Preparing for retirement? You should bask in the fact that you are finally ready to live in the home you want in a city you love without having to worry about factors like career, commute or other life responsibilities you had while raising a family. You can follow your preferences - and that is something to celebrate. So, where to?
If the California sunshine and relaxed lifestyle are what you’re after, you need to put San Diego on your list of places to consider for your retirement. U.S. News ranks San Diego as #14 on the top places to retire in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re like many people, the weather is a big factor in your decision making when it comes to choosing a new city for retirement. San Diego offers the best of Southern California’s famously mild weather and beautiful beaches. The average annual high temperature is 69.8℉, while the average annual low is 57.5℉.
Below you’ll find a few factors you should keep in mind while house hunting for your retirement home in San Diego:
1. Research Home Amenities Conducive to Aging in Place
The reality of retirement that older adults need to keep in mind as they search for a new home is that housing and living needs will likely shift as they continue to age. Over time, you could require different living arrangements to accommodate your changing health and mobility needs. This is very common among older adults and should be kept in mind while searching.
The most effective way to ensure comfortable aging in place is to work with your realtor and focus on finding the amenities you’ll need in your home to live comfortably and safely. According to the National Association of Home Builders, these amenities are collectively referred to as “Universal Design” home elements. Focusing on one-story homes, for example, can help you avoid having to climb stairs to get to your bedroom. Other amenities like wide hallways, no-step entryways, and shower grab bars can also help ensure your home will remain appropriate for you in years to come.
2. Keep Future Senior Living Options in Mind
If you buy a home and ultimately decide you’d like to live in some form of senior living, San Diego has many great options.
If you want to stay as independent as possible, but would like to avoid dealing with the home upkeep chores that come with owning a home outright, an active adult living community could be an ideal choice for you. These communities are designed for people 55 years of age or older, and many offer amenities like pools, fitness centers and transportation. They also tend to offer happy hours, organized activities and holiday celebrations to help seniors make friends and live their lives to the fullest. Living in a 55-plus community often includes extra fees, such as a homeowners association fee, which your real estate agent can help walk you through.
There are also nearly 80 senior and assisted living communities in San Diego proper and 30 more in nearby communities. Assisted living facilities are a fitting option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, managing medications or keeping up with general housework. While this is something you may not need right now, or even need soon, it’s good to prepare for whatever the future may bring.
3. Link Up with a Reliable Realtor
As you’re searching for the perfect home for our retirement in San Diego, it is crucial to work with a reliable realtor. You’ll want to ask your prospective real estate partners about their experience in helping senior homebuyers in the 50-plus age range. Also, you should trust your gut and make sure you feel comfortable enough with them to have transparent conversations about what you’re looking for in a new home, including budget, timeline and preferred neighborhoods.
If you’re ready to start your house hunting journey, contact Michele Engleman, Seniors Real Estate Specialist to get started. This premier real estate agency is dedicated to helping clients find the dream home to fit their style, preferences and overall needs. Michele is dedicated to empowering you through the house hunting process and helping to ensure your transition to your Golden Years is as smooth as possible. Call or Email today! (619) 302-8082. Email: Mimirealty@yahoo.com.
Search resources for Seniors: https://www.micheleengleman.com/partners/
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