From other threads it seems a few of us are seeking or have found a new home in the 55+ age group.
Thought we could share our experiences here in one place. Maybe someone else looking will get additional insight about builders, areas, etc.
My quest is in the Charlotte, NC area, preferably south over the border in South Carolina. Taxes are lower in SC. My search is limited in area because my other half does not want to live in Florida or near the water. I want to be in a warmer climate in a low risk tornado area. We both love the outdoors and prefer trees and a tranquil feel with conveniences close by.
I have initiated to move. My other half would stay just where we are. He is 100% happy. I am not. We live in a beautiful community but the average age is young 30’s. I want a lifestyle change where I have amenities, clubs and activities in the community, a village of peers. My other half is more of a loner, could be happy himself, would stay where we are. When he is put in a social setting he is friendly and loves it. I believe he will ultimately be glad if we move.
Where many in my age group end up downsizing, it will be almost impossible for us. I can easily live in a smaller space but my other half needs a three car garage, a media room and a tree lined backyard. Only the largest homes in 55+ communities have these and then he says the home is too big, lol, but unwilling to give up anything he wants.
I want to move to a newer community that is now being built so the average age group is younger plus I want my final home to have the color scheme I prefer.
We looked at Del Web at Carolina Orchards, Pulte is the builder, in Fort Mill SC. Del Webb has always been my preference. There are still a nice amount of homesites that will become available but even the ones they consider very desirable, we don’t. Any home site would be a compromise. In addition, when the desirable home sites are released, there is a closed bid for a lot premium, starting bid $20,000. In the last section they went for $80,000 in addition to the price of the home.
We looked at The Village at Covington built by Essex Homes, smaller community 133 homes, in Indian Land SC. My favorite floor plan, just an outdoor pool and small club house with only a craft room, no activity director. Would have to wait to see if future homesite we would be interested in can hold the floor plan we want. Whereas the age group is right I am hesitant buying here because the amenities are lacking and there is no Activity Director.
Over in Lake Wylie , NC, the Regency at Palisades is beautiful looking built by Toll Brothers. It isn’t actually a 55+ , it is activity lifestyles driven community that has floor plans and amenities geared to 55+, no 3 car garages and premium on wooded homesite $100,000 in addition to home price. My other half liked the homes the best, not sure he realizes no 3 car garage, not what I am leaning towards.
One we can agree on that is very nice is Tree Tops in Lancaster County, SC built by Lennar it is my favorite at this point which surprised me. I didn’t appreciate it until I went back a second time. I actually got pissed the first time when within the first minute was told yes to basement, 3 car garage to be told later none are available or will be available. Only saw the models, never toured the amenities or drove the community. Found out at the second visit that I was working with a greeter and the sales person assigned to me never followed up.
The sales person I met my second visit was great, unfortunately her manager informed me I cannot use her, I must use the other person that was assigned to me. Absurd and unfair to me the consumer.
This community was gated, has a lake, walking and hiking paths, large outdoor theatre, outdoor pool, clubhouse with meeting room and large gym and 10 activity cabins. Downside for others could be to get to the gym you have to walk steps or walk down a long ramp, no elevator. Beautiful area and within a mile of great shopping, my preferred choice but have to wait and see if we can get one of the 6 homesites that will work when released. Desirable home site premiums here are between $20,000 to $30,000.
Of all the builders Lennar included the most but had hardly any options for upgrades. For example, master bathroom is tiled, floor and shower, choice of three similar tile colors and only one listello, no choice at all, can’t plumb for irrigation or gas line for bbq upfront, must do after closing, etc.
In order of most additional options offered, Toll Brothers, Pulte, Essex, Lennar.
Most included Lennar, Essex, tied Toll and Pulte.
So Tree Tops so far is on the top of my list with location and community both which are great. Will have to deal with the sales person Lennar makes me deal with and have limited choices. Althought not thrilled with them, the limited choices I can make work, the sale person, time will tell.
My other surprise is it will cost me more to buy in 55+ then what my house will sell for. You can do it for less but must get a much smaller home.
