One of the biggest decisions many retirees face is whether to remain in their home or move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). While lifestyle, health, and family considerations all play a role, the financial side of the equation is often misunderstood.
At first glance, monthly fees at a continuing care retirement community can seem expensive. Depending on the residence, floor plan, and occupancy, monthly fees can range from approximately $3,000 to more than $6,000 per month. These fees often include utilities, internet, cable, landscaping, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, security, wellness programs, fitness facilities, social activities, and dining credits.
To provide a comparison, let’s look at a typical debt-free 2,600-square-foot home in St. James Plantation.
Monthly ownership and lifestyle expenses may include:
- Property taxes: approximately $200
- Homeowners, wind, and hail insurance: approximately $300
- Electric, water, sewer, internet, and cable: approximately $400
- HOA dues: approximately $115
- Landscaping, annual mulch, and seasonal shrub maintenance: approximately $200
- Signature Social Membership for a couple: approximately $346
- Food & Beverage Minimum: approximately $80
- House cleaning: approximately $200
- Home maintenance reserve for repairs and upkeep: approximately $200
This brings the total to approximately $2,041 per month before groceries, healthcare expenses, transportation, travel, and discretionary spending.
While the monthly cost of remaining in a St. James home may be significantly lower than that of a continuing care community, the comparison is not entirely apples to apples.
Homeowners retain the benefits of ownership, privacy, larger living spaces, and the potential for future appreciation of their property. They also maintain complete flexibility in choosing service providers, healthcare options, and how they spend their retirement years.
Residents of continuing care communities often value a different set of benefits. The convenience of maintenance-free living, organized social activities, transportation services, dining options, wellness programs, and access to future healthcare services can provide peace of mind and reduce many of the responsibilities associated with homeownership.
The answer is not the same for everyone. Some retirees value independence and remaining in the home they love. Others place a higher priority on convenience, social engagement, and planning for future healthcare needs.
Ultimately, the best choice is rarely determined by monthly cost alone. Understanding the true financial picture of both options allows retirees to make decisions based on their lifestyle goals, priorities, and long-term plans rather than assumptions. Whether aging in place or choosing a continuing care community, informed planning is often the key to a successful retirement.
Suggested Comparison Graphic
| Typical St. James Home (2,600 HSF) | Continuing Care Community |
| Approx. Monthly Cost: $2,041 | Approx. Monthly Cost: $3,000–$6,000+ |
| Property Taxes | Included |
| Homeowners & Wind Insurance | Included |
| Utilities, Internet & Cable | Included |
| HOA Dues | N/A |
| Landscaping & Yard Maintenance | Included |
| House Cleaning | Included |
| Home Maintenance & Repairs | Included |
| Signature Social Membership | Wellness & Fitness Facilities |
| Food & Beverage Minimum | Dining Credits / Meal Plans |
| Build Equity Through Ownership | No Home Maintenance Responsibilities |
| Greater Privacy & Living Space | Transportation & Organized Activities |
| Choose Your Own Healthcare Providers | Future Care Options Available |
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