Planning a future move to Friends House means creating a foundation of stability, care, and confidence for your later years. As one of the region’s most trusted nonprofit retirement communities, Friends House offers a unique blend of affordability, transparency, and values-driven living. Whether you’re weighing the financial differences between aging in place or transitioning to a Life Plan Community, starting early gives you clarity and choice.
This guide walks through the financial considerations of a future move, so you can plan ahead with peace of mind and a purposeful approach to your next chapter.
Friends House and the Fee-for-Service Life Plan Model
Friends House is more than a place to live – it’s a values-driven, resident-focused community with nearly 60 years of experience grounded in Quaker principles: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.
As a Type C, fee-for-service Life Plan Community, Friends House allows older adults to pay only for the services and support they use, when they use them. While there is an entrance fee, monthly fees are structured to provide clarity and predictability, giving residents an understandable long-term financial picture.
This approach empowers older adults to:
- Manage monthly budgets with greater predictability
- Avoid unpredictable expenses like emergency home repairs
- Maintain flexibility as needs evolve
- Align financial decisions with long-term goals
Many future residents begin planning years in advance to ensure they’re fully informed and prepared.
Comparing the Costs: Aging in Place vs. Moving to Friends House
A common question when evaluating retirement living options is:
How does staying at home compare financially to moving to Friends House?
Remaining at Home May Involve:
- High and unpredictable maintenance expenses
- Property tax and insurance increases
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Outsourced transportation, housekeeping, or personal care
- Risks associated with isolation or limited day-to-day support
Friends House Provides Predictability and Stability Through:
- Monthly fees that consolidate essential services such as maintenance and property services
- Reduced need for outsourced support
- A community-driven environment where neighbors genuinely look out for one another
- Resident-led committees, gatherings, and shared activities that promote connection
To see the comparison laid out clearly, download this free resource:
👉 Friends House Cost Comparison Sheet
The Value of Shared Community at Friends House
Financial clarity matters, but connection matters just as much. At Friends House, residents frequently describe the greatest benefit as the sense of belonging – neighbors who form genuine relationships, committees that shape community life, and opportunities to connect with others who share similar values.
This culture reflects Friends House’s strong Quaker heritage and its emphasis on fairness, dignity, and community involvement. For many older adults, this meaningful social foundation becomes a core part of their long-term satisfaction.
Planning Your Timeline: Earlier Is Better
For older adults who want flexibility and choice, experts recommend beginning your planning 24–36 months in advance. A longer timeline ensures you’re well prepared and able to move on your own terms.
Sample Planning Roadmap
| Timeline | Actions to Take |
| 24–36 Months Out | Schedule a visit to Friends House, join the Circle of Friends Future Resident List, explore cost comparison resources. |
| 18–24 Months Out | Begin sorting and downsizing, set financial goals, involve family or advisors. |
| 12–18 Months Out | Confirm your place on the Circle of Friends list and continue refining your transition plan, including the type of residence you prefer – lodge, cottage, or apartment. |
| 6–12 Months Out | Organize important documents, continue downsizing, and prepare for a smooth transition when the right opportunity arises. |
Beginning early helps you avoid stress, preserve choice, and plan with intention.
Start With a Clear Financial Picture
A useful first step is comparing your current housing costs to what a Life Plan Community offers.
Key cost categories to consider:
- Mortgage or rent
- Property tax and insurance
- Repairs and seasonal maintenance
- Utilities and waste services
- Lawn care and snow removal
- Meals, transportation, and social activities
Many older adults find that their actual monthly costs exceed their expectations – and that a consolidated fee offers welcome predictability.
Download your free cost comparison worksheet to calculate your monthly home expenses versus what’s covered at Friends House:
👉 Download the Cost Comparison
What Makes Friends House a Standout Choice?
Older adults often choose Friends House for reasons beyond costs:
- Nonprofit mission centered on people, not profit
- Service plans aligned with individual needs
- Community-driven lifestyle shaped by resident committees and involvement
- A campus with walking paths, trees, gardens, and natural beauty
- Trusted reputation with nearly six decades of service in Montgomery County
- A thoughtful commitment to sustainability, reflected in practices like composting, permeable pathways, and the Friends House Garden’s recent Garden Wildlife certification
- An environment designed to support a more purposeful way of living each day
Friends House offers a values-based environment where older adults can live with clarity, comfort, and connection.
Planning ahead isn’t about rushing – it’s about shaping your future with clarity and confidence. A move to Friends House is about more than predictable costs. It’s about joining a community that honors your independence, aligns with your values, and supports your well-being for years to come.
Whether you’re exploring options or preparing for the future, Friends House is here to walk with you – with honesty, clarity, and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a “fee-for-service” model mean at Friends House?
Older adults pay only for the services they use. Monthly fees cover housing and essential services; additional support is provided as needed.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. Friends House has an entrance fee, and monthly fees are structured for clarity and predictability.
How do I join the Circle of Friends Future Resident List?
Joining the Circle of Friends Future Resident List requires a deposit, and priority is determined by the date the deposit is received.
What’s included in the monthly fee?
Monthly fees typically include maintenance, property services, most utilities, scheduled transportation, and resident-led activities. Additional services vary by residence type and individual service plans.
What if my needs change?
Friends House provides residential living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing on the same campus, allowing older adults to access additional support if their needs evolve.
When should I begin planning?
Most experts recommend planning 24–36 months ahead to give yourself time to prepare financially, begin downsizing, and secure your place on the Circle of Friends Future Resident List.
