A New Year, A New Chapter
The beginning of a new year offers a chance for fresh starts. For many, it’s a time of reflection—a chance to reassess and determine how to make the year ahead even more fulfilling. For retirees, this could mean exploring the idea of moving into a retirement or lifestyle village. Downsizing, leaving a family home, and stepping into a new environment might seem daunting at first—but it could just be the fresh start you’ve been waiting for. So what should you consider when looking for a new residence? The following insights from Fairview Lifestyle Village residents may help you make your decision.
Retirement should be about thriving, not just settling
Moving into a village isn’t about finding a new place to live—it’s about discovering a lifestyle where well-being, community, and comfort take center stage.
Retirement is a time to enjoy life without the obligations of home maintenance, the burdens of isolation, or the hassle of navigating life’s day-to-day demands alone. A lifestyle village like Fairview not only offers these freedoms but opens the door to meaningful connections, a serene environment, and a life-enhancing community.
As one resident puts it – “Our social lives have really picked up here. There’s so much going on, but you don’t have to join in if you’re not feeling up to it—no pressure. Most of us do, though.“
How To Choose A Retirement Village
When considering retirement home options, you might find yourself weighing the differences between brand-new villages and established ones. While new villages might offer shiny facilities, established villages can offer some distinct advantages.
1. Beautiful, Mature Grounds
Established villages like Fairview boast stunning landscaped grounds that can take years to cultivate in newer developments. Mature gardens, leafy trees, and wide open spaces bring a sense of serenity, making every day feel like a retreat.
Resident Jill, who has lived in Fairview for over 12 years, describes the environment as a key reason for her decision. “The beautiful grounds, tree-lined roads, and spaciousness stood out. You can go for a lovely walk without ever leaving the village.”
Doreen, who has spent a year at Fairview, agrees. “The gardens and the grounds attracted us. You drive up from the gate and go wow—with the palms and everything. It’s like a resort.”
2. Spacious, Private and Comfortable Living
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.
Designed for enjoyment – not for high-density
Here, instead of trying to fit as many dwellings into the village as possible, safety, comfort, and accessibility were the design considerations. Wider streets and corridors, high ceilings, considered property placement, and beautiful green spaces and gardens were all included to create a comfortable environment that would feel spacious, and private and promote a sense of well-being and connection.
Jill who has been a resident here for 12 years said – “You have so much privacy—the way the gardens are with the trees and the layout of the villas. That’s what attracted my husband and I.”
3. A Warm, Established Community
The unseen attributes in choosing a retirement village matter too
One of the most unseen yet vital attributes of an established lifestyle village is its well-developed sense of community spirit—a quality that cannot be built overnight.
“Living here has completely changed our social lives,” shares one group of residents. “There’s so much going on, but you don’t have to join in if you’re not feeling up to it—no pressure. Most of us do, though.”
The friendships formed in these communities foster a rare and beautiful support network that enhances daily life. Residents look out for each other, creating a sense of belonging that often feels like extended family.
“We hear many amazing stories of neighbours lending a hand or encouraging each other,” residents say with pride.
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.
Jocelyn says, “I currently know more people [now that I’m in the village] than I have put together in my entire life.”
4. Experienced Support and Advocacy
Established villages tend to come with well-thought-out support systems that ensure residents feel secure and cared for. Fairview’s commitment to advocacy is deeply appreciated by residents like Wendy.
“Things happen quickly here if they need to be done,” Wendy says. “There’s a residents’ committee who notices things. If someone doesn’t want to speak up, there’s someone that can advocate for them.”
Additionally, services like garden maintenance, housekeeping, and on-site nursing are often seamlessly integrated into village life, leaving residents to focus on what they truly enjoy.
“We’re self-sufficient here,” says one group sentiment from Fairview. “But it’s different to what you have to do when you’re looking after your own home alone. Here there are teams of people who can help out—and quickly too. The garden team is amazing. It always looks good.”
Bev encapsulates this sentiment beautifully when reflecting on her decision to move. “I’m happier here—I’m much happier here. The pressure is off. Little things at home, like maintenance, really add up over time. And here, it’s so much easier to get on with living.”
5. Ideal Location and Accessibility
The convenience of living in a convenient location is another reason retirees find this village appealing. At Fairview, everything from shops and medical facilities to public transport is a stone’s throw away.
“The location is so handy,” one group of residents shares. “Shops, the Albany Mega Centre, and public transport are just a short walk away. Wendy often catches the bus to the Auckland Art Gallery. It couldn’t be easier!”
And while accessibility is key, the peaceful ambience of the village itself is never compromised. “You wouldn’t even know the motorway is there—it’s so quiet because of the trees,” a resident group comments.
6. Private Ownership Makes A Difference
Jocelyn appreciates this, particularly the efficiency that comes with private ownership. “The village being privately owned, well, that was a big drawcard for us,” she says. “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.”
Will You Take the First Step?
Whether it’s the thoughtfully designed spaces, the vibrancy of the social scene, or the peace of knowing support is readily available, moving to a lifestyle village is more than just practical—it’s liberating.
January is a wonderful time to consider a fresh start. If you’re weighing the idea of moving to a lifestyle village, why not plan a visit? Explore the gardens, meet the residents, and experience firsthand how an established village like Fairview could transform your life.
Book a tour today and see the difference for yourself. Your fresh start awaits.
