The Pleasures of Apartment Living After Years of Owning Your Own Home

By Guest Columnist Virginia M. Ruane

Virginia Ruane, lifelong resident of Malden, is a member of MVES' Board of Directors.

There comes a time in everyone’s life that they have to make a decision. At the age of 74, I made mine.

After living for 40 plus years in my own home, and 16 years of that by myself after my husband passed away, I made the decision to sell my beautiful home.

With all my children gone and in their own homes, a four-bedroom house was just too big, too expensive, and too hard to keep clean. I worried about the plumbing failing, the furnace breaking down, the yard and lawn being kept up, and worst of all the snow shoveling. I remember being outside in zero degree weather putting sand on the ice so no one would fall and sue me.

My prime question was where would I go? To my daughter’s “in-law” apartment (with her 4 teenage daughters)? Wondering what time they were coming home or whose car was in or not in the driveway? No way! I’m healthy and want to maintain my independence. Maybe some day, but not now.

To a condominium? One still has to have a plumber, electrician, and some responsibilities. Not for me!

An apartment? Yes! No need to have a plumber, electrician, or a gardener. No responsibilities. I like that. That’s what it will be—a nice cheerful apartment, but where?

I knew in my heart that I did not want to leave Malden, Massachusetts, the city I lived in all my life and I am proud of that. To change my parish church was out of the question—the church I grew up in, I was married in, and my husband and parents were buried from. My roots were here in Malden and I would not leave it.

Just up the street from me, in fact, about five houses up, was a very attractive apartment house where a dear friend of mine lived. She was in poor health and waiting to go into an assisted living complex. We had become good friends through our volunteer work at The Malden Hospital. She had lived in this apartment for 20 happy years and wanted me to have it after she left.

My friend recommended me to the owner of the apartment house and my name was the number one choice for it. So that meant, in May, I had my home advertised for sale and she had her name in the assisted living complex.

Then I prayed that I would get a buyer, that I made the right decision, and that I would be happy.

My friend and I both believe in the power of prayer. Although, once I became a little worried and told the good Lord, “Please hurry up!” As my friend was closer and closer to the number one position of a placement, I was not doing too well getting a buyer. But, all of a sudden, she had a place to live for September 1 and I got a buyer for my house. I passed papers on August 28, allowing me to move in September 10. I did not have to put my furniture in storage. It was like a miracle. Also, I still had the same friends, which is very important.

I have been here for a few years and am truly happy. During this winter, there’s no shoveling, no running out of oil, no landscaping, and no worrying about trash day. I must say this, I believe the best feature of apartment living is having the dumpster in the backyard—no excuse for clutter! It has been heaven here. I thank the good Lord every day because I know I made the right decision.

A few guidelines for anyone contemplating this move: First, hire someone to clean out your cellar and attic. Next, offer family your family treasures and excess furnishings. Then, call in an antique dealer or second hand furniture dealer. After that, the hard part is over.

I must add a little footnote. It’s so nice to have a little extra money in the bank—no more worrying about money for repairs, plumbing, landscaping, plowing, oil, etc. This is the life!