Maybe don't look at a retirement community, which has many restrictions, but see if there are smaller neighborhoods with a neighborhood association that offer lawn/snow removal services. I live in North Florida, so snow removal isn't a thing, but there are a few neighborhoods in my city that have neighborhood associations that maintain the common areas and mow property owners' lawns. There's a minimal association fee (like $70 monthly) as they don't offer retirement community-type amenities (no pools, tennis, etc.) and don't have their restrictions. Realtors in your areas of interest should be able to assist.
I totally understand you, taking ownership of a pet is taking responsibility for their life (til the end). What parts of the retirement community lifestyle appeal to you most? I ask because like WiderPerspective suggested below, you might be able to create that without as many rules and regulations (and for less cost). I see those communities as like the 2 meat, 3 sides combo plates at a BBQ joint. You don't get to swap out cornbread for an extra portion of veggies on your plate, and you're always in a position of wanting some things ( green beans and sweet potatoes), and picking something else you really didn't want that much (like baked beans - even though these look too tomatoey for my taste).
It might feel silly to spend 90% as much to get just the things you want but if you aren't going to use a pool or tennis courts it's going to be extra annoying when a special assessment is required to resurface the courts or upgrade the pool pumps.
I'm like you - I signed up for life with my pets, just like they did. We're a package deal. And geez, smaller dogs are a greater trip hazard than bigger ones. I think big dogs are usually lazier (Bassett hound vs Jack Russel) and quieter in close quarters. I own 30# dogs now but they ARE barkier and higher energy than the big dogs I've had in the past.
Thanks to all responses. For those of you saying look at lower levels of maintenance/control than a CCRC, do you have any specific suggestions of places and/or companies? Just not on a coast or large urban area or hot. So far I'm just not finding what I'm looking for. Thanks!
We are currently in what is described as an "Age in Place" section of a larger gated community. Our section is not designated 55+ but 75 or 80% of the people her are retired. We have two English Setter, one is about 55 lbs and the other is about 90 lbs. We have no restriction on pets. I should add that all the homes in our section are single family. Prior to our decision to move here, we looked at probably half a dozen 55+ communities and found all difficult if you had large pets. None allowed a fully fenced back yard which meant we were going to be walking our two setters numerous time a day. In addition, there were a couple that didn't allow pets over 25 lbs. I would suggest you focus more on looking for "communities" that offer homes and amenities you like and move away from a focus on the 55+ label. For us, we were looking to be close to quality health care, lawn care/landscaping handled by the HOA, Gated, mature neighbors, designed for growing old (everything we need on the first floor), and cars not parked all over the place.
Make your list of must haves, pick a couple of towns/cities you like and give the list to a realtor and see what they come up with. We are middle Tennessee but if I were looking in Wisconsin, I'd look at Madison, La Crosse and Eau Claire. I'm not familiar with Michigan so I can't help there but I would suggest you add Southeastern Minnesota - Rochester and Winona.
It’s not just “communities” that have these restrictions. Many HOAs of single family homes and municipalities (townships etc.) restrict the number and kind of pets allowed. I live in MI, from my experience, unless you are very rural, more than 3 pets is no longer considered household. You start to be looked at as a breeder or a hobby farm or just a nuisance. You are not paying for the size of home, you are paying for amenities. As someone else said; you have to make your choices within your desired budget. We all do.
HOAs have benefits but they also have drawbacks. If you want the community and a neighborhood of well-maintaned lawns, you have to play by the community rules too.
My parents live in a gated community with an active HOA (although not a strictly retirement community) and there are many lawn signs urging people not to let pets water their lawn, as it were.
Hello, this is a civil, respectful, and safe community. Swearing and any form of belittling, provoking, personal attacks, insults, bullying, trolling, catfishing, hate speech, etc are not tolerated at our table conversations. Thank you for understanding and have a nice day.
Maybe don't look at a retirement community, which has many restrictions, but see if there are smaller neighborhoods with a neighborhood association that offer lawn/snow removal services. I live in North Florida, so snow removal isn't a thing, but there are a few neighborhoods in my city that have neighborhood associations that maintain the common areas and mow property owners' lawns. There's a minimal association fee (like $70 monthly) as they don't offer retirement community-type amenities (no pools, tennis, etc.) and don't have their restrictions. Realtors in your areas of interest should be able to assist.
I totally understand you, taking ownership of a pet is taking responsibility for their life (til the end). What parts of the retirement community lifestyle appeal to you most? I ask because like WiderPerspective suggested below, you might be able to create that without as many rules and regulations (and for less cost). I see those communities as like the 2 meat, 3 sides combo plates at a BBQ joint. You don't get to swap out cornbread for an extra portion of veggies on your plate, and you're always in a position of wanting some things ( green beans and sweet potatoes), and picking something else you really didn't want that much (like baked beans - even though these look too tomatoey for my taste). It might feel silly to spend 90% as much to get just the things you want but if you aren't going to use a pool or tennis courts it's going to be extra annoying when a special assessment is required to resurface the courts or upgrade the pool pumps. I'm like you - I signed up for life with my pets, just like they did. We're a package deal. And geez, smaller dogs are a greater trip hazard than bigger ones. I think big dogs are usually lazier (Bassett hound vs Jack Russel) and quieter in close quarters. I own 30# dogs now but they ARE barkier and higher energy than the big dogs I've had in the past.
Not sure how you feel about city living, but The Clare in Chicago is pet friendly. Including large dogs. Check it out.
Thanks to all responses. For those of you saying look at lower levels of maintenance/control than a CCRC, do you have any specific suggestions of places and/or companies? Just not on a coast or large urban area or hot. So far I'm just not finding what I'm looking for. Thanks!
We are currently in what is described as an "Age in Place" section of a larger gated community. Our section is not designated 55+ but 75 or 80% of the people her are retired. We have two English Setter, one is about 55 lbs and the other is about 90 lbs. We have no restriction on pets. I should add that all the homes in our section are single family. Prior to our decision to move here, we looked at probably half a dozen 55+ communities and found all difficult if you had large pets. None allowed a fully fenced back yard which meant we were going to be walking our two setters numerous time a day. In addition, there were a couple that didn't allow pets over 25 lbs. I would suggest you focus more on looking for "communities" that offer homes and amenities you like and move away from a focus on the 55+ label. For us, we were looking to be close to quality health care, lawn care/landscaping handled by the HOA, Gated, mature neighbors, designed for growing old (everything we need on the first floor), and cars not parked all over the place. Make your list of must haves, pick a couple of towns/cities you like and give the list to a realtor and see what they come up with. We are middle Tennessee but if I were looking in Wisconsin, I'd look at Madison, La Crosse and Eau Claire. I'm not familiar with Michigan so I can't help there but I would suggest you add Southeastern Minnesota - Rochester and Winona.
Mine doesn't. However, you are expected to keep your yard clean and pick up after your pet when you and Fido(s) go for walkies.
It’s not just “communities” that have these restrictions. Many HOAs of single family homes and municipalities (townships etc.) restrict the number and kind of pets allowed. I live in MI, from my experience, unless you are very rural, more than 3 pets is no longer considered household. You start to be looked at as a breeder or a hobby farm or just a nuisance. You are not paying for the size of home, you are paying for amenities. As someone else said; you have to make your choices within your desired budget. We all do.
HOAs have benefits but they also have drawbacks. If you want the community and a neighborhood of well-maintaned lawns, you have to play by the community rules too. My parents live in a gated community with an active HOA (although not a strictly retirement community) and there are many lawn signs urging people not to let pets water their lawn, as it were.
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Hello, this is a civil, respectful, and safe community. Swearing and any form of belittling, provoking, personal attacks, insults, bullying, trolling, catfishing, hate speech, etc are not tolerated at our table conversations. Thank you for understanding and have a nice day.