We've all seen the ads: smiling seniors lounging at the pool or
playing golf, laughing, and enjoying the sunshine as a voice-over
speaker describes the available space at a new senior living location.
Retirement communities have long been popular, but that these
assisted living locations are becoming more sought-after than ever. According to a recent US News article, nique senior communities are popping up across the country at a steady
clip catering to more and more specific niches in an attempt to closely
meet the needs of certain segments of the senior population. Some of the most popular niche senior living facilities (besides
those around beaches or golf courses) are "university-based retirement
communities." These locations are built around college campuses in
order to provide seniors with the opportunity to attend campus events
and even sit in on classes.
Many other communities are being built that center around specific
hobbies and activities. Across the country new facilities have recently
been built targeting seniors who want to become artists, providing help
for those seeking to learn how to paint or write their first novel.
Another senior facility is even referred to as an "astronomer's village"
and is geared toward stargazers with every living unit equipped with a
built-in telescope. Yet another targets "aging hippies" where
residents are encouraged to make their own living space and practice
sustainability techniques. No longer are nursing homes or
assisted living facilities the only places where seniors can plan on
spending their golden years. Most expect these activity-based living
centers to slowly begin branching out to include support for those in
need of more and more specialized healthcare.
Costs for these niche communities are somewhat similar to other
long-term care options. For example, a recent MetLife Market
Survey found that the average national rent for an assisted living
facility was about $3,500. Many
retirement communities have rent prices that are comparable, ranging
anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000 monthly. However, many of these
locations also come with "entry fees" which range from $150,000 to
$600,000. All or part of the fee may be returned when the resident
leaves or dies. Units at these locations can sometimes be purchased.
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