Finding Your Ideal Lifestyle Retirement Village

Are you approaching retirement and wanting to downsize into a comfortable village lifestyle? Choosing the right retirement community is an important decision that will impact your golden years. This guide will help you in your retirement community search to find the best retirement location in Australia that suits your needs and preferences.

1. Identify your priorities

The first step is to think about what’s important to you in a retirement village. Do you prefer an active social environment or a more peaceful setting? Are amenities like pools, gyms and clubs a priority? Making a list of must-haves will help narrow your options.

Pro tip: Consider location

Where a village is located can heavily impact your daily life and enjoyment. Being close to family is ideal for extra support. Coastal or regional towns typically offer relaxed paces of living and access to golf courses, whereas being near major cities gives access to amenities, healthcare and transport links. Some of the best retirement locations in Australia with lush amenities and activities include places like the Gold Coast area.

2. Research options online

Browse retirement village websites and review sections to get a feel for different options. Searching terms like “retirement communities near me” can yield results for your local area. Take note of amenities, floor plans, pricing structures and lifestyle descriptions. Shortlist those that seem like strong potential matches for further investigation. Performing online research is an efficient way to screen many retirement community search results.

3. Visit shortlisted villages

Once you have a few top contenders, it’s time to inspect them in person. Attend an open day to explore the facilities and chat with residents. This gives a true sense of the village atmosphere and lifestyle. Ask about social activities, services, maintenance responsibilities and contract details. Seeing the units for sale firsthand helps you evaluate if the standard of finish and floor plans suit your needs.

4. Research pricing structures

Retirement villages have different fee structures — some have large upfront costs, while others have weekly fees. Consider whether you need to sell your existing home first or can move in earlier with a smaller deposit. Village contracts generally involve a deferred management fee paid on exit or resale — understanding these exit costs is important. Carefully analysing pricing models is important in your retirement community search for the best value arrangement.

5. Think about finances and downsizing

Proper financial planning is key prior to finalising your decision. Before committing, ensure your retirement savings and existing home equity (if selling) will sufficiently cover village purchase and living costs. Downsizing into a smaller home releases funds that enhance your lifestyle. Seek financial advice around costs, Centrelink entitlements and how you can structure your retirement community purchase for optimum finances.

6. Ask about technology and connectivity

Consider looking for retirement villages that prioritise technology and offer Wi-Fi in common areas, incorporate smart home features for ease and safety and provide tech support to keep residents connected and engaged. Whether it’s video calling family, enjoying entertainment or accessing online services, technology-rich environments cater to both the tech-savvy and those wishing to expand their digital skills.

7. Explore healthcare services and accessibility

Ideally, the best retirement location in Australia should offer easy access to routine medical check-ups, specialised healthcare services and emergency care to ensure residents receive prompt, comprehensive medical attention when needed. Proximity to reputable healthcare facilities, on-site medical services and partnerships with healthcare providers can significantly impact your quality of life, offering reassurance that your health and well-being are prioritised.

8. Consider transportation options

A retirement village with easy access to public transportation, community shuttle services and proximity to major roads and airports enables residents to maintain their freedom, attend appointments, enjoy social outings and welcome visiting family and friends with ease. This connectivity fosters a sense of independence and ensures residents can easily explore and engage with the broader community.

9. Factor in long-term planning

A community that fosters ageing in place, offering adaptable living spaces and access to various levels of care, ensures peace of mind for both residents and their families. Whether you’re transitioning from independent living to more supportive care options or accessing specialised healthcare services as needs evolve, the ideal community should seamlessly accommodate these changes.

10. Tour your favourites again

Once you’ve narrowed options down using the above steps, revisit top contenders to view again with a partner or family. Second inspections allow for assessing the lifestyle fit when comparing different retirement locations side by side. Ask more probing questions of residents to picture living there long-term. Thoroughly considering all your retirement community search findings helps you to make an informed choice.

11. Make your decision

Reflect on all factors important to your ideal retirement, including location, village environment, amenities, financials and future needs. Rank features to identify the option that offers the complete package. Weigh the pros and cons before committing — this decision will impact your lifestyle for years ahead.

By thoroughly researching options using the guidance in this article, you’ll feel confident settling into the best retirement location in Australia for you.

Explore our range of properties at Golden Crest Manors today

Ready to realise your retirement dreams in an ideal lifestyle village community? Golden Crest Manors in the Gold Coast region may be the match you’ve been searching for. Explore our award-winning resort-style facilities and modern homes for those in their 50s. Contact our friendly team today to discuss how life could look living at Golden Crest Manors. Your perfect village option may be closer than you think!