Baby Boomers: Finding a St. Louis Home that Works in Retirement
Retirement may not be something you are focused on now, but if you are in your 40s or 50s it will be here before you know it. You probably know firsthand how time seems to fly by faster every year you get older. So, one day soon, you are going to blink and panic because you are faced with a number of decisions to make before you can start enjoying your retirement. Housing is one of these important decisions. You don’t have to wait until your last day of work to begin preparing though. Start looking for the qualities listed below now, so you have plenty of time to find the perfect pSt. Louis home for your future.
- Don’t Focus on Finding the Goldilocks Home – You may want a St. Louis home with certain features, but don’t pass up one in a great community that can be easily modified. For example, you may want hand rails in the bathroom, counters with curved edges, and plenty of security lighting outside, but these features can all be added as they are needed.
- Features to insist On – Although a number of features in a home can be changed, there are some characteristics that are not so easy to tweak. Stairs are one. If you are looking for a home to age with you then a single level one with little to no stairs – either inside or out – should be at the top of your list. Easily accessible storage space and wide walkways are a few other examples.
- Time to Downsize – Do you need a large St. Louis home? You may be tempted to get a home with multiple rooms just in case several people come to visit at once. This is not always practical. Retirement is a time to start thinking about you. Don’t pay for more home than you need. Not to mention, there is no point cleaning and maintaining space that is not being used regularly. Besides, if you downsize your furniture, décor, etc. then your kids/grandkids will likely be very happy to take a few things off your hands!
- Ways to Stay Busy – When you retire, you will finally have the time to take in those morning yoga practices or enjoy the cooking lessons you never got around to. Many retirement communities have a full schedule of activities every day to take advantage of. Otherwise, look for a St. Louis home near parks, museums or entertainment facilities.
- Ditch the Car – Depending on where in St. Louis you choose to retire in, you may be able to ditch your car completely or at least be kinder to the environment and drive it a lot less. If this sounds appealing, look for a home in an area that is walkable or has a fantastic public transportation system.
For much of your life, your family and career have been impacted by your choices. It is time to start making choices that benefit you. Choosing the perfect St. Louis home for retirement may be the first real thing you have done for yourself in a very long time.