The costs of retiring are ludicrous!

I decided to look into those lovely "active 55+" communities. I figured while I may not fit the picture of those playing tennis in the ads, I'd work well with those posed in front of a bookshelf. And I'm definitely 55+.

In these communities you generally purchase a home, single floor, usually 2 bedroom and easy maintenance. There are amenities such as club rooms and tennis courts on the grounds. Some have a small cafe and a hair salon. 

Well, I can just keep on looking. There are several around the Dallas area. The cheapest one touts homes starting in the mid 100's with most stating lowest purchase prices in the 300's. If I had that kind of money I could definitely pick and choose my retirement spot! 

These are obviously for those who bagged a good retirement fund. Maybe took early retirement to help the company out and got a nice check for doing so. It's not for the likes of me. 

Low income rentals are no better. One of the few complexes not located in the center of an urban area where you can't walk outside after dark that gave price ranges started at $875. That's for about 670 sq. ft. of living space. If I put all of the closets I have now together I'd have more than 670 sq ft!

To be honest, there are many rental complexes in Dallas that are listed as low income where the rent starts at $300-$400 based on your retirement income. Also to be honest, I would not feel comfortable in many of them and that is probably a flaw in my character, not in the characters of those already living there. 

Can I become an urbanite? Maybe not have a car (a lot of these complexes have no parking areas)? I'd probably have to give up my dogs since I'm not sure I could walk them several times a day. 

I guess when the time comes, I'll do what I need to do but the prospects are depressing. Golden years? I'm not so sure.