Life is full of milestones and experiences, ups and downs, and lessons learned. As children, we learn how to walk, talk, and care for ourselves from our parents. As teenagers, we begin to branch out and learn how to take some responsibility for ourselves, learn to drive, and get our first jobs. Then as adults, we enter the real world and begin our lives working toward long and fruitful careers that will put food on the table and a roof over our heads, while hopefully also setting us up for our golden years.

After many years in the workforce, many people wonder where to go and what to do once they retire. One of the most basic questions when planning for retirement is where we are going to live. Will we stay in our hometown, move closer to the children, head to some tropical location, or travel the world completing one bucket list item at a time? Those not drawn to the nomadic lifestyle are left wondering whether they should buy or rent and whether they need a full-sized detached house or a condo with a thriving community and amenities.

Many people choose to keep their family home, which they plan to leave to a child or other loved one someday. However, a growing number of people are opting for a downgrade. Condo living in retirement is considered the smart choice because it provides all the basic needs while also eliminating the hassle associated with home maintenance, repairs, and landscaping. Nobody wants to spend their retirement fixing leaky roofs and faucets, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and trimming trees to meet HOA demands, etc. With condominiums, these are all the responsibility of the property manager or landlord. Simply report an issue, and someone will be sent out to fix it.

Condominiums also typically include a variety of amenities, such as a gym, pool, tot lots (perfect for when the grandkids visit), walking trails, and dog parks. Additionally, there is comfort in having a community full of people close by. This is essential in dire situations, such as when a fire occurs or a person falls and is injured or unresponsive. Having help only five steps away can make a world of difference in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, most condos have security staff on site so that tenants do not need to worry about intruders. They also typically come equipped with gated and locked entries, surveillance cameras, and more to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

Retirement Living in Condos by Condo.ca