A new year is a time for reflection and resolution. It’s when many of us take stock of our lives and ask, “What do I want for myself?” For retirees, the question often extends to their living arrangements.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of moving to a retirement village, this might be the year to make that life-changing decision. With insight from real residents, we’ve compiled essential considerations to help you determine if this move is right for you.
Why Do People Choose to Move?
There are a myriad of reasons why people decide to make the move to a retirement village. If property maintenance has become overwhelming, budgeting feels unpredictable, or you simply want more vibrant surroundings, it might be time to take that next step. Before deciding to move, ask yourself, “What is it about my current living situation that bothers me”. Here are the most common reasons seniors make the transition:
- Property maintenance is overwhelming
Tasks like lawn care, gutter cleaning, and general upkeep take considerable effort, and as we age, they can feel daunting.“We added up our tree trimming, gardening etc. and you don’t have to worry about it – worry about who is ripping you off. And you don’t have to worry about it [costs] going up”.
Dave - Wanting predictability in budgeting
Retirement villages with fixed fees eliminate surprises and make financial planning easier, offering long-term peace of mind. They remove the stress of rising rates and utility costs, as well as unexpected repair costs. Plus, you get to enjoy quality amenities without paying for memberships. You have so much to do right outside your door.“You don’t have to pay rates, water rates, gym memberships, maintenance – all of those costs keep going up, but our fee is fixed for life. That’s a huge relief when you’re on a fixed income”.
Jean
“We are saving more money here than we were at home. Your rates aren’t going up. When something needs fixing you put a form in and it’s fixed within a day”.
Mary - Concerns about safety and security
Many retirees feel uneasy living alone. Retirement villages often provide gated security, 24/7 nurses on site and call systems, which affords peace of mind.
“The quiet friendliness and support one gives or receives is reassuring and precious. Especially as we are all Senior Citizens and not as mobile anymore”.
Remarks Philippa.
- Seeking connections and vibrancy
Loneliness can creep in when you’re at home alone or lack a steady flow of social interactions. Living in a well-connected community opens the door to new friendships and activities.
Philippa says “A resident does not need to feel alone because there is always companionship, especially if their family is not nearby or abroad. We have become a family, and the wonderful staff are so caring of us”.
While Marg explains “If we were still in our home, we would not have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy the social company of the many friendly Settlers residents, we have been fortunate to meet some really special friends”.
- Freeing up time for passions
Reduced responsibilities mean more time for hobbies, fitness, travel, socialising or simply relaxing. If you don’t have to worry about home maintenance and gardening, you can focus your energy on doing what you love. As one resident beautifully put it, “You can use your energy to do the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do.”
- Their Neighbourhood Is Just Not The Same
Many of the residents we talked to missed the days when they could wave hello to someone on the street and know their name. Being familiar with people around you brings a sense of comfort. Retirement villages can provide that sense of belonging.
“You have a shared outlook on life, a shared vision, and camaraderie that you don’t get out in the suburbs. It’s the same sort of thing that you get by belonging to a club. You never get lonely. There’s so much to do”.
June
For more insights on if moving to a retirement village is the right option for you now, check out this article on navigating the emotional journey of downsizing.
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Retirement Village
Real Stories from Residents
Moving into a retirement village isn’t a decision to make lightly—it’s about finding a place that enhances your quality of life. There are some factors that you may not think to consider that are actually really important.
1. Lifestyle and Community Vibe
What’s the energy of the village? Is it vibrant, relaxed, supportive, or something in between? Walk around different villages to get a feel for the environment. You’ll instinctively sense where you feel most comfortable.
Trust your instincts—not every village will “feel right,” but the one meant for you certainly will.
2. Inclusivity, support and advocacy
Residents at Settlers Lifestyle Village highlight the inclusive atmosphere, praising options like woodworking sheds, salons, and group classes. According to one resident, “The range of activities ensures there’s never a dull moment—you can socialise, learn, or relax whenever you want.”
Resident Bev shares, “You can be as social or introverted as you want. There’s space for everyone to do their own thing, no pressure to attend every event or mingle if you don’t feel up to it.”
3. Space and Comfort
Space is a luxury that’s often taken for granted until you don’t have it. Choosing a home is different from picking a hotel; it’s about finding a place where you can truly settle and many of our residents say how important space is in that regard.
Pay attention to the design of the village. Is it built for high density or enjoyment? Are corridors and pathways wide? Do the apartments feel open or cramped? Look for high ceilings, large windows, large dining areas, established trees and gardens, social spaces and greenery—key features that make environments feel more homely.
One resident reflects, “High-rise buildings can feel intimidating—too many shadows and too little greenery. I wanted a space that felt comfortable but not constricting.”
4. Family Friendliness
Consider whether your family and friends will feel comfortable visiting you. Does the village welcome grandchildren, offering play areas or even pools with set visiting hours? Your family will love coming over if the space encourages fun or relaxation.
“Little Cam, he’s 6 now, he said he loves coming here and he has a meat pie each time”, says founding resident Bev.
5. Private or Group Ownership
Unlike other villages where management controls activities, here we encourage residents to take charge. Whether it is running the bar or organising social events, our residents choose how things are done. It’s about living life on their terms.“With other villages, there are so many layers to get through. Here, you speak with someone and it’ll get to the right people quickly.”
“I think ours might be rare – other villages employ staff and the staff organise everything -that is more restricting and less personal. But in ours, we make our own days up – it provides a sense of purpose, a bit of pride that it’s your area that you look after. “
“I’m on the bus driving list. I’ve become a bus driver now. I’ve done my licence. They’re off all the time. They’re always going off somewhere.”
6. Health and Future Care
Do the village’s facilities accommodate your current and future needs? Even if you’re fully independent now, it’s worth considering places with medical support or age-friendly designs like step-free access. Residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village get priority access to Fairview Care, a private rest home and hospital.
How Moving Early Can Improve Your Quality of Life
It can be tempting to delay the move, but many retirees express wishing they had made the change years earlier. Moving while you’re still active allows you to fully enjoy the vibrant social life, accessible amenities, and peace of mind retirement villages have to offer.
Bev, who had lived in her family home for 44 years, describes her experience, “It was hard driving away for the last time, but it became the beginning of something wonderful. New doors opened for me that I couldn’t experience while managing my old home.”
Barry notes, “Most people wait until their late 70s or 80s. But the earlier you move, the more opportunities you have to enjoy and explore everything.”
Margaret recalls her own turning point, “We considered downsizing first, but then I asked my husband, ‘How long will we stay there before moving to a village?’ When he said, ‘3–5 years,’ I thought, ‘Why move twice?’ That decision changed everything for us.”
Mary adds, “I’m much happier here. At home, everyday things would frustrate me—like cleaning up after a huge tree in our yard. Little annoyances add up, and over time they got unbearable. The pressure is completely off now.”
Take the Leap Toward the Next Chapter
The start of a new year is the perfect time to envision what the future could hold. If your current living situation no longer brings you the joy, ease, or connections you deserve, perhaps it’s time to consider a lifestyle village.
Choosing the right retirement village isn’t just about floor plans and facilities—it’s about finding a community that feels like home. With welcoming neighbours, accessible amenities, and freedom to focus on what you love, this could be the year you make the move.
Take the first step toward new possibilities. Explore local options, tour villages, and speak to residents who’ve walked this path to see if this could be the fresh start you’re looking for.
Book a tour today. Your fresh start awaits.
