The Public Opinion Soapbox

John Chambersburg · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 55 Location: Chambersburg

We have some retiring friends who would like to find something like this to rent. They have checked out the ones on Norland Ave and The Orchards. They said there is quite a waiting list at those places. I can't believe Chambersburg doesn't have more options available. Does anyone know of such housing for seniors in the Chambersburg area???

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2600 Location: Chambersburg

I also can't believe Chambersburg doesn't have more options, particularly considering the enormous senior citizen population here. Average age in Chambersburg is over 40 years... that's several years older than the state average (PA is the 2nd or 3rd oldest state in the nation) and considerably older than the national average. The boomer population is getting into their 60's now...

Yet the only retirement "community" is Menno Haven (can you even go there if you're not Mennonite?) and then a few little places here and there that hardly hold enough people.

I blame it mostly on Pennsylvania stubbornness and the fact that no matter how badly they need it, geriatrics around here don't want to leave their house... which presents a whole new set of troubles for young people looking to buy a home in the area which is nearly impossible because nearly every, decent single-family home in C'burg is occupied by an elderly couple.

cookieclaygirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 2174 Location: shippensburg

orchard's at marsh run? (i remember doing an ad for them once upon a time when i was in "the biz")

i'll have to put my thinking cap on for that.

and yeah you can be non-mennonite for mennohaven (i think lol)....yeah, not a lot of options.

for you business savvy ppl---get out there and start one!

John Chambersburg · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 55 Location: Chambersburg

you are so right. and the need is even going to grow as you say,as the boomer's are coming of age. too, one of the big drawing cards for people to retire in Pennsylvania from out of state is that there are no taxes on retirement annuities in PA. I know different people who have retired here already for that reason, esp from Balt/DC areas. the number of apts on norland and the orchards are miniscule in comparison. Actually Menno Haven is a very nice retirement community but it is definitely not affordable housing for seniors. Hopefully some more affordable ones will be built soon.