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What Goes into the Cost of Independent Living at Freedom Village of Bradenton?

A couple sitting at a kitchen table looking at paperwork

As you start to plan for retirement, it’s common to start thinking about what you want to do with the time that working and raising a family once took up. However, rarely do people think they want to do more work around their house. Instead, they start to dream about traveling, visiting friends and family and pursuing their other interests.

Moving to a senior living community like Freedom Village of Bradenton offers a variety of social opportunities, a maintenance-free lifestyle, peace of mind, financial security and much more. Of course, one of the big questions people typically have is about the cost of independent living, what it covers and if it’s a better value than just staying put.

Comparing Senior Living Costs to Staying Put

Even if your house is paid off, a move to a senior living community might save you more in some unexpected ways.

Unpredictable expenses: It’s nearly impossible to precisely predict what your expenses will be each year for home maintenance, repairs and upkeep. Then there’s factoring in major repairs like your home’s roof, siding, windows, plumbing and wiring, appliances and air conditioning. To give you an idea of possible upcoming expenses, consider the age and location of your home, its general condition and variables involving the weather.

Expenses beyond your mortgage: There are three unavoidable monthly expenses — property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and utility payments — and optional homeowner costs like cleaning, landscaping and basic maintenance.

Transportation expenses: Between weekly errands for groceries, doctor appointments and social events, it’s not easy to get by without a car or easy access to transportation. Car ownership includes a monthly car payment, auto insurance, gas, annual licensing fees, maintenance and repairs.

Home modification expenses: If you remain in your home, you may eventually need to renovate your bathrooms, doorways and stairs.

What Do You Get for the Price?

Outside of the general home expenses listed above, what else do you pay for? If you pay for a gym membership, housekeeping, yard maintenance, pest control, property taxes, home security system and so on, a maintenance-free community like Freedom Square provides all that and more. Here’s how our pricing works:

Entrance fee: Your entrance fee covers your residence, but it gives you guaranteed access to any future care you may need at prices well below market rates. Our entrance fees are based on the type of contract and the size of residence you choose. For example, a larger residence comes with a larger entrance fee.

Monthly fee: Your monthly fee covers home maintenance (inside and out), property taxes, utilities, your dining plan, fitness membership, a beautifully maintained campus, and dozens of other services and amenities, including:

Services:

  • All indoor and outdoor maintenance
  • Housekeeping and flat linen services
  • Lawn care and grounds maintenance
  • Restaurant-style, chef-prepared dining
  • Fitness classes and wellness programs
  • Lifelong learning, discussions, classes and outings
  • Frequent on-campus shows and concerts
  • Regularly scheduled transportation
  • Personal concierge services
  • On-campus postal services
  • 24/7 security and in-home emergency response system
  • Basic cable and all utilities except phone and internet
  • Wi-Fi access

Amenities:

  • 34 sprawling acres with courtyards, gardens, walking and bike paths
  • Six dining venues, including formal dining room, café/bistro and pub/sports bar
  • Fully equipped fitness center
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Arts and crafts studio
  • Woodworking shop
  • Billiards and game room
  • Full-service salon and barbershop
  • Library
  • Fireside living room and other inviting gathering spaces
  • Health clinic and wellness center
  • Business center with computers
  • Guest suites
  • Private dining room for family gatherings
  • Community rose garden
  • Chapel

Activities:

  • Group fitness, including yoga classes
  • Personal training classes
  • Arts and crafts instruction and woodworking projects
  • Viva Vino Wine Club
  • Friendly billiards contests
  • Happy hours, ice cream socials and movie nights
  • Outings to local attractions
  • 45+ interest groups and clubs
  • Volunteer opportunities

The Value of Freedom Village Speaks for Itself

Before choosing a senior living community, there’s more to consider than just how much independent living costs. To learn about your financial options, take our two-minute MoneyGauge assessment. You can also view our pricing and then schedule a personal tour by using our Community Assistant chat feature or contacting us here.