Avoid Living In A 55 Plus Community - Problems In Adult Retirement Communities - Don’t Buy 55+

[@trudymeans3520]

After my husband died of Covid in 2022 I sold our "forever home" and downsized to a 55+ community in nearby Central Florida. Within 4 months my monthly fee had been raised 8% and they issued a new rule that made everyone take down their fences. The ability to have a fence was THE reason that I had chosen this particular place. I sold it (at a loss) and happily moved to my own home in a small town in Kansas. The community was very nice and the people were wonderful. But you are not in control of what ultimately goes on.

[@teatree6228]

The fences are removed for a reason- possibly security and access in emergencies Dont think they do this to make your life difficult, more like to comply with council, state or federal regulations

[@jdenino6022]

Sorry to hear you lost your husband to covid. My husband had it in November of 2022 and he was given Paxlovid and luckily he survived it as he has a heart issue. my stepdad who was in his late 80s got covid in January and did not survive. It was tough to lose him but he had many health issues. :(

[@trudymeans3520]

@@teatree6228 Actually, Tea, in my case it was a corporate decision that was made so that all of their properties were the same. (My community had been privately owned until a few months before I found it.) I understand their decision (because it is THEIR property, my point) but they had just promised me that the fence would be no problem. There was no grandfather clause. It was just "take your fence down" and oh btw, make sure your two pups don't run amok in the neighborhood. ;-) So, yeah, now they have their own big backyard and we're all happy!

[@trudymeans3520]

@@jdenino6022 My husband, Dave, was sick in February before Paxlovid was available. He was only 56 and healthy. I'm so sorry about your stepdad. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

[@teatree6228]

@@trudymeans3520 that s community living Some older folks can trip on little dogs These are insurance issues Probably that particular community is not ideal for your needs. Probably has older folks on mobility aids

[@kitbram2033]

Your concerns are not limited to 55 plus communities but to all HOA’s. Most older women who have lost their husbands aren’t interested in being a nurse with a purse for an older man😅

[@longsnapper5381]

So be by yourself. The last thing I would be looking for in a community would be an older woman LOL.

[@fableud]

@@longsnapper5381 So you really think a young woman wants to be a nurse to an old fart.

[@klmoll]

Amen, sister!

[@christinerobinson9372]

@@longsnapper5381 And we feel the same about you.

[@longsnapper5381]

@@christinerobinson9372 Enjoy your cats

[@helenmorley8016]

We have lived in a retirement community for 6 years now. We are aged 71 and 82 and we love it. Most people are the same age range as us. Just live where ever makes you happy 😊

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

May-December.

[@Defender78]

you look good for... 71!

[@Defender78]

@@BaBaYaga1999-p7u Ive 45 and I have been in two May-December romances, in 2014 I dated a woman 26 years older than me, then a woman 17 years older than me. Both were year-plus long, rewarding relationships.

[@NoDontLikeIt]

Exactly, Helen! Live wherever makes you happy. And as to all these rules he talks about, you can always read the covenants and rules before you move there, if you don’t like it, don’t move there. Easy peasy. For me, I wouldn’t want to live somewhere that doesn’t have amenities and especially rules and regs-I like the amenities and with the rules, it keeps the neighborhood looking nice (which keeps property values up) and keeps it quiet, which is what I prefer.

[@prettygirlus9008]

@@Defender78 Do you have a mommy fetish?

[@susanmann5286]

I live in Senior Housing. It is depressing to see the number of people who die, go to nursing homes, or fall. If I had the means, I would definitely leave.

[@whizbang7130]

Same here. We live in a 55+ manufactured home community. I miss my privacy and a yard for our dogs. Who can afford a home nowadays? Average price in my area is $380,00.

[@pattijay718]

I live in senior living apartments that I moved into 6 years ago, made friends and settled in. None of the friends/neighbors I met then are still here. Death, strokes, falls, they're all gone.

[@susanmann5286]

@@pattijay718 Thank you for your reply. A couple of the friends I have made here seem to be declining rather quickly. This seems to be accepted. I have been here nearly five years and still haven't. Of I had the resources to move I think I would.

[@Puzzledrev]

I'm 85. After years of being my husband's caretaker as Alzheimers ravaged him, I have no wish to be in any relationship, nor in an HOA or manufactured community. I love the kids with their enthusiasm, and interactions with their parents.

[@irismartinez5753]

It all depends my mom lived in a condo it was a corner unit so she only shared one wall with a neighbor from he'll, played load music and video games all night, my mom couldn't sleep, she was miserable. We called the police and nothing happened same with the HOA, so you never know who you are going to get. I don't socialize I have lots to do so I couldn't really care about being out and about. So it depends on your life style.

[@Puzzledrev]

@@irismartinez5753 Your poor Mom.

[@DianaCarolinaGirl22]

I agree 100%

[@Hhopiuygv]

Yes and I'm sick of them

[@biondatiziana]

Good points. The idea of living in a self-imposed age-segregated community and watching my aging neighbors die off one by one is completely unappealing to me. The endless micromanaging and petty rules would be the final nails in the coffin.

[@diannt9583]

Yes, exactly!!!

[@sembree8149]

My friends have been dying as we've moved through our 70s, and we live in apartments and coops. Living in a mixed age neighborhood is hopeful, seeing young people and families. Nonetheless I miss my friends.

[@higreentj]

Traveling and staying in Airbnb and hotels would be better.

[@ilonajeanpassino608]

Who says you have to watch your neighbors die off one by one. They also go on vacations, have visits from their families, go for walks, visit with other neighbors, try to stay as active as possible and help others if they need help. Not all old people are just waiting to die. Sad.

[@NoName-pc7et]

@@sembree8149 I speak for myself.I have come to realize that being in my 70's & watching my peers age, with increasing disabilities is a fact of life I have to accept.

[@conniesteck2506]

Thank you, confirms my thoughts about hanging out with old people, don’t do it, especially in a HOA. Too many with too much time on their hands wanting to be up in everyone else’s business……..this from a single, 76 yo female who just bought her last Rv to continue traveling

[@areyoukidding1431]

RV by yourself? Wow, very impressive! That is a lot of work.

[@petesis7934]

That is great. My mother described the High School atmosphere in her assisted living place. It was nice, but you weren't getting any younger in there. Enjoy your RV.

[@biomedlib]

Here, here👍👍👍👍

[@sheritacotten5293]

well said Connie my sister is Connie and so was my mother rip my building has 3 floors God strategically place in the corner on the third right near the elevator they are super noisey with too much time on their hands steady building my real estate business to start my world wide travel

[@sheritacotten5293]

forgot to mention I am afford the opportunity in my real estate business to be networking with mostly 30-50 yrs. old

[@pete7178]

I would NEVER live anywhere that has an HOA. Too many people get "power mad" in those things making rules just because they can.

[@lindaallen4067]

I live in a ROC mobile home park and the micromanaging and petty rules get old!

[@georgevavoulis4758]

They also treat security guards very bad

[@tombeegeeeye5765]

Treat the regulations as law not suggestions and you will be fine. But read the restrictions. HOA's are not for everyone there are collective sacrifices. Most people don't read or assume these are suggestions. Read the fine print and talk to neighbors.

[@irenes3470]

Spoken just like people who have never served on a hoa board

[@Marko-1]

When you have a neighbor let their house go into disrepair, park large raggedy trucks in the yard and invite family members who just got out of prison to stay there, you might find some rules to be not so objectionable.

[@Mia-vp3hd]

OMG I call it the mean girls now old! Good grief when I first moved in they all were trying to recruit me to hate the people they hated, it became very stressful!! The next place I moved next door to a taker , he asked me to take him places, my car is leased, so have to watch my miles, when I finally told him this ‘nice person’ is drawing boundaries, you need to call a Uber, I can not drive you anymore! He is now not speaking to me, which is kind a blessing! I do not like 62 plus apartments! I want to open my door to the great out doors and not into a hallway and right into someone else’s drama!

[@TeIegram-_couchstarsip]

0:10 Thanks for responding I've got something new

[@TeIegram-_couchstarsip]

@investazul..

[@tofamily5606]

Our neighbors tried to do the same but I responded by say "I trust you but I want to verify".

[@arleneirvine1526]

i am 78 yrs, still live in my home, do not like to depend on others, love space, nature and country, hated the city. i don't know what happens when you get older, used to be happy not anymore, i need help, my husband and i helped people, not for money but just because, i cannot believe how insignificant i am now. but i have a garage and a car, i will choose for myself!

[@roxannegordon6162]

@@missprimproper1022 I was a neighbor to a leech just as you were here. I didn't let it go on. I saw her, and her husband try to siphon off me too many times. I had 2 daughters. A 6 yr old and an 11 yr old. She had "Irish twins" (2 babies as close together as physically possible) and found it hard. . She tried to get my older daughter to babysit for free by saying: "The baby would love to see your new kitty, can you take to your place?" My daughter showed up at our house with her toddler. I took the baby back to her house and told her my daughter doesn't do free babysitting. wow. What a dirty look I got. And the husband kept borrowing the lawnmower returning it EMPTY. He took it for granted I would let him use it again and again. The next time he walked in the yard where I was sitting and asked: "Can I use the lawnmower?" I said there wasn't any gas in it. He said he's put gas in it. I said: "Wow that's a switch!" He gave me the dirtiest look. Good. He never asked again. Do not let so called friends take advantage of you. Neighbors have special treatment just because??? NO Just stop and good riddance.

[@lovebug123]

This REALLY helped me make my decision as I was in the process of selling my home to purchase in a senior community! As I did the numbers, I just couldn't justify me paying $2,760.00 per year in HOA fees (I'm 55 years old). 10 years of HOA fees at 230.00 per month would be $27,600, 20 years $55,200 and 30 years $82,800 and that's if the HOA fees don't increase but we all know they will. PLEASE do the numbers before making any decisions. I'm going to stay where I am! Thank you SO much for your informative video!

[@blessall8856]

The HOA math is totally right and it is a scam!! Avoid all HOAs!!

[@Pisti846]

As a senior myself I would never want to live around only other old people. Seeing kids playing ball or riding bikes, moms pushing strollers, old men chatting on the corner, it is the mixture that is nice. Plus the continuous smell of impending death is creepy.

[@whoistheroach136]

Ha ha! You have not been to these communities. What I have witnessed is extremely active people having a great time. They are golfing, playing pickleball, tennis, softball leagues, dances, functions and all kinds of entertainment coming through every single day. I was blown away at just how vibrant these people were. You must be thinking of an assisted living community which is at the end stage of life. You should be so lucky to be one of the folks in a 55+ community who don't have to deal with the noisy inconsiderate younger generations that are so annoying to live around. Great thing is you can mingle with these folks outside the gates, get your fill, then head back into the peaceful, quiet, safe community with your like minded friends.

[@marigold35]

Same here. Moved to South Florida last year to family oriented neighborhood. I am 67 years old woman and 55+ community is not for me. Happy where I live now.

[@rugbyslug]

Yeah - that makes one of us.

[@longsnapper5381]

I'm with you. Being on Facebook is bad enough LOL.....

[@PeterJames143]

haha "impending death is creepy" :) probably depends how young you feel. If you feel like you're farther away from death than most of the other people it probably is different from when you feel like you're going to be leaving this world soon. I like your point but being with 55 plus people is probably better than living alone and lonely on a block with a mix of people who never talk to you. I like these points from azul and I probably wouldn't buy a condo like this, but renting a 55 plus apartment doesn't seem so bad. The ones around here are not as nice as the regular condos. Pretty crappy really. As your health declines it's probably nice to be around a community that can help you out.

[@lathminster]

My parents moved into one of these 55+ communities and 100% what you said on all points. They moved out in less than a year, and are much happier living in a regular neighborhood.

[@diannt9583]

Dad moved out in a few years - but he decided to move in with a lady friend who had no intention of ever living in one of these places.

[@danbgt]

I am 72 and have been retired for 8 years. My wife and I live in a large one story home that is paid for and only 16 years old. We spent a couple of years looking into moving to an age restricted neighborhood and finally decided that it is just not for us. We would not use all the forced amenities of one thing. And the cost per square foot to buy one of the patio homes is ridiculous. If we sold our 3,500 square foot home and bought a patio home half that size, we would still owe money! We decided that we like our home, we like the space and we like our neighborhood. We can fund the upkeep cheaper than buying and moving. We will just stay here until we can no longer manage on our own. We have children and grandchildren close by.

[@stephencullum8255]

Similar situation for myself.

[@sallysmith8081]

Also a similar situation for my husband and I. Both in our 70s but still in pretty good physical shape; we can take care of our property and ourselves at this point. We did the same thing, thought about downsizing, but came to the conclusion to stay for as long as we can in our paid-for home, and just pay others to do the lawn and cleaning when that becomes necessary. You don't know how it's all going to end, but in the meantime we will enjoy our privacy and space without going through moving and paying an arm and leg for a retirement community.

[@sabinekoch3448]

You are fortunate to have children nearby.

[@georgia777]

We came to the same conclusion but our house is smaller than your 3,500 square foot home so could you loan a little?

[@georgevavoulis4758]

Best thing to do 👍

[@lesleyheller2271]

Yuck! I'm happily aging in place in my comfortable Manhattan apartment with neighbors of all ages, and wonderful 24 hour doormen and women. I can walk to all my doctors and dentist, museums, parks, concerts, restaurants, and theater. Public transit is also convenient for longer distances. It's wonderful to see children!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Sounds nice 👍

[@otadashi1570]

But you still have bad people free to come in to your area and hurt people. I'll bet you don't go walking around at night. Amazing at what people are conditioned to tolerate after a while. I live in a place where there are zero violent crimes. No problem walking the streets at any hour. Trains or busses at midnight for elderly is not a problem. You have none of these. Oh, so I live in Tokyo.

[@Jethr001]

YUK! New York…left that over priced dump years ago

[@jillspence7227]

Exactly, I love seeing and hearing young people. I live rural and there is a lovely 11 year old girl who comes over to spend time with me and brings eggs from her hens. She is delightful as are the rest of my neighbours even though there are not many. They care without being intrusive.

[@griswald7156]

@@jillspence7227wow youre a lucky person.

[@ChantillyWhite]

I recently convinced my mom to move closer and into a 55+ community because they had some of the only new construction houses available in our area, but I've been regretting it ever since. Her builder was a nightmare to deal with, completely inflexible, and the HOA has proven to be just as bad, if not worse. It's like a Stepford community. They even have a "compliance vehicle" that roams the streets photographing everyone's front yards to make sure they haven't (*gasp*) added any disallowed plants (the HOA maintains the entire community's front yards, including water, so okay, they can have some control over the plantings, but if my mom wants a red or purple rhododendron instead of white, freaking give it to her!) Now they've added drones so they can photograph everyone's BACK YARDS, as well. My mom's like, "Do I own this house or what?" We can understand (within reason) maintaining a certain aesthetic in the front yards/public facing spaces, but the back yards? DO NOT try to tell me (or my mom) what we can or cannot do in our own backyards. It's insane. And those are just two small examples of what she's dealing with.

[@deborahlozano7134]

Drones, wow. Big no thank you. Soon they will be looking in your windows.

[@happycook6737]

😱

[@deborahlozano7134]

:)@@happycook6737

[@maryswanson9982]

I enjoyed your post!😂

[@sharondalynnewton7562]

Sell! Sell! Sell! Get the heck out of there!

[@leitmotif4me]

My mother lived in an upscale 55+ community. Seven floors of large apartments ; (hers was 1800 sq ft), cinema,/theater, gymnasium, golf, pool, large library , many clubs, societies and activities. dining room with multiple excellent selections on the menu. All amenities included in the rental. In the lobby there was the memorial table, where residents were commemorated with a rose and a brief bio, which was a daily stop for people to check the latest deaths. A long and windy way of saying that no matter how luxurious the surroundings, the grim reaper's presence is very visible. Ambulances were there daily. Residents also graduated to on site assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. The toll of aging is in your face 24/7 at a 55+ community. It was not an environment I want for myself.

[@Faretheewell608]

My parent were in one of these. So right about cliques, the jewelry and clothes parade were outrageous

[@randomstuff-qu7sh]

My Dad is getting to the point where everyone is urging him to go into an assisted living facility (due to the fact that when he falls, he can't get back up without help and ends up having to call the Fire Dept to rescue him...and falling is not a rare occurrence). He doesn't want to go, in part because he doesn't want to lose his independence, and in part because he's afraid he'll become just one more old person sitting in storage waiting to die.

[@tomd5178]

Exactly the way I and my partner feel.

[@valerieneal2747]

I AGREE WITH YOU.

[@patgal2359]

Well stated. Buying into a group living arrangement is a loss of control over your life you have spent years creating.

[@bluesideup007]

If I was ever looking for a new home and someone brought out the HOA handbook, I would immediately say, "you don't want me in your neighborhood, and I certainly don't want YOU!" HOA's sound like tyranny : taxation without representation. You may think you "own" the property, but THEY own you. At 67 I'm happy to live in my small 100 year old home in a mid-sized city.

[@Sushi2735]

Amen!!!., I would never want to be with all old people. I lives on the GA Coast! My next door neighbors are in their 50’s and a great help! I have neighbors from 91 down to 55. The last thing I want on Gods Green Earth is another husband to tend too! I didn’t mind caring for MY husband. Don’t want to care, feed, clean and service someone else’s!., I’m 70, and we have no children at all in our hamlet on the coast! Also, I live in a 110 yr old cottage.. I have a yard man, a handy/helper man and I still do my own cleaning. But my brother has volunteered to pay for weekly cleaning lady. Might do it??

[@blessall8856]

You do NOT have any rights in an HOA community and the manager gets his salary from the HOA, so he will constantly INCREASE the HOA fee to get his pay raises. It's a scam.

[@joanlevy6341]

@@Sushi2735

[@gerriebell2128]

I think the part about “knowing people who die” as you get older is true for everyone, no matter where you live. I like that this guy is saying “be careful”, not “don’t do it”.

[@kaitlyncranwick]

Back in the day, when I purchased my first home to live-in; that was Miami in the early 1990s, first mortgages with rates of 8 to 9% and 9% to 10% were typical. People will have to accept the possibility that we won't ever return to 3%. If sellers must sell, home prices will have to decline, and lower evaluations will follow. Pretty sure I'm not alone in my chain of thoughts.

[@StellaMaris-lv2uq]

Back in the day, when I purchased my first home to live-in; that was Miami in the early 1990s, first mortgages with rates of 8 to 9% and 9% to 10% were typical. People will have to accept the possibility that we won't ever return to 3%. If sellers must sell, home prices will have to decline, and lower evaluations will follow. Pretty sure I'm not alone in my chain of thoughts.

[@maryHenokNft]

If anything, it'll get worse. Very soon, affordable housing will no longer be affordable. So anything anyone want to do, I will advise they do it now because the prices today will look like dips tomorrow. Until the Fed clamps down even further, I think we're going to see hysteria due to rampant inflation. You can't halfway rip the band-aid off.

[@TheresaAnderson-kf5xw]

Home prices will come down eventually, but for now; get your money (as much as you can) out of the housing market and get into the financial markets or gold. The new mortgage rates are crazy, add to that the recession and the fact that mortgage guidelines are getting more difficult. Home prices will need to fall by a minimum of 40% (more like 50%) before the market normalizes.If you are in cross roads or need sincere advise on the best moves to take now its best you seek an independent advisor who knows about the financial markets.

[@TheresaAnderson-kf5xw]

My trusted advisor goes by the name of *Mary Onita Wier* a well-established and highly respected professional in her field. I would strongly encourage you to conduct in-depth research into her qualifications and achievements. With numerous years of experience under her belt, she proves to be an invaluable asset for individuals seeking guidance in the intricate landscape of the financial markets.

[@ryanwilliams989]

After conducting an online search of her name, her website quickly surfaced, piquing my curiosity. The initial impression is positive and I intend to arrange a call with her. I'll make sure to provide you with updates on how it goes. Thank you.

[@lauraj333]

I recently read that the number one problem with seniors is loneliness. I was incredibly lonely in my last house which was in a typical neighborhood. Everyone was busy working and raising kids. When I moved to a 55+ community I was blown away by how friendly everyone was and have made many new friends who are in the same stage of life. You’ve made some good points about the downfalls of 55+ but I don’t know if I could go back to a typical development……too lonely.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

You want to be my friend? 😢

[@rpboynton]

Azul, my compliments on your observations. My late father lived in one of these communities for 10+ years. He loved everything about the place: the amenities, food, residents and paid staff. When he passed in 2020, I was responsible for selling his condo/villa. Everything about the sales “process” was a nightmare. The sales team were employees of the corporation that owned the community. There was no urgency in selling my father’s “home” & lots of rules to keep outside realtors off the property. Of course, while we were attempting to sell, we had to continue to pay the monthly fee which was thousands of dollars. We eventually sold the property (11 months after my father’s death) @ a significant reduction. I suppose these places can be wonderful for active elders, but one should always be mindful of “Dooms Day” & those family members who ultimately need to finalize a loved one’s estate.

[@whoistheroach136]

Sounds like your father had the time of his life at the community and was a very happy man. But you turned it into all about you and how you had to SUFFER some economic loss from your inheritance. Good going there Rex! Way to honor your father's memory making it all about you, and not about being happy about your father's enjoyment.

[@jstanovic]

Thanks for the warning!

[@discombobulatedfishbowl7548]

@@whoistheroach136 Family members have a responsibility to not be a burden to the other members as much as is reasonably possible. If you know your time is getting near it is in everyone's best interest that you make efforts to ease burdens after you pass. Get rid of unnecessary items, give special items to members to keep when you pass (photos/jewelry), and get your death plans made, paid for, and signed. My 75 year old mom has done all this. Your thought process is selfish.

[@valerieneal2747]

@@whoistheroach136 WHAT ?? HOW RUDE OF YOU.

[@cathynewyork7918]

Isn't the most important point that your father was happy at that place, rather than your other point at how difficult it was for you to deal with the property after he died? Which was more important to you --- your own inconvenience, rather than your dad's happiness?

[@gagehunter8962]

Azul, I've never seen any of your videos prior to May 2nd 2023. I bought in a 55 plus older development. You are spot-on! Every one of your points that you addressed are valid, and extremely important to think about. It's been a negative experience for me. Moved in at 55 and can't wait to get out at 57

[@tomd5178]

Living The Villages FL now. I believe it's the largest 55+ community in the country . Your points are quite accurate. Fortunately I'm only renting because I wanted to see what a community of this type is like and will leave when my lease is up next year. One thing you didn't exactly mention - living in a place where people are dying on a regular basis is damn depressing. And seeing too many going for a walk with their walker is too.

[@linhaton4957]

This is the reality of life. It will happen to all of us. Using a Walker is no big deal. Stay active any way you can, even using a walker.

[@Dbb27]

I love seeing all ages in my neighborhood and no one smelling my garbage cans.

[@diannt9583]

@@linhaton4957 I know a walker isn't any big deal - I had to use one with a broken ankle... but having all ages of life and all ages of physical condition around one is very emotionally rewarding.

[@dabbsie100]

Continuing Care Retirement Communities aren’t for everyone. This guy is a jerk.

[@lifeistooshorttospendworrying]

@@linhaton4957 “Triggered” 😂

[@leestamm3187]

Been living in one for years. Individual homes with lawns and streets maintained by the HOA, which is run by a property management company that keeps petty homeowner politics out of it. Nice community activitiy center. Properties are required to be well maintained, which preserves their value. No neighbors letting their yard go to hell or fill with trash, no loud music or partying, no cars parked on the street leaking oil, no unattended barking dogs, everything clean and looked after. Most of the people are very friendly and you can be as social or as private as you like. I love it.

[@xpicklepie]

Sounds good to me!

[@justincase2830]

Me too! Well stated.

[@pamelaparsons9046]

Ditto

[@NEMO-NEMO]

Where is this place you so love?

[@cindykirk8029]

Exactly the rules aren't enforced here including keeping up your home...high crime too

[@jaydee45]

As an able bodied senior living in a 55+ community, my discomfort is the onslaught of requests for help from neighbors; too many medical emergencies, rides to ER and/or doctor with long waits, trips for groceries, etc. I feel a moral responsibility to help others in need but I’m frustrated that too often family members are nearby but don’t help. Fortunately I will be moving to a better situation in the near future. And yes, of course it’s difficult seeing neighbors die.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

And all the gossip..lived in one with several senile women with serious mental problems and boy were they nosy!!! And had a senior man smoke against rules with his oxygen mask on and died

[@SamanthaGunn500]

One day, it will be you, whom they will be watching die. Brace yourself, your time is coming round the bend.

[@melissasmess2773]

I hope there will be people to help you when you get older and need a hand❤

[@CTBeachWalker]

I hadn't considered that possibility, thanks for mentioning it.

[@genglandoh]

My in-laws moved to a 2 bedroom home in an older 55 Plus retirement community near the beach. When we visited we would stay at a local hotel with an indoor pool and we also had the beach to visit. It was great because we would have meals at their house but we could get the kids out of the house to burn off some of their energy. My in-laws liked it very much for the 1st 10 years when they where still in good health. They went to the happy hours, bus trips, etc. But as they got older they slowed down and it seemed that every week there was someone they knew who died. So when my father in-law died my mother in-law moved in with us. We would take her to the high school events, plays, band concerts football games etc. and she loved it.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

That was so lovely of you to bring her into your home. A wonderful example to your young ones.

[@genglandoh]

@@jeanetteh.9240 Thanks. She had enough money to stay in the retirement community but she would have been depressed with nothing to do and her friends dying. In our home she had a much better life. We asked if she wanted to move in, we did not tell her. She loved the idea and moved in. We build an in-law suite on the 1st floor that cost about $20,000. We did not ask for any money but I think she gave my wife $100 per week. I let my wife and her mother work it out. But yes our 3 boys (2 who moved out and 1 who was still in High school) all saw how important family and quality of life is.

[@skooliecarol8542]

Thats Exactly how it should be...yes not difficult to make a studio type,suite...or an ADU

[@jmm2979]

Beautiful comment!

[@tompate2773]

In a 55 plus community for several years and love it. Life is what we make of it and where we live is the result of what we invest in it. No one size fits or attitude fits everyone.

[@paulbennell2339]

Austrian here, Are 72 and 74. Have lived. In our 55+ village ( NOT an HOA). Sure there re rules but very reasonable. No big dogs, visitors can only stay for one month grand children are welcome. Amenities include, pool, gym, library, computer room, theatre, auditorium dinning room and a mens shed. We love it

[@jaijones2036]

You are correct, whiney people talking about death and aches & pains...its called life also everyone in these communities are not sick 55 is not old just depends on the plus, if you want 20 family members visiting and big dogs barking all night, then stay in your big homes..i dont agree with the hoa🙂

[@ralphlong9973]

Right!

[@suekaiser4163]

The average age in my 55+ community was 73....

[@cindyhudson2834]

My friend was widowed and moved to one of these places and loves it. She never had kids and didn’t want to ever live where she can hear them. She didn’t want to do the work of making new friends in a new city and wanted a place where activities and clubs were all in one place and she could drop right in. She moved out of one community and into another with better weather and she’s still loving it.

[@csong9940]

This will be me when I’m old 😊

[@xpicklepie]

I'm 58 and live next door to barky yapper dogs, whose owners are very defensive about anyone complaining about the nuisance, and park in front of other's homes because they have construction equipment/motor home that they don't want to keep in a separate yard, and the other next door neighbor having family over every Sunday with kids that keep playing in my yard and running up on my porch. I'm looking at retiring to Arizona with a strict HOA because I like quiet, order, and civility. I envy your widowed friend.

[@diannt9583]

I am glad she is happy. We all differ.

[@diannt9583]

@@xpicklepie No HOA where I live & retired to, rurally. No dogs to yap around either and I can raise chickens and quail for eggs and meat, and get out and deal with my veggie patch. Sometimes I can tap maple trees for syrup. There is quiet, order and civility here, too - but NO HOA! And I have a good cat, too. Some of those places won't allow you any pet, or any real interaction with other ages of folk.

[@Mhel2023]

​@@xpicklepie I'm the same way. I like order. I don't want screechy kids, bouncing basketballs, loud parties, parking in the street, etc.

[@peglegjim57]

The 55+ community I moved to when my beautiful Bride passed away has saved me, both financially & emotionally. Imagine a place where the HOA has no Ken’s or Karens, and the meetings are strictly positive, and with a lot of laughter. We have super affordable lawn care and snow removal, and they do a fantastic job. When my health slipped a little, and I had some challenges, my neighbors were delivering hot, homemade meals all the time! This place runs on “The Golden Rule”, and we all know that we hit the lottery by being here. I volunteer my time working with the younger crowd in town, and that’s incredibly satisfying. It keeps me young and my outlook on life is very positive. At the end of the day when I come home, there are no cars speeding down the street, loud subwoofers, and just no troubles at all. We can walk here at night, at our own pace, and the greatest threats are limited to crossing paths with the occasional skunk.. 😂

[@alkadeshmukh2404]

Where is this place?

[@peglegjim57]

@ Heaven (aka, New England).

[@MFox-tu2co]

The content about 55 plus communities was extremely informative. Many people know them as pricy, controlling prisons for seniors. Great for seniors who enjoy having others tell them what to do, NOT for independent thinkers!!

[@kathyyoung1774]

Amen!

[@suekaiser4163]

Bingo!

[@kellyyork3898]

My mom moved into one of these communities. Grandchildren could visit for a few days, but could not play outside or ride their bikes. No new plants or small bushes ( like roses ) could be planted. There were rules about EVERYTHING from keeping the same color of paint on the house to no knickknacks on the porches or in the yard, even during holidays. You were told where you could park your car, and how long your garbage cans could be at the curb for pickup before you had to bring them back inside the garage. No sitting outside for lunch or brunch, even in the backyard, because it backed up to a golf course. There were four feet between some of the houses. Just imagine. Any and every thing was “reported” to the HOA, and it seemed neighbors delighted in turning each other in to the HOA. Finally, it was determined that one of the HOA members was stealing funds and was arrested. My mom was near death by that time, but if she had not been, we would have helped her sell and moved her in with one of her children/us. They are horrible places. Beware.

[@jdenino6022]

Sounds like a nightmare to live there.

[@sambira]

Many of these rules are not limited to 55+ communities. They are HOA rules. Don't get confused.

[@WLEE100]

@@sambira Neighborhood watch on steroids. Penalties to keep everyone in line. But you know at least we don't live in a communist country..... uhm, wait

[@redrocklead]

Wait is your Mom blind or unable to read? Did she just win the home on The Price is Right? Her realtor sucked.

[@jennyogg4591]

Because one was horrible and had a bad person in charge, it doesn't mean they are horrible. They are perfect for some people and not for others.

[@monicahennessy5648]

This just popped up on my feed. Your video was so informative. Concise and communicated in a truthful, straightforward manner. I just turned 59 yesterday and have been thinking of the future. I am intrigued by these types of communities and at the same time not tempted by them in the slightest. Thank you for cementing what I already was feeling about wanting to live out my years my own way. Life is messy, and that's okay. I'll take that over an artificial and contrived environment any day. Looking forward to checking out your other videos!

[@Bill.R.124]

You nailed it. That being said, I love my 55+ gated community. The home price was very affordable compared to the same home in other areas. The HOA cares for the entire exterior of every home, lot, streets. Two nice pools. You're only responsible for the backyard (which is enclosed and hidden (concrete wall). The streets are clean, no cars allowed. Even driveway parking requires special approval. No noisy kids. In fact, the entire community (200 homes) is incredibly quiet. Many of the owners are so old they don't leave their homes that much. The community is just 25 years old so the homes are still in good shape and the mature trees are gorgeous!

[@tatianastarcic]

Most people don’t realise it, but the secret to retiring comfortably is finding a way to make returns while your money works for you. My dad, as I remember, started saving for retirement quite late, but I know he was making more than 10k returns from his investment monthly and it was completely passive.

[@BridgetMiller-]

This is really amazing though. I'm curious as to how he did it. Was it real estate? Or he was a market enthusiast?

[@nicolasbenson009]

Haha. Investing enthusiast? Not really. Our family got introduced to a financial advisor about four years before my dad retired. That was what changed things. I've been using the same now and I think my retirement income would be on the right track.

[@berniceburgos-]

I'm intrigued by this. I've searched for financial advisors online but it's kind of hard to get in touch with one. Okay if I ask you for a recommendation?

[@nicolasbenson009]

Finding financial advisors like Melissa Terri Swayne who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

[@Michaelparker12]

Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her résumé.

[@padler5106]

My parents moved to a 55 plus community years ago and were delighted at first. They mad many new friends. After being there for 20 years, the who community turned over and they lost all of their friends. Their place was sold lower than when they purchased it in true dollars. My wife's parents did the opposite. I could see the difference so now being in the same boat, we have decided to stay with a normal community with different and varied ages and styles. I feel this is the way it should be.

[@jonathanjacques7250]

Agree 💯

[@JS-ds1vu]

I lived in a retirement community for two years. I felt like I was being warehoused with a bunch of old people. Conversely, it was like being with a lot of immature kids at the same time. Some of the women were very “catty,", and super mean. I could never go to the mailbox in peace. There were times when two or three women would accost me telling me all their issues. I did not know them that well. It was wonderful to get out of there! This place by the way was a state of the art community.

[@davisholman8149]

LOL - I wonder why on earth Azul thinks women my age even want a man necessarily - could care less if the numbers are 3 to 1 women vs men. I am enjoying life by myself & occasionally with friends & family.🤷🏼‍♀

[@SusanChristopher-hl7eq]

That's exactly how I've described my senior apt which I moved into 9 months ago: a warehouse for seniors. Nothing to except attend 2 social events a month that include caffeine and sugar (coffee and donuts or birthday cake & coffee). I'm 69. I'm too young for this!!!!

[@jdane2277]

I heard similar from a woman who moved to a 55plus and then in less than a year she sold and moved out. The women came up to her and warned her to "stay away from our husbands." She had no interest in being a side piece and the insolence of being accosted and threatened she said, was like High School. No thank you.

[@JS-ds1vu]

@@jdane2277 That was hysterical. However, older women are extremely possessive of their husbands. Conversely, older men act like Roosters in the chicken coop. The older men are full of lust. Now, with the advent of Viagra they are very eager to mount any woman and act like dogs sniffing all over the place. I also believe, that the older married men also have emotional affairs with single women.

[@bartmix8994]

Great video. My parents lived in a Senior Community and everything you say is spot on. They had a good experience and hounded me to move into a 55+ housing too, but I like being around a more diverse set of people, not just a bunch of super seniors complaining about taxes and younger generations.

[@Maryaliece-o3x]

My Mom is 88…a very YOUNG 88….. SHE lives in a 55 plus, but, she’ll often comment about the “older people” in the neighborhood do so and so and it cracks me up!

[@florianmadison]

I am retiring next yr at 55 with 3 houses paid off worth 4.5 million. One is my place of residence the other 2 properties will give me $80,000per/yr rent. I will have an income stream of $20,000 per yr through my super which gives me total $100,000 a yr to live comfortably. I have no debts ... Stay Motivated!!

[@tahirisaid2693]

Heard many good recommendations about Rochelle Dungca-Schreiber by some YT channels, Seminars and other platforms.

[@ibrahimaisaadan]

Thanks so much I was able to find her page and I already leave her a message.

[@georgestone0123]

I'm close to 60 and have worked in construction since 15 years old. I'm ready to retire. Every part of my body aches. Been getting up at 5 am since I was 15. It will be nice to get up when I want. No pension just savings to live on. Heard too much counsel about ROCHELLE DUNGCA-SCHREIBER. Hearing you mention her name again, this is the best time to work with her. Thanks

[@atlurker8037]

Good for you. You want a Scooby snack?

[@threeleggedman]

I'm worth quite a bit and have no debt as well, but it never occurred to me to spout off all the numbers in the comments of a youtube video.

[@gail4101]

I live in a gated 55+ community and am sorry to say, most of what you listed is true…older people can be very petty at times…popular groups like to be on the board and rule, stating, “these are the HOA rules”…sadly, I won’t use the pool or the jacuzzi because of selfish unhealthy people not caring whether or not they can infect others…I do like the ability to have a safe place to walk and a friendly neighbor who checks on me to make sure I’m doing ok but in the beginning when I retired here, I was asked “how are you doing?” I made the the mistake of replying, “ alive and kicking!”…he didn’t like me so much after that! Plus there are committee members who drive around to check if your weeds are removed, or if you have more than two cars, etc. Too late now for me but hopefully, you have helped some others with your video…

[@BMGrilla60]

No place I’ve ever lived has checked every single box on my wish list. It’s always important to enter things with your eyes open and to have done your research. Thanks for listing some of the things to consider. It is interesting your focus of this video was reasons to avoid a 55+ when many of your “cons” are my “pros”.

[@AzulWells]

Hi Dwayne. Thanks for pointing that out about my focus on "pros". I almost skipped doing this video for that reason. From the comments, it is clear that some people love being in 55+. I might do a video in the future about the pros of 55+ as well. Like you, I am much more of a glass half full type of person. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. 😎 Azul

[@cd-design-studio]

Good points. I was 55 when I moved into my 55+ community. I bought because it was a great, affordable unit, surrounded by nature and I could have a dog (which I couldn't do in my prior non-age-restricted condo). At first, I loved it. But I work from home and my condo is isolated so I rarely see a lot of people and most are a bit older. My neighbors (mostly women) are very nice and stay out of my business but it is hard to imagine that this is my last stop in life. I do think about holding onto my condo and renting it out for 10+ years and maybe I'd come back, but right now I really miss seeing people of all ages on a regular basis. I do think these communities are nice if you have someone in your life to share it with.

[@angelapietras1235]

Thank you for this info.

[@darlenebradley6756]

My mom was in a place like this, only she wasn't allowed to rent her unit out -- only another relative could move in, and they had to be over 55. She sold it at loss when she married some guy she met at the senior center and moved in with him, but she would have liked to keep her little condo.

[@anthonytroisi6682]

Condos are a good idea for anyone who wants to avoid maintenance but the HOAs are often too high. If you don't use all of the amenities, you end up on the losing end of the deal.

[@bobikdylan]

I'm a sixty-one-year-old university teacher, and coasting down to retirement. Interacting with young people on a daily basis has kept me young-at-heart, and I can't imagine living among only oldies. When I talk to people my age we usually discuss our aches, pains and illnesses. When I talk to my students we talk about the future. Senior community? No thanks.

[@janicemcdonald2454]

When you retire you will not be around the same age group of people or the college students that’s currently surrounding you unless you travel to their hangout spots. When you retire your whole life and social environment change.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

what miss the excitement of the 'spit and dribble' dining room, or the 'incontinence lounge' where you can place bets on who's peeing themselves

[@curt5802]

I too am a college professor... and I can't stand the cluelessness and the actual loving of their own ignorance, the cheating, the entitlement and the utter vacuousness of most of the students' minds, and they don't care. There's always a few conscious ones, but most are unbearable. I'm extremely happy to be leaving them behind.

[@bobikdylan]

@@curt5802 I live in Poland. My students are delightful.

[@curt5802]

@@bobikdylan Poland students were brought up through a better educational system. By the time the U.S. students get to me, it's usually too late. Witness the recent Trump re-election to understand how stupid is more than half the U.S. population.

[@TRTGCbyjroed]

I totally agree with everything you stated in this video. I am 71 years YOUNG, a Retired Chef, Professional Caterer and living my Best Life . Currently, I live in a 55+plus community and I absolutely HATE it. I am in the process of moving back to California so I can be closer to my family and my five grandkids. I do not like living around negative cranky old folks. Most have no life, no visitors to speak of and they all wonder what makes me tick because, I am still extremely active. Sometimes, I roll around the complex on my roller skates (with my beagle Sophie) just to piss them off. I know you are probably thinking "Shame on you Ms J" .......No worries because I always Pray and ask God to Forgive my pettiness LOL. I am a KZbin Influencer just like you and I truly enjoy it. When I get back to Cali, I will avoid those 55+ community at all cost. My plan (with God's Blessing) is to look for a nice quiet little "fixer up urban homestead' somewhere away from the crazy! Big Thumbs Up 👍for your video that popped up on my recommended list. New friend here ~ I'm Ms J currently from Las Vegas Nevada ~ soon to be a California resident SOON all Thanks to GODBe Blessed and have a wonderful weekend.

[@ModernJewelryMakers]

Good for you - rockin those skates!

[@TRTGCbyjroed]

@@ModernJewelryMakers Yes rocking my skates for sure and now I have a bike🛼🚲👈🏾😂

[@ducheau100]

And don't forget about the biddies. In my mother's 55+ condo it was wall to wall older self - righteous women that gossiped, and were constantly complaining about various health issues.

[@maryperzigian4369]

Held out on joining a 55 plus community and now I am chomping at the bit to get into one. After living in a nice community is southwest Florida for 7 years, quiet is what I crave. We have a high HOA in this all ages community and have every restriction and more that you have mentioned. The younger people constantly run into the gates when drunk so they are always broken. Our neighbors sit on their lanai next to us drinking and talking loud til 3 in the morning. We have strict rules and regulations, but the younger crowd is very savvy at circumventing the restrictions. Barking dogs surround us and the younger people come home from partying making quite a bit of noise- and this is in a nice community!!! I never ever thought I would be interested in a 55 plus. Did investigation into a great one that appears to be very quiet. Can’t wait to get a place in there… plus it has gorgeous golf courses! My current all ages development HOA is way more expensive than the 55 plus, and the 55 plus is green and full of floral and fauna. Wish we had taken the jump years ago before the prices got so high. If you don’t mind living in an expensive place that mimics “ the projects” and you are over 55, an all age expensive community may be for you. After you experience that, you will RUN to a 55 plus!!

[@MsLisaBrooks]

We love out community so far. We are on the younger side at 59 and 60. We don’t want kids at the pool and HOA is a hood value for what we get. Also our 55+ has the largest lots we have seen.

[@xpicklepie]

If HOA's were that bad, nobody would live in one yet they proliferate.

[@elle5031]

I remember a situation where a 55 plus couple's kid and spouse died, therefore they took custody of their grandson. The HOA and all of their neighbors wouldn't even give them ample time to sell and get out... Anytime a group has power over you...that power can be abused...

[@buckeyedav1]

Good points I live in a small home with my dogs.. I like the diversity of my neighborhood. I have young friends next door and across the street, have known them all their lifes and it's a joy watching them raise their children and having those little guys run across the street yelling my name and giving me hugs. I am blessed. Anna In Ohio

[@marquamfurniture]

Great advice!! A friend of mine bought into one of the "nicer" communities. She eventually hated it and moved into a regular apartment with a diverse group of residents (all ages) and their pets. Even the older residents were more active, and more interesting.

[@wingandhog]

Honestly, I would never buy a home ANYWHERE where your life is dictated by an HOA.

[@Thisishard2333]

I live in a community where the HOA does nothing.Enforces nothing. No Commercial vehicles. But then after people pay 700k, they decide to change the rules to sell homes.The builder do what they want.

[@skooliecarol8542]

Yes, its like living in a nightmare...rules,rules,rules...like a boarding school,or a detention center...or a prision...and the fees go UP...EVERY YEAR

[@SirenaSpades]

I would never buy an HOA.

[@DiogenesOfCa]

Cool, I hope you don't get a hoarder next door. It will take YEARS to get it cleaned up

[@janpeterson6851]

Weeks before COVID my late husband and I purchased a place in a 55+ mobile home community in Arizona. We just planned on spending three months there to get out of the cold. Sadly, he passed away in 2021. I still go out there for the winter and enjoy the change of climate, scenery, and activities. I’ve made some good friends there but you are correct about people having cliques. I do things with my friends but don’t tend to get invited to dinners and happy hours. But that old saying that the grass is greener…when I really stop to think about it, I wouldn’t want to party like a lot of them do. I just returned home to KY and was so happy to see my grandkids. Nope, wouldn’t want it full time but I do enjoy it on a limited basis.

[@michaelh8167]

I am a healthy 79 yo. I was thinking that once I get old I should consider a 55+ Community. watching your video and reading the comments I have now been convinced to drop this idea. Thanks for the info!

[@SophiaChristian-so2of]

This is my fifth year after retirement. I’e been following the 4% rule thing I saw on a youTube channel, but this isn’t really how hard I expected things to be. After I cashed out a lump sum, I still have about $760k left, but at this rate, and with how the market is (we were putting money away in an index fund), I’m starting to get really worried.

[@JenniferDrawbridge]

It’s amazing you were able to save that much during your active years. Not a lot of people are able to save that much in a lifetime. But now you are retired and depend on your investment, it’s best you redistribute your capital, so you are not left devastated during a market crash or recovery. To simplify the process, you could allocate your resources with the help of a financial advisor.

[@MarkFreeman-xi3rk]

Yeah, I’m also closing in on retirement, and I have benefitted much from using a financial advisor. I didn’t really start early, so I knew the compound interest of index fund investing would not work for me. Funny how I pulled in more profit than some of my peers who have been investing for many years.

[@cythiahan8455]

@@MarkFreeman-xi3rk Hey, this caught my interest. I worry that I have a couple more months before retirement, and I want to switch to using a financial advisor, but I don’t really know how to find one.

[@MarkFreeman-xi3rk]

Well, there are a few out there who know what they are doing. I tried a few in the past years, but I’ve been with Margaret Johnson Arndt for the last five years or so, and her returns have been pretty much amazing.

[@AntonioBianh]

Thank you for this tip. it was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her résumé.

[@kjrt8058]

Your points are spot on. So true! Our sweet friend is moving into her 3rd community, with high hopes it will NOT be like the first two who had ALL the problems you mentioned. She is in her 60's with a 30+ year old disabled daughter. It was horrendous how they were treated, and how the HOA kept raising their fees hundreds of dollars per month every year.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I have grandchildren and the future is uncertain. I'd be horrified to position myself in a way where I couldn't take in the kids or my daughter in an emergency.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

You sound like a very caring mom and grandma!

[@beaulieuc8910]

And in a long distance relationship, many don't even allow boyfriends/girlfriends to stay even ONE night

[@ChrisDoyle2112]

My dad lived in one when he died two years ago. In fact, he managed the property for the owners. All of this is spot-on especially the clique-ish aspect. One couple who didn’t like the rules applying equally to them and their friends circulated a petition to have him removed…FROM A PART-TIME JOB he only took to supplement his SS income!

[@maryoleary2037]

My sister and brother in law live in one of these communities. You are right when you say it is like being in high school and wanting to be with the "in crowd." They do things in groups, such as a few van loads of ladies go shopping together, the men play golf together. They all know everyone's business. There are numerous activities and if you don't go to any, you are seen as an antisocial snob. In a group gathering they gossip about the ones who are not there. There is always a neighbour who "squeals" on you, if your well trained dog is off leash, or your garbage is not in the right spot. Everyone is retired with little purpose to daily life, so they get together, drink too much wine or beer and become very closed minded. I much prefer my own neighbourhood with a diversity of ages, ethnicities and interests. Rather than an HOA fee, I use the money to pay someone to cut my lawn and do odd jobs. I spend about 1/4 on outside help, compared to my sister who pays a monthly HOA fee, that increases annually. The only rules I have to live by are city by laws and my own standards. I'm not interested in a summer camp setting for adults.

[@z-ue4yq]

❤

[@downpeppertreelane387]

You nailed it...i belong to a Yacht Club...mostly seniors, and it's back to the halls of high school. The groups, the cliques, the gossip, power struggles on the board, the drama of an affair, grouchy older people...i'm hanging on for the 40% of people who are nice...

[@AndrewZelenka]

I worked at a senior community for a few years. What went on there often shocked me. From the office crossing the line, to the high-school behavior of most of the residents. I had to get out of there before I got fired for running my mouth.

[@landeeld9596]

We live in two 55+ communities, one in FL and one in AZ. We love them both. It's what you make of it.

[@brianandbarikelly5349]

Great video. We bought in a new "active" 55+ community a few years ago and saw evidence of every point you made. Active for many meant happy hour by the pool. To each their own, but not our idea of active. We got out within three years and did well on our house, but it took longer to sell than the rest of the market... due to the age restriction and other HOA issues. Living in a southern state, means that a lot of the buyers are snowbirds, so you also have a limited selling season.

[@cookingartguy2170]

After owning four single-family homes in great/artsy/ funky neighborhoods down here in South Florida, we bought a condo in an over 55 development in Delray Beach four-and-a-half years ago and we love it. We had our 1930 Spanish house and a mid-century modern house and a Key West compound with a guest house and we been there done that. Here, nobody bugs us, so far in almost five years no condo commandos, great neighbors, and we're 5 minutes to the ocean and downtown Delray and about 20 minutes to Fort Lauderdale. It's quiet and peaceful. We had enough of crazy neighbors, music festivals keeping us up, crazy people renting nearby us, etc, and we were ready for peace and quiet and that's what we've gotten. We were ready for " rules." So I wouldn't totally rule out over 55 developments, they're just not for everybody. We are both in our late sixties and are the youngest people here and I would say that most of the older people are way more active than we are LOL. Though there are exceptions to everybody, I think saying that you don't want to be around older people is just stupid. I have always found older people more interesting and in fact met two great characters just this morning. We love living here.

[@alexiswinter6948]

I live in an over 55. The number one advantage is I can leave my house for as long as I want and know that no one will break in. The second biggest advantage is I don't have to listen to screaming kids. The third is the place is absolutely beautiful and I don't have to lift a finger to maintain it. The fourth is built-in friends in my economic bracket. I could go on.

[@JobyJoby-iw2wr]

I live in what was supposed to be a 55+ mobile home community. Original developers (parents) passed and the property was turned over to their youngest son. Now, it is some sort of organized crime/cult operation. Me? Long retired, stage 4 cancer patient, mental health patient, too old to move, too expensive to move and no other location in the area worth a darn - english is second language at majority of MH parks around here anymore.

[@Shannon_Vlogs]

I have zero plans on living in a 55+ community but honestly- you turned me right off them. I thought it might be nice when I’m older, but you make a lot of good points!

[@humanchildofgod3126]

Once I turned 55? I moved into a 55+ community, in Florida. NEVER NEVER AGAIN!! I left after 1 year. People were in your business. If you didn’t say hello or participate in activities, I would have non stop people asking me what was wrong with me. I have never been so miserable. I NEVER want to live with seniors ever again!! I don’t want to partake in gossip or care about “others” business! Also… the co-dependency amongst women, infuriated me. I would be asked: where was I going, constantly. If I said: I am going for a walk, it would sound like an invite! Never, Never again! If I ever am told that I must move into an elderly community due to declining health… I will put a bullet in my own head! Some people as they grow old, they feel that they can remove their filter between their brain and mouth. If you like that lifestyle of waiting to die with other, go for it!

[@suekaiser4163]

I am exactly with you only in Az. I sold my townhouse there and went to live in my RV, Thelma Louise. I will go off a cliff before living in a 55+ community again. I am a retired nurse who worked in a nursing home for several years.( I call nursing homes old people's jails.)I call 55+ communities outdoor nursing homes.

[@lizroberts1569]

I have horses and we have one elderly woman who wants to know everything she’s driving me crazy, so live with a bunch of them NO I’d rather chew my own feet!

[@EllieM_Travels]

Omg SAME in a Florida 55+! I couldn’t go for a swim without being swarmed by gossips wanting to know why I haven’t been to the Saturday night Elvis dance or the 60’s flower power club. Neighbors constantly following me from the mailboxe to my door asking if I’ve heard this about the maintenance guy or that about the lady who’s been taken by ambulance. No! No I haven’t and I have no need for that information. I was still working and they’d always say we never see you, you’re so quiet. I’m at the office! I don’t sit around watching everyone’s front door. 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jillspence7227]

I agree; if I end up having to go into an old folks home due to failing health, I will end my life my way. I just could not bear to end it that way, slowly dying surrounded by others the same and nursed by people who treat you like a baby.

[@gingermiller1087]

I was told years ago that if you're looking for negatives in life you'll always find them. Looks like you've been looking and concentrating on them quite a bit. I purchased a home in an older 55+ and am quite happy. But then, happiness is what I'm looking for.

[@lindaabraham8715]

This is all true. My mom lived in one of these in South Florida. A lot of the people who can afford to buy a condo were bosses in their pre-retirement days, who made all the rules and demanded obedience. When they retire, inventing new rules and pushing people around is their whole identity. They don't know what else to do with themselves. If you go the wrong way in the parking lot, even if it is empty, there is some old guy standing at his window to rush out and scream at you that you have to go all the way around. You couldn't keep up with all the rules, and you couldn't get the monthly committee to listen to reason. Plus, the monthly fee was constantly going up; no pets were allowed (I am convinced there were traps), and as my mother aged and became less able and deaf, she did not want to go to the club anymore, but still had to pay for it. Finally, many of her friends left by way of an ambulance and never returned--she was afraid of keeping the curtains open. The quality of the building deteriorated quickly and the toilets were constantly backing up. Finally, the place looked like army barracks.

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

Well-it is Florida, after all. An armpit of america.

[@cherylT321]

So what happened; did she eventually move out?

[@lindaabraham8715]

No. She died; at age 77. @@cherylT321

[@ElliottNest41]

We’ve lived in a 55+ community for 10years. We love it. The numbers are bad for older women regardless where they live.

[@garys585]

My thoughts are when it comes time to move is to find a nice downsized one story home with a moderate sized lot, no HOA, instead hire mowers and gardeners as physical prowess declines, and live in a mixed age neighborhood. That target house might be cheaper than an equivalent sized new condo. Not interested in aging busy buddies. This video reenforced my thinking.

[@blessall8856]

You're right.👍

[@geraldscott4017]

The worst thing you can say to someone in a 55+ community? "How are you doing". Old people have aches and pains. They will spend 15 minutes telling you about their latest surgery. Whatever pains you have, they can top it. A man came to my table to talk about his prostate surgery. I didn't have to ask him, "How are you doing". A lady in the next table hollered over to tell us she have17 surgeries. She didn't say where she had them and I certainly didn't ask. We have six hundred units in our community. I'm 80 and never had surgery. I just listen. Some of these residents just sit at home and wait to die.

[@llamasugar5478]

I don’t give “organ recitals” for anyone outside my family, and not even them unless they ask, “Hows it going with the _____?” I have multiple health issues, yes, but I doubt anyone really wants the gory details.

[@PeterJames143]

From the outside people see old people as just old. From the inside being old feels like an endless run of individual ailments.

[@loisaustin6200]

I'm old, live in one of these communities and stick pretty much to myself mainly because people get on my nerves whether they're young or old.

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

Sounds like you have lots of compassion, buddy.

[@PeterJames143]

@@BaBaYaga1999-p7u that's a tad judgmental. Nobody really wants to hear people complain ad naseum about their bodies. You want "I'm fine" and everybody continues on with their day. If you say "No, how are you really, what medical issues are you having," that is a different conversation.

[@valerief1231]

I always dreamed of living in a Senior complex of some type, UNTIL I had a client that I assisted that lives there. There was an ambulance entrance at the back, however, it 100% of the time came right to the front, where the lobby and dining hall was, it was demoralizing seeing people leave and never come back. There was a daily reminder that either you or a neighbor might expire. This was for active living, but there were lots of people 75+ years of age, so it happens. Edit: and addressing the 1 male to 4 female ratios, those women are like SHARKS, they did not care if the men are married, they had zero chill and would make passes at the married men shamelessly. My client had Alzheimer’s she was 77, her husband 85, but YOUNG. I would tease the wife “you better eat watch out for Marion, she’s making eyes at Ned!” And my client would joke, “let her, he’s in love with ME!” I loved them so much, RIP Ned’s wife!

[@chuckg4910]

The last place my parents lived was a 55+ community, Myrtle Trace in Conway SC, and they loved it. While the rules were somewhat restrictive, none of them were the type they would bump up against. My father was a very outgoing person and he made many friends there. They made great use of the amenities and regularly participated in the social activities. And finally, when my mother passed away, my father got lots of support from the neighbors.

[@jindejak93]

My grandfather lived in one of those and he had to sell everything and go live in a facility because my husband and I couldn't move in to help (grandma had passed away) because I was 49. It didn't matter that there were no kids (my son was away at uni and was home periodically for visit but unlike many haven't movedback) & my husband was 55 (we lived in a small apartment that for various reasons wouldn't have worked). In the end it all worked out for the best since (he started having dementia and we couldn't care for him) we were able to see first hand the iron control that HOA had. No cars parked in the driveway for more than 2 hrs without clearing it first (no overnight) all cars had to fit in the garage, no dogs over 20lb (and ALWAYS on a leash even in the fenced back yard), no house color other than white or beige, lawn had to be a specific height etc. When we finally bought a house the first thing was NO HOA. Our realtor had to work hard to find what we wanted. lol Now that my husband has passed away and I am looking to downsize it's even a better selling point that my house ISN"T in an HOA. My son can inherit and his age won't matter. HOA's at any age are horrible IMO.

[@taminy2051]

In her early sixties, a woman lived peacefully in a 55+ community, enjoying her golden years. Tragically, her life took an unexpected turn when her daughter and son-in-law were killed in a car accident, leaving her three grandchildren orphaned. Faced with the possibility of the siblings being separated, as no other family members could take them all in, she made a selfless decision. Selling her home in the community at a loss, she took on the responsibility of raising her grandchildren herself. "Fate laughs at probabilities."

[@paulmoore9258]

In my experience the community rules are very reasonable with the underlying goal of preserving home values and quality of life. My community was very up-front with the rules and many people choose to live here precisely because of them. There wasn't anything that most folks would not already consider to be just common courtesy and respectful of others.

[@j.m.7056]

Agree, and common courtesy is lacking. Sad!

[@jstone247]

I could not think of think of anything worse than a controlled community based on aged citizens living self contained lives. I enjoy living in a total community. Seeing kids in the parks and enjoying hearing them play. Interacting with families. A choice of coffee shops, when to interact, but if you choose be left alone. No forced or contrived social interaction. Age is not the only common denominator in human interactions, as common interests and lifestyle choices are more important in where and how you live.

[@bkozulla5841]

We live in a 55+ community. We love it! Less traffic, less crime, yards are cleaner, and more age-appropriate amenities. I wouldn’t change a thing!

[@discoverglobeliving]

Thanks for the heads-up! Avoiding 55 Plus communities now. Your insights are invaluable. Keep sharing such helpful advice!

[@julietardos5044]

My mother (80's) just moved into a senior apartment complex. She said that she didn't feel old until she moved in there. There's something to be said about segregating seniors into their own housing. Segregating people leads to social ignorance.

[@xo7454]

When I get old, I want to build a tree house that has no stairs. And the yard is self-cleaning. 😂

[@emc6511]

Let the squirrels mow the lawn LOL ... Like your plan!

[@xo7454]

@@emc6511 True. Not worth getting a husband just for yard work as I will outlive him anyway. LOL

[@carolkelly2121]

Yep, and a rope ladder will do nicely!

[@kathyyoung1774]

My kind of person! I’m almost 80 and still go primitive camping with my grandsons, grow a garden, sew, and know 3 different ways to purify water. Life is an Adventure! But not if you are in a restricted old people community! I grow moringa and blackberries and sew duffle bags for foster children and am a CERT volunteer. No gossip vests with the old biddies or golf for me! I’m still living every day of my life.

[@ukj7675]

Love these videos. My wife and I are 55:ish and we have lived in the Villages for a year. We love it since there is so much to do. The fact that it is so large makes it feel almost like living in a decent size city and I feel that some of your “negatives” don’t apply- at least to us so far. That said much of what you said does apply here as well but I feel it is what you make it.

[@blitzkrieg1690]

We moved from Chicago to a 55 and over community in Florida. We are very happy with our decision. It is a pretty active community. We tend to stick to ourselves most of the time and it is not an issue here. It's a lifestyle choice. One recommendation I would make to anyone considering a move to Florida (or probably any tourist destination), check out the community rules on rentals. Our community has a minimum of a 12 month lease. If you don't have a restriction on rentals, you may be surrounded by Air BNB short term rentals. That's a whole other headache in itself.

[@latertjs]

agree 100% but I made the mistake of retiring to a 55+ and yes, it is a drag being with old people who have nothing to do but get high via marijuana and booze - driving their golf carts stoned and crashing into lakes and light poles... It is worse than high school the cliques are a nightmare. I moved in and was excited to be with people that I thought I could relate with but NO! Most do not come from the part of the country I grew up in and needless to say, people from different regions have different beliefs and traditions. After being with the "IN CROWD" I no longer speak to these people who are so in your business and watching who comes to visit and who you are inviting to dinner etc.... I never joined the community and did not attend the weekly coffee meetings, and the other so-called events. My friends now are only people who do not live in my community I mind my own business and have even taken to walking my dog where I can avoid the conversations from the yenta's that know everything and everyone. The Management is ridiculous and have insisted that I weed my flower beds when it's 100 degrees and raining.... And don't get me started on the INVASION of SNOWBIRDS who only come down to live the vacation lifestyle for another few months a year, clog our roads, hog our restaurants, drive like maniacs, and are a living terror for 6 months of the year. I wish I knew then what I know now.... I would have chosen a community far away from where I am. So yes I agree to many of the things that you have said.

[@tarabartee3424]

I learned about this stuff 30 years ago, and did not even look at HOA's. Some of my friends wish they had done the same.

[@shannondh83]

Your next video do not say "stay to the end" because it tends to make me not want to. Your video was helpful and interesting and saying - repeatedly- to stay util the end sold yourself short that you could not keep us watching until the end. You had very good points that I will pass on to my family looking at 55+ communities.

[@jeffreyjourdonais298]

Right on, great video. I lived in a 55+ mobile home park some years ago, and I was constantly getting in trouble because I was "breaking" some rule. How did that happen? Old women sit and look out the window all day long and complain about every little thing. Couldn't wait to get out of there.

[@kathyyoung1774]

When many people have nothing to do and no interests, they look for things to complain about in others.

[@LUCKEY11202.]

I help a few of the seniors in my neighborhood and many having been looking into 55 and over communities. I’m so glad you shared the information on what could be expected at the 55 and up communities. Thank you,for sharing and helping others ask the right questions before considering a 55 and up community.

[@sanyaivanova8591]

I live in 55 plus community, but in UK.I think is wonderful, the flat has a garden, the neighbours are nice. So far ,the best place I lived, since I came in the UK 24 years ago.

[@taylorpresley4604]

Omg, I lived in a 55 plus community in Lakeland FL, it was horrible. They posted on a board everyone who died (who needs to be reminded of death), the single women were snobs, there were thieves within the community who would steal golf carts. I got really depressed there, no thank you.

[@aaronchandler2380]

You nailed it! We moved in to one, here right now. It’s the people that are the problem to us. They say 55 plus, but it’s more like 75 plus. Our neighbors watch our every move. Nice house, shity people.

[@lovechangesus]

In regards to the cliques....There is a saying.. be careful who you allow on your ship because some would rather sink the entire ship if they can't be the captain

[@halwald1523]

Good video Azul. Been watching quite a few of your videos for the past few months. I have learned some things and appreciate you. I'm a heavy consumer of personal finance since 1985. Should be much more financially secure, but didn't put things into action until 1997. And that was and has been as a very humble wage earner. No excuses and very grateful. Peace to you!

[@ianw3294]

Great video with very pertinent points. Over 55's resorts are just taking off in Australia. We were the first in a over 50's resort in a small country town. We are loving the lifestyle and are enjoying watching the resort develop. It will take 10 years until fully completed. Cheers Ian

[@Virginnia]

I sold my unit after 4 years instead of the 20 years I had planned. Nagging neighbours, drunken neighbours, the "gang" who ruled with an iron fist & who were consistently voted in. I received soo many letters of complaint including solicitors letters for having a LEGAL ASSISTANCE DOG.

[@dv6800]

Great info and it rings true with the experiences my husband and I have had. Think carefully about buying into some of the 55+ communities where you do not own the property that your home is on. The monthly charge for the lot will climb and there are no restrictions on how much it will be raised. Some of them also require you to sell your place through their representative and their fees & the buy high/sell low trap will eat up any money you might have made on the sale. You will leave with your belongings and very little cash in hand. As I was considering buying into one of these places, the rep was honest enough to tell me not to view this as a real estate transaction but that it was more like buying a car or a mobile home. He also said that the protections and guidelines in real estate purchase would not apply to this type of transaction. Having understood that, I couldn’t leave fast enough & never looked at another of that type of neighborhood.

[@kathyyoung1774]

Control, control, control!

[@oldcop18]

My wife & I are both in our 70s, sold our family home and bought in a 55+ community about 10 yrs ago. We love the new house, have made a lot of friends here and our social life is busy. There are a lot of rules but they keep our property values high and they’re not difficult to comply with. It’s the best thing we’ve done in years, no regrets.

[@linhaton4957]

I lived in two different 55 plus communities and loved it. Great amenities, friendly people.

[@sabinekoch3448]

I bought for my mom in a retirement village. She loved the 15 years she was there and I like it too. So in a few years I’ll go there too.

[@marykelley-zr9pn]

Your comments are spot on. I moved to a nice 55+ community and didn’t realize that most of the other residents were in their 70’s and 80’s. Once the cold weather arrived, they all moved to their second homes in warmer states. My neighborhood was a ghost town. There was so much pettiness and in fighting over the most mundane things. I lasted there for 1 year.

[@ddellwo]

In my profession, I work frequently with jobsite supervisors for major home builders. Trust me when I tell you - you have never seen a more tortured soul than a jobsite supervisor in a 55+ community……..😮 The man who has just retired has NOTHING to do for the next three weeks but obsess about that loose board he saw in the attic of the house he is building! He will call you early-morning - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” He will call you mid-morning - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” He will call you late-morning - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” He will call you early afternoon - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” He will call you mid-afternoon - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” He will call you late afternoon - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” He will call you in the evening - “Have you fixed that loose board in my attic yet?” And tomorrow it starts all over again…….😱 Just think of what this cat is going to be like once he is no longer building his new house and has even MORE time during the day to obsess about minutia……..🤯 Plus, when I retire, I want to live in a neighborhood where 45-year-old men trudge out to their cars every morning to head off to work as a constant reminder of how joyful I am that I’m no longer toiling away on the miserable hamster wheel of corporate life……..😂

[@jillspence7227]

Hahaha, agree with you and yes, I am as smug as can be watching the farmers farm and workers off to work in town. Every day is all mine to do whatever I want with, joy!

[@Bella-gj6wc]

Unless where you are has a singular amenity. My sister’s place in Palm Springs had pools, hot tubs fed by the springs, which they’ve allowed no one new to get access too. Her place there was snapped up in a few days for more than they paid.