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Find your own paradise

Janis Peters calls St. Elizabeth Village a “little piece of paradise.” It’s easy to understand why. The community features a 12 acre pond, fronted by many of the Village’s houses in a secluded  100 acres, on Hamilton Mountain. “We refer to it as a cottage,” she says, “because as you drive into the village you are instantly in a park-like setting.” 

“Paradise” is the word many people use to describe adult lifestyle communities, also called 55 plus or active adult. Caron Nightingale, on the west coast in Arbutus Ridge, BC, has her own good argument for using that word. Nestled in the Cowichan Valley, Arbutus Ridge by the Sea benefits from Canada’s only maritime Mediteranean climate, with mild winters and moderate summers. The location overlooks Saanich Inlet, where whales and harbour seals are not uncommon. When they moved there, Caron’s husband “was immediately excited with the beautiful surroundings, access to the ocean and the exquisite houses in the community.” She herself was inspired by local activities that included golfing, kayaking, biking and fishing.

At The Crossing in Garlands Crossing, Nova Scotia, Mary Ruth and Ervin Cochrane would also say their home is ideal. There are many things to love about their location, including a golf course and walking trails these self-professed nature-lovers enjoy. A big draw for them was one-storey living, having all their belongings on one floor, with maintenance easy. Since moving in, though, what’s become most valued, though, is their neighbours, who are “all really friendly.”

A more convenient way of investing in primary real estate

Generalizations may not apply to every lifestyle community, but these are the right place to be if you want to retain investment in a primary residence while shedding the pesky inconveniences that go with home ownership. You can find bungalow communities where lawn maintenance and snow removal are handled by staff. Security is often part and parcel of buying into condo towers or gated communities. Still other adult lifestyle communities are completely unique. At Wellings of Picton, you’ll find private suites in a four storey building that also features a shared atrium. No matter what the home style, the lifestyle opens up freedom to live life on your own terms. 

Tony Difruscio, president of St. Elizabeth Village says, “Everything here is about the residence experience.” St. Elizabeth Village partners with residents to set direction for the community, and in his words, “The people here create the community.” That’s exemplified in much that you find throughout communities like his. It results in a place that seems customized to the person you are, right down to the countertops and deck options. Bruce Mochrie of the Village created a wishlist for his new home and making an ideal home “was really quite painless,” he says. 

Of course, the home is just a physical building, but in line with the community’s belief in the importance of lifestyle, that’s not “what really brings us here,” says Mochrie. For him, it’s “so many people with similar lifestyles who’ve become great friends.” At St. Elizabeth, community also includes staff of the Village. “It’s even more important [for us] that we meet residents’ needs here,” says DiFruscio, chuckling, “because we live with them.” 

The people here help each other. Everyone here is just really friendly.

Mary Ruth and Ervin Cochrane, The Crossing

At Wellings of Picton, you “know that there’s always a social opportunity at hand, and friends to dine and socialize with,” says Rachel Henry, general manager there. “Sometimes that’s a card game, other times it’s a night of dancing. But you never know what fun is around the corner.”

Live in a community with a built-in peer group with endless opportunities for new friendships. Leave all the lawn cutting and snow shoveling to someone with a younger back. Create a space of your own in a community with endless activities tailored to someone your age. Does it indeed sound like paradise? Find your own below.