What are entrance fee retirement communities?

Entrance fee retirement communities are senior living communities that ask new residents to pay a one-time upfront fee, along with an ongoing monthly fee. In return, residents typically gain a home in a planned community and access to a range of services, amenities, and, in many cases, future care options. For many older adults and families, this model offers a way to simplify daily life while planning ahead with greater peace of mind.

How entrance fee retirement communities work

An entrance fee is exactly what it sounds like: a fee paid when you move in. It is usually separate from your monthly maintenance fee and may vary based on the size of the home, the contract type, and the level of services included.

In many communities, this model is part of a broader continuum of care, which may include:

• Independent living
• Personal care or assisted living
• Skilled nursing
• Supportive health services

That means residents can often remain within the same community even if their needs change over time.

What the entrance fee is for

The entrance fee helps support the long-term financial structure of the community. Depending on the contract, it may:

• Secure your place in the community
• Reduce future monthly costs compared with some no entrance fee options
• Provide access to higher levels of care if needed later
• Include partial refund or credit provisions under certain conditions

It’s important to remember that entrance fee contracts can differ widely. Some offer a refundable component, while others may provide a credit toward future care instead.

What monthly fees usually cover

In entrance fee retirement communities, the monthly maintenance fee covers day-to-day living costs and community services. At Londonderry Village, for example, monthly maintenance fees in Independent Living help cover items such as:

• Taxes
• Water, sewer, and trash
• 24-hour emergency access through the Lifeline® pendant system monitored by the security team
• Grounds maintenance
• Upkeep of appliances provided in the home
• Annual housekeeping and monthly housekeeping
• Lawn care and snow removal
• Priority access to the Health Center if needed

Some items are not included, such as:

• Your own meals
• Telephone
• Cable
• Internet
• Electric in most homes, with some exceptions

This structure can make budgeting easier because many of the costs of homeownership are bundled into one monthly amount.

Why people choose entrance fee retirement communities

Many residents and families are drawn to this model because it offers a balance of comfort, convenience, and planning.

1. Predictable living costs

The upfront fee and monthly payment structure can make long-term planning more straightforward than managing a traditional home.

2. Less day-to-day upkeep

Maintenance, repairs, lawn care, snow removal, and other tasks are often handled by the community.

3. Access to future care

If your needs change, a community with a continuum of care may allow you to transition to a higher level of support without leaving the campus.

4. Community and lifestyle

These communities often offer social, recreational, educational, and wellness opportunities that make it easier to stay active and connected.

At Londonderry Village, residents enjoy a vibrant environment with activities such as woodshop, art classes, yoga, TED talks, choir groups, a library, a café, and pickleball.

How Londonderry Village approaches the entrance fee model

Londonderry Village is an outreach ministry of the Church of the Brethren, committed to providing quality housing, healthcare, and supportive services in an attitude of love and servanthood.

As a senior living community home to more than 620 residents and 270 compassionate, well-trained staff, it offers a welcoming setting for people who want both independence and access to support when needed.

For Independent Living, Londonderry Village offers an entrance fee option and a no entrance fee option:

• Entrance Fee: a one-time fee for new residents moving to campus, ranging from $99,800 to $458,300
• Monthly Maintenance Fee: ranging from $1,193 to $3,087 per month
• No Entrance Fee Option: monthly maintenance fees range from $2,000 to $5,200 per month

A few other helpful details:

• If you choose the Entrance Fee contract, 10% is due at contract signing
• The remaining 90% is due at settlement, when you receive your keys
• There is a $200 nonrefundable application fee for Independent Living
• If you later need to move to the Health Center or off campus, the Entrance Fee Contract provides a credit of no less than 25% or the unamortized equity of your upfront investment, whichever is higher, once the home is reoccupied

That kind of structure can be especially helpful for people who want to plan carefully for the future.

Is an entrance fee retirement community right for you?

This model can be a strong fit if you:

• Want a maintenance-free lifestyle
• Prefer a community with on-campus support options
• Are looking for a long-term plan rather than a short-term move
• Value access to health services and future care

It may be less ideal if you:

• Prefer a lower upfront cost
• Expect to stay only a short time
• Want the flexibility of a simpler monthly-only arrangement

That’s why it helps to compare both entrance fee and no entrance fee options before making a decision.

Questions to ask before you choose

Before selecting any entrance fee retirement community, ask:

• What does the entrance fee include?
• Is any part of the fee refundable?
• How is the monthly fee calculated?
• What services are included, and what costs extra?
• What happens if my health needs change?
• Are there different contract types?
• Is there an application fee?
• Can I tour the community and review pricing in detail?

A personal visit is often the best way to understand the full picture.

A helpful next step

If you’re exploring entrance fee retirement communities, focus on more than the price alone. Look at the lifestyle, the services, the care options, and the overall feeling of the community. The right choice should support both your current independence and your future peace of mind.

For a more detailed price point, it’s best to request a packet and schedule a personal visit so you can see how the community fits your needs, budget, and goals.