As the baby boomer generation enters the golden years, retirement planning becomes imperative. Faced with high property prices and inflation in the United States, the annual costs of maintaining a large house, including property taxes and maintenance, have become a significant burden. Many retirees are actively considering selling their standalone homes after their children have established their own households, opting instead for smaller apartments to save on expenses. Therefore, relocating to more affordable and cost-effective areas, such as Texas, has become the preferred choice for retirees.
First, it’s crucial to understand that an ideal retirement residence should align with the current trend of allowing seniors to age in place. We recommend selecting a residence that is in the same city as your children but maintaining a certain distance to avoid interfering with each other’s daily routines, while still being able to provide support and care when needed.
So, how should one go about selecting the ideal retirement home? Houston-based Chinese real estate experts share four major key indicators:
1. Location and Quality of Life
When it comes to investment properties, many people believe that bustling city centers offer significant appreciation potential. However, for aging individuals looking for a place to live, the high property prices in city centers often mean smaller living spaces compared to properties of similar specifications in the suburbs within the same budget.
Mr. and Mrs. Wang, for example, took advantage of the recent surge in housing prices and decided to sell their property in California and move to the city where their daughter works – Houston. In their early fifties and in good health, they do not require assistance with daily living activities. They prefer to move to a conveniently located apartment and enjoy a life for two. With increased discretionary time after retirement, they are particularly concerned about the quality of living and leisure amenities in the community.
2. A Well-Managed Property Team
After becoming empty nesters, seniors who living alone need to pay extra attention to security, especially since their children are often not around. Many seniors worry about the safety of their neighborhood and fear trespassers. Therefore, Josie, a Houston-based Chinese real estate expert, suggests opting for communities with Homeowners Association (HOA) property management teams to enhance residential security. These communities usually have security systems that filter people coming in and out, reducing the likelihood of strangers entering.
Additionally, HOA property management committees can handle home repairs, including windows and doors, as well as roof and lawn maintenance, saving retirees from the hassle of dealing with these tasks as they age.
3. Spatial Layout Planning
Even for long-married couples, special consideration should be given to the spatial layout planning of the retirement residence. It is recommended for retired couples to have at least two rooms to accommodate the possibility of separate sleeping arrangements. As aging progresses, the need for private, personal space becomes increasingly important.
Many couples choose to have separate bedrooms to ensure they do not disturb each other’s sleep quality, especially in cases where one partner snores or has sleep disorders. Thoughtful planning of the layout of the retirement home helps maintain harmony between spouses and avoids sacrificing sleep quality, creating a comfortable and harmonious environment for retirement living.
4. Lifestyle Amenities and Medical Resources
Lifestyle amenities and medical resources are considered crucial factors for retirees when selecting a retirement home. After visiting several apartments, Mr. and Mrs. Wang found that some senior apartments have age restrictions that they do not yet meet. Additionally, they do not currently require assisted care. Their ideal retirement home, therefore, would be a conveniently located apartment with good transportation and accessible amenities for daily living.
Grand West Condos, located in the Katy University area of Houston, is the perfect apartment community that meets their expectations. Situated in the popular Katy Asian Town district of Houston, it offers easy access to dining, shopping, and transportation. The surrounding area is well-equipped with recreational facilities, bus terminals, open campuses, and shopping centers. Notably, Grand West Condos does not have age restrictions typically found in senior apartments or retirement communities, allowing buyers of all ages to purchase properties.
According to a report from Culture Map in April 2022, Katy has been ranked as the top retirement choice in the Houston area in Texas. Private institution SmartAsset ranked Katy based on factors including income tax, medical clinics, the percentage of elderly population, recreational centers, and retirement centers. Katy stood out in terms of medical clinics and recreational centers.
Discover Grand West Condos: The Ideal Home for Active Retirees
Grand West Condos is an ideal choice for active retirement living, with modern appliances and secure smart electronic locks for easy daily access, making it very friendly for seniors. In addition, residents can enjoy convenient home amenities such as washing machines and dryers, as well as a kitchen equipped with a microwave and basic utensils for cooking.
Within walking distance from the apartment lies the mature Katy Asian Town district of Houston, where various Asian cuisines such as Sichuan, Cantonese, Korean hot pot, Vietnamese, Thai, and Malay flavors can be savored. Residents can also walk to Hmart Asian supermarket for groceries, and stop by 85C for coffee and pastries.
For shopping and entertainment, there’s a Kinokuniya bookstore, a Wellcome supermarket, and a mini golf course, satisfying various needs for daily living, including food, clothing, housing, and entertainment. Even if the elderly residents don’t cook, they can order from a variety of restaurants through Katy Asian Town’s exclusive delivery platform, “AMA On-The-Go,” paying only one delivery fee to easily enjoy a diverse range of cuisines at home.
Furthermore, Grand West Condos is conveniently located near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 99, just a 10-minute drive to the Katy Medical Center. If seniors wish to visit downtown Houston and meet friends for dinner, it’s about a 25-minute drive away. The apartment complex is also close to Metro bus terminals, making it convenient for those who do not drive to get around.
Learn more about Grand West Condos: https://grandwestcondos.com/
