Alpharetta is one of the most sought-after areas in all of Georgia, and it only takes one drive through its gorgeous neighborhoods to understand why everyone wants to retire here. However, living in Alpharetta comes at a price. The Alpharetta area has some of the most expensive home prices in the country, but that doesn’t mean that retiring here is beyond your budget.
Seniors in the Atlanta suburbs have multiple options when it comes to retirement, including senior housing communities and low-income housing. Which is best for you? It depends on a variety of factors ranging from your budget to your lifestyle preferences. Here’s what you need to know about senior housing versus low-income housing options around the Alpharetta area.
What Is Senior Housing?
Senior housing is more commonly known as senior living. Senior living communities are bustling hubs of activity, catering to older adults who want to increase their access to socialization and wellness resources. Senior living communities are only available to older adults, and most feature apartment or condo housing options.
Exceptional senior living communities, like those in the Alpharetta area, feature luxury amenities that can include:
- An activity calendar featuring events like live music concerts, history presentations, and trips to explore Atlanta or other nearby areas
- Chef-prepared meals three times per day in a social dining room
- Housekeeping and personal laundry services
- Concierge and transportation services
Perhaps most importantly, senior living communities offer support and assistance tailored to the challenges of the residents who live there. For example, assisted living communities and dementia care neighborhoods feature caregivers who can provide extra assistance to residents round the clock, giving seniors and their family members peace of mind. Specialized dementia care neighborhoods offer daily routines based on the natural rhythms of the day, giving residents a sense of comfort and peace.
What Is Low-Income Housing?
Low-Income Housing is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This type of housing is offered at a fixed rate, based on the tenant’s monthly income. Most of those who qualify for low-income housing receive a Section 8 voucher, which will supplement monthly rent in an approved apartment or community.
Unlike senior living, most low-income housing is not just for older adults. Instead, the apartment complex or neighborhood is multigenerational. Some seniors enjoy the idea of retiring near families and individuals of all ages, but many seniors can end up feeling isolated and lonely without peers living next door.
Cost Comparison
When you are choosing between senior housing and low-income housing, you might immediately wonder about the cost difference. Many senior living communities, including those in the affluent suburb of Alpharetta, are quite affordable. When considering what your monthly budget could be in a senior living community, ensure you are taking into account the amount of money you currently pay for amenities like Wi-Fi, housing insurance, utilities, and garbage services. These are included in the monthly fee of senior living communities, as are your three daily meals, housekeeping services, and more. You can get a better idea of what your monthly expenses are by using our free cost calculator.
Further, ensure you are exploring other ways to cut your senior living costs. You might have insurance or you may be eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits that include a monthly stipend for assisted living or dementia care.
Learn more about the different types of senior living so that you can make your best decision by downloading our free guide, “Finding a Safe and Comfortable Senior Living Community.”
Life at Arbor Terrace at Crabapple is luxurious and affordable. Our community is nestled in the heart of Alpharetta, and our assisted living and dementia care neighborhoods are full of friendly neighbors, compassionate caregivers, and vibrant activities designed to keep residents healthy. We would love to tell you more about what makes our community so special; call us for more information or to set up a tour today.
