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[Buck-i-Nana]

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@Reever wrote:

Anyone else in here worry about being alone as they age? I've never been comfortable with being alone.

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When you say being alone, are you talking about not having a spouse or housemate, or are you talking about also not having any children?

I've been widowed since 2000.  I share my house with rescued dogs and cats, so I'm really never alone (not even in the bathroom lol).  I do have 3 children and 9 grandchildren who all live within 2 miles of me and are frequent visitors.

If you are totally alone, perhaps a retirement village that has multiple levels of independence would be something worth looking into?  As long as you are capable of total independence you have it, but plenty of folks and activities to enjoy.  If your needs change and you need in home assistance all the way through total care, it's all there for you as well.

[corismom1]

Such an interesting topic! And so many options. I think we have lived in most and each was perfect for that time of life.

Currently we live in a 4 bedroom ranch with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry on main level. It has been perfect as we both have had total hip replacements and have trouble with stairs. However, we are retired now and this is in upstate NY. We hate the Winters, shoveling, snow blowing, driving etc.

So 11 years ago, I purchased a small town house outside of New Orleans. It was one of the BEST decisions I ever made. We do pay $125.  HOA and our lawn and shrubs are taken care of. We have a beautiful pool area and now enjoy our Winters and Spring in the warmth of the South. We love the food, entertainment and people in Ne Orleans. And best of all our DD and her 2 precious children live about 10 miles away. I can help out in the school, DH takes long walks and we are at peace.

Then back to NY for Summer & Fall. Don't know how much longer we can do this but hopefully for several more years. Don't know if I could do  it by myself. I guess time will tell!

[kivah]

Born and raised in NY - and lived in tiny apartments with my parents. Moved to California with my mom many years ago. Eventually we bought a brand new beautiful house against the mountain in Newbury Park, CA. During this time, my mom passed away and I "stupidly" sold the house and bought a townhouse nearby --- HATED IT!!!! Claustrophobic, small 2-stories, neighbors on top of me; tiny yard, etc. etc. This tract is surrounded by mountains - so I could hear everyone talking in their backyards. The "bad" design of the unit didn't allow much SUN to enter - so I was cold most of the year. People actually thought my air conditioning was on.

After living is this townhouse for 11 miserable years, I was able to "escape" and buy a brand new house in north Oxnard (southern Calif.). I've been in this house for 15 years and love every minute. I have a corner lot, many windows with lots of light and sun; quiet area; convenient to everything; cool breezes every day. Temperatures from 50 to 80 degrees all year round. Since I made the mistake of buying the townhouse --- I now appreciate this house even more. Every day I realize how lucky I am.

My house is 2000 sq ft and my lot is 5400 sq ft. - once a week, my gardener comes here. No homeowners assoc. fees; less neighbors since I'm on a corner lot. It's so EZ!!!!!

My Advice: Stay in a House.

[magicmoodz]

@kivah  I couldn't disagree with you more.  We just moved from a single family home to a condo and love it!

While I have always loved city living, the advent of a new neighbor made me often feel as if I were living in a fishbowl.  I pride myself in always knowing when and how to give my close proximity neighbors space and privacy.  Unfortunately not everyone follows suit.  I now have much more privacy living in a multi-residential building.  

We have soaringly high ceilings with many floor-to-ceiling windows facing a beautiful view of what I call Central Park.   When we go out on our balcony in the evening it feels magical with a park setting in the middle of restaurants/retail.  And after living in an old home for several years, I love having updated high end finishes.   

The best is no mowing, no shoveling and if I need a light bulb changed just call the super!

Ahhh, life is good!

[ALRATIBA]

One-bedroom high-rise apartment in Manhattan.  I've did the house-in-the-suburbs routine during the 1970s and 80s. I moved here in 1992.

I prefer city living.  Shopping is convenient.  Great  public transportation so I don't need a car.  I can get just about anything I need ... just a short walk away, or I can call and have it delivered.

[kivah]

We can't compare the NY lifestyle with the California lifestyle. Most people can't afford those luxurious apartments in those very tall, old buildings in Manhattan - and having a view is rare. Most people can't even afford the monthly homeowner fee.

Since I grew up in NYC and Brooklyn, I could never return to that life. Where I live in north Oxnard, CA --- I have everything I need within 20 minutes --- shopping centers, Costco, Walmart, Bed/Bath, and several beaches. I'm retired - so most of the time, I'm home. I also depends on your job, your age, where your family/friends are, etc.

There's no room to park your car in NYC - so using the bus, train, cab is the only way to travel. I love parking my car in my garage and driving a few minutes to go on errands.

I also love the quiet of my area --- and not the noisy city of NY. 

When I purchased my brand new house in 2001, the price was very low --- so my expenses are non-existent. I always say that for a "poor" person, I live like I'm rich".

[151949]

My friend was widowed about 7 years ago. She tried to keep her home and did until her boys graduated and moved out, but it was a difficult financial drain so she looked for an apartment near where she worked on the Pitt campus. Since she moved she has been so happy! She has close neighbors in her building that are like having family there. She says she never realized how isolated she had been in her house. Many of her neighbors are also widows and they go out and do things together all the time.Even though she admits her rent is expensive, she is very glad she moved out of that house. She is also close enough to her job to walk to work.