Moving can be a really stressful experience. You need to think about so many things, like location, the size of the place, the rent price, the bills, the neighborhood, etc. It is especially tricky if you’re moving far away and you’re not able to see the place in real life before moving in. There are so many things you may not notice just looking at the pictures and the description provided by the owner.
TikToker Madison Kohout has found herself in this exact situation. She was moving from Oklahoma to Arkansas and she signed the lease before viewing the property. When she arrived, everything seemed normal, but after a week, she realized that she was living in a retirement community.
More info: TikTok
TikToker Madison Kohout was moving to another state and only realized she’d moved to a retirement community after she got there
Image credits: Madi Ann
This is not a joke. Madison is a 19-year-old girl from Norman, Oklahoma. She met a lady whose name is Gloria Crittenden over TikTok and became a big fan. They were talking for a year and got to know each other, so well, in fact, that Madison started calling Gloria her mom. Madison became a part of Gloria’s family as she didn’t have one of her own and decided to move to Arkansas.
Image credits: Madi Ann
Her mom found the apartment and Madison loved it, so she quickly decided to take the offer and packed her things to move
Image credits: Madi Ann
She’d started searching for an apartment when her mom texted her saying that she’d found the perfect place. The TikToker didn’t wait, packed her belongings, and was on her way. The apartment was great and Madison loved it, but it took her a week to notice a sign saying that she was now living in a retirement facility.
Madison told Newsweek that the first week was very busy with settling in and searching for a job, though she noticed that her neighbors were quite a bit older than her. Only when she saw the sign did it click and everything made sense.
Image credits: Madi Ann
Madison actually loves her apartment and her nice neighbors, and she has already befriended a lot of them
Image credits: Madi Ann
Madison snapped up the offer quickly because it was a two-bedroom apartment for $350 a month. She told Insider that “It was super spacious and felt like home.”
Madison loves her apartment and her neighbors. She shared some fun things about living with seniors. Firstly, it’s always quiet and she can be the loud one and listen to music all she wants, because most of the neighbors can’t hear anyway.
Image credits: Madi Ann
She is also always in the loop of all the gossip that’s going around. But the sweetest thing is that the people living there are very nice and after a long day, everyone cares how she is doing.
Not only that, but she has also befriended a lot of her neighbors and they eat dinner together, give her snacks, and have long conversations. So this mistake of not really knowing where she was moving was actually a blessing in disguise.
She sees only good things about living in an apartment meant for seniors, like the peacefulness
Image credits: Madi Ann
Image credits: Madi Ann
Madison plans to stay there in the near future and doesn’t regret her decision
Image credits: Madi Ann
People were curious how a 19-year-old was allowed to move into a retirement community. Madison explained to Newsweek that the apartments are primarily designed for seniors, but they don’t discriminate based on age. However, it seems that she is the only teenager there. But it doesn’t bother her and Madison says that she isn’t planning moving out of there any time soon.
@itsme.madiiiiReply to @2020broughtmehere I am a bit dramatic LOL but in all honesty I am SO blessed, I really do love it here ##fyp ##moving ##apartment ##seniorcit♬ The Office – The Hyphenate
Video credits: Madi Ann
Her first video got 3.5 M views so Madison continued documenting her life in the neighborhood. Overall, the response to the video was very positive and people in the comments were amazed at the luck of this girl, because they imagined that it would be so nice living in such a community.
People in the comments agreed that Madison was lucky even though she didn’t know at first where she was actually moving
All the retirement places around me have a minimum age limit for renters. The rent in these places always seems a lot lower and you get a bigger bang for your buck. We have a large retirement community where I live and every time I found a cheap but nice apartment, it always turned out to be for people 55+.
legally they cannot discriminate based on age. However if they get govt funds, depending on the level of care, they can cap percentages. So a place like this, since there is no nursing level assistance, can get some govt money, but at the same time has a cap on how many they can restrict for seniors
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I lived in a mostly seniors complex when I was in my 40's and it was GREAT! People talked to me and each other; they knew when someone was sick (with a cold and brought soup and juice and tea) or in the hospital (visited, watered their plants, took care of their pets). People would knock on my door, "Hello dear, I just made muffins, would you like some?" There were activities like community dinners and card nights (though there was a vicious war about changing how Bingo was run!) Some nasty backbiting and rumour mongering, but on the whole, the BEST place I've ever lived!
Before she met Gloria, she didn't have a family of her own. When you're in this situation, you latch onto the first person who can take you in and offer you something. We should all be grateful that this person was Gloria, and not a drug dealer or abusive boyfriend or other bad influence that comes into so many other unfortunate lives. Gloria has done Madison well!
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i don't wanna be a karen or anything, but that apartment could've gone to an elderly person who really needed it, especially if they don't have a family that can help them. i feel like taking their spot is a little selfish...
Came here to say this. I work with a lot of elderly people that need help and this actually really bothers me. I get she's young and probably broke. I've been there. Heck I'm still there. But there is HUD places that are not specifically for the elderly and disabled. She needs to look into that.
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In the Netherlands we have (had? Not sure) a project where a number of students live in retirement homes for a reduced rent. To compensate for that rent, they are obliged to do voluntary work in the retirement home. Seems to work fine for both parties, everyone happy.
I'm confused because in my state, senior facilities have an age limit. Like no teen is getting an apartment there.
The clue is right there on the sign: The HUD "Equal Housing Opportunity" logo! The law prohibits discrimination against any of the 'protected classes' which includes age (pursuant to the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, where federal funds are involved).
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Meanwhile, I'm 69 years old and I would HATE living in senior apartments or a retirement community. Give me a variety of ages. Give me people who can talk about something other than their ailments, their grandkids/great grandkids, and who died.
My 20 year old daughter and I (48/F) moved in to a "Seniors Building" two years ago. We noticed everyone was about my mom's age and asked about it. It was never assigned as Seniors, It just worked out that way. Until a 14 year old boy with his mom moved in about six months after us, my daughter was the youngest in the building! It's actually great! The older folks find anyone under 65 fascinating!
Again with TikTok and useless, endless screenshots. Bored Panda staff are truly lazy pandas now.
Holy sh!t! $350 a month?! Average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Toronto is just under $2000 a month.
Wow, the girl understood that generations can live together! I cannot say that it is a typical situation in big cities, but those in Italy who live in a small village know they can count on the elderly, who in turn can count on the young. There are pros and cons, but in any case it is normal life. Then, the fact that in the US there are communities entirely dedicated to the elderly, in my opinion is absurd.
In the U.S., communities entirely dedicated to the elderly (such as Sun City, AZ) are that way because that's what those residing there want.
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I spent a lot of time at my Grandmother's place when she was getting older. It was pretty far and in a small town with no motels so guests stayed in units set aside at the community. Sometimes we would stay for a few weeks, and it was quite an experience. We were "adopted" by several of the other residents who would treat us their own grandchildren. Even after my grandmother passed we kept in touch with several and went to visit. My only issue was that it was always over 25 degrees in the halls. But it was the friendliest place I have ever stayed.
I live in the UK and I think you legally have to be at least 55 to move into a retirement community (think it's because rent is subsidised). Makes sense to be honest...
I don’t believe this at all. Two days ago, I read another story about a young guy, who accidentally moved into a retirement community as well. This was on a different site, and they showed photos of him too. This just seems like a fake story, that’s circulating right now.
True experience here or not, I LOVE THIS IDEA!! Socially, financially, medically... It's a beneficial situation for all involved.
Except it’s not. The senior housing crisis is only getting worse because of stunts like this. https://stephaniehughes-20796.medium.com/the-u-s-senior-housing-market-facing-a-supply-shortage-5e43b1fc5277 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/magazine/homeless-seniors-elderly.amp.html https://nlihc.org/housing-needs-by-state/arkansas
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Well I hope she stays quiet and respectful, doesn’t boom music and have parties.
I am so jealous! I would love to live in a retirement, no loud, drunk neighbours. Generally nice friendly people! Sign me up!
Hard time believing this. In my state and the ones surrounding me, there are age restrictions for retirement communities. My aunt and uncle live in one and they had to provide "proof of age" when applying for the lease. Many of them also have "no children" restrictions, even for adult children, if they are under the age requirement.
That's a pretty big generalization. Do you know the community she lives in? Do you know that there is a shortage there?
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did you just steal one of the comments featured *in* the blog?
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All the retirement places around me have a minimum age limit for renters. The rent in these places always seems a lot lower and you get a bigger bang for your buck. We have a large retirement community where I live and every time I found a cheap but nice apartment, it always turned out to be for people 55+.
legally they cannot discriminate based on age. However if they get govt funds, depending on the level of care, they can cap percentages. So a place like this, since there is no nursing level assistance, can get some govt money, but at the same time has a cap on how many they can restrict for seniors
Load More Replies... I lived in a mostly seniors complex when I was in my 40's and it was GREAT! People talked to me and each other; they knew when someone was sick (with a cold and brought soup and juice and tea) or in the hospital (visited, watered their plants, took care of their pets). People would knock on my door, "Hello dear, I just made muffins, would you like some?" There were activities like community dinners and card nights (though there was a vicious war about changing how Bingo was run!) Some nasty backbiting and rumour mongering, but on the whole, the BEST place I've ever lived!
Before she met Gloria, she didn't have a family of her own. When you're in this situation, you latch onto the first person who can take you in and offer you something. We should all be grateful that this person was Gloria, and not a drug dealer or abusive boyfriend or other bad influence that comes into so many other unfortunate lives. Gloria has done Madison well!
Load More Replies... i don't wanna be a karen or anything, but that apartment could've gone to an elderly person who really needed it, especially if they don't have a family that can help them. i feel like taking their spot is a little selfish...
Came here to say this. I work with a lot of elderly people that need help and this actually really bothers me. I get she's young and probably broke. I've been there. Heck I'm still there. But there is HUD places that are not specifically for the elderly and disabled. She needs to look into that.
Load More Replies... In the Netherlands we have (had? Not sure) a project where a number of students live in retirement homes for a reduced rent. To compensate for that rent, they are obliged to do voluntary work in the retirement home. Seems to work fine for both parties, everyone happy.
I'm confused because in my state, senior facilities have an age limit. Like no teen is getting an apartment there.
The clue is right there on the sign: The HUD "Equal Housing Opportunity" logo! The law prohibits discrimination against any of the 'protected classes' which includes age (pursuant to the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, where federal funds are involved).
Load More Replies... Meanwhile, I'm 69 years old and I would HATE living in senior apartments or a retirement community. Give me a variety of ages. Give me people who can talk about something other than their ailments, their grandkids/great grandkids, and who died.
My 20 year old daughter and I (48/F) moved in to a "Seniors Building" two years ago. We noticed everyone was about my mom's age and asked about it. It was never assigned as Seniors, It just worked out that way. Until a 14 year old boy with his mom moved in about six months after us, my daughter was the youngest in the building! It's actually great! The older folks find anyone under 65 fascinating!
Again with TikTok and useless, endless screenshots. Bored Panda staff are truly lazy pandas now.
Holy sh!t! $350 a month?! Average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Toronto is just under $2000 a month.
Wow, the girl understood that generations can live together! I cannot say that it is a typical situation in big cities, but those in Italy who live in a small village know they can count on the elderly, who in turn can count on the young. There are pros and cons, but in any case it is normal life. Then, the fact that in the US there are communities entirely dedicated to the elderly, in my opinion is absurd.
In the U.S., communities entirely dedicated to the elderly (such as Sun City, AZ) are that way because that's what those residing there want.
Load More Replies... I spent a lot of time at my Grandmother's place when she was getting older. It was pretty far and in a small town with no motels so guests stayed in units set aside at the community. Sometimes we would stay for a few weeks, and it was quite an experience. We were "adopted" by several of the other residents who would treat us their own grandchildren. Even after my grandmother passed we kept in touch with several and went to visit. My only issue was that it was always over 25 degrees in the halls. But it was the friendliest place I have ever stayed.
I live in the UK and I think you legally have to be at least 55 to move into a retirement community (think it's because rent is subsidised). Makes sense to be honest...
I don’t believe this at all. Two days ago, I read another story about a young guy, who accidentally moved into a retirement community as well. This was on a different site, and they showed photos of him too. This just seems like a fake story, that’s circulating right now.
True experience here or not, I LOVE THIS IDEA!! Socially, financially, medically... It's a beneficial situation for all involved.
Except it’s not. The senior housing crisis is only getting worse because of stunts like this. https://stephaniehughes-20796.medium.com/the-u-s-senior-housing-market-facing-a-supply-shortage-5e43b1fc5277 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/magazine/homeless-seniors-elderly.amp.html https://nlihc.org/housing-needs-by-state/arkansas
Load More Replies... Well I hope she stays quiet and respectful, doesn’t boom music and have parties.
I am so jealous! I would love to live in a retirement, no loud, drunk neighbours. Generally nice friendly people! Sign me up!
Hard time believing this. In my state and the ones surrounding me, there are age restrictions for retirement communities. My aunt and uncle live in one and they had to provide "proof of age" when applying for the lease. Many of them also have "no children" restrictions, even for adult children, if they are under the age requirement.
That's a pretty big generalization. Do you know the community she lives in? Do you know that there is a shortage there?
Load More Replies... did you just steal one of the comments featured *in* the blog?
Load More Replies... 
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