percentage of condos that will not be age restricted and only one member of the household must be 55 or older.
Take Your Time:
The perfect 55-plus community will take a little longer to find than a conventional home purchase. Many people begin looking several years before they anticipate a move. When the type of community that appeals to you does enter the market be sure to act on it in a timely manner.
Choose a Reputable Builder:
If you are looking to buy a newly constructed home be sure you are dealing with a reputable builder. Beote Construction is the builder for the condos at Overlook Estates. Conor Beote, the owner of this company, brings many years of experience in constructing quality single family homes and multi-family communities to the Overlook Estates project. He is hands-on and on-site to ensure that only the best materials and construction techniques are used. His interest in smart home technology is a plus.
Living in Merrimack, NH
When choosing an age restricted home look at the local surroundings in the town in which it is built. Think about the things you like in your town. Is being close to major highways, close to shopping and near services like churches and medical facilities important to you? Consider this when moving. Overlook Estates in Merrimack is just minutes to Exit 11 from the Everett Turnpike, and convenient to groceries, churches, medial services, restaurants and parks. Merrimack is a community with a great library and low crime rates.