Regency Terrace. 11410 Dolan Ave., Downey, California.  I visited this “Over 55″ building on January 30, 2008 with my husband.  There is one building at this site with all levels served by elevators.

It is close to Stonewood Shopping Center and all the businesses, restaurants  and entertainments surrounding the shopping center.There is plenty to do in this area.

Downey Regional Hospital is very close by.

This coplex is served buy the Dial A Ride bus with pick ups in front of the building.

This building is good for “Over 55s” that who do not want to do a lot of work and upkeep for their living spaces. They prefer to spend their time doing other things.

I walked through all the different floors of the building. I visited one unit, but is is a good example of what the building has to offer. There is a Club Room, Fitness Center, Pool and Spa and lounges.

The unit has lots of natural light and 1 bedroom/1 bath with 573 Sq Ft.  There are larger units, but only 2 units were for sale the day I was there.  That would suggest that people like living there.

The unit was very compact and well laid out.  There was even a stacked washer/dryer so you wouldn’t have to leave your home to do your laundry.  The kitchen area had everything you need for preparing and serving meals with a stove, microwave and dishwasher.

The price was $197,500 with HOA dues of $172 per month. Dues included trash, water, Building and landscaping maintenance.   Entry into the individual units are from inside hallways.  The building has a keyed entrance.  The parking is beneath the building at ground level with garage door openers for entry.

Due to a long, long problem with a computer glitch I was unable to enter new imformation.  Now that that problem has been solved I have updated prices for the units in these “Over 55″ communities.  So,  though the date on the posts look old, the relevant information is updated.  Also, note that some communities are “62 and over”.   There are many, many communities with active retirement living and you are sure to find one that suits your life style or finances.   Happy looking

Due to a long, long problem with a computer glitch I was unable to enter new imformation.  Now that that problem has been solved I have updated prices for the units in these “Over 55″ communities.  So,  though the date on the posts look old, the relevant information is updated.  Also, note that some communities are “62 and over”.   There are many, many communities with active retirement living and you are sure to find one that suits your life style or finances.   Happy looking.

Due to a long, long problem with a computer glitch I was unable to enter new imformation.  Now that that problem has been solved I have updated prices for the units in these “Over 55″ communities.  So,  though the date on the posts look old, the relevant information is updated.  Also, note that some communities are “62 and over”.   There are many, many communities with active retirement living and you are sure to find one that suits your life style or finances.   Happy looking

Night time views along the water in Long Beach, California are sometimes breathtaking. Residents and visitors alike are provided Christmas “eye candy” that other cities might envy. Resident Cathy Hoang took these pictures at Shoreline Village’s downtown marina.

A visit to Shoreline Village must include a visit to the merry-go-round and a little shopping or dining at the many restaurants such as Parker’s Lighthouse with its fabulous views or the excitement of the Yard House and others.

Cathy took these Chrstmas Tree pictures standing on the Appian Way bridge looking up along Bay Shore Drive.  Jann Vanzant assisted her on the cold and crystal clear night.  Those that are lucky enough to live along Appian Way or Bay Shore Drive are treated to a nightly light show.  Visitors can reach Appian Way from 2nd Street in the Naples-Belmont Shore area of Long Beach.

The lights are turned on the first Saturday or Sunday of December and are turned off around New Year’s Eve. Then the trees are put away for the next year.  Another reason to live in or visit Long Beach, CA.

 The location is in the 9900 block of Cedar St., Bellflower, CA just east of Bellflower Blvd.

Bethel Manor is an attractive ”over 55″ independent living community located in Bellflower, CA.  Bellflower is in the Greater Long Beach area. 

Bethel Manor is for people that want a small, intimate community to live in that is geared for the “over 55″ crowd.  The price is affordable and the HOA dues are low. There are 32 units of one floor design.  Each has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.  There is nice size kitchen, dining area and living room.  The kitchen is electric. The inside laundry is in the kitchen area.  

Two bedrooms with closets, hallways with storage closets make room for your belonging.  The baths are good sized. Only one of the bedrooms is shown here.

Pleasant greenbelts are located between the different buildings. All units have a patio that is accessed through sliding patio doors from inside as well as through patio gates from the greenbelts. (Patio gates can be locked.)

Monthly potlucks, exercise classes and crafts are available at the community clubhouse.  Having a party or reception?  If the date is open the clubhouse can be used for the event.

Easily accessed covered parking spaces have a storage cabinet at the space.

The Home Owners Association (HOA) is self-goverened.  Current association dues are $125 per month. Water is included in the association dues.  There are CC&Rs governing the complex.

Not all units look the same as the unit shown in this posting.  The floor plans are the same or are mirror images of this one.  Some have up-to-date appliances, etc. and some have older ones. This one was just painted, carpeted, new stove, etc and counter tops were installed before the sale in 2008.

Bethel Manor units can be purchased with “cash to new loan” as well as “cash”. The complex is FHA approved.  With FHA the downpayment will be 3.5% of purchase price beginning January 1, 2009.  The down payment can be gift money from a family member. 

You must be 55 year old or older to live in Bethel Manor.  However,  you do not have to be 55 to buy a unit here.  Perhaps a family member wants to help you live here.

There are two units available for sale at the time of this posting 11/02/2008.

 PRICES UPDATED 5/15/2009

  I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the grounds and buildings at this well thought out senior community.  I live in Long Beach which is mostly flat, flat, flat.  Here, there are small, rolling hills with nicely wooded landscaping with much to catch your eye.  Actually, there are over 2000 trees on the fully landscaped grounds. I was impressed by the quietness in much of the community. Staff member that I met was courteous and helpful.

This community was built and is managed by the same company that does the Huntington Beach Landmark Adult Community.  I made my visit at the end of January, 2008.  As usual my husband Von went along to help point out features that I might miss and give a non REALTOR’s point of view. 

This is perfect for those that want more from their retirement community.  It has so many amenities that you would think you lived in a resort yet the HOA monthly dues are under $300. There is a guard house at the entrance with 24 hour service.  Here are some of the activities and buildings for owners’ use: Olympic size pools, tennis courts, putting green, sauna, firepit, gazebo, clubhouse, gym, library, craft room, wood shop, billiard room, etc. etc.

The community is conveniently located to the La Mirada Golf Course, City Hall, Library, Theater, and shopping centers.  There is so much to keep you active and interested.

I was lucky enough to talk with Kristin Farson, the Activities Director.  She was very gracious and talked with me at length about the many programs, activities and tours that are available to the residents of Landmark.  She said there were many owners that were not yet retired, but had made the decision to buy before 65 and settle in.  Also,  since you can purchase with a down payment and get a loan it would give one the chance to pay off the mortgage before retiring.  Makes a lot of sense. 

Ms. Farson is up to date on most aspects of senior living.  In fact, she hosts a weekly radio show called “BETTER TIMES AFTER 50″ on Advice Radio which is broadcast in her local area. It is a relaxed format with guests talking about senior issues and programs.  Since I am a Seniors Real Estate Specialist she invited me to come on her show - but first I have to find a way to not be tongue tied when a microphone is put in front of me!  

You can look up Advice Radio at AdviceRadio.com with headquarters in Whittier. 

I took a look at 6 different style units.  There are some 2 story buildings.  There are no elevators in these units.  But, I did note that one resourceful owner had installed an electronic lift that went up the side of the stairs along the inside of the railing.

The units feel roomy.  Even the 1 Bedroom/1 Bath unit had 872 Sq Ft. I saw felt like there was enough room for daily living. There are also 2 Bedroom/2 Bath and 3 Bedroom/2 Bath units.    Very attractive.  Most are bright and feel open when walking through them.  The prices of available units as of May 15, 2009 ranged from $190,000 to $305,000.   1 Bedroom/1 Bath units with 807 Sqft. to 875 Sqft were $190,000 to $230,000. 2 Bedroom/2 Bath units with 1,025 Sqft to 1,155 Sqft. ranged from $222,900 to $305,000.  Of course, there were differences in the appliances, flooring, etc. just like any other type of community, so there is a variety of prices.  Most looked up to date and attractive.

Proposition 60 and 90 can be used here.  Remember that all of Los Angeles County (and Orange County) still offer “Over 55s” to take their lower property taxes with them when they sell and buy another in these counties if the purchase is for less than the sale of the former primary residences.  This could save you a bundle annually.  Call me 562-208-6314 for more information on these propositions.  Or, check out the favorite links on the web site www.suevanzant.com. 

A few words about my photos. My picture taking and photo entry is improving some. Though sometimes the pictures don’t appear in the order above that I think I am entering. I seemed to have entered one picture three times and I can’t figure out how to delete them.  Also, this is an example of what happens sometimes. This is one of my famous pictures of parking lot pavement.  

  Thank goodness I am improving some!

Any time you would like to take a tour of this or any other senior community I would be glad to arrange it.  I am here to assist you in your search for the perfect place for you. 562-208-6314 , or my office at Century 21 Beachside, Realtors 562-430-2121 or sue@suevanzant.com.

Regency Terrace. 11410 Dolan Ave., Downey, California.  I visited this “Over 55″ building on January 30, 2008 with my husband.  There is one building at this site with all levels served by elevators.

It is close to Stonewood Shopping Center and all the businesses, restaurants  and entertainments surrounding the shopping center.There is plenty to do in this area.

Downey Regional Hospital is very close by.

This coplex is served buy the Dial A Ride bus with pick ups in front of the building.

This building is good for “Over 55s” that who do not want to do a lot of work and upkeep for their living spaces. They prefer to spend their time doing other things.

I walked through all the different floors of the building. I visited one unit, but is is a good example of what the building has to offer. There is a Club Room, Fitness Center, Pool and Spa and lounges.

The unit has lots of natural light and 1 bedroom/1 bath with 573 Sq Ft.  There are larger units, but only 2 units were for sale the day I was there.  That would suggest that people like living there.

The unit was very compact and well laid out.  There was even a stacked washer/dryer so you wouldn’t have to leave your home to do your laundry.  The kitchen area had everything you need for preparing and serving meals with a stove, microwave and dishwasher.

The price was $197,500 with HOA dues of $172 per month. Dues included trash, water, Building and landscaping maintenance.   Entry into the individual units are from inside hallways.  The building has a keyed entrance.  The parking is beneath the building at ground level with garage door openers for entry.

On January 30, 2008 I visited Fountain Walk, a newer senior Spanish Style complex in Cerritos, California.  This is a smaller complex built in 2007.  Everything is fresh and new. This would be a very nice place for those of you that want to downsize but stay in the area you are familar with.

Looking down spacious driveway toward entrance from street you see attached garages and attactive buildings.

The last two pictures above show the clubhouse with faces the front of the complex and the entrance into the complex.  The complex has a spa with lift to aide those with a challenge to enter the pool and enjoy the soothing water.   The complex is also served by Cerritos transportation with small buses to transport you to different locations.  Perhaps to shop or doctors, etc.  I am not sure of the exact program offered to seniors here. 

The day that I visited I was shown around by a person working for the developer of the complex.  I saw a unit on Waterfull Lane for $359,000 and one on Cascade for the same price.  Both were downstairs units - the only two left and their floors plans were identical but reversed.   I have a copy of the floor plan to show you so you can get a better idea of the lay out.  To see this complex just call me and I will make an appointment for us to see.