Is this the best way to live in retirement if you're on your own?

granoffour Yes! Should I survive my lovely husband, I would be extremely happy to live in such a community.

We have two beautiful almshouses nestling close to the West Gate of our town. They are (or were) for the 'genteel poor' of the diocese .

In many areas there are well established and managed almshouses which provide excellent social housing at very reasonable cost. Check out your area; there may be more than one provider.

I would not like to live in a single sex environment, but there again if I don't get out each day to meet people, I would not see anyone.?

Having recently lost my beloved husband I am considering buying in a retirement village, but not one of these only-for- women ones. I think a mixed community could be more relaxed, more like 'normal' life. Women on their own can become a bit petty at times (I have experience of all-female staff-rooms
in schools).

There is a new retirement 'village' in N Norfolk. Two bed bungalows for £240,000 . It's connected to a care home, don't know about any running costs apart form a £20/wk charge for the monitoring of the emergency alarm system.
As you need more care you can arrange your own or pay for the care home to provide it. Looks good but for one thing. Although you have a private patio I'm not sure if the ground up to the patio is communal, I am used to privacy now and would like to retain some. Still food for thought.
I hope that in 10-15 years there is more choice. At least we are all thinking ahead, so many people don't.

I live in a Park Home (2nd one as I moved from Somerset to Devon after death of DH), they are lovely, friendly communities, mix of male/female singles & married couples. Park Homes are more affordable & Park Fees are reasonable. Most Park Owners are reasonable & there are rules but the lovely thing is you have your own front door & small garden.

Every-one keeps them well maintained & have beautiful gardens - highly recommended. Depends what you are looking for & your own Health & needs - but I love it, everybody tends to look out for each other but we're not constantly in each others houses

I saw that item on BBC news. It looks interesting, but as another poster said, could be too expensive.
There are a few retirement villages here, but in general the prices are way out of our range.

I have a friend who lives is a beautiful retirement complex in New Zealand. Detached bungalows on the perimeter, sheltered housing plus nursing home type accommodation in the centre with masses of facilities, bowling green, swimming pool etc. Even a chapel! The landscaped grounds are a joy and there are loads of optional communal activities. It suits my friend but frankly I keep imagining a conveyor belt where once you are in the exit is via the chapel in a "box".

I read yesterday about people buying into a community setting however be warned. It seems to be in the small print that these properties on the demise of the owner will have racked up an enormous cost in selling on. It was said this money is needed for the ongoing maintenance and other costs associated with the scheme. Sounds good but is it all it makes out to be.

I saw it too and thought at first that it was a good idea, but having gone to all girls' schools from the age of 7 and spent much time in all female company as a young woman I think I would prefer a mix of neighbours.

internalised misogyny
Que?

I like the company of other women but not exclusively.

It is OK to not feel the same for umpteen reasons, and for this not to be a criticism of other choices, surely. Each to their own. Just like I would hate to be on a constant rolling cruise, as the story that has hit the headlines and social media lately.

Not for me. I moved into a bungalow in a cul de sac eight years ago. When I moved in the church was my landlord, when the sheltered housing was built the church took over two of the bungalows for retired priests and or staff. They gave them back to the council a couple of years ago. In a cul de sac of 20 properties 19 who lived in them when I moved in are either dead or in homes .

It's in the OP grannylyn. 'this in the news' is blue.

Is there a link ? Please ?

A friend has just moved into New Ground. She is very happy

I personally would LOVE to be able to afford to live in one of these schemes ....there are several lovely ones here in France, but sadly they are toooooooo expensive for us ...wish someone would come up with an affordable scheme of the same kind ! Even those for rent are around twice our actual monthly income !

I feel the same as you, joannenewton. I wouldn't like single sex housing.

There are some almshouses near where I live. I think they're Victorian, but they've been well-maintained. It's not sheltered housing, but there is a a caretaker, who takes care of management issues and maintenance. I've put my name on the list, but I know that I'll have a long wait.

As far as I can work out, they're only for rent, but not just for people who are eligible for social housing. Children aren't allowed, but I understand any adult can apply, as long as they are of 'limited means', ie can't afford to buy. A 'board' decides who is eligible, which sounds a bit like the Victorian poor law boards, but it does mean they can be more flexible than the council. I understand quite a few divorcees live there. We'll see.

I certainly think that the government and councils needs to think more creatively about the needs of more elderly citizens.

I wouldn't consider single sex housing but a mixed community would be great. Always someone to watch out for you or for company (with or without a partner) but still your independence. Sounds ideal to me.

Roses are red, I like your style. You go ahead, and enjoy as much baileys as you like.

I doubt that men would fancy living in a men only housing scheme, so why would women want it?I like men too SunnySusieand would not want this segregation at all.
Lumpy.. it is nothing to do with internalised misogyny but about having a balanced life with neighbours of both sexes.

I worked in social housing for almost 25 years, the vast majority of sheltered schemes were very good, lots of social events, coffee mornings, whist drives and other activities arranged by the residents for those who wished to attend. Then there were a few where a resident would fall out with another, others would take sides, the bad atmosphere and feelings would escalate and the only way this was resolved would be by someone moving out. This was OK in rented schemes, residents would find someone to 'swap with' from another scheme or even another social housing provider. Of course to resolve the situation would be more difficult with owner/occupiers.
However I must say I would never live in one!

I like the idea of living in a real community with plenty of well disposed people nearby, but to my mind a real community includes men. They are pretty nice on the whole!

I saw that granoffour on BBC news I think it's great idea would work out really well I wouldn't mind that at all.

This looks very interesting granoffour have made a note of it in my housing in later life folder. Thank you