Tampa 55+ Communities

When you want the freedom that comes from not having to worry about household chores such as lawn care and outside home maintenance, the time may be right to explore the many benefits of living in a 55+ community. Independent living centers offer older adults the ability to remain active while still enjoying a variety of daily activities and socializing with friends and family members.

The Tampa, Florida area has a lot to offer when it comes to 55+ communities that offer extended services and amenities. Two 2016 Best of Senior Living Award winners, Weinberg Village, and Grace House of Tampa, have feature reviews and received 5-star rankings on SeniorAdvisor.com.

What You Can Expect to Pay for Independent Living 55+ Communities in Tampa

You can naturally expect to pay more for independent living units than a regular apartment because of exclusive amenities. The average costs for regular 1-bedroom apartments within Tampa, listed on RentJungle.com, are in the range of about $1,005 per month, with 2-bedroom apartments costing about $1,232 per month.

The cost of independent living units will vary depending on your lifestyle needs. Researching your options can be time-consuming if you try to go traditional routes. It is best to use SeniorAdvisor for your research so you can pinpoint the top communities that best meet your needs.

Explore Your Options to Cover the Costs for 55+ Communities in Tampa

There are a variety of ways to cover the costs associated with living in a 55+ community in Tampa. Social Security is helpful to an extent if you are retired and no longer working. Most benefit checks are not sufficient, however, to cover all expenses unless you had an excellent income while employed during your working years. Sharing the costs with a roommate is another creative way to cut expenses and lower your bills.

Alternative methods include using money earned from pensions and other types of employer-sponsored retirement funds and investment accounts. If you plan on selling your current home, you can use the money obtained from the profits of the sale toward the purchase of an independent living residence. Working part-time after you have retired will also provide additional income to help meet your needs.

Key Features of Quality Independent Living Communities

Quality perks and amenities are some of the key features that draw older adults into independent living centers and 55+ communities. Being able to walk to an onsite beauty salon, restaurant or café within a senior living complex is just one example of a key feature and amenity that older adults appreciate and enjoy. Other examples of essential amenities you need to watch for include the following categories:

Basic Level Amenities

Even if you are looking for only the very basic amenities within an independent living center, there are some essentials that ideally you would like to have included in the monthly costs. That list includes utilities for electricity and heat as well as cable TV. Some 55+ communities pay for these amenities while others do not. Maintenance of your lawn and yard should be included as well as weekly trash pickup services. Some independent living communities offer and include food plans and housekeeping services.

Exclusive Amenities and Added Perks

Your own needs will guide the direction you take when determining which amenities are absolute must-haves for daily living comforts and which perks are luxuries for indulging. Many 55+ communities provide their residents with access to free onsite perks such as a swimming pool and fitness center and even a golf course depending on the location of the complex. Exclusive amenities and added perks available within 55+ communities in Tampa include:

BBQ area

Lake for fishing

Billiards

Library

Indoor spa

Beauty salon and barber shop

Shuffleboard

Walking and biking paths

Computer room with free Wi-Fi

Visiting the Tampa Neighborhood

Residents living within 55+ communities in Tampa can enjoy the rich variety of night life activities including local concerts, events, and other forms of entertainment. The arts community offers museums and galleries for exploring the cultural heritage of this delightful region. The Tampa area is also home to Busch Gardens plus other attractions such as the Lowry Park Zoo. The beautiful beaches that adorn the Tampa area are not to be missed.

Look Ahead to the Future

Tampa is a popular destination for retirees due to the beautiful sunny warm weather and its location adjacent to the ocean. Tampa offers an extensive selection of independent living centers for those seeking a better life with access to added perks and amenities. As you explore your options for living within a 55+ community in Tampa, plan ahead and take into consideration all your needs so that your future will be an enjoyable and happy experience.