Seniors/55+ Housing and Information Links
These are some links to help you "Surf the Web" for General Information, California and Federal Government Web pages, Senior Interest sites, Legal, Medical, Computer and more. As I find new sites of interest I will add them. If you have any you would like to add let me know.
If you have any questions, you can e-mail me directly by clicking on this link Kaye
Enjoy,
Kaye Senior Humor: An elderly Florida lady did her shopping at Publix and upon
returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to
scream at the top of her voice, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!" The four men didn't wait for a second invitation. They got out and
ran like mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the trunk of the car and got into driver's seat, shaken that she
could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then it dawned on her why. A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces
farther down in the same row. She loaded her bags into the car and
drove to the police station. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing. He
pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun. No charges were filed. The moral of the story is that if you're going to have a Senior
Moment, make it a good one.
What's Your Age?
Remember you are as young as you feel! My mother is 84 and acts half her age. She still has a marvelous soprano voice and is singing in a concert choir in Hawaii. However I am seeing some real changes in her physical abilities. Mom believes that dusting is enough exercise. She doesn't understand the link between movement and being able to move better. I 'm hoping that when they move back to the Mainland I can get her to join one of the classes offered by Beach Cities Health District. BCHD offers some terrific classes for seniors along with fym and strength training and a full gym. I hope I can get Mom to take advantage of this wonderful resource. As I get older I realize that another item we all need to be aware of is transportation. I've been looking at places for My mother and step-Dad to move to when they sell their house. In Hawaii they have a home with a panoramic ocean view so I thouhgt they would also want a view here. Not so.. what they want is someplace without all the traffic and congestion. After looking at the various areas they have chosen El Segundo. They love it because they can walk to downtown for lunch, a haircut or groceries. While Torrance has lots of senior friendly condos they decided that was not what they wanted. They are looking for a one story single family home with a small yard as Paul wants to garden. There is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing a place to live as we get older. I know one woman who sold her Manhattan Beach home and will be moving to a senior community in Torrance as she has lots of friends there. I know another woman who is curious about a new community in Pasadena. The complex will be operated by Sunrise. The units will be high end with a 24 hour concierge service. Health care will more and more determine our lifestyle options. We all need to know as much as possible about our about health coverage. Many companies are shifting the responsibility for health care to retirees. The links below are shortcuts to sites and information I hope is useful and informative.
Ladies.. Looking for something fun that will challenge your mind? You might want to check out the Salon Forum.. not it's not about your hair or nails.. it's about converstion.. stimulating conversation and meeting some interesting women.. For more information on the Salon Forum... Call (310)476-7318 or go to www.salonforum.org.
BRAIN GAMES: Looking for ways to stimulate your brain? Here are two sites that will keep you brain smart! AARP Games Lots of challenging types of games.
Another site to try is Happy Neuron
55+ Real Estate For Sale Beginning this month I have added a section to my Newsletter on 55+ housing. You can find out the number of listings, pending sales and sold information on a monthly basis. Take a quick Tour of the nine communities then check out the details below
SUNSET GARDENS:
This complex is located on Crenshaw Blvd. It is across from the CrossRoads Shopping Center. At least one resident must be 55 years old. These units are mostly 1 bedroom and are the least expensive of the three complexes.It has an indoor pool, shuffleboard area, putting green and other amentities. Current prices range from $255,000-$400,000 depending on location, bedrooms and floorplan...
NEW HORIZONS:
This lovely complex is on Nadine Circle and is close to Del Amo Mall and the Civic Center. One resident must be 55+ to purchase in the complex. Units are mainly 1 and 2 bedrooms. There are a few 3 bedrooms. The complex has many amentities including a 9 hole executive golf course and two pools. Current prices range from $374,000-$550,000 depending on location and floorplan... Take a quick tour...
PACIFIC VILLAGE:
Construction was completed on this 55+ complex in March 2003 . It is on Maple off Sepulveda and is close to the Del Amo Mall. The complex consists of 1 and 2 bedroom units. Units start around $269,000 - $400,000 for the larger models. It features many amentities....
TRADE WINDS:
Newer complex completed in late 2003-early 2004. The complex is on Sepulveda west of Crenshaw. The complex has a pool, library, community area with kitchen, exercise room and courtyard. One owner must be 55+ and other owner at least 45. Units are priced from $460,000 for a smaller one bedroom with den to $550,000 for a larger two bedroom....
THE GABLES:
New construction(2006)for those who are 55+ featuring studio and one bedroom units that start at $255,000 for a studio. The complex is on Torrance Blvd just east of Hawthorne Blvd. This is a great location close to shopping and restaurants and Little Company Of Mary Hospital....
VILLAGE COURT:
New Construction (2006)for 55+ with many amenities including a gym, pool and community room. There are seven floorplans ranging from one bedroom one bath units to three bedroom two bath units. Prices start $379,000 to $700,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath unit. The units are located on Hawthorne Blvd between Torrrance Blvd and Carson Blvd. This complex is also close to shopping and Little Company Of Mary Hospital...Take a quick tour THE MERIDIAN At CABRILLO: These are new construction that should be completed November or December of 2006. There are three plans.. 1 bdrm/1 bath units, 1 bdrm/1 bath + den units and 2 bdrm/2 bath units. prices start at $326,000. Only one is currently on MLS and it is a 2 bedroom 2 ba 1150 sqft listed at $435,000. Courtyard Villa Estates: These are new construction(2007) that have been completed about one month. They are truly stunning units with a lot of detail. They feature large rooms are have more of the feeling of a home. prices start at $528,000 and go up to the high $800,000's for the top floor larger units. Blue Rose Court: I would love to see more of these around the area. These are new construction(2007) and have 2 bedroom 2 bath units with an attached private garage. They also have small patio areas with grass. These feel like small townhouses. Prices start at $549,000 and up. Breakwater Village: Breakwater Village is a new develpment in Redondo Beach. Scott Anastasi .. who also built Village Court is the developer. Later in the week I'll be visiting and will have a slide show set up with more information.
Parkview Court: This is located on Jefferson off Crenshaw across from Wilson Park in Torrance. The units are 1 bedroom 1 bath ($304,000+) 1 bedroom with a den ($330,000+) and 2 bedrooms with 2 baths( $419,000+). The units are very nice , The complex has a gym and a small courtyard but no pool or spa. The garage is subterranean and gated. Take a quick tour... Orange County:
Leisure World ( 2 locations):
Seal Beach off the 405 Freeway and Seal Beach Blvd. Prices start at $130,000 for a small 1 bdrm 1 bath. Larger units are over $550,000. Most transactions are on a "cash" basis for these properties.
Laguna Woods also off the 405 at El Torro Rd. exit. By far this complex is the largest Senior complex in the area and has the most available units for sale. Prices start at $110,000 for a small 1 bdrm and go over $900,000. Most transactions are on a "cash" basis with few available options other then owner financing. This may change once the underlying FHA loan on the whole complex is paid off.
Huntington Beach Landmark:
This is a larger version of New Horizons. There are apartments for rent and condos for sale. Very nice complex with lots of activities. There are rarely units for sale. Prices range from $165,000 for a 1 brdm 1 bath upper level to $550,000 for a remodeled 3 bdrm 2 bath unit one level. More 55+ Housing/Real Estate Links and Articles:
Manhattan Village: A Tale of 2 Townhomes
South Bay/Beach Cities: Market Snapshot.. June 2007 South Bay/Beach Cities: Market Snapshot July 2007
South Bay/Beach Cities: Market Snapshot September 2007
South Bay/Beach Cities: Market Snapshot October-November 2007 Reverse Mortages: Good news for people living in California and other high property value locations. Reverse Mortgage of America, a subsidiary of Seattle Mortgage will offer the first new reverse product in nearly a decade when its privately funded jumbo program -- The Lifestyle Plan -- should be available in California soon. The plan gives owners a higher amount of equity to draw from then other plans currently allow. Financial Freedom offers a similar product. Be sure to check these two plans with your advisor.
Many homeowners find themselves with a home that has hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity but no way to tap the money short of selling. A reverse mortgage may be one answer. If you have lots of equity but need more cash this may be a good resource. If you are 62 or older, own your home or have a parent or relative who may need cash check out "Reverse Mortgages for Dummies" by Sarah Glendon Lyons and John E. Lucas. I ran across this book in a column by Bob Bruss. He highly recommends the book as a good source to answer many questions you may have about reverse mortgages. Another new book about reverse mortgages is "Pocket Idiot's Guide to Reverse Mortgages" by Jennifer A. Pokorney.
A reverse mortgage is not the answer for everyone so it may be a good idea to run it by an attorney or CPA to see if this may work for you. For more information go to Fannie Mae Web Site On left side go to Homeowner/Buyer section and click on Mortgages. Then click on Senior Reverse Mortgages. This should answer many questions including how to find a Reverse Mortgage Counselor in your area. There are new laws concerning Reverse mortgages so be sure you get all updates.
WEB LINKS
Be sure to check out the Medicare link about questions concerning your medical and drug coverage if you are over 65.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY/SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
@LA: The Guide to Greater Los Angeles and Southern California
Los Angeles County Senior Services
University of Californnia Health Resources
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
State of California Resources
Property Tax Information
Senator Feinstein
Senator Boxer
Senior Information
U.S. GOVERNMENT
Administration on Aging
Housing Information from HUD
Social Security Administration Medicare Coverage
HOUSING OPTIONS:
Many residents of our South Bay community will choose to move to another location to be near family, friends or new lifestyle opportunities(close to fishing or golfcourse living).
Others would like to stay in their "neighborhood" but perhaps not in the same house. The South Bay offers a number of different options for 55+ Living. Not all will be restricted to 55+ occupants but may offer many ammentities that appeal to those who want a smaller home or less upkeep.
MANHATTAN BEACH: Manhattan Village while not a "55+" community has many senior occupants. It is a gated complex within walking distance of Manhattan Village Center. It is close to the restaurants and theatres on Rosecrans. There are two executive golf courses one at The Radisson and the other at The Lakes. It is minutes away from LAX and the 405 and 105 Freeways. The Torrance Medical Community is ten minutes with two major hospitals,world class doctors and major diagnostic centers.
Manhattan Beach also has Senior apartments that are a good bargain and close to Manhattan Village Center:
Manhattan Villas
1300 Park View Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-546-4062
Ross Manhattan Terrace
3400 Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-545-5063
HERMOSA BEACH: Hermosa has one of the nicest Senior assisted living complexes in the area. The Sunrise Asisted Living Complex is located on Pacific Coast Highway south of Artesia. They have a variety of options available to seniors who require minor or major help to live comfortably.
REDONDO BEACH: In South Redondo there are many condominum units near the beach that while not "55+" have features which are desirable. Many are gated with elevator service from the parking garage. Some have ocean views and are one level. They are close to the Esplanade, shopping and restaurants. The Torrance Medical Community is minutes away.
Redondo Beach has many 55+ housing options. More detailed information can be found on the city web site. If you go to my Community and School site you will find the city web link.
SENIOR AND FAMILY SERVICES
Recreation and Community Services Department
320 Knob Hill Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-318-0650
310-316-5699 TTY
REDONDO BEACH APARTMENTS:
Casa de Los Amigos
123 South Catalina
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-376-3457
Heritage Pointe
1801 Aviation Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
310-318-8418
Roland R. Mindeman Senior Residence
Redondo Beach Salvation Army Corps
125 West Beryl
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-318-2827
Seaside Villa
319 North Broadway Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-376-9363
Seasons Senior Apartments
109 S. Francisca Avenue
Redondo Beach CA 90277
310-374-6664
Additional housing programs offered through the City of Redondo Beach Fair Housing.Landlords and tenants who need more information on fair housing laws may also find it by calling the Housing Office.
310-318-0635
OTHER PROGRAMS:
City of Redondo Beach Handyperson Program For homeowners
310-318-0641
310-318-0610 x 3454
Help for Redondo Beach homeowners with incomes from $29,200 for one person, $33,350 for two, to $55,000 for a family of eight. Eligible homeowners can receive exterior improvements and limited interior repairs for home and property. All work is completed by City's Handyperson Program crew at no cost to homeowner.
City of Redondo Beach Mobility Access Program/Emergency Repair For homeowners
310-318-0641
City of Redondo Beach Section 8
310-318-0635
310-318-0640 (recording)
Website: Redondo Housing
Deferred Payment Loan Program
City of Redondo Beach
320 Knob Hill Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-318-0641
TORRANCE: Torrance is currently the only city in the South Bay with a number of choices for those who are looking to downsize and try the 55+ lifestyle. The City of Torrance has seven Senior Condominum Complexes with more on the drawing board. Three of them "The Gables" and "Village Court" and the upcoming "The Meridian At Cabrillo" are new construction. Two more complexes have been added to the mix.. Courtyard Villa Estates in Torrance and Blue Rose Court in Lomita. They range in price from the mid $200,000's for a one bedroom in Sunset Gardens to mid $700,000's for a larger 3 bedroom unit in Village Court
The City of Torrance also has a number of Senior apartments and retirement homes. The following is a list of some of them. For further information go to the City of Torrance web site. You can find a link on my web page under Community and School Information.
APARTMENTS:
Coleman Court Apartments
1421 Cravens
Torrance, CA 90501
310-212-5898
Privately owned. Tenants must be age 62 or older.
Golden West Towers
3510 Maricopa Street
Torrance, CA 90503
310-371-4801
Subsidized senior housing with a long waiting list.
Harmony Courts
4502 186th Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
310-214-1416
Both people in family must be 62 years of age or older.
Huntington Retirement Hotel
20920 Earl Street
Torrance, CA 90503
310-370-5828
This is a retirement home that includes meals. There is waiting list.
Spring Retirement Center
20900 Earl Street
Torrance, CA 90503
310-370-3594
Retirement and assisted living.
Vermont Retirement Center
22711 Vermont
Torrance, CA 90502
310-320-3318
Villa Sorrento Retirement Home
23450 Madison Street
310-539-6826
GENERAL INFORMATION
AARP
Alliance for Retired Americans
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
California Senior Job Bank
Congress of California Seniors
ElderWeb, The oldest and largest aging and eldercare sourcebook on the Web.
Elder net
National Council on Aging Assisted Living Directory
CLASSES
Looking to find places to take some fun and challenging classes? Check out these sites that are part of the 60 Plus Program offered to California residents that are 60 and older.
Cal State Dominguez Hills (310) 243-3654 or Cal State Dominguez
Cal State Long Beach (562)985-5471 or Cal State Long Beach
Cal State Los Angeles (323)343-3000 or Cal State LA
Santa Monica College (310)434-4306 or Santa Monica College
UCLA (310) 794-0676 or UCLA
MAGAZINES/NEWSPAPERS/BOOKS
Books, Videos, Audio Tapes
California Newspapers
Senior Citizens Magazine
Senior Journal
HEALTH
Beach Cities Health District
California Association of Health Facilities
California Citizens for Health Freedom
Health and Retirement Study by University of Michigan
Red Cross News/Health Updates
GENERAL SENIOR SERVICES:
Eldercare Locator Service or Call 1-800-677-1116 to find services about care for a senior. SPECIALIZED CLOTHING..apparrell sites for people with mobility problems:
Buck & Buck
Clothing Solutions
Comfort Clothing
MJ Designs Adaptive Clothing
Silvert's Easy-Wear Clothing
Wardrobe Wagon
COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY
Reference Desk.com/Internet Search Engine
Senior-Net
FOR FUN
Amtrack Discounts
Returning to School
Library of Congress
Southern California Golf Association
United States Tennis Association
POLITICS
California Republican Caucus
California Democratic Senior Caucus
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