House hunting no matter when you’re moving is always about more than price. Even if you start looking in more affordable neighborhoods, you need to find a home that has the right features as well.
“There’s senior-friendly living all over, but the closer you stay toward the city, the more expensive it is,” Realtor Renee Bissell told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Being right on the perimeter or just outside can make it hard to find affordability.”
Bissell suggests looking up 400 or off 85 near Buford to find more affordable options that still make it easy for you to get in and around Atlanta.
Kathy Seger, a Realtor at Atlanta Communities who specializes in 55+ active adult communities, sees many clients find their checking all the boxes for their next home in Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties. Homes here may also feel more affordable due to property tax exemptions that give seniors a break from paying school taxes.
While this puts the focus on areas north of Atlanta, Seger also considers Peachtree City, Newnan and Hoschton to the south as possibilities.
“The areas with the most listings may be on the fringes of Atlanta, but are also in busier areas close to shopping, hospitals and more,” Seger said.
Affordable housing and the right amenities
Even if you begin your house search in more affordable areas, it’s most likely the amenities the will seal the deal.
“Many seniors look for single-level living, with smaller square footage and nice appliances, features and finishes from the builder,” Bissell said. “They want a place that looks nice and is easy to maintain.”
Having an owner’s suite on the main level and a smaller yard are also two popular house features for seniors according to Bissell.
One of the best places to find the right combination of amenities, according to Seger, is in 55+ communities.
“These communities are typically single story, or have the master on main,” Seger said. “There’s also often yard maintenance done by an outside person, and houses tend to be smaller and closer together.”
The communities also usually have level streets with sidewalks and homes with front porches so it’s easier for people to interact and move about the neighborhood even with mobility challenges.
The value of senior communities
Although most homes in 55+ active adult communities will check all the boxes in the amenities category for many seniors, price isn’t always ideal. According to Seger, the cost per square foot is typically higher in these communities than in single-family homes, but you’re buying more than just a piece of property.
“People interested in this type of living are looking for a lifestyle,” Seger said. “They want a way to reconnect with people, to know their neighbors and feel secure.”
Many of these communities provide that connection to a community along with spaces that make it easy to keep up a busy social calendar.
“These communities are true neighborhoods with clubhouse-based activities and structured events,” Bissell said. “There are tons of things to keep people busy, spending time with like-minded, like-aged people.”
Weighing cost and value
Whether you prioritize affordability, value or a combination of the two, Bissell suggests you start looking for a new home 4-6 months before you’re ready to move.
“It’s also really important you have a good adviser who can explain the true state of the market and help you make educated decisions throughout the process,” Bissell said. “You never want to feel rushed when you’re house hunting, so make sure you have realistic expectations about market conditions, which are always changing.”
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