As the majority of the Baby Boomer generation approaches its retirement years, there will be more and more senior citizens who are still very healthy, physically fit, mentally sharp, and entirely capable of living on their own. Independent senior housing will allow them both privacy, and the freedom to come and go as they please.



Independent senior housing is available in variety of styles: condominiums, town houses, apartments, and even mobile home or recreational vehicle parks. A good number of them may even offer limited house maintenance, and most of them have security.

Independent senior housing complexes are most often located near shopping, medical and dental facilities, and banks, although some of them have their own onsite medical service. The monthly fees for independent senior housing can cover everything from utility payments to meals, and should include maintenance and repair of a client's unit.

Many independent senior housing communities have management which will arrange group activates, or competitions like golf or tennis matches, ?walks? for various charities, and outings to local malls, museums or parks, theater productions and concerts, or sporting events. One can expect to pay between five hundred and fifteen hundred dollars a month for independent senior housing. The price will depend both on the housing's location and the number of services it offers.

Do You Qualify?

Independent senior housing usually requires applicants to be at least 55, in good health, and independent enough to need minimal medical assistance. And the facilities will want proof of income to ensure that applicants can pay for the available services and extras.

There is however, some independent senior housing available for those with minimal disabilities, and taking advantage of it will enable you to grow by taking care of yourself as much as possible, while being in a safe environment.

If you are considering moving to independent senior housing, the most effective way to find what you want is to make a list of your ?must-have? services and amenities, find the facilities in your desired area which offer them, and eliminate the ones which are out of your financial range. The research you do at this point can be the most important factor in the entire moving process.

If you are an independently-minded, self-sufficient Baby Boomer on the verge of retirement, or even someone with a sight disability who does not want to inconvenience your family, you may find that independent senior living is ideal!

You'll also need reference from anyone you may have rented from in the past. And you will need to provide a copy of each of these documents to every Section 202 facility where you are applying.

If you are interested in Section 202 affordable senior housing but not sure if you will qualify, you can speak directly to a HUD employee. Section 202 housing is available to seniors in many cities, large and small, but you should begin your search well before you are in danger of losing your current housing due to lack of funds.

Above all, don't lose heart; patience and persistence will eventually reward you with a comfortable and affordable Section 202 home.