Anyone else affected by the Low Income Senior Housing Crisis?

Hello, Carolee - I really believe the shortage of affordable senior housing is a nationwide problem, as is affordable housing for families, working singles, etc. Where we spend summers in Minnesota, the cost of "affordable" housing is $1500 or more a month for 2 bedrooms, extra if you need a garage. The wait for low-cost senior housing is 3 or more years, and then the building may not be all seniors. My friend's sister on Omaha pays $1400/month for a one bedroom in a senior building - with increases every year.

Depending upon where you are in Texas, you may want to explore different options. We live in far South Texas in an "RV Resort", but we have a small 1 bedroom park model mobile home on a rented lot. These park models are available used, and often fully furnished, for $10,000-20,000. Depending on the park and its amenities, monthly lot rent is $250-$400 plus electric. Many have swimming pools, clubhouses, activities... Our rent is $305 paid monthly or $275 if paid by the year, water, sewer trash and basic Internet included. We pay the electric which ranges from $40-250/month depending on air conditioning and it costs us about $100/year for propane for cooking & heating. Pretty reasonable living, we think.

Some communities are 55 and over only, others welcome all ages. This is not "living in a camper" - these are 350-400 square foot homes, often with a deck, patio, shed, Texas room.

The last thing you would want to do is move to another state, only to find housing just as costly, a waiting list for affordable housing and a residency requirement of a year or more just to get on the list. Add the cost of moving, the need to change insurance, auto tags, driving license and doctors... However, if you are in a high cost metro area, it might be worth exploring nearby small towns.

Have you begun to explore moving options?
Sue

My husband would like to buy a mobile home. We had not heard of a park modle before. I think I would like that. Now the more difficult part, I need to be not too far from doctors and hospitals. Do you have to drive very far to a doctor? I have a lot of specialists like glaucoma, hematologist/oncologist to name a few.

I am so glad that you answered. I have loads of questions! We live in a suburban area and have found all the doctors there but drove to Dallas for an eye operation. My husband has on his wish to be close to Chinese community. I would like to be in a area where we could actually see a beach. Wull have more question but will try to save them for next time.

You might want to begin your exploration around Galveston. Not too far from Houston with its Chinese community. Not too far from North Padre and the Gulf
Quite a few options in the area. As you go farther South the predominant population is Hispanic.

Will look! Busy day!

Before we moved to Texas, we wanted to live in area near Sugarland. When we moved to Plano, we had planned a trip to Galston. In both cases at different times a hurricane came up! I have live through tornadoes, a blizzard and earhquakes but we are both afraid of hurricancs. The Park midel mobile home sounds looks to me. I am going to check more place
later this afternoon. We would like to live in the same place all year.

@carolee888, There is another discussion you might find helpful reading what other members are talking about --- Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/to-move-or-not-to-move-that-is-the-question/. Also, I wonder if @lioness might have some thoughts to share on being affected by the Low Income Senior Housing Crisis.

Here are some references I found that might be helpful:
-- "AARP Foundation is developing strategies to address senior housing and make our communities safe and affordable for everyone, regardless of age." -- Safe, Affordable Housing for Seniors - AARP Foundation: https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/housing/
-- Is a Housing Affordability Crisis on the Horizon for Seniors?: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/publications/bifocal/vol-41/bifocal-vol-41--issue-3/is-a-housing-affordability-crisis-on-the-horizon-for-seniors-/

Thank for the links. The apartment that we live has higher rent each year and we are on a fixed income. We know that we need to move. I love to research and have done a lot already. We can no longer afford to buy a home because of the rising prices and we don't like paying rent forever.

Yes I am

Welcome @ashokamala, It sounds like you are also affected by the low income senior housing shortage. Are you looking to downsize or other alternative housing?

YES, YES, YES ..... I live in a government subsidized apartment which is barely maintained. If I had more money I'd love to move, but I can't. There are people here (it's supposed to be just an independent senior apartment) that should be in either assisted living or even a nursing home. I so much want to move ..... the maintenance is terrible .... dirty, cockroaches, absolutely no "event type" things; so, most of the people just sit around and gossip. For someone who deals with depression, it makes me want to just "be done."
Barb