10 Kinds of Homes to Avoid in Retirement

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As you make plans for retirement, where you’ll live should be taken seriously. It won’t just serve as a roof over your head but a determinant of how well you’ll enjoy your golden years. Some homes will make living uncomfortable for you, and here are those ten homes to avoid in this phase of your life.

Large, Multi-Level Homes

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Such homes promise space, but cleaning and maintaining them is something many retirees will find strenuous. Then, when you consider the cost of cooling and heating such homes, that’s another burden on retirees. Also, the stairs pose a problem for retirees who are advanced in age.

High Maintenance Homes

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Moving to a home with a large lawn, a big garden, or other features like a pool means setting yourself up for the work that managing these features requires. Even if you’re hiring help, that’s some money you may want to spend on something else, like holidays.

Isolated Rural Properties

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It’s understandable that you may want to live in a quiet place and avoid too much disturbance, but don’t choose an isolated home. You’ll be too far from essential amenities like groceries and hospitals, and getting emergency services could take longer than normal.

Homes in Extreme Climates

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Consider the climate conditions of the place where you may want to live. If the winters are too cold, it is not for you. Also, if the summers are too hot, you may want to pick somewhere else. At this point, it’s about your health and comfort.

Homes with High Property Taxes

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You want your retirement savings to last as long as it can, so ensure that your retirement home doesn’t have high property taxes. They’ll quickly drain you and leave you with less money, which will affect your life’s quality. A place with friendly taxes for retirees will suit you better.

Homes Without Age-Friendly Features

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Safety becomes a priority as you age because you lose strength, mobility, and balance. Hence, you need a home with features that promote safety. For example, the stairs shouldn’t be too steep and should have rails. Grab bars should also be placed at strategic places.

Overpriced or Luxury Homes

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If you feel the price of a home is too much, then it probably is. Spending too much on a house will leave you with little to take you through your retirement age. Also, in old age, you may not need many of the features these homes come with.

Homes Far from Family or Friends

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It’s good for retirees to live a social life so they don’t feel isolated, so it’s important to stay close to those they know and trust—family and friends. You can’t expect your grandchildren to visit you a lot if you live states apart, but your loved ones can always pop by and host you if you’re close enough.

Vacation Homes as Primary Residences

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As exciting as a vacation home may sound, it may present different living conditions from an everyday home. For example, it may not be equipped to handle other seasons of the year outside of the vacation season. They may also be far from amenities like groceries and hospitals.

Homes in Unstable or Declining Neighborhoods

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In a declining or dangerous neighborhood, your home may start to lose its value after a while. Amenities like senior centers and parks, where seniors can socialize or relax, may close down. These places may also face increasing crime rates. All these can be a lot for seniors.