Types of housing 

There are more choices than ever for seniors who can, and want to live independently in their own homes. Types of housing which may fit individual home owner’s needs are:

Detached housing

Many seniors continue to want to live in their own homes and can do so with or without the types of help outlined in Help Staying at Home.

Condominium

Condo living is increasingly popular with seniors since they can own their own homes and have most of the outside maintenance, lawn care and snow removal done for the cost of a monthly "condo" fee.

Cooperatives

Co-ops are business associations that own and maintain housing units and common spaces for their residents. The residents own shares and have the right to "lease" their units from the cooperative. In lieu of "rent" the residents pay fees and charges. When residents wish to move out of the cooperative they must sell their shares to buyers approved by the cooperative.

Mobile or Manufactured Homes

These types of home are among the most economical forms of home ownership. Most mobile or manufactured homes are located in parks or communities set aside specifically for this purpose. The majority of mobile or manufactured home owners rent the land upon which their units are located. Many mobile home communities are age (55+) restricted. Find mobile home communities in Connecticut.

For information concerning mobile homes, visit the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Mobile Manufactured Homes page. Also see a publication about the rights and responsbilities of mobile home residents.

Senior Communities

Are often called "retirement communities" or "age restricted (55+) communities, this type of housing is usually not subsidized. They are also not licensed by the State of Connecticut but are subject to local zoning laws. Seniors purchase their own units. There may be recreation facilities.

ECHO – Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity

Also known as "granny flats" or "in-law" apartments these are small, manufactured homes which can be attached to single-family residence. They are not necessarily permanent. They allow an elderly or disabled person to live near family who can help them. Contact the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing (1-213-740-1364) for more information.

Home Share Program

This state run program matches single adults who are having difficulty maintaining their homes because of financial, social or physical need with other adults in need of decent, affordable housing and/or do not want to live alone. For more information, visit the Aging Services Division web site of the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services.