Where Should You Move After Selling Your Home? A Guide to Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
Selling your longtime home opens the door to new possibilities but deciding where to move next can be overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking ease, community, or care, understanding your options can help you make a confident and informed decision.
In Massachusetts, many older adults are choosing to “right-size”, not just for less maintenance, but to improve quality of life, connection, and overall wellness. Here’s what to know about each type of living situation, along with typical costs and considerations.
Apartment Living
For many, apartment living can be the first step after selling a family home. Apartments offer flexibility, less upkeep, and proximity to city conveniences. You can choose rental or condo ownership, and there’s no lawn care, snow shoveling, or maintenance to worry about.
Best for: Active, independent adults who want a simpler lifestyle and prefer to manage their own meals, transportation, and daily routines.
Consider: Apartment buildings often lack built-in communities or structured social activities, so staying connected takes more intentional effort.
Independent Living
Independent living communities combine the privacy of your own apartment or cottage with access to shared amenities like dining, fitness centers, and planned activities.
Why it’s appealing: Community living is a form of downsizing that replaces the large, maintenance-heavy common spaces of a traditional home — think kitchen, dining room, and yard — with shared social areas designed to bring people together. Bedrooms are intentionally smaller so residents spend more time engaging, dining, and participating in community life.
Health benefits: The most important factors for healthy aging — nutrition, exercise, sleep, and socialization — are built into the lifestyle of a well-run senior community.
Costs: Independent living costs vary widely but typically start around $3,000–$6,000/month in Massachusetts. Rental-based communities generally have more availability than “buy-in” models, which require a larger upfront fee.
Assisted Living
Assisted living bridges the gap between independence and care. Residents enjoy private apartments but receive daily support such as help with medications, meals, dressing, and mobility.
Best for: Older adults who are largely independent but need some assistance with daily activities.
Costs: Expect $5,000–$12,000/month for private pay in Massachusetts. The variation depends on level of care and amenities.
Memory Care
Memory care communities provide specialized, secure environments for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Staff are specially trained in cognitive support, and daily routines emphasize safety, consistency, and connection.
Costs: $9,000–$12,000/month for private pay in Massachusetts.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
For individuals requiring 24/7 medical supervision or complex nursing care, skilled nursing facilities are the most intensive — and costly — option.
Costs: $15,000–$25,000/month for private pay in Massachusetts.
Finding the Right Fit
Choosing the right next home involves balancing independence, care needs, social preferences, and budget. Touring communities, understanding care levels, and comparing costs can help families make the best decision for their loved one’s current and future needs.
At Downsizable™, we help clients through every step — from sorting and selling to packing, moving, and settling into the next chapter. Wherever you or your loved one are headed, we’ll make the transition seamless, supportive, and stress-free.