Understanding Entrance Fees: What They Mean for Your Future


July 25, 2025

When considering a move to an Active Adult Life Plan Community, the term entrance fee may give you pause. But at Athens Crossing, this one-time investment unlocks far more than just a place to live, it secures a lifestyle built on freedom, connection, and long-term peace of mind.

An entrance fee is a one-time payment made when you move into a Life Plan Community like Athens Crossing. It is not a real estate purchase, but rather an investment that secures your residence, grants access to a wide range of amenities, and most importantly, guarantees priority access to healthcare services should your needs ever change. It helps fund your care for the long term and supports the stability of the entire community.

Unlike the uncertainty of rental communities where rates are unpredictable and future care options can be limited or unavailable, the entrance fee at Athens Crossing provides consistent value and a thoughtful plan for your future.

In other words: it is not just a payment; it is a foundation for everything that comes next.

Two Flexible Options, One Exceptional Lifestyle

At Athens Crossing, we understand that financial goals vary from person to person. That is why we offer two entrance fee options designed to meet your individual needs:

  • Return-of-Capital: Refunds up to 80% of the entrance fee to you or your estate, offering a way to preserve your legacy and protect assets.
  • Declining-Refund: Begins at 90% refundable and gradually decreases over 48 months, an ideal choice for those planning to enjoy the community for the long term.

No matter which option you choose, you will pay a predictable monthly service fee that covers the essentials like home maintenance, wellness programming, and life-enriching community events. This structure ensures a carefree lifestyle and allows you to focus on what matters most.

What You Get in Return

The entrance fee at Athens Crossing is an investment towards a secure, rewarding lifestyle that offers far more than the traditional 55+ or rental communities including:

  • A thoughtfully designed, maintenance-free home
  • Full access to our clubhouse, fitness areas, walking trails, and social spaces
  • Robust wellness, cultural, and life-enrichment programming
  • Priority access to assisted living, memory support, and skilled care at our sister community, Four Seasons

And if you outlive your financial resources through no fault of your own, our Foundation provides benevolent support to help ensure you can remain in your home and continue receiving the care you need. Because Athens Crossing is not just where you live, it is where you belong for life.

Why a Life Plan Community Makes Financial Sense

Flexibility with Legacy in Mind
Whether your priority is protecting your estate or maximizing your retirement experience, our flexible contract options let you choose what is best for you. With both refundable and declining-refund plans available, you can align your investment with your long-term financial goals, benefiting both you and your loved ones.

More Value, More Security
While the entrance fee may seem like a significant up-front cost, it delivers lasting value. At Athens Crossing, your entrance fee is a proactive investment that protects your lifestyle today and secures your care for tomorrow. It ensures priority access to higher levels of care should your needs ever change, giving you peace of mind that support will be there when you need it most.

A Richer Day-to-Day Life
Most importantly, Athens Crossing offers what money cannot buy: meaningful connections, an active lifestyle, and a welcoming, tight-knit community. From fitness classes and walking trails to social gatherings and lifelong learning, every day brings new opportunities to stay engaged, healthy, and fulfilled. This is not just a place to live, it is a place to thrive.

Plan Ahead, Live Fully

The entrance fee at Athens Crossing is not just a payment, it is a gateway to a new chapter defined by ease, opportunity, and confidence in what lies ahead.

Ready to explore the lifestyle, security, and long-term value that come with Life Plan living? Contact us to schedule a personal tour. We will show you how planning ahead can lead to a richer, more fulfilling tomorrow.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are interested in learning more about Athens Crossing or would like to schedule a tour of the community, please fill out the form below.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.