I know. You probably said you would never live in a 1-bedroom apartment. But COULD you, if you CHOSE to? While there are pros and cons to any apartment home size, I want to help you explore the advantages of choosing a 1-bedroom apartment in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). 

This article may just bust the downsizing myths holding you back and help redefine how you live your life in the process. 

Your New, 1-Bedroom Apartment Home...

1. the Perfect Size for Singles or Couples

Some people dismiss the idea of living in a one-bedroom apartment because it may look and feel “tiny” compared to their current home. Think about how much of your current home you actually use regularly? If you’re like most retirees, you live your life in the kitchen, living room and one bedroom. The 2nd or 3rd bedroom, a dining room, the basement or a den served you well raising your family, but now those areas simply accumulate more “stuff.” 1-bedroom apartments dedicate their square footage to the areas people use most. TIP #1. Look for high ceilings to make them feel even more spacious! 

CCRCs understand the need for space. Many provide guest rooms right in the same building, or you might consider a quality pullout sofa bed for frequent guests. (Hotel rooms are often near-by, too.) Find CCRCs that have plenty of personal storage and common areas designed for family gatherings, crafting, woodworking, gardening and other activities.

2. Costs Less

Choosing a 1-bedroom is also a financially smart decision. The initial buy-in (Entrance Fee) for a smaller apartment can cost tens of thousands less than a larger unit initially, and hundreds less monthly. The long-term savings can be significant. TIP #2. Use the money you save for dream vacations, favorite charities, pampering yourself at the spa, or financing the education of grandkids! 

3. Gives the Gift of Time and Peace of Mind   

Living in a CCRC frees you from home maintenance obligations. Your monthly fee generally covers maintenance (including emergency repairs or appliance replacement), meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, snow removal, landscaping, insurance, and in some cases, even your property taxes! TIP #3. A Lifecare CCRC has the added benefit of a predictable monthly fee, so you don’t have to fear the future no matter what level of care you need or how high future health care costs rise.

4. Expands and Enriches Your Life 

Many CCRC residents readily share how little time they actually spend in their apartments, no matter what square footage they have. Even on the coldest winter day, residents can find ample time and opportunity to engage in a lifestyle that enables them to age successfully. Socialization and fellowship occur safely during both planned and spontaneous gatherings. TIP #4. Continuation of exercise, game-night, and dining routines help battle the ‘cabin fever’ that often accompanies winter isolation. 

5. Is All About Choice 

Taking advantage of downsizing from a lifetime of accumulation gives you a say in the matter now. Think of this as a good opportunity to de-clutter, taking only what you need, and blessing others with what you haven’t used in years. TIP# 5. YOU are in control when you downsize now. 

As you consider 1-bedroom apartment living in a CCRC, more questions will come up. Nobody can answer them better than your future neighbors, so talk with a few about what it's like to live there. I’m confident you’ll discover why a 1-bedroom apartment home is just the right size for you. After all, saying NO to a larger apartment means saying YES to a bigger life! 

By Sheila Brustkern, Sales & Marketing Director