Why Location Matters: A Guide to Choosing a Senior Living Community

Finding Your Perfect Senior Living Community: Why Location Matters and How to Choose Wisely

You’re finally retired, and now you’re thinking, “What’s next?” You’re open to a world of possibilities now that your career isn’t taking up your time. One of the biggest – and most exciting – decisions you will make in your life is where to spend your retirement. Where you’ve lived has mostly been dependent on your job, family or friends. Now you’re free to choose a location that really inspires you on a personal level.

When it comes to getting the most out of your retirement, the move to a senior living community offers many advantages over aging in place. Location plays a huge role in finding the perfect community for you to launch your retirement journey, especially when considering the lifestyle you want to lead.

Whether you’re looking for a serene beach retirement, quiet living among the trees or a bustling urban setting surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment, there’s a senior living community for every lifestyle.

It’s important to think about what you’ve always wanted out of life. What do you want your retirement to look like? What type of community do you want to live in? Grab a piece of paper and make a list of must-haves. That way you can see it in plain view, putting you one step closer to beginning your exciting retirement journey. Before you start looking at resources and facilities, consider these factors:

The Distance From Friends and Family Affects Your Future

The most important question to answer is whether or not you would like family to be near. If you’re looking to spend more time with loved ones, search for senior living communities in your family’s area. Then filter by what amenities, levels of care and services you want and need. Is it a fun place to live that would be appreciated by your whole family?

If traveling piques your interest, moving further away is a viable option. When searching for communities away from family, see if there are hotels nearby. That way, family members have a place to stay close by when they come to visit.

Take Climate Into Consideration As You Investigate

If you’ve lived somewhere cold for too long and are tired of shoveling snow and the long harsh winters, retiring in Florida, near the beach or somewhere with milder temperatures and wonderful natural resources sounds tempting.

If you like to experience all the seasons and the adventures that come with it, the Midwest may be a good place to start your search. Do cultural and historical sites appeal to you? Research to find those ideal independent living locales.

Maybe you intend to work on your tennis or golf game and want to live where you can play year-round. Search for locations with mild temperatures in every season. You’ll stay more active and have more fun when you move to the right place.

Area Attractions and Amenities Can Enhance Your Lifestyle

As important as it is to enjoy the culture and atmosphere of your desired senior living community, you should also make sure you like the city where the community is located. What’s nearby? Explore what the local community has to offer that suits your interests, whether that’s nature, unique dining, shopping, sports or other nearby attractions. Do you want access to medical care and medical centers? See if the community you’re interested in has a health care team on-site. If not, research the local area to see what is offered for the independent living community.

If you love hiking, fishing or kayaking, then a location by a lake, bike trails and walking trails will be a perfect fit. If you enjoy shopping and dining out, you’ll be happiest in an urban or suburban location. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a small idyllic town may give you the quality of life you’re seeking.

How Many Locations Does Hawthorn Senior Living Have?

Hawthorn Senior Living has over 70 buildings located throughout the continental United States, catering to an abundant number of lifestyles. What do you want your retirement life to look like? You have the freedom to choose. Do you want to enjoy a quiet and serene retirement at Salmon Creek in Boise, Idaho? How about relaxing on the beach, a short drive from Cypress Springs in Bradenton, Florida? Maybe you would like to seek outdoor adventures at Parkrose Chateau in Portland, Oregon? Or enjoy a New England town near the beach at Colonial Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts? Our senior living locations abound.

Finding Affordable Retirement Communities to Fit Your Budget

When you start searching for communities, take note of your current cost of living. Do you want to spend less, more or about the same? Search for communities that will make the most of your budget while being in a desired location. Be mindful of additional costs that may come up, like health care, prescriptions, taxes and so on. Senior living communities can be a smarter financial decision than aging in place – it all depends what your needs are.

At Hawthorn communities, our month-to-month rent provides peace of mind, as residents know there won’t be any unexpected expenses. Most communities also include:

• Electricity, gas, water and sewer bills
• Local transportation
• Basic cable
• Three chef-prepared meals daily
• Planned activities and special events
• Weekly housekeeping and linen service
• Maintenance services

Explore Hawthorn Communities Throughout the United States

There’s definitely no shortage of senior living communities or locations – it’s just about finding the right location and the perfect fit for you. Whatever lifestyle you want to live, it’s waiting for you. You just have to search for it, and we’re here to help guide you. Reach out to us today to start your retirement journey or find a Hawthorn community near you.