Apartment living vs. home ownership for seniors involves more than just downsizing—it's about reimagining what freedom looks like after 70. Discover why many Redlands residents are choosing apartment living and what that lifestyle can offer at Mission Commons.
Turning 70 has a way of reshuffling priorities. The house that once fit a busy family can start to feel like more work than it's worth, and more Redlands residents are weighing apartment living vs. home ownership for seniors as a result. If you've been going back and forth on whether now is the right time to sell the house and move to an apartment, here's a closer look at what's driving the shift, and what it can look like at Mission Commons.
Owning a home means an endless list of upkeep: roofs, HVAC, the lawn, gutters, plumbing. None of it gets easier with age, and a lot of it ends up outsourced to a handyman or a family member with a free Saturday.
Apartment vs. house maintenance for seniors isn't much of a contest once you factor in what's handled for you:
At Mission Commons, that time back goes toward things residents actually want to do: a morning walk through the gardens, coffee by the bistro fireplace, or an afternoon with neighbors instead of a toolbox.
Living alone in a house means you're the only one keeping an eye on things. One of the most underrated benefits of apartment living for older adults is simply having people nearby.
Mission Commons apartment homes include:
That last point is worth spelling out: our Independent Living with supportive services** community supports your independence while offering access to additional help, only when and if you want it. A choice of third-party providers is available onsite for your convenience, but residents are under no obligation to use any particular one.
Why seniors choose apartment living often comes down to the math. Home ownership carries costs well beyond the mortgage: property taxes, insurance, utilities, and repairs that can run into the tens of thousands with little warning.
Apartment homes swap that unpredictability for a single, known monthly cost that covers three chef-prepared meals a day, scheduled transportation, and access to the community's amenities. Selling the house and moving to an apartment for seniors also tends to release equity that can go toward travel, hobbies, or whatever the next chapter looks like, rather than sitting tied up in a roof that needs replacing.
A house in a quiet neighborhood can mean long stretches without much company, especially once driving becomes less appealing. Independent living apartment advantages here are pretty tangible: a mahjong game down the hall, a men's social club, a bird watching group, or a monthly-themed dinner are all just a short walk away.
Mission Commons residents also have Redlands itself at their doorstep, from a performance at the Redlands Bowl to an afternoon at Smiley Park near the A.K. Smiley Public Library. Our scheduled transportation makes trips like these, plus errands and appointments, simple to plan without ever needing to find parking.
A big house also means decades of belongings and rooms that rarely get used. Apartment homes flip that: a footprint that's easier to keep organized, and a chance to keep what matters and let the rest go.
Mission Commons apartment homes, recently renovated, range from cozy suites to spacious one- and two-bedroom layouts, each with a kitchenette, self-controlled heat and air conditioning, and a walk-in shower or tub. The refreshed dining room, patio seating, updated fitness center, and game room round out our community's newly refreshed look and feel.
Beyond the community itself, Redlands offers historic neighborhoods, mountain views, and easy outings that make it a comfortable home base, whether residents are exploring on their own or heading out with the Mission Commons transportation team.
What does "Independent Living with supportive services**" mean? It's Mission Commons' living option built around an independent, apartment home lifestyle, with the option to bring in third-party providers onsite for extra help if a resident ever wants it. Nothing is required, and residents choose what fits their own routine.
What amenities does Mission Commons offer? Highlights include three chef-prepared meals a day, a fitness center, a game room, gardens and walking paths, weekly housekeeping, and scheduled transportation, alongside a full calendar of social and recreational programs.
Is Mission Commons close to Redlands' local attractions? Yes. Our community is near the Redlands Bowl, Smiley Park, and the A.K. Smiley Public Library, with scheduled transportation available for outings and appointments.
Apartment living isn't a step down from home ownership; it's a different kind of freedom. If you're weighing your options after 70, come see what daily life at Mission Commons actually looks like. Schedule a tour today.
**A choice of third-party providers is available onsite for convenience, but residents are under no obligation to use any particular one.