As you approach your Golden Years, selling your home and moving into an apartment can save money and reduce your maintenance needs. If you haven’t hunted for an apartment in a few years, finding the ideal place can seem like an overwhelming project. Below are a few tips for finding the perfect retirement apartment.

How to Find a Retirement Apartment

1. Set a Budget

Selling your home gives you access to the equity you’ve built up over the years. This cash can help fund your retirement if you keep a close eye on your costs. Rent prices may be more than your mortgage, but you can save money by looking at retirement communities designed for seniors.

2. Ask About Long-Term Leases

Rent prices can rise quickly, so there’s no guarantee that your costs won’t rise suddenly in a year or two. Renting an apartment below your price change will leave room in your budget to accommodate future price increases. Signing a long-term lease will lock in current prices, so look for multi-year arrangements whenever possible.

3. Look for Senior-Friendly Amenities

Amenities and features designed with seniors in mind can dramatically improve your quality of life. Along with hot tubs and fitness facilities, you should also look for buildings with elevators and doorways without steps. Bathrooms with grab bars and rooms with carpeted floors will also help make your retirement safer.

4. Explore the Neighborhood

Before settling on an apartment, look at the local area. Living in a walkable area can help you stay active and allow you to go without a car. You may also want to choose a retirement apartment near your favorite park, shopping centers, and other places you might visit regularly.

5. Talk to Current Residents

Sales brochures and property managers will always do their best to show a property in its best light. Current residents can give you a much better idea of what life in a particular community is like. Your potential neighbors can tell you what maintenance is like, what the community is like on the weekends, and how responsive the landlord is.

For over 40 years, West Vue Inc has been providing affordable, comfortable retirement apartments to seniors throughout West Plains, MO. Their communities are designed to provide the support you need through every step of the aging process, from independent apartments to assisting living facilities. Visit their website for an overview of their retirement apartments, and call (417) 256-1292 or (417) 256-2152 to schedule a tour.