If you’re considering moving into a retirement village it’s important to have the details ironed out to ensure your chosen retirement community is perfect for you. In retirement, it’s essential to surround yourself with what makes you truly happy. From relocating to a place you’ve always dreamed of, or moving down the road in search of having all you need close by.
What is a retirement village?
Retirement villages are typically designed for over 55s who can live independently. They offer a range of accommodation styles, with a purposeful design to ensure residents have all they need to embrace their golden years and make the most of their hard-saved pension!
Retirement villages provide added security to residents, so you can say goodbye to the worries of leaving your home while on holiday. At St Ives, our residents know each other by name with many of our villages gated or home to a community-led neighbourhood watch service. All homes and community facilities in St Ives retirement villages are equipped with a 24-hour emergency services helpline that connects directly to medical help should you have an accident.
Take your time
There’s no need to rush your move into a retirement village. Take the time to consider the lifestyle you’re looking for and ensure that your chosen village is right for you.
There are two key elements to consider…
The ‘where’
Consider where you see yourself living. Are you ready to take the plunge and move to a location you’ve always loved? Or would you prefer to stay close to home, and be near family and friends? Let the answers to these questions be a starting point for planning your future retirement lifestyle.
The ‘what’
Next, consider what you want to do with your retirement. Will you enrol in new education opportunities, travel the world, or take up new hobbies? The answers to these questions will help you determine what amenities to look for when choosing a retirement village. You will be paying for access to these amenities as part of your ongoing costs, so it’s important they are tailored to your preferences and allow you to find a lifestyle you’ll love.
If you are looking for an active retirement a village such as St Ives Centro Jolimont would be perfect for you! Home to an indoor heated pool, bowls green and more, you’d have all you need for a fulfilling retirement only moments from home.
Going beyond your dream retirement lifestyle, you also need to consider your accommodation preferences. Do you prefer low-maintenance living in a modern apartment? Or perhaps a home with space to potter around a garden and grow your favourite flowers.
Dig a little deeper
Once you’ve established the ‘what’ and the ‘where’ it’s time to start researching. Look for retirement villages in your desired location and see if it fits within your retirement budget. Make sure to gain an understanding of the property market in your chosen area so you’re able to gauge if the retirement village is priced fairly.
Learn how to estimate your retirement budget in our blog.
When moving into any new home, we recommend you get a feel for the local area by visiting local shops, parks and cafes. When you’re happy with the location contact your chosen village to arrange a viewing. Make sure to raise any questions or concerns you may have.
At St Ives we want our residents to be 100% sure of their decision to move. That’s why we invite prospective residents and their families to attend village events, providing the opportunity to chat with current residents.
If you think life in a St Ives village is for you, speak to our village representatives to find your future home.