If you're newly retired and considering relocating to an area which you have always wanted to live, you're probably wondering if you're better off with a single family home or a condo. Although everyone has specific needs and preferences, condos are often the better choice for retirees for a variety of reasons -- following are just five of the many advantages of buying a condo instead of a single family home after you retire. 

You Want to Travel 

Although there's no reason why you can't travel when you live in a single family home, the logistics of preparing for a trip are more complex when you're living in a condo. You may have to have someone come in to water your plants, but you won't have to make arrangements for a lawn and garden area. You also won't have to worry as much about home break-ins when you leave a condo empty while you travel as you would with a single family home. 

You Want Community 

Many condo communities offer instant community. They have regular activities such as potlucks, field trips, board game nights, and interest-specific clubs such as running clubs, crafting clubs, and gardening clubs. You'll also be able to make new friends and develop a sense of community by joining the condo association and mingling with other residents in your building's common spaces. 

You Want More Free Time 

If you buy a condo, you won't have a lawn and garden area to maintain, which will free up much of your time for other activities. You also won't have to perform outdoor maintenance chores, and because condos are generally smaller than single family homes, you'll spend less time on housework and general indoor maintenance tasks. 

You Want More Security 

Living in a condo is generally more secure than living in a single family home. The denser population base combined with upper level living simply makes condos less attractive targets to potential thieves. Front entryways that require a code to gain access provide condo dwellers with another layer of protection against thieves, vandals, and other criminals. 

You Want a Central Location 

Zoning laws in most cities prohibit single family homes outside of residential districts, which can make it rough if you like to be in the thick of things. Condos buildings, on the other hand, are frequently situated in the heart of the city, allowing residents access to restaurants, art galleries, boutique shopping, city parks, and other attractive amenities found in walkable neighborhoods.