Downsizing, Escaping

the Rat Race & the Grid

Introduction

We don't always need the large houses we live within, especially after the children have grown, and moved out to establish families of their own. Many of the retirees are selling their homes to enter retirement villages. Many are a dream come true. Yet, in some instances, there are unnecessary pressures within these communities. Most of the retirees are dependent upon their IRA's, the Social Security payouts, and other kinds of savings or stock-market investments. However, should any of these things, fail, there is no real structure within these retirement villages offering employment opportunities.

If the social security had to fail, so would the ability of the retirees to pay for their homes, would also go down the tubes.

The retirement villages still held to a great deal of unnecessary luxuries, which are not always used by all. Hence, they were very nearl y a complete waste of spending.

Yet, there wee some real saving devices within the community. Nearly every home owner owned a golf cart, and the community catered for golf-carting around the community. Not just to the golf courses that the communities were built around as a central feature, but also to the very well developed shopping complexes.

The styling of the houses was simple, and very effective. A pleasant blending of pastel colors that was appealing. Attractive. Cost effective, without appearing cheap.