Are you reaching an age when you are ready to hit the road and see the world? If so, you may be impeded by a few issues, with the most significant being: “who’s going to take care of the house?”
As part of the answer to that question, you may have already decided to downsize and relocate to a smaller home, or even an apartment-style residence. This takes care of a lot of the traditional challenges, but only if the property provides such solutions. If not, you may turn to paid options like house sitters. Should You Hire House Sitters and Maintenance Experts? House sitters are all the rage these days, and it makes good sense. You want someone to keep the home in good, safe condition and ensure you can come home to things as you left them. Yet, there’s a pretty big glitch with house sitters – they may not be all they are cracked up to be. For example, they will be at the property every day and ensure it remains safe. However, they also use the kitchen (which can mean all kinds of risks). They use the entire premises (meaning there are risks for spills, stains, damage, and loss). They are in charge of locking and securing the premises. They also charge for the privilege of having someone around. You can hire a maintenance company to do the work, but that too is at a premium and not without associated risks. Who are they using for the work? Are they going to be consistent and safe? What sort of schedule will they follow? Can they ensure your home is going to remain safe and secure when different people are in or on the premises? And more importantly, how are they going to handle an issue if you are unavailable or far away on a vacation or trip? The Homeowner’s Dilemma On top of it all is the fact that your home’s need for maintenance and upkeep doesn’t diminish because you are away seeing the world and exploring. The roof might still leak, the heating system might still decide to fail, the basement may still flood, and the home itself will still age. Any of these issues could pop up and cause a lot of headaches that ruin your adventures. And we haven’t even touched on issues like lawn maintenance, snow removal, and all the rest. Is there a good solution? In a word: yes. Downsize and Relocate to a Turnkey Home If you are at the age where you can travel, you may not want a single-family home (and all of its associated costs and risks) awaiting your return. Instead, a turnkey home with a turnkey maintenance and management service may be far more appealing. What might that mean, though? What exactly could you anticipate from a turnkey operation? A basic list would include:
A 55+ Active Adult Community is the Answer You are at an age when you are no longer punching a clock and can travel. It is likely that you or your partner are over the age of 55. If that is the case, it means you qualify for life in a 55+ active adult community. This is an excellent way to enjoy the very best of life, including turnkey management during your travels. It is also the kind of community that will have options for maintenance-free living available. Because of that, you will be able to take worry-free vacations, and know that any issues with the physical structure, the grounds, the parking areas, and the common areas are addressed. Is it worry-free living? There is no such thing as a worry-free way of life, but if your goal is to head out on a holiday without the major worries that come with traditional home ownership, you’ll love living in an active 55+ community. At The Fields, you will find the very best in turnkey living. The Fields at Arbor Glen is a 55+ active adult community in the Lake Elmo and Stillwater area providing spacious and stylish one or two-bedroom apartments or two-three bedroom single-level patio townhomes. Not only do residents enjoy top-notch amenities and community conveniences, they are also in a beautiful setting minutes from whatever they need. Making The Fields at Arbor Glen your next home is a perfect choice for the independent couple or single. With active living opportunities, a location along wetlands and wildflowers, an array of community spaces and such secure and appealing options as indoor grade level parking or garages, The Fields at Arbor Glen is a good choice for those who want the best when they are at home, as well as when they are having travel adventures. If you are eager to enjoy turnkey solutions to home maintenance and security while you are away for stretches at a time, The Fields at Arbor Glen in Lake Elmo just may be the perfect fit! NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS! Contact us today to learn more
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Do you have the feeling that your home and belongings own you rather than the reverse? If you said yes, you are not alone. Millions of people every year find themselves yearning to “downsize,” and begin to wonder about selling their home and getting rid of the clutter of possessions few of us need or use.
The Costs of Home Ownership While we know that there is benefit to home ownership – namely, the power and importance of equity and assets – it can also be a tremendous weight. There is maintenance, operating costs, and more to deal with on a regular basis. For instance, keeping up a house is not just about cleaning the floors and slapping a bit of paint on the walls from year to year. It is a never-ending cycle of maintenance, repair, and expense. You have the roof to maintain, the various systems to keep in good order, the structural issues to address, and even the updating of interiors to consider. As a simple illustration, the average cost for a new carpet in a U.S. home ranges from $1,600 to more than $5,000. If you upgrade to something like solid wood floors, the prices can triple. That is a decorating choice, but may be essential if the flooring requires an update or repair. If a heating system requires repair or replacement, the national average is from $4k to over $8k. If you are forced to do both repairs in a single season, it can easily breach the $10k mark! And there is far more to the costs of home ownership than interior and exterior repair and maintenance. There are taxes, mortgage expenses, yard and drive upkeep, water and sewer costs, HOA fees, and more. The Costs of Stuff And then there is all of your “stuff.” As we go through our lives, we might intentionally collect things, but we might just as easily accumulate unwanted clutter. We have to deal with keeping these things tidy and organized, too. If you don’t feel that people have a lot of stuff, just consider how many of us use storage units and facilities. We might have a small home and need space for belongings, or we might be between homes and use those temporary storage options. However, a large portion of storage is used by those with too much stuff for their homes! They pay for a separate rental for their stuff! Clearly, that means they are owned by it, rather than the reverse. Take Back Your Time As is so often the case, we might get so caught up in home maintenance and dealing with our belongings that we forget that there is more to our lives. If you have been living with that feeling, it is important to take a moment to consider how you might reclaim your life and take back your time by downsizing and relocating to a 55+ active adult living community. While you (or your partner) will have to be 55 or older, that is often the only restriction on taking a rental in one of these remarkably beneficial options. How are they beneficial? As we’ve been saying, a home and lots of belongings can really own us, and the benefits of downsizing and moving into a smaller home include: Financial Liberation What does it cost to keep your home right now? If you take the time to map it out, you’ll be astonished at the operating expenses. There are always benefits to ownership, but if you could have the funds you pour into the home back in your hands, would it make a big impact on your budget? Chances are it would. After all, it is about more than just a mortgage payment. There are all those costs we mentioned earlier. And you cannot ignore that a 55+ active adult living community saves money by incorporating services that you might have also paid for elsewhere when you had a home. A fitness club, for example, may be part of the facilities. A greenway or community room might be included, saving you money on renting party or gathering spaces for events. Social Benefits You enjoy entertaining in your home or backyard, and so you argue with yourself that life in a 55+ active adult community would prevent you from enjoying that same level of socializing. Here’s the thing – it won’t. You will still have your private residence AND it is likely that a high-quality property will have at least one or more large community gathering spaces ideal for parties and entertaining. They may even have upscale terraces and beautiful grounds. You also get to socialize with like-minded neighbors. There is tremendous value to that as you age; as it is proven over and over that being social can increase life expectancy and quality of life. Being part of a community is just plain good for you! Staying Active It surprises many to learn that we tend to become more active as we age because we have the time to do so. If you opt for the right 55+ active adult community, you will support your ability to become more fit and healthy. How? They are going to offer fitness facilities, exercise classes, and grounds or locations that support a more active lifestyle. Maintenance-free Living Last, but not least, it is not just about eliminating the financial and physical burdens of maintenance. It is also about the mental space that a maintenance-free lifestyle supports. When you eliminate a lot of your stuff, and you downsize to a smaller and easier to maintain home, you suddenly get time…and time is what life is about. So, are you ready to own your life again? At The Fields, you will find the very best in 55+ active adult living. Spacious and stylish one to three-bedroom apartments and single-level patio townhomes, great amenities, and a fantastic setting minutes from it all makes The Fields at Arbor Glen a perfect choice for the independent adult or couple. Friday, July 10, 2020 - Lake Elmo, MN - Opening in Spring 2021, The Fields at Arbor Glen 55-plus independent living campus celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking event in Lake Elmo. Attendees including some of partners for the project including: Bremer Bank, Ayres Architects, Larson Building, Ebenezer Management Services, Frisbie Properties and City of Lake Elmo staff including Mayor Mike Pearson. The Fields at Arbor Glen is an Ebenezer-managed, Independent Living senior rental community. The 55+ new development rental community consists of a 42-unit, approximately 64,000 square foot apartment building and 18 single-level patio townhomes. "We are excited to partner with Ebenezer to bring new housing choices to serve Lake Elmo and the surrounding area's active, independent seniors. We look forward to building upon the strong community and continuum of care Ebenezer has grown and established at Arbor Glen Senior Living" said Shari Frisbie, Chief Manager of Lake Elmo Independent Living, LLC. The Fields at Arbor Glen is being built to foster opportunities for the active 55+ senior population to connect socially and live near like-minded neighbors. This unique and well-designed community will offer all of the amenities you are looking for in a new home leaving the hassle behind. The Fields at Arbor Glen will also contain well-appointed apartments with washer/dryers, walk-in closets, kitchen islands, balconies, and contemporary finishes. The common outdoor area is designed to meet the needs of today’s active seniors and to build community with gathering areas, gardens, game courts for pickleball, horseshoes, and bocce ball; walking trails. Residents will have access to common spaces at the adjacent Arbor Glen Senior Living, which includes a dining room, community room, movie theater, fitness center, hair salon, spa room, pub, and craft area. “Lake Elmo is such a vibrant community with welcoming neighbors. We’ve had such a great experience meeting the people of Lake Elmo and surrounding areas as well as partnering schools and businesses in working with Arbor Glen Senior Living. We’re excited for this new project and to watch The Fields at Arbor Glen grow in the coming year,” said Susan Farr, Vice President of Business Development for Ebenezer Management Services. Address: 11070 39th Street North, Lake Elmo, MN, 55042
Features/Amenities: Outdoor Gas Grill, High-Speed Wi-Fi Internet, Secured Entrance, Maintenance-Free Living, Heated Parking, Common Gathering Areas, Gardens, Game Courts for pickleball, horseshoes, and bocce ball; Walking Trails, and Access to Spa/Salon, Theater Room, and Fitness Center at neighboring Arbor Glen community. It is true! Downsizing and moving to a 55 plus active independent living community has many advantages. A smaller living space means less up-keep, lower utility bills, and *no maintenance* such as yard work, painting, or snow removal. Why not lower your bills, and have more time to do what you love? It is a win-win situation. Save money and time!
How to Manage with Less Space It is often said that people spend the first 50 years of their life accumulating possessions, and the last 50 years disposing of them. There’s a lot of truth to that statement, and once reaching the fifth decade of life, there’s something to be said about simplifying your life. Collectibles, unused kitchen items, multiple sets of dishes, china, clothing that is no longer worn, and furniture cluttering up rooms in the house that are never used are all contributors of feeling trapped in your residence with endless work and upkeep. The first step in getting out of your home and moving to a 55 plus community is disposing of the items you won’t need going forward. While it can be hard, there are lots of positives associated with adopting a “less is more” attitude. Decluttering the home can have positive effects on personal well being, and subsequently downsizing and living in a smaller, worry-free, independent, active living space can give people in the 55 plus age group a new lease on life. Why not live around people in the same age and stage of life? Meet new people who are active and independent like you are. Whether single or in a relationship as a couple, 55 plus community living can make a big impact on your quality of life. Residents of these types of communities often comment that the positive changes they have realized make them wonder why they didn’t take steps to move sooner. Getting ready to make the transition can seem daunting, but there are lots of options to de-clutter your current home. Start by identifying what brings you joy, and what you really, truly need. Re-evaluate that collection of Hummel figurines. Does it bring you joy? If yes, keep it, or take a photo of it. If you’ve gotten your enjoyment out of it over the years and don’t need it any longer, donate or sell it on eBay. Whether you pass items down to family members, take them to a charity rummage sale, or deliver them to a thrift store, there are a wide variety of options available. If these types of decluttering systems seem too daunting, there are always a variety of junk removal companies, or personal organizing services that will, for a price, simplify the decluttering process. Once rid of the clutter, and useless items, a feeling of peace and satisfaction are experienced. The choice to move to a new, smaller home in a community with people of the same age and stage is easier and much more attainable. High Quality, Beautiful 55 Plus Apartment Homes and Patio Townhomes – You’re Worth It! The Fields at Arbor Glen offers substance, style, and high quality living. The Fields, an upscale 55-plus active living community, is located in a character filled rural area with beautiful walking trails and an abundance of nearby entertainment. This includes nearby shopping, dining, and services, like hair salons, all located within easy reach. Additionally, The Fields at Arbor Glen is located near charming wetlands and wildflower areas by only a block. Safety is #1 Security is another advantage of moving to a 55 plus active adult apartment community. State-of-the-art security features are part of the whole Fields at Arbor Glen experience. Indoor grade level parking for the apartments and garages for the townhomes, and controlled access for entering the complex are all features that keep you safe and secure. More Time to Do What You Love Enjoy the 55 plus lifestyle at The Fields from the inside out. Spacious, well-designed apartments and townhomes with modern, well-appointed fixtures and neutral décor make living in The Fields a comfortable transition. Enjoy more time to do what you love. Whether traveling for several weeks/months at a time, or just hanging at home, the peace of mind living in a smaller space with an abundance of amenities will improve your life for the better and the satisfaction is immeasurable. Relish the time to enjoy the scenery, make new friends, or explore the nearby nature trails. With a renewed sense of freedom, and addition of time you used to spend cleaning your large home, or mowing the lawn, living in a smaller, less cluttered area changes lives from complex to simple. Staying Fit Has Never Been Easier The Fields has a treadmill and bike within our Independent Living building as well as access to a fitness center through our neighbors, Arbor Glen Senior Living. They are equipped with exercise equipment, weight machines, bands and a variety of group exercise classes. On top of this, after working out, residents could then also take advantage of their relaxing spa/salon. Gathering with Others in Your New Fields Apartment or Townhome The many common areas available lend themselves to hosting private parties, or pop up gatherings. Should residents plan an impromptu happy hour, yard games with friends, or if they are due to host their book club, the community rooms offer spaces to entertain large groups, minimizing the need for re-configuring your living room or cleaning your residence to have folks in. The independent living apartment homes and single-level patio townhomes available at The Fields help you focus on living your best life. No stairs to contend with, and no maintenance on your yard or garden give you valuable time to enjoy what you love. All the grounds maintenance at The Fields is taken care of by a friendly, professional staff. If you’ve been wondering whether to downsize or not, you must give The Fields at Arbor Glen some consideration. You have everything to gain, including hours of freedom to use as you wish. It just might be time to embrace an exciting, uncomplicated lifestyle. Let’s face it, there was a time during life that yard work was actually kind of fun. Getting out and sweating while mowing the lawn or pruning the bushes was a much-needed break from being stuck in the office during the week slaving away. But, after reaching the fifth decade of life, lots of people think about simplifying their lives to have more quality time for doing what they enjoy, and The Fields at Arbor Glen Apartment Homes and Townhomes are a sure-fire way to make that happen. Convenience, social interaction, safety, and cost savings are all benefits of The Fields. And, imagine having weekends reserved for your own activities instead of a long list of household chores such as painting, caulking, or yard work. It really is possible!
Vibrant, Beautiful Over 55 Lifestyle Nestled in the picturesque rural area of Lake Elmo, near shopping areas and a block from beautiful wetland and wildflower walking paths, The Fields is a vibrant, over 55 active adult community that is truly exceptional. Some people choose an over 55 active adult community when they retire, others ease into such a community before retirement. Either way, getting rid of the lawn mower, snow blower, pruning shears, and headaches of painting, gutter cleaning, and general upkeep is welcome to residents who want to be able to travel for months at a time, or just stay at home and enjoy life while they have their good health. Once the children have moved away, many adults over the age of 55 feel a bit isolated in their communities. The areas where they lived once provided a sense of place, such as sporting events for the kids, or school programs. But, as the neighborhood matures, things can drastically change, and the frequent activities people once busied themselves with in the community are non-existent. Many 55 plus individuals and couples actually find a new sense of community with residents they become acquainted with when moving into an active older adult community. Living around people with similar interests, similar ages, and similar life situations leads to new friendships from daily living, and from the activities available. Couples and singles alike enjoy the camaraderie of living in a 55 plus active adult community. So Many Activities to Choose From Activities are abundant at The Fields. The nearby walking paths and beautiful parks are great ways to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, there are many opportunities for socialization with adults who are of the same age group and mindset. Game courts for pickleball/bocce ball, gardens, and bonfire pits, gathering area, games and parties are right at your fingertips! Additionally, the Fields at Arbor Glen has access to their neighboring Arbor Glen senior living community. This includes taking advantage of the dining options, the common gathering areas, and the spa/salon, theatre room and fitness center! The Fields at Arbor Glen has a fitness room which includes a treadmill and bike. Neighboring Arbor Glen boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center which affords our residents the exercise/fitness equipment they need, and a wide array of fitness and yoga classes to help keep them fit and in shape. No need to join a gym, the top-notch fitness center is included in the amenities available to residents. Also a good gathering spot, the fitness center is a great way to get acquainted with like-minded individuals, and group fitness classes can spark new friendships and groups for socializing. New Living and New Friends The Fields isn’t exactly the same as retirement living--it’s active older adult living. There’s a difference. Retirement senior living communities usually include a dining room(s) and meal plans. Residents in the over 55 active adult communities prepare their own meals, or dine out, or a combination of the two, no meal plans or structured dining rooms. There is also dining available at nearby restaurants (Twin Point Tavern, Gorman's Restaurant and Lake Elmo Inn to name a few) as well as our residents having access to meal plans at the neighboring Arbor Glen Senior Living community. The Fields at Arbor Glen is a community of people aged 55 and over. The individuals are entirely independent and live in a great location for active people. They experience the benefits of residing in a community that promotes socialization and wellness. At The Fields, you will find up-to-date, beautiful, spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, some of which include dens. Additionally, The Fields features 18 patio townhomes that consist of 2-3 bedrooms and garage spaces. The residences feature upscale fixtures, and neutral décor. Not only do residents enjoy first-rate amenities and services, the living areas can be compared to something like a superlative hotel with elegant, modern décor throughout. Located near a lovely area with wetlands and wildflowers, The Fields is just a few minutes from beautiful trails, and a wide range of community areas. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and services are all within easy reach which simplifies life. The Fields is the optimal choice for independent couples or singles who are 55 plus. The Fields also includes indoor grade level parking for the apartments and garage spaces for the townhomes. And, other security features help residents stay safe whether you’re inside your apartment or outside. This means you can go away for the winter or take a vacation, however long, free of worry! The high end, upscale apartment units have safety features like grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and an emergency call system. Our friendly team help keep an eye on residents, and are readily available should the need arise. The Fields Makes Living to the Fullest Easy Whether you’re traveling the world, or staying home, you needn’t worry about home maintenance or security because The Fields at Arbor Glen has everything handled. It’s all part of the “living life to the fullest” equation. Taking the hassle factor out of snow removal, lawn maintenance, or other bothersome homeowner tasks makes for peace of mind, and the ability to focus on you and life’s adventures. If you’ve been searching for a way to live comfortably in a beautiful setting that’s safe, convenient to shopping, dining, nature trails, and entertainment options, consider The Fields Apartment Homes and Patio Townhomes. We just might be the right choice for you! Get in touch today to learn more. |
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