Thinking About Moving to Independent Living? 8 Steps to Help You Decide

Choosing an independent living community is a major life decision—one that goes far beyond simply picking a new place to live. It’s about finding an engaging, supportive environment that fits your lifestyle, budget, preferences and possibly even future care needs.

For many, the decision feels overwhelming—not because they’re unwilling, but because they’re unsure where to start or how to move forward.

So, how do you make a choice that feels right?

Here are practical steps to help you navigate the decision-making process and choose an independent living community that truly fits your life – and lifestyle.

Step 1. Know When It’s the Right Time to Move

The right time to consider independent living is different for everyone but ask any senior living resident (and their families), and the one thing most agree on is ‘don’t wait until a crisis hits.’ Planning early leads to better outcomes and smoother transitions.

Before exploring your options, senior living experts recommend taking an honest assessment of your current situation, lifestyle desires and expectations for the future. Ask yourself:

• Am I ready to downsize?
• Are daily tasks the responsibilities of homeownership becoming more of a chore?
• Would it be a relief to have meals prepared and help with housekeeping?
• Is driving an issue?
• Would I like to have more social interaction and structured activities while I’m still active and independent?
• Would I enjoy amenities I don’t have at home (pool, fitness center, library)?
• Can I safely manage stairs?
• Will my home be safe for me as I age?

Tip: Take our personalized survey to help you determine when it may be the right time for you to move. We never share information and it only takes about four minutes.

Step 2. Understand the Different Types of Independent Living Communities

Independent living isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your preferences, budget, and long-term needs, different types of communities may be a better fit.

• Standalone Independent Living Communities are focused solely on active seniors; these communities offer social amenities, meal plans and maintenance-free living, but typically do not offer on-site medical care.
• Independent Living within a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). These communities offer multiple levels of care (independent, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing) on the same campus. Ideal for those who want to age in place and have predictable access to future care needs.
• Independent Living within a larger senior living campus. Some communities offer Independent Living alongside assisted living and/or memory care, offering some of the benefits of a CCRC without a hefty upfront entrance fee.
• Active Adult Communities are another type of independent living lifestyle. Many offer a lifestyle that includes resort-type amenities and plenty of social activities. Hospitality services and outdoor maintenance might be available, but conveniences like meals, services, transportation, and supportive services are not.

Tip: When comparing, it’s important to consider whether you want a purely social environment or one that can accommodate future changes in your health.

Step 3. Tour Multiple Communities—and Take Notes

Visiting more than one community gives you a better frame of reference for quality, atmosphere and services. Don’t rush. Schedule tours at different times of day (including weekends and evenings) and plan to talk to both staff and residents.

• Ask to see every floorplan model.
• Check out all outdoor social spaces.
• Attend a meal and ask if you can sit with current residents.
• Note the resident engagement and ask if there are clubs or committees you could join?
• Observe how the staff interacts with residents (and families) —are they friendly and respectful?

Tip: Bring a tour checklist or notepad so you can compare communities later without relying on memory.

Step 4. Ask the Right Questions

Here are some key questions to help guide your decision:

• What does a typical day look like for residents?
• What is included in the monthly fee?
• Is there an entrance fee?
• Are there extra fees for additional services?
• Are meals, housekeeping and transportation optional or required?
• What happens if I exhaust my resources?
  What’s the calendar like for social events and wellness programs?
• What activities or amenities are most popular?
• Can I attend a future event?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• How are emergencies handled?
• What happens if care needs change?
  How do you support resident health?
• What safety measures do you take (security alarms, call-buttons, fall prevention)
• What does the community do to support independence (grab bars and walk-in showers in the bathroom, for example)?
• What is your pet policy?
• Are visitors allowed at all times?
• What is the average age and level of activity of current residents?
• How many residents live here, and what is the current occupancy level?
• What is the policy regarding long-term absences (e.g., hospitalization, extended travel)?
• Are there any specific community rules or restrictions (noise policy, hosting parties, etc.)?
• How is the community regulated and licensed, and whom can I contact with concerns?

Tip:  Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to your tour—they may think of questions you haven’t considered.

Step 5. Spot Potential Red Flags (the Earlier, the Better)

While most communities provide quality services, you should still be alert to subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that a community may not meet your expectations. Here are some things to watch for:

• High staff turnover – This could mean poor management or unhappy employees.
• Unclean or poorly maintained common areas; unpleasant odors – First impressions count.
• Lack of resident engagement – Quiet, empty common areas may signal boredom or dissatisfaction.
• Vague answers about costs – if a community is unclear or evasive when asked about extra fees or what’s included in the monthly rate, that’s a red flag. You want transparency on everything from meal costs to maintenance and service charges.

Tip: Don’t ignore your gut—if something feels “off,” it’s worth digging deeper or walking away. Check online reviews from current or former residents and their families for honest feedback. Also, review state inspection reports or licensing records to uncover any compliance issues or past violations.

Step 6. Involve Trusted Professionals

Making the move to independent living is a big decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Before signing a contract, it’s wise to bring in trusted people who can help you evaluate the details and think through the long-term implications. Consider involving:

• Adult children or close family members who know your values, preferences and lifestyle.
• A financial advisor to help assess affordability, understand the fine print and plan for future expenses.
  A geriatric care manager who can offer objective insights and help you compare options.
• Having a second set of eyes—especially from those who care about your wellbeing—can catch things you may have overlooked. More than that, they offer emotional reassurance and a sounding board to help you feel supported throughout the process.

Tip: A financial advisor—or an elder law attorney—may help identify hidden costs, clarify refund policies and ensure the terms align with your long-term financial and legal plans.

Step 7. Evaluate Your Comfort and Fit

Finally, remember—this isn’t just a place to live. It’s your potential home. While services, amenities and costs are all important, how a community feels matters just as much. Pay close attention to your emotional response during and after your visit. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel safe and genuinely welcome here?
• Can I picture myself being happy and at ease in this environment?
• Are the residents and staff people I’d enjoy getting to know?
• Does the pace and energy of the community match what I want?

The right fit often comes down to comfort, connection and that gut feeling that tells you, “I could belong here.”

Tip: Some communities offer trial stays—Try a community for a weekend or short-term visit to test the waters.

Step 8. Learn from Real Residents and their Real Stories

One resident of a Where You Live Matters member community shared that he and his wife approached their senior living search much like they did when helping their children choose a college.

“You narrow your search, do a lot of research, and conduct a factual analysis—looking at things like rankings, cost and reputation,” he explained. “But then there’s also intuition. You get a feel for the place when you visit, talk to the residents and staff, and see how it fits.”

Their real story is a helpful reminder that the right choice involves both facts and feelings—and that it’s okay to trust your gut.

Find Community

An enriching life begins with a strong sense of community – and an independent living community can improve your quality of life and help you continue living on your terms. While the decision to move can feel overwhelming, taking a thoughtful approach can bring clarity, peace of mind – and excitement. Asking the right questions, trusting your instincts, and knowing when the time is right will help guide you to find the right fit for your exciting next chapter. Find the best community for you

Where You Live Matters

For families exploring their senior living options, access to accurate, comprehensive data is invaluable. WYLM offers this and more by providing exclusive industry insights, unbiased resources, and direct community connections. It’s not just about finding a place to live; it’s about making the best possible choice for the future – because where you live really does matter. Start your search today.