Simple projects for a smarter home Pavers: Floors for Outdoors 8 Kid-Friendly Projects for DIY Family Fun What Is the Best Fertilizer for My Lawn? How to Install Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Flooring How to Install a Ceiling Fan How to Install Patio Pavers How to Choose an Air Conditioner See What's Trending in The Home Depot AislesNorth Carolina is becoming one of the most active areas for retirement.  The "Triangle" area is also one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. due to employment opportunities in technology fields and area climate and amenities.  Whether you are interested in lakes, mountains, oceans or urban, North Carolina has it all. Charlotte/Lake Norman area Research Triangle area Wilmington area Resales Current Temperature in Charlotte: These communities are within 30 minutes to Charlotte.  From minutes to one hour to Lake Norman.  Most start from mid-$200's. Coming Soon - Large 1- and 2-Story Townhomes by David Weekley Homes - Matthews, NC - spacious town homes with downstairs retreats - near downtown and Matthews Trail - 30 minutes to Charlotte and one hour to Lake Norman - Not priced yet - 800-393-9968

Coming Soon - Amber Meadows Near recreation and shopping - sign up for updates - not priced yet.  By Pulte.Rea Rd. and Tom Short Rd., Marvin, NC - 866-210-7861 The Glens at Stillwell Village - This villa rental and purchase community now has 2 and 3-beroom cottages with single garage for sale priced in very low $200's.  New homes for sale are nearly sold out.  Rental villas are separate.   Fort Mill is in South Carolina but considered a suburb of Charlotte:Scottie Puppies For Sale In Idaho New Del Webb's Carolina Orchards - 2-bedroom small to large homes and yes! Bamboo Flooring Tampa Flin the 11 designs there is a small floor plan that so many are interested in, but hurry because these go first.  Digital Camera Repair Carlsbad

Golf courses in area. Prices start in mid-$200's.  Low South Carolina taxes (verify)ClubhousePoolRecreation including pickle ball, tennis and more.1277 Carolina Orchards Dr., Fort Mill, SC - 866-214-9125 - Open Daily In South Carolina but near the Charlotte area: Register for VIP list and build your dream home in Cary/Apex area: Now Open Regency at White Oak CreekCary area by Toll Bros.- Luxury  spacious 2-bedroom ranch homes - Hundreds of options - Pool, recreation, trails.  Starts upper $300's.8113 Green Level Church Rd., Apex - 919-466-9300 New Creekside at Bethpage Durham - Pricing in the $200's.  Small and large floorplans available.  Planned clubhouse, pool, social activities, garden and more.  Medical Centers, universities and airport nearby. Vitalia Homes Information Center is now open.10251 Little Brier Creek Ste. 104, Durham - 877-AVHOMES - Open Daily Brand: Del Webb       Price: Start $211,990 - $504,150. Size: LargeVisit Stay: 2 nights for $128.00 (verify)

Coming to Wake Forest - - By Toll Brothers - Join VIP List now for updates - Pricing from $400's. Active adult community in master community of Hasentree. Large single family homes.1020 Keith Rd., Wake Forest - 919-562-9900 Coming Soon:    Small to large homes - not priced yet - resort amenities including trails and indoor and outdoor pools.   Coming Soon:  Encore Brunswick ForestBy David Weekley Homes - Large village area - proximity to beach, canoeing, kayaking, pool, tennis, trails, clubhouse and more.  Inside Brunswick Forest master community. Starting in low $400's (verify as can change).  Opening in April - sign up for email updates.  Off 17 in Wilmington.   Four Seasons at Charlotte Metro Lake Point Landing Retirement VillageCarmel Place by Holiday Retirement Carolina Ridge at Ingleside by Del Webb - has decided to not go forward with project at this time - no future date given - please check with Del Webb website on status. Also see  for 55+

To see a list of Independent living facilities, enter your desired area (zip, city, or full address) and then click on the independent living button at the top to see only independent living facilities in your area. You’re in a pickle. The home you raised your children in, the place you came home from work to for 30 years, and the yard you manicured, is now too much. You no longer have the desire to weed the flower bed, lug the vacuum upstairs, and listen to your neighbor’s son’s car stereo booming at night. Heck, you don’t even know your neighbors anymore. But the memories of this place stretch your entire adult life. Your kids took their first steps in the living room. You took their high school graduation pictures in the front yard. Your grand kids love playing in the oak-shaded back yard. More Senior Living Articles Senior Lifestyles: What Are All My Options Paying For Senior Care Home Care: The Most Affordable Option Best Places In The US To Retire Aging Well: How To Master The Art CCRCs: What Is Continuum Care And Why Should I Care?

Making the decision to move into something more manageable is not easy at first. But once you see the necessity and start to think about the possibilities of a new life, a change, you’ll feel like a weight has been lifted. And you’ll feel freer than ever. We’ll try to make selecting an independent living community as easy as possible. We know it’s a big decision. We’ll arm you with answers, questions and everything in between. What is an Independent Living Community? Simply put, it’s a community for active, healthy seniors who are able to live on their own. You can live in a home, townhouse, condo, and even a mobile home or motor home. You can own or rent or live as part of a cooperative. Think of it like living in your old neighborhood except these communities have age restrictions—usually over 55—and many offer amenities like clubhouses, gyms, yard maintenance, housekeeping and security. Independent living communities also typically offer transportation, laundry service, group meals, and social and cultural activities.

Is Independent Living Right for Me? You can’t read the future, but you’re healthy right now. You’d like to be around your peers. You like your independence but don’t want to bother with some tasks like yard work and housekeeping. This is a start. Let’s look at some other things to consider when selecting an independent living community. How to Select the Right Community? What are some things you just won’t compromise on? E.g. size of home, location of community, distance to family, etc. People And here’s where your wisdom comes in to play. Get a feel for the people who live there. Talk to the residents and staff. Do the residents seem truly independent? Do you share some of the same hobbies and interests? Do you want to get to know these people better? Could you see having them over for dinner?  Place How big is the community? Do you like a small, quiet community or a large, bustling one? Is there a common area that residents use? If you’ve only ever lived in a house will an apartment on the 10th floor make you feel confined?

Do you prefer a small house without a yard? A condo with flower beds? Is there adequate room for guests? Will you have the ability to add ramps? Is it pet friendly? What are the restrictions, if any, for little things like displaying the American flag on holidays? Parking a motor home in the drive way? Location Are you close to friends and family? Do you feel safe on the grounds? Is it well lit? To your doctors and hospital? To the mall, restaurants, and the movies? Are you within walking distance to any grocery stores or pharmacies? Is there a gym in the community or one close by? Are there walking trails nearby? Things to Do Is there a pool? Is there a reading group? Are there residents who like to ride bikes? Go to the beach? Costs Costs are in line with the market prices of similar housing in that region. And there can be shared costs like common utilities, taxes and community services. These can run $1,000 to $2,000 per monthly. Other services like housekeeping are usually additional.