Yes, that. Plus, you could start a list of things you want/ would like to have in downsized- dwelling. Or THINK you want, while keeping open mind that you might learn about or visit some different type of housing and say, heck yeah.

Just for example-do you want a bit of garden, bird feeder but property maintained, or just apartment/ condo, but nice community grounds? Exercise facility on site? Do you need option to segue to more services , assisted living, in later years ( so usually has buy-ins, fees), or are only looking for smaller, simpler primary residence ? Will you need space for hosting overnight guests, or that would be role of younger family members, motels. Plus, what is budget?

Obviously a host of more criteria , which RE agent can also try to understand. And have you visited any friends living in local communities, downsized homes, & had + or - reactions?

Find a good real estate agent familiar with the area. Give the agent a list of your priorities and must-haves, for example:

- Price range

- Square footage

- HOA or no HOA

- # bedrooms and baths

- multi level or one level

- two car garage

- on a golf course or lake

- proximity to retail, hospital or airport

- Etc.

Before contacting an agent, get started on a few questions for yourselves.....

• I'd start by determining what you mean and want from a "planned community"? Do you mean one with available services to help with senior needs, or unrelated to any type of care?
• Do you want to own or rent?
• Do you want an apartment/condo (multi-family building) or a house?
• What size do you want (downsizing from what to what)?
• Do you want an age-limited community?
• What level of security is important to you (gated community? building with security? Something else?)

Don’t be overwhelmed by all these questions— meaning, don’t feel you have to know the answers or be committed. Just get out a pencil & legal pad ( or use electronic device for lists if you prefer- & just scribble/ type, add your own thoughts. A way to download your brain so not all swirling around.

If you’re the type of person who likes to read things as part of research or idea- stimulating, there are books on downsizing ( I use the library), Pinterest links, internet search turns up articles, blogs, conversations, etc).

We made our downsize move 10 years ago. Thank heaven, it was well before the crazy Covid real estate market. We bought a smaller home. Everything about it was on our list of wants. We never considered any properties with HOAs. HOAs are fickle. $400.00 a month when you buy; but, yikes, every building needs a new roof. Hello assessment. You will buy into a community over which you have no control. Property taxes are so much different from HOAs. You only get a property tax on your home. A condo/townhouse/villa with an HOA, also comes with its own property tax.

Just find a smaller home nearer family. When you really are old, maybe infirmed, then move to an assisted living community. Or, if you have long term care insurance, your policy may provide for your staying in your home.

Don't jump the gun right now. Every property is over inflated.

Not to touch a nerve, but does family want you close by? Has family suggested you move closer?

Often your neighbors will do well as your "family".

Thank you. I appreciate your well thought out comments. Our family is thrilled to have us closer and is helping us to search for the perfect home. We appreciate their help and opinions as they are more familiar with the area.
We have never lived close to family and have had frank discussions about not imposing on each other’s privacy.
We have lived in 3 single family homes and as well as 3 condo/townhouse communities. Now we will be starting this new adventure as we both enter our seventies. We plan to begin by splitting the year between 2 locations in different states.
We have learned that life has lots of bends and turns in the road and have and will be willing to adjust if necessary. Also we continue to learn - often from others experiences and insights.

Whichever home you choose (assuming you don't plan to move again), for the future consider one that is designed for aging-in-place or plan for renovations to make it that way before you move in. For example: one level, bathroom and shower that accommodate a walker, easy access in/out of your house and garage, extra en-suite bedroom for guests/possible caretaker, etc.