I once thought that living in a condo would be the answer as we aged. However the HOA fees around here are always climbing and there are quite a few that haven't kept up with current building codes so then you're stuck not being able to get insurance. Some of the condos are so bad on the east coast that they crumbled. Quite a few condos around here are not insurable until the HOA brings them up to code.
I like the idea of not having to worry about lawn maintenance and grounds keeping and that's certainly appealing. I like the idea of a recreational center, pool (I'd never own one again) and community room. Some fees cover the cost of cable and garbage, but that's it. You still have to pay water and electricity and most times a flood insurance policy. So, I'm not so sure that it's any cheaper than what you have to shell out for maintaining a private residence.
