Many Retiring Seniors Still Want Luxurious Lifestyle

SEVEN HILLS, Ohio -- Who says people have to cut back on the amenities and luxuries of life when they reach their golden years?

As part of the Successful Aging Initiative, NewsChannel5's Jonathan Costen reported there are some detached single-family homes that aren't for the stereotypical retiree.

Bill Billik, 75, is inspecting his future home. He plans to move into the Seven Hills development called Autumn Hills. The location is just one selling point.

"So I want to stay in the area, basically, and the other thing I like about it -- it's not a condo situation," he said. "It's where you buy the property. It's yours, but you can do anything on it."

To move into Autumn Hills, a relative must be at least 55 years old.

"I don't want nothing where I go to the corner, social center and play bingo or something like that," Billik said. "I don't want that stuff."

The developers tapped into a market of a growing population of baby boomers and senior citizens who don't want to downsize when they retire.

"We don't want them to feel like they're cashing in their chips," said Eddie Rizk, a developer broker. "We want them to feel their chips are just starting to accumulate."

The homes in the development go for about $200,000. After four years of searching, the Reeses found their new home. Now, they just have to sell their current house.

"The house is too big, (and) the yard work is too much for John," homebuyer Doris Reese said. "We don't need that basement, which is nothing but a collection spot; a warehouse."

Autumn Hill offers all luxuries of home without all the hassles.

For more information on the "Successful Aging Initiative" or available resources, write NewsChannel5, 3001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114, or log onto our special section on aging.