What Should Single Adults Consider When Moving to a New Community?

More adults than ever before are living alone, whether they're recently retired, they've gone through a divorce, they're an empty-nester, or simply made the decision that homeownership isn't in the cards for them right now.

Excitement and nerves. That's what most people feel when they're about to make the leap alone. But starting over doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. With the right community surrounding you, it can feel more like freedom than loss.

Why Do So Many People Move To A New Place On Their Own?

The Life Changes Behind The Decision

Over the last few decades, living alone in the United States has been on the rise. In 2020, 27.6% of U.S. households were one-person households. That's up from 7.7% in 1940, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Divorces later in life are a big part of the decision for many people. Today, almost 40% of people who are divorced are 50+, and that number has only grown as more and more couples are splitting after decades of marriage.

Stephanie Wiltgen, a Commercial Specialist at Callander Commercial, sees people in all sorts of life stages.

"We see people coming to The Bluffs during all kinds of life transitions: divorce, retirement, becoming an empty-nester, or selling a longtime home. Some people have just had enough of the responsibility that comes with owning a home," she says.

"They're figuring out what they want the next stage of their life to look like. Sometimes they're excited about it, sometimes they're apprehensive and, oftentimes, they're both. They want their own space, but they also like knowing they're a part of a safe, peaceful community."

Why Do Solo Moves Feel Like A Big Deal?

The Emotional Aspect

Moving alone can dredge up feelings about human connection in your life. It's a very human response.

Social connection is a major part of mental health and wellbeing. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General even issued a national advisory on the importance of social connection and community. Here's what that tells us: the people that surround you and the place in which you call home are important. It's worth choosing someplace that makes connection easy, as your mental health will thank you for it.

It's About Privacy And Comfort, Too

Social connection is a big deal. Privacy and a "homey" feeling of security are just as important.

Before a solo move, people ask themselves:

• Will I actually meet and talk to my neighbors, or will I feel isolated?
• Am I giving up privacy by choosing an apartment over a house?
• Will this still feel like my home, not just a place to drop my stuff?

These are fair and wise questions to ask, and the answers often depend on how the community itself is set up.

How Do Neighbors Actually Get To Know Each Other?

Small, Day-To-Day Moments

Big, planned events are great, but they're not what really sustains connection over a long period of time. Instead, connection builds slowly, through unplanned, everyday moments.

"Feeling at home doesn't require residents to suddenly become extremely social," says Wiltgen. "It's more about small, familiar interactions that develop over time."

Shared Outdoor Spaces Make For Easy Connection

If a community isn't set up with socializing in mind, it makes connection all the more difficult. The physical layout of a space plays a big role in how easy, daily connection happens.

At The Bluffs, the outdoor spaces are built with connection in mind. We offer:

• Gas firepits with Adirondack seating
• Shuffleboard courts
• Cornhole
• Walking paths throughout the property's 23 acres

"The outdoor space definitely helps," says Wiltgen. "There are places where residents naturally cross paths without it feeling like a planned social gathering. At the same time, residents can have as much privacy as they want. That's an important balance. You can sit outside and talk with neighbors one evening, and enjoy your own balcony by yourself the next."

It's About What You Gain, Not What You Give Up

A solo move, especially if you've never experienced one before, might have you thinking about all that you're giving up. But we encourage you to think about what you might gain, instead.

"Moving here can feel very freeing," says Wiltgen. "You still have your own home and your privacy, but you're no longer responsible for all the things that come with maintaining a house. You're surrounded by trees and beautiful views, you can take a walk, sit by a fire, or spend time on your patio or balcony.

"For someone entering a new chapter, The Bluffs offers a nice combination of independence, community, and simplicity."

A Central Location For A Full Life Near Gull Lake

Knowing that you're just a short drive away from things you know and love makes a solo move feel less intimidating.

The Bluffs is situated in Richland, Michigan, close to Gull Lake, just a short drive away from restaurants, markets, and fun activities to keep you busy throughout the year.

Everyday Spots Nearby

Restaurants like Compass + Cleaver, The Dock at Bayview, the Richland Pub, and the Chicken House are all close by. The Richland Farmers Market is an option, too, and it runs on Wednesday afternoons throughout the season.

Outdoor Activities For Every Season

Areas all around Richland give you great excuses to get outside on your own schedule, no matter what time of year it is. Nearby options include:

• Walking trails at Chipman Preserve
• Birdwatching and paved trails at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
• Top-of-the-line golf courses at Gull Lake View
• The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners

None of these things require an entire day's worth of planning. They're all just a short drive away.

Quick Answers To Quick Questions

Before I move, should I already know people in the area?

No. Most residents build connections after they move in through everyday interactions. You don't need to have preexisting friendships to feel comfortable here!

What if I've never lived alone before?

This is more common than you might think. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone and that our community with shared outdoor spaces makes the transition so much easier.

Will I still have privacy?

Yes. Thoughtful design, from soundproofing to private balconies, means you can be as social or as private as you'd like.

Taking The Next Steps

If you're trying to decide whether it's time to make a move like this, the best thing to do is take a tour. Look through a unit, sit outside, and picture your life at The Bluffs on a random Saturday in August.

Reach out to schedule a visit to The Bluffs so you can check out what your everyday life could look like here.