Lifestyle villages offer more options than ever before. For those retiring today, many of these weren’t available to their parents. Among the options is choosing between a brand new village or an established one.
While the benefits of a new village may seem obvious, it’s important not to overlook the advantages of established ones. Established villages often provide unique benefits that come with time. As the old adage goes – “good things take time”. Taking a look at these advantages will help you make an informed decision.
The Beauty of Mature Grounds
Spring has sprung, and residents at Settlers Lifestyle Village are enjoying the blooms and birdsong nestled in the abundance of lush tropical gardens.
It’s nice to look out from your window and stroll the expansive grounds in this established village. It is quite beautiful and comforting to live among mature trees and an abundance of birds.
There’s something comforting about nature that provides a deep sense of peace. However, new developments often struggle to replicate this feeling, as it takes years for gardens and natural landscapes to become fully established
“The gardens are beautiful, and we can easily walk around the village”
"Every day lately, I wake up to the sound of birds, which is such a lovely change. In our previous house, which was in a new development, there were no trees, so we hardly heard any birds. It's truly wonderful to be surrounded by nature here."
Would your family enjoy visiting you here?
When considering where to live, think about how your family might feel visiting you there. The tranquil environment of Settlers Lifestyle Village also provides a nice backdrop for family and friends to come and visit, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful grounds together.
Large open spaces and established trees create a park-like atmosphere. While spacious open-plan living areas and decks make them ideal for entertaining family and friends. There are even rooms to hire and a large restaurant onsite.
But it’s not just the beauty of established natural surroundings, it’s also the feeling of spaciousness our village offers.
Designed for enjoyment - not for high-density
The owners of Settlers Lifestyle Village designed their village around residents’ needs. Here, instead of trying to fit as many dwellings into the village as possible, they carefully considered how their decisions would affect the lives of our residents. Safety, comfort, and accessibility were their design considerations.
For instance, we created a “blokes shed” because we understand the importance of having a workshop, similar to what many residents had at home. Additionally, we recognize the value of monthly hair salon visits for our residents, so we made sure to include that in our design.
Of course, modern homes and high-quality facilities were a given, but this also meant caring about all the details that add up to make a big difference to the overall feel of the community. Wider streets, considered property placement, and beautiful green spaces and gardens were all included to create a comfortable environment that would feel spacious and promote a sense of well-being and connection.
We also wanted to ensure that communal areas were added to facilitate community gatherings and provide relaxing spaces where all residents felt at home. Our village has numerous recreation, entertainment and dining spaces, all providing opportunities for socialising in a country club style setting.
Spacious Living for Enhanced Comfort
A spacious village also gives you a feeling of openness and facilitates ease of movement. Recent comments from retirees looking at retirement villages reveal that some can feel quite claustrophobic.
High-rise buildings loom over the grounds, casting shadows and creating an overbearing atmosphere that can feel intimidating. Corridors that are too narrow only add to the feeling of constriction.
On the other hand, those looking for a homely atmosphere mention the importance of spacious surroundings, wide corridors, high ceilings and large dining areas. While gardens and established trees provide a sense of comfort and timeliness.
The unseen attributes in choosing a retirement village matter too
The decision to move to a retirement village involves more than just evaluating its physical attributes. The unseen aspects, like community spirit and understanding, contribute significantly to residents’ well-being.
With decades of shared living and learning, we understand what it takes to support our residents. Unlike newer villages that are still finding their identity, our well-established culture of care leads to a rewarding and enriching environment.
It’s always the people who make any community what it is, and we’re so happy that our residents are committed to supporting each other and making this such a great place to call home.
We hear many amazing stories of neighbours looking out for each other. This is truly a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels valued. As one resident put it,
“There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets sick, everyone cares and drops things off to people.”
Parting thoughts
When selecting a lifestyle village, it’s crucial not to get swept up by its newness, as the initial shininess will eventually fade. Instead, prioritise the culture and comfort of the village, since these factors will endure. An established community, spacious grounds, and a welcoming atmosphere are key elements that will make it feel like home long after the novelty wears off.
So be sure to evaluate your choice based on how you would feel living there for a long time. Choosing a home is different from picking a hotel; it’s about finding a place where you can truly settle.
Ultimately, we believe that the culture of a village is what truly makes it feel like home. Our villages have that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy pull, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong.
