50+ Questions to Ask When Considering a 55+ Neighborhood

Well, have we  got the place for you!

You may be considering a move to a 55+ neighborhood, or perhaps a parent or loved one is thinking about a move. Whether you are considering a move or a family member, transitioning from life in a standard neighborhood to living in an active adult community can be a significant change. Transitioning to an active adult 55+ community can be exciting and rewarding for senior adults, but being prepared is essential. Here are some tips for aging adults moving to active 55+ communities: Tips for Choosing an Active Adult Community Consider the Location When you choose an active adult neighborhood, it’s important to consider the location. Ask yourself, is this community close to family or friends that I would like to see regularly? Looking for a neighborhood close to dining, shopping, entertainment, medical providers, or your personal care services (like salon or nail shop) may be important too. Many people also consider the climate and weather too. 2. Experience the Community Before Deciding Before you choose a place to live, it’s important to experience it firsthand. At Oak Haven 55+ neighborhood in Yukon, OK, we welcome all prospective residents to come to take a tour and get a sense of what it is like to live here. Many times, prospective residents will also meet current residents or get a taste of the social atmosphere in the neighborhood during their visit. 3. Discover All the Amenities and Activities Active adult communities offer a wide range of amenities and activities designed to keep residents engaged and active. From pickleball to swimming, game nights, gardening, book clubs, and much more, 55+ neighborhood residents know how to have fun and create a community. 4. Consider the Size, Floor Plan, and Space When you’re touring or browsing active adult communities online, it’s essential to consider the size, floor plan, and space . Look for a home that is spacious enough to accommodate your lifestyle and needs. For many, that means downsizing to a smaller home, but for others, it may mean simply moving to a similarly sized home that has a better floor plan or single-story structure. Tips for Your Move To a 55+ Neighborhood 5. Ask For Help As you begin the process of packing and moving, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlisting family members or close friends to help you sort through sentimental items or clothes may make the packing process easier. Additionally, at Oak Haven, we regularly work with professionals in the Oklahoma City metro who specialize in helping ease moves to senior adult communities. We’re happy to recommend real estate professionals, senior move specialists, estate sale companies, and financial consultants who may be of assistance. 6. Downsize… Or Don’t For many adults considering a move to a 55+ community, downsizing can be a deterrent or point of stress, but it doesn’t have to be. Some communities, like Oak Haven, have homes of various sizes , and you may not need to downsize significantly if you don’t want to. Additionally, if you are downsizing some, we recommend carving aside time for cleaning out over a period of weeks or months. Don’t put pressure on yourself to sort everything at once. Our #1 piece of advice: if you’re not ready to let it go, don’t feel pressured to. 7. Donate To A Cause You Love Preparing for a move can result in a lot of extra stuff that you no longer need or want. Many adults find that clearing, sorting, and packing is easier when you know the items you are no longer keeping will benefit a good cause. Donating items to local charities or thrift stores benefiting non-profit organizations or ministries may ease some of the sadness that comes with saying goodbye to once-loved clothes, furniture, or home goods. Settling Into Active Adult Living 8. Attend Neighborhood Events and Activities One of the best ways to get involved and connected with your new community is by attending neighborhood events or activities. Making an effort to attend game nights, happy hours, or community events in the first weeks you live in the neighborhood will establish connection and friendship. Active senior communities almost always have something going on. Just go for it! 9. Introduce Yourself Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to your new neighbors and community members. If you see other residents outside playing pickleball, walking a dog, or heading to the community center, make sure you connect with them. After a couple of weeks, small talk will be a thing of the past, and you’ll be a part of the community. 10. Meet the Staff and Management Most active senior communities have a team of helpful, dedicated people that support the neighborhood’s operations, oversee management, and help encourage camaraderie and fellowship among the residents. Some communities even have restaurants, like Oak Haven’s Luigi’s Bistro, or other services within the community as well. Get to know the employees and management team because having relationships will improve your quality of life and help you connect with other residents through their knowledge. Benefits of 55+ Neighborhoods for Seniors Maybe after reading these tips, you’re still on the fence about moving to a 55+ active adult community. We really believe that the benefits and amenities are unmatched . A few of our favorite benefits of the active adult community lifestyle at Oak Haven include: Luxury features, construction, and floor plans designed with active senior adults in mind Fewer home and lawn maintenance responsibilities Vibrant activities and social lives that emphasize community Heightened security and safety Convenient amenities include a community pool, walking trails, a pickleball court, and a community clubhouse Moving to an active adult neighborhood can be a big change. It can be exciting and rewarding to experience but also a little overwhelming. We hope these tips will help you as you consider what might lie ahead for you if you make the transition to active 55+ community living. Communities like Oak Haven have so much to offer. We hope you will take advantage of everything and find a community you love. If you are an adult looking for an active 55-plus neighborhood in Yukon, Mustang, or the greater OKC metro, come take a tour of Oak Haven . We are located at 2101 Westbury Drive, Yukon, OK, 73099. Tours are required before you decide to make the move to our community. We’d love to have you join us! You can book a tour online or give us a call at 405-628-9436.