I like the concept of senior citizens living on campus with students. I learned about an apartment complex at the Arizona State University campus in Tempe in an article in the Wall Street Journal called “Who Let Retirees Move on Campus at Arizona State?” by James Fanelli.
It caught my eye since we live about 45 minutes from the campus.
From the article:
Senior citizens who moved into a pricey housing complex at ASU, once named America’s No. 1 party school, want more quiet, less loud music
Housing at Mirabella requires one-time fees that go from $440,000 to more than $1 million. Residents pay another $4,000 to $8,000 a month, which includes classes and meals.
Mirabella also is restricted to seniors. Residents must be 62 or older. It is one of the country’s few senior-living facilities set on a college campus, mixing older and younger generations by design. It hasn’t gone as well as hoped.
For the kind of money Mirabella’s 260 residents are paying, some are asking why they can’t get a little peace and quiet.
Some have complained about music that blasts late into the night. The vibration of bass notes has rattled the windows and walls of Sharon Murry’s apartment at all hours, the 72-year-old said. “That unrelenting bass thumping sound makes it difficult to concentrate or do anything else,” including sleep, she said in a court filing.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-let-retirees-move-on-campus-at-arizona-state-11665583186?mod=lifework_trending_now_article_pos4
Like I said, I think the concept of living on campus and being able to take whatever classes you want would be an amazing experience as a senior citizen. But the noise of a dive bar across the street blasting EDM until the wee hours of the morning would be too much.
I should know. Our old house was across from what used to be a health retreat for middle-aged women (once called a fat farm). It sold to a hotelier who wanted to turn it into a resort with live outdoor concerts. Our windows shook. My kids would lose sleep on school nights. It was a nightmare. We went to the county courthouse because I found a law that said we were entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of our home. The liquor license got restricted and if we could hear the music in our house, they would get fined. So many fines and their license would get revoked.
However, this case is different than the hotel across the street from our old home. The senior citizens of Mirabella knowingly moved on to the kids’ territory. The judge is trying to work out a compromise.
What are your thoughts? Should the old folks have a right to demand peace and quiet on a college campus?
Your situation was likely far different than the ASU situation. Here is why I think that: in your previous situation, it became a noisy enclave AFTER you moved in, and, I am guessing, the old folks in Mirabella came after the campus was built. If they moved in after the student housing was established, then the fault is there’s, and too bad. It is moving into a know flood zone, and then complaining about the cost of flood insurance.
Exactly! The noise started at our house a decade after we moved in. The seniors moved onto a campus that was voted number one party school in 2001.
But now the University has to spend big $$ to defend against stupid. The American way.
Yep! I hope the seniors lose in court. Also they should have to pick up the tab for ASU’s lawyers.
This isn’t a retirement community. It’s a college campus. Just because the seniors handed over huge amounts of money does that give them the right to make new policies? I think not. They moved into an existing space and community. They are no more privileged than any other neighborhood that surrounds a college campus. They can either make some friends, party with the young adults, buy earplugs, or move!
Good point! They were not forced to buy into those apartments. You’d think they’d remember what college campuses are like.
Damn Skippy! And if they have that kind of money, they can go past the dollar store earplugs, and can get BOSE noise cancellers!
True! They can add some sort of noise blockers to their walls.
No. You’re moving to a campus. It’s implied that it’s going to be full of college age kids. To have thought otherwise is plain stupid
Exactly! I love the idea of taking college classes in whatever you’re interested in. But they could do that far cheaper living off campus.
I’d like peace and quiet specially at night.
i agree. But I don’t think these seniors should have moved onto a college campus and expect they could change the atmosphere.
Yes, it’s a choice they made with all knowledge.
What another frivolous lawsuit. Shame on them but typical, I think, of the way wealthy folks act sometimes.
They do act entitled.
We are across from a very well run senior citizen housing. It benefits us because in the past we have had people look out for our home and make friends with us. It has been nice. I think they knew what they were getting into by moving there.
It sounds like it would be nice and quiet, too!
It is and there is a security guard. Very nice installation to have nearby.
That’s wonderful. After living for two years with a stalker/homeless person in my yard in CA I would appreciate that.
I have to agree with all said here. This lawsuit is a waste!
Maybe the senior citizens will feel better for trying?
Not sure what you mean. Trying to live on campus or trying to sue?
Maybe the seniors feel like they have to do something to try to get rid of the noise. Although I’m not on their side, it may make them feel better to take legal action.
The concept is good but maybe the seniors should be located off campus but have access to classes? I just returned to the states and wanted to catch up on my favorite blogs! Missed you! 💕C
I can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! Yes, I think off campus living would be better.