Advice for how my mom can afford to move here from Ohio

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'd think long and hard about her retiring here. There is a reason you don't so many retirees here. Cost-of-living and just too stressful with traffic and all of the people. Coming from OH, that could be a rude awakening. Sure, she'd be closer to you, but might have a miserable quality of life otherwise. 6 months into living in a cramped condo, stuck in traffic for 30 minutes just to make it to the doctor's office, and she'd be dreaming about her nice house and comfortable quality of life back in OH.

This. And don't forget the rude, angry, no time for anyone or anything besides work folks always in a rush to the QOL equation.

She likes the city- lives in a small town now and can't stand it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure people will jump all over me for this but hey I'd like my tax dollars to benefit me sometimes. Montgomery County has an MPDU (moderately priced dwelling unit) for apartments. Every apartment built in the county has to set aside a certain number of units for people who qualify. We looked into this option for my mom who lives out of state. She would have to show a certain level of income but she'd be able to live in a nice building in Bethesda or Rockville for 1/2 the market rate. She is on a couple of waiting lists and has been for 6 months but she is no hurry and we think it would be a perfect solution.

Op here- ok this is what I'm looking for. Since you've done your research, about how much would rent be for am1 BR if you don't mind me asking? Those areas of MD would work too. I'm surprised that you don't have to be a motgomery county resident at the time of application .

[Anonymous]

Here's a community that seems quite nice, and is in a great walkable location.

http://thefieldsapts.com/bethesda/overview.html

There are no prices on the website that I can find, but you can call.

[Anonymous]

Here is the link for the MPDU programs. From my conversations it seems the program rentals are administered by the property owners. You need to show an income of 30K to 50K a year.

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhctmpl.asp?url=/content/dhca/housing/housing_p/mpdu/mpdu_rental_program.asp

[Anonymous]

The Carlin in Arlington has affordable apartments for those 55 and older, $950 to $1,030 with a maximum income of $41,340, according to this website: http://www.snapforseniors.com/senior-housing/arlington-va/211226/the-carlin-apartments.aspx

Another place is Olley Glen: Beautifully designed one bedroom apartment homes are immediately available at Olley Glen
Senior Residences-the newest affordable independent senior living community in the heart
of Fairfax County for low and moderate income seniors 62 years old or better. For more
information or an application, please visit:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha/olleyglen.htm or call 703-503-8717/TTY: 703-385-3578.

Call the Arlington and Fairfax Area Agencies on Aging and explain what you're looking for for your mom. They will likely have lists of other affordable senior apartments.

I hope it all works out and your mom can move here. As a former Ohioan myself, I know the cost of living difference can be a shock, but I think there are options.

[Anonymous]

There are assisted living condos in Ballston, right by the metro. The building is called the Renaissance, and the sales prices are actually pretty low. You pay varying levels of monthly fees, depending on the level of assistance that you need. Might be worth looking into. I think it might be nice to live in Ballston and be close to everything.

[Anonymous]

20:56 here again. Here's another resource: Quantum Managment oversees a number of affordable apartments int the area for older adults. They have four in northern Virginia. Call 301-941-8040 or see www.qpmgmt.com.

[Anonymous]

Live with you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'd think long and hard about her retiring here. There is a reason you don't so many retirees here. Cost-of-living and just too stressful with traffic and all of the people. Coming from OH, that could be a rude awakening. Sure, she'd be closer to you, but might have a miserable quality of life otherwise. 6 months into living in a cramped condo, stuck in traffic for 30 minutes just to make it to the doctor's office, and she'd be dreaming about her nice house and comfortable quality of life back in OH.

This. And don't forget the rude, angry, no time for anyone or anything besides work folks always in a rush to the QOL equation.

You, or your mother, may have a romanticized vision of what it would be like to live here. She could live in her own place but available whenever you call to watch your child, or maybe she could just pop in with a plate of freshly baked cookies. Or something like that.

The reality is that summers here last about five horrible months and it stays hot and muggy and you can't just open up the house every night. You may not have all the time she would need from you (she will have no friends) and resentment can build on both sides. You may also find that the only affordable option would be for her to live with you, which would open up it's own issues.

My friend's mom moved here a few years ago when she was just about your mom's age. My friend's mom's life revolves around the grandkids and she hasn't made any friends in the 5+ years she has lived here. She had come from an area where she had lots of friends (widowed and only had the one child) and a great support system and left it all behind to be with her only grandchildren. There is so much resentment, regret, and passive aggression that's built up between the mother and daughter, I would really take a good look at what the outcomes could be if she moved here.

[Anonymous]

OP, WHY on earth would anyone in their right mind give up what is familiar *and paid for* to retire in one of the most expensive and crowded areas in the country? None of this sounds reasonable or thought out in the least. Would you consider moving there? That would make far more sense.

[Anonymous]

Just look in a further out area. Look at 22025 -- less expensive housing but very nice amenities. Fun place to play with grandkids what with a lake and beaches, etc.