Blog > Should I Move to a 55+ Community? Advice From a Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Should I Move to a 55+ Community? Advice From a Seniors Real Estate Specialist
by
If you’re asking whether you should move to a 55+ community, it’s usually a good fit if you want less maintenance, more social connection, and amenities close by. It may not be right if privacy is a top priority or the strata rules don’t suit your lifestyle. It can be one of the best decisions you ever make, or it can be the wrong fit within a short time. I’ve seen both.
I’m Jeffrey Sefton, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist based in Oliver, BC. Since I started in real estate in 2010, most of my business has been working with people in the 55+ age group. I’ve helped couples, singles and those that have lost a spouse. I also work with adult children helping their parents make a move.
Here’s what all of that has taught me about making this decision.
Start With Your Goals, Not the Property
When someone asks me how to know if they should move to a 55+ community, I don’t start by talking about homes. I start with their goals. Where do you see yourself? What’s important to you? What do you want to get out of your next home and community?
Those answers tell me far more than a list of must-have features. The right community for one person can be the wrong one for someone else.
Questions to Ask Yourself
These are some of the questions I ask my clients, and you can start answering them today:
- What do you like to do for fun?
- Do you like to walk to the grocery store, or do you prefer to drive?
- Are you looking for an area with more activities close by?
- Do you enjoy socializing and do you have any hobbies?
- Do you want to be surrounded by other people, or do you prefer more private surroundings?
Notice that none of these questions are about square footage. They’re about what your days will actually look like, and that’s what decides whether a move works out.
When a 55+ Community Is the Right Move
One couple I worked with lived on a rural property with acreage. They wanted to be in town, closer to amenities, and in a place where it would be easier to socialize. They also wanted less yard work and an easier life overall.
They were a little worried about downsizing, which is completely normal. But since making the move, they’ve met lots of people in the area. They have more of a social life, many more activities, and less work to do around the house.
What I like about their story is that they didn’t just get rid of a chore. Giving up the acreage opened the door to a fuller life and one that fit with their current circumstances. If you’re spending your time maintaining a property and wishing you saw people more often, a 55+ community in the Okanagan may be worth a serious look.
When a 55+ Community Is the Wrong Fit
I’ve also helped a client move out of a retirement community because it wasn’t right for them. It was a strata-type development, and they felt too close to their neighbours. They felt like everyone in the community saw them coming and going. They needed more privacy, so I helped them move to a different area.
There was nothing wrong with the community. The closeness that made my other clients happier was the very thing that made these clients want to leave.
So be honest with yourself about this one. If you love knowing your neighbours and having people around, that closeness may be a big benefit. If you value your privacy, then take time to decide and be sure it’s the right move before you buy.
What People Get Wrong About 55+ Communities in the Okanagan
“It’s Full of Old People”
This is the most common misconception I hear, and it’s not usually the case. Every community is different, but there are certainly plenty of 55+ communities full of active, friendly, outgoing people. Don’t rule out the whole idea because of a picture in your head. Go and see the community for yourself, walk around and speak with people that live there.
The Strata Rules Can Catch You Off Guard
Strata rules can be a real challenge for some people. Some 55+ communities have pet restrictions, and those can be an issue depending on your situation. If you have a dog, cat, or other pet you’d never part with, find out what the rules allow before you fall in love with the place.
Don’t Judge a Strata Fee by the Number Alone
On the financial side, the key is to understand what the strata fees cover. In some communities, the fees are quite inclusive, so you’re not having to worry about things like yard maintenance, snow removal, garbage removal, water, and other amenities.
A strata fee can look high at first glance, but if a lot is included, it may be a much better deal in the long run. Don’t compare fees on the number alone. Compare what you’d get for that money, and what you’d otherwise be responsible for yourself.
If Your Adult Children Are Involved
Many of the moves I work on involve adult children helping their parents, and sometimes that family dynamic can get in the way.
If you’re the parent, you need to be comfortable voicing what you want, and you should remain part of the decision-making. Your family is there to support you, and it helps when everyone understands that.
If you’re the adult child reading this, remember that it’s your parent’s move and your parent’s next chapter. Your support matters most when it leaves room for them to say what they really want.
This is where working with someone who has experience with the entire moving process can help. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I can give parents the opportunity to have a more open discussion, sometimes with their family members present and sometimes without, depending on the situation. Some things are simply easier to say to someone outside the family.
The Real Risk Is Waiting Too Long
The emotional side of a move often delays people from taking action. I understand that, but I’ll give you my honest opinion: I’ve seen several cases where people waited too long, and I can’t say I’ve ever seen anybody who moved too soon.
I’ve worked with people who thought they’d be ready to move in six months, and it ended up being four years later. A lot happens in four years. Life goes on. In my opinion, that delay is time wasted, especially when the life you’re hoping for is waiting on the other side of the decision.
That doesn’t mean you should rush into the wrong community. It means that “I’m not ready yet” deserves a closer look. Are you truly not ready, or are you avoiding a hard decision?
So, Should You Move to a Retirement Community in the Okanagan?
Here’s where I’d start if we were sitting across the table from each other. Put into words what this move would do to improve your life. Be specific about the impact it would have. Then try to picture yourself at that destination: happy, having fun, and enjoying a better life. Put together your pros and cons list, this will help you with your decision.
If you can clearly see that picture, and it fits your goals, a 55+ community may be the right move for you. If what you see is a lack of privacy or rules you can’t live with, that’s just as useful to know, and there are other options.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
If you’re thinking about a move in Oliver or anywhere in the Okanagan, I’d be happy to talk it through, whether you’re making the decision yourself or helping a parent.
Jeffrey Sefton, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, SRES®
Real Broker, Okanagan Home Team
OkanaganRealEstateSearch.com
