Eight Aspects of Living in a 55-plus Community

We had planned to downsize for several years, but talking was as far as we’d gotten. We realized it was time to change talk into action when it became a seller’s market. The “For Sale” sign went up, and before we could blink, our house was sold, leaving us with money in the bank and nowhere to live. There were many rental options, but the two best temporary housing choices seemed to be living in our daughter’s basement or a 55-plus apartment community. For the sake of family harmony, we chose the apartment.

We chose a 55-plus apartment community in the same square mile as our grandkids. This was also the neighborhood we were targeting in our search for a house to buy, so the location was perfect. A vacancy in a unit overlooking the pool sealed the deal for me. Here is what I experienced while living in the 55-plus apartment complex.

1. Quiet

I hadn’t lived in an apartment in over thirty years and was concerned about the noise associated with shared walls. I needn’t have worried. The apartments were peaceful and quiet. We rarely heard our neighbors. I hope they can say the same about us.

2. Socialization

I loved the opportunities for socialization. The casual chats while taking out the trash or walking in the complex were simple connections I enjoyed. I liked the level of social interactions readily available in the community, but it might be a problem for more introverted people. When I told my self-proclaimed introverted sister about the social aspect, she said it sounded like her version of Hell.

3. No maintenance

We loved the reprieve from lawn care and home repairs. Because it was a senior complex, the maintenance staff would even help people change light bulbs if necessary. When our microwave died, we had a new one the next day. I could swim in a beautiful pool without doing the upkeep. Not worrying about house maintenance and yard upkeep made me feel like I was on vacation!

4. Amenities

Most senior complexes have some amenities. Our complex had a big, beautiful swimming pool, a 24-hour gym, a library, a computer center, gardening areas, and a lounge area with a fireplace. I frequently took advantage of the amenities, which felt like an extension of my living space.

5. Security

Our complex was partially gated, had abundant security lights, and felt safe. Because the apartments were arranged facing a courtyard, it seemed like neighbors were always nearby if you needed help.

6. Community

There was a wonderful sense of community. We made friends quickly and felt like we were part of a community. I participated in many scheduled activities, including book club, game days, and monthly lunches. There were at least two activities a day on the schedule, plus more impromptu gatherings, such as people gathering to play cards in the afternoons. The pool was a popular place to gather and meet people. Loneliness is a dangerous epidemic among older people. Being part of a community can ease the isolation.

7. No kids

Although our complex allowed twenty percent of the residents to be below the age of fifty-five, it was rare to see a child. On the weekends in the summer, a few grandchildren (including mine) were frequent visitors, but otherwise, they were all senior citizens. Some people love the absence of children, but I missed the sight and sounds of children playing.

8. Cliques

I was surprised to find established cliques and experience petty gossiping. I was shocked when another resident sternly reprimanded me for having a float in an otherwise empty pool. I wrote it off as the complainer having a cranky day and continued floating. There were a few times I felt excluded from an established clique. It was reminiscent of not being invited to the cool kids’ table at high school lunch. However, the majority of the people were welcoming and inclusive.

After almost a year, we found our forever home just a few blocks from the 55-plus apartment complex. Leaving was bittersweet. We knew buying a home was in our best interest for various reasons, but that didn’t mean leaving the apartment complex was an easy decision. There were many times I wondered if we’d made the right decision, especially when the plumbing at our new house needed work or when we had to replace the refrigerator. I don’t know what the future holds, but if the time comes that I need to live in a 55-plus community again, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it. Our time in the 55-plus apartment community was an experience my husband and I will always remember fondly!

Having a pool almost guarantees my happiness!