With most of us being around the same age and in early retirement, I thought I'd enquire about peoples experiences and views on Retirement villages. I've had a couple of tentative looks at the possibility. Presently I'm open to all ideas. However when it comes to these villages, I just dont really get it.
They seem very expensive as an ongoing cost to me. Also there are issues with your property value as the villages seem to take quite a percentage should you leave. I understand the freedom from maintenance issues, I understand the facilities. I dont think it's worth circa 600 bucks or more a month (plus rates!!) when one could hire a regular visiting handyman for less than this, maintain full property value and freedom.
Security I guess is a big one as well, that's very good peace of mind and probably worth a lot. Generally speaking they are IMO poorly located not within walking distance of shopping etc and you need your own transport to get around. Something I'm personally steering away from. Don't really want to own a car in retirement and use the plentiful public transport or one of the multitude of ride sharing services in inner Melbourne. Even have Uber Pool here. I will of course at least own a camper (and tug potentially in the future) of some description, but I dont want to use everyday around central Melbourne.
One unsaid factor, well I've not heard it said, is a emotional issue that a friends much older sibling hinted at. That's like insurance for a social network in case a partner died. Now that did hit me. Is that the big unsaid reason that people move into these places? I actually think that's one hell of a good point. Thats the biggest selling point for us.
GarrynLyn said
03:47 PM Oct 8, 2018
I have rellies in retirement homes, and they seem really happy. But, am not convinced they are for me, as we are on a farm in FNQ and rarely see neighbours. I'm not that sure I would feel comfortable living close to neighbours, have to invest to buy a unit/house, and then have to pay monthly maintenance fees etc etc.
Just my opinion at the moment.
Garry
2weis said
03:53 PM Oct 8, 2018
retirement villages are not the only option
there are places called over 50 lifestyle homes and the fees/charges are very different to retirement/care facilities
do your homework so you are clear on the differences and fees / charges
one over 50 I can comment on (if you want) is Called Living Gems and I think they have 5/6 different locations
Dougwe said
04:12 PM Oct 8, 2018
I lived in a village for over 50's for many moons. Owned the unit but not the land. Paid a small weekly fee that included water, rubbish collection and in my mind, security. It was great and my late wife and I loved it. When she died and that small weekly fee went up and was going up 10% each year from then and some memories I needed to get away from I sold the lot, got what is listed below and now live full time on the road. I love the life.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
palaceboy said
04:25 PM Oct 8, 2018
Dougwe wrote:
I lived in a village for over 50's for many moons. Owned the unit but not the land. Paid a small weekly fee that included water, rubbish collection and in my mind, security. It was great and my late wife and I loved it. When she died and that small weekly fee went up and was going up 10% each year from then and some memories I needed to get away from I sold the lot, got what is listed below and now live full time on the road. I love the life.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
More power to you. Hope you have great travels :)
rockylizard said
07:41 PM Oct 8, 2018
Gday...
The main problem with retirement villages is they are full of old people.
cheers - John
the rocket said
10:22 AM Oct 9, 2018
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
The main problem with retirement villages is they are full of old people.
cheers - John
I noticed that
brickies said
12:21 PM Oct 9, 2018
Older people need to keep company with younger people to stay thinking young , And put more effort into staying away from from these places .
palaceboy said
01:47 PM Oct 9, 2018
brickies wrote:
Older people need to keep company with younger people to stay thinking young , And put more effort into staying away from from these places .
I used the wrong term really, I did mostly mean Lifestyle villages, do you feel the same way about those?
There some fairly sassy over 55's out there, including my gym junkie wife. As for me, maybe I'll introduce them to some Sasha and John Digweed. Great travelling and background working music.
Music is my key to staying current.
-- Edited by palaceboy on Tuesday 9th of October 2018 01:48:06 PM
-- Edited by palaceboy on Tuesday 9th of October 2018 01:50:32 PM
Meredith said
03:02 PM Oct 9, 2018
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
The main problem with retirement villages is they are full of old people.
cheers - John
Yes, my 89 mother just recently made that observation when my sister in law suggested maybe she should look at moving. She is quite happy and able to look after herself at home and doesn't want to be surrounded by old people.
PeterD said
09:03 PM Oct 9, 2018
the rocket wrote:
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
The main problem with retirement villages is they are full of old people.
cheers - John
I noticed that
And no pesky kids and teenagers
Desert Dweller said
06:23 PM Oct 10, 2018
From our knowledge of retirement villages these are our observations.
1. There always seems to be a ''dominant group'' in every one of them that ''rule the roost'' over the rest of the residents.
2. They are so depressing, everyone is aware of who died last week or who has been taken to hospital with a life threatening illness. Am I next?
3. The management jack up the prices at will.
4. Who'd wanna' spend 24/7 with a load of whinging old farts anyway?
LLD said
07:05 PM Oct 10, 2018
a.k.a. God's waiting room.
Have some retired friends who like to travel a lot, both here and o/seas. When ever they were away their kids moved back home and created a mess. By moving to a retirement village they were able to stop this. Their unit was still intact when they got home, their lawns were cut etc. The village also had a boat & van storage area.
DD. 4. Who'd wanna' spend 24/7 with a load of whinging old farts anyway? Just go caravanning in Grey Nomad season
newslug said
07:12 PM Oct 10, 2018
thought I'd throw in my 2 penneth worth here : Im 68 and two years ago I bought into an over 55's lifestyle home park on the Central Coast. Here's how it worked for me :
I knew I wanted to "try" the central coast of NSW.. so as soon as my house ( on three acres on the Sunshine Coast) sold I drove to the central coast, hopefully to inspect as many houses as possible and secure one. It was a rushed trip, and I checked out homes in four home parks. One I really liked was brand new, but the layout was a bit strange../ but the price at $280 thousand was, I thought very good. But Ultimately I looked at an older home ( about 18 year old) in a nearby park, which I managed to negotiate down to $170k . yes, it is only small, (two bedrooms) and its taken me a while to "contract" my belongings ( read "get rid of") to just the necessities...
In these establishments you own the house, but you don't own the land You pay rent on the land which covers your council rates, park maintenance and use of facilities. My Park has two heated swimming pools, two community halls, bowls croquet and boule facilities, there is a golf driving range. It is fairly flat so ideal for "exercise walking" its about 450 metres from Lake Macquarie, and about 15 minutes to a legal nude beach if that's your "thing" .
Depending on your financial situation you may be entitled to Government Rental assistance... (* I get the maximum allowable, which I believe is about 160 a week ( though its never itemised on your pension information for some reason) but it covers my rental and remember you don't pay council rates. you only pay water gas electricity. Phone is $20 a month, internet ( although pretty dismal) is $5 a month (unlimited). Gardens are well maintained, but house maintenance is the owners' responsibility...
Life style ? its what you make of it, There is a very active Social committee, theatre group, even a weekly Meal arrangement if you wish for a Friday night social activity . though I think it could be made into much more fun..but the meals are good value for the very low price ( under 10 dollars) paid. Community bus will pick you up and deliver you to the hall for the meal and take you home again.
As one who plans to buy a motorhome, the little house I bought will serve as a great "home base" .,.Like every situation where there is higher density living accommodation, you need to be aware of the possibility that some people will try to "run the show" .. there are in every case "whingers" who like to complain,. but that can happen in unit blocks and apartment houses as well ..So far I've not encountered anything but people who are pretty much friendly, and at night its very quiet .. no noise seem to happen after 7 pm... and the whole place has security gates..
For a pensioner I recommend this kind of life style, you have your dignity and privacy.. yes there are rules but there are always rules, even if you live in a stand a lone home in the suburbs I find it a perfect answer to low cost accommodation ./ there are no government stamp duties to be paid on the house, and your property can become part of your will for inheritance, or it can be sold. AND unlike retirement homes, there are NO exit fees.
If you home park is sold, and the new owner wants to change its use, (* say to establish it for some other purpose, say, for instance, a "highrise" property, It is the onus of the new owner to cover the cost of removal of your home to another property., of similar ambiance and relocate you and if needed "temporary" accommodation during that move .. its a pretty good arrangement and its all on a contract so fairly hard for you to be just "kicked out" .
PeterD said
07:17 PM Oct 10, 2018
DD sounds like he has experienced nursing homes rather than the Residential Land Lease villages. The ones I know of like the ones on the NSW central coast are vibrant places. They are not full of old farts but have a balance of younger residents. They are active in the sports teams that compete amongst other villages, have plenty of outings organized by the residents and many of the residents are involved in community organisations out of the villages.
As for the dominant groups that rule the roost, that happens in any organised group whether they are within out villages or out there amongst the wide world. I have experienced those for the whole life. It is not confined to RLL villages, it is part of any community.
If you are looking at a RLL village life I would suggest you move in early and not leave it until you on your last legs. Move in when you are fit enough to contribute to a vibrant community and enjoy the lifestyle.
newslug said
07:19 PM Oct 10, 2018
In my home park, prices can't be just "jacked up" at will by management, and like all similar home parks in NSW (at least) they are governed by rules that protect the home owner from any such move. Yes there are some unscrupulous park owners who may try to do the wrong thing . but there is fairly new legislation, there are residents committees., and there is an overarching body (ARPRA) which protects you./.. In years gone by there were often problems with management changing their plans, but these days, contracts are seen as contracts... and effectively under the legislation the home owner/resident is pretty strongly protected./
Yes there will always be someone who tries to develop a pecking order in the home park but ultimately they can be brought under control ...just don't allow it to happen .Self-centered and self important residents do not have authority to dictate how things go. I've heard of one particular home park, on the south coast of nsw, where one particular woman has tried to "rule the roost" with bad language and standover tactics and threats .Of course ultimately these people lose their support base (as she has) and is now, Im told in the throes of moving to another home park where she hasn't yet been asked to leave .,.,eventually she will run out of options
PeterD said
07:25 PM Oct 10, 2018
newslug wrote:Depending on your financial situation you may be entitled to Government Rental assistance... (* I get the maximum allowable, which I believe is about 160 a week ( though its never itemised on your pension information for some reason)
It is always listed separately on the notice you get each time your pension changes.
rockylizard said
08:18 PM Oct 10, 2018
newslug wrote:
thought I'd throw in my 2 penneth worth here : Im 68 and two years ago I bought into an over 55's lifestyle home park on the Central Coast. Here's how it worked for me :
~~~SNIP My Park has two heated swimming pools, two community halls, bowls croquet and boule facilities, there is a golf driving range. It is fairly flat so ideal for "exercise walking" its about 450 metres from Lake Macquarie, and about 15 minutes to a legal nude beach if that's your "thing" .
~~~SNIP
Gday...
Good run-down on your choice newslug - well thought out and I am sure it suits you. However, as you say it 'works for you'.
I would never use any of those amenities you see as an advantage - I haven't swam in a pool, heated or otherwise, for probably 40 years ... give me a nice creek or lake somewhere out in the blue yonder.
I would rarely attend "organised do's" in 'community halls', I find bowls, croquet and boule abhorrent and I see golf as did Oscar Wilde - a good walk spoiled.
I find that walking through bush far more exhilarating than an 'exercise yard/circle/path' in manicured surroundings and if we were to meet you would see why I would be very unlikely to go anywhere near a nude beach.
You also say "....I recommend this kind of life style, you have your dignity and privacy..." for me, travelling full-time in my van gives me more than just my dignity - it gives me a reason for continuing to live independently, at my own pace, doing my own thing without needing to fall under the direction of others and there is SO much to do and see that, even after 10 years, I ain't even skimmed the surface.
Privacy - there is nothing more private than being camped at a nice creek tucked away in the bush - tranquillity and at one with nature - and no-one organising bowls croquet boule or golf - and I can do my nude thing in private if the whim overwhelms me.
I am now 71 and cringe at the thought of having to have to live in a 'retirement village' etc for the past decade (or longer).
cheers - thankfully we all require different stimulation to salve our soul - John
Desert Dweller said
07:19 AM Oct 11, 2018
PeterD wrote:
DD sounds like he has experienced nursing homes.
No. We're definitely talking about Retirement Villages. We have quite a large amount of experiences with them.
PeterD said
10:24 AM Oct 11, 2018
DD, in about the 8th reply the OP indicated he was interested in lifestyle villages (Residential Land Lease villages) and not retirement villages. There is a considerable difference between the retirement and RLL villages. One is that the RLL villages seem to attract a younger clientele.
palaceboy said
04:20 PM Oct 11, 2018
newslug wrote:
thought I'd throw in my 2 penneth worth here : Im 68 and two years ago I bought into an over 55's lifestyle home park on the Central Coast. Here's how it worked for me :
I knew I wanted to "try" the central coast of NSW.. so as soon as my house ( on three acres on the Sunshine Coast) sold I drove to the central coast, hopefully to inspect as many houses as possible and secure one. It was a rushed trip, and I checked out homes in four home parks. One I really liked was brand new, but the layout was a bit strange../ but the price at $280 thousand was, I thought very good. But Ultimately I looked at an older home ( about 18 year old) in a nearby park, which I managed to negotiate down to $170k . yes, it is only small, (two bedrooms) and its taken me a while to "contract" my belongings ( read "get rid of") to just the necessities...
In these establishments you own the house, but you don't own the land You pay rent on the land which covers your council rates, park maintenance and use of facilities. My Park has two heated swimming pools, two community halls, bowls croquet and boule facilities, there is a golf driving range. It is fairly flat so ideal for "exercise walking" its about 450 metres from Lake Macquarie, and about 15 minutes to a legal nude beach if that's your "thing" .
Depending on your financial situation you may be entitled to Government Rental assistance... (* I get the maximum allowable, which I believe is about 160 a week ( though its never itemised on your pension information for some reason) but it covers my rental and remember you don't pay council rates. you only pay water gas electricity. Phone is $20 a month, internet ( although pretty dismal) is $5 a month (unlimited). Gardens are well maintained, but house maintenance is the owners' responsibility...
Life style ? its what you make of it, There is a very active Social committee, theatre group, even a weekly Meal arrangement if you wish for a Friday night social activity . though I think it could be made into much more fun..but the meals are good value for the very low price ( under 10 dollars) paid. Community bus will pick you up and deliver you to the hall for the meal and take you home again.
As one who plans to buy a motorhome, the little house I bought will serve as a great "home base" .,.Like every situation where there is higher density living accommodation, you need to be aware of the possibility that some people will try to "run the show" .. there are in every case "whingers" who like to complain,. but that can happen in unit blocks and apartment houses as well ..So far I've not encountered anything but people who are pretty much friendly, and at night its very quiet .. no noise seem to happen after 7 pm... and the whole place has security gates..
For a pensioner I recommend this kind of life style, you have your dignity and privacy.. yes there are rules but there are always rules, even if you live in a stand a lone home in the suburbs I find it a perfect answer to low cost accommodation ./ there are no government stamp duties to be paid on the house, and your property can become part of your will for inheritance, or it can be sold. AND unlike retirement homes, there are NO exit fees.
If you home park is sold, and the new owner wants to change its use, (* say to establish it for some other purpose, say, for instance, a "highrise" property, It is the onus of the new owner to cover the cost of removal of your home to another property., of similar ambiance and relocate you and if needed "temporary" accommodation during that move .. its a pretty good arrangement and its all on a contract so fairly hard for you to be just "kicked out" .
Some great posts on here, and yours is very informative and interesting to me, so thank you. I also like Rockylizards mode as well. It's hard to know how we are going to go in retirement, so both options are on the table at present. We just know we want to be doing lots of different acitivities and not shut up indoors watching TV or in a rut.
Reason I like your post Newslug, is it's not part of a lifestyle community webpage, where you dont know if people are being paid to write these personal insights. It's your own honest appraisal and a very interesting one as well. I for one didn't know the fees could be that low, plus I always thought the rates were on top. So thanks for putting this on the Agenda.
RockyLizard, I must say your lifestyle appeals as well. but i want to ask one pertinent question if I may be so bold. What happens when that road runs out? Thats the kind of thing we personally would have to a plan for I think. More me than my wife actually. Who's a Aussie Country Girl from beyond Parkes and brought up on outback stations....and doesn't mind not thinking about next year or later on at all. In fact she'll be great on the road. Being the only girl out of 4 brothers she can do bush stuff you wouldn't believe.... Does all those variious knots like they are nothing, including pully ones. Which is way way beyond my South London upbringing. Never forget the time we went up beyond Cairns in our early years, got stuck with a broken petrol tank. Had to put a tent up in river bed, in soft quartz sand.... Not a problem for her. Off she went gathering rocks and stuck them on the tent pegs. Full of stuff like that she is. Way beyond most city slickers like myself. She'd love your lifestyle. So lets see where the future takes us.
-- Edited by palaceboy on Thursday 11th of October 2018 04:21:38 PM
-- Edited by palaceboy on Thursday 11th of October 2018 04:21:57 PM
-- Edited by palaceboy on Thursday 11th of October 2018 04:24:15 PM
Hylda&Jon said
06:58 PM Oct 11, 2018
We moved into an over 50 lifestyle village in Yamba NSW 3 months ago for a little over $300,000. The house is about 3 years old and, as others have mentioned, we rent the land for $157 a week. The rental covers all facilities including the community centre, pools, roads, boom gate security etc, We pay no council rates but we do pay for electricity & water but we are in the process of installing solar power so that will not be a worry. Initially moving in we didn't need to fork out money for a conveyancer like we would have if we bought a normal house so saved a couple of thousand there, also there is no stamp duty so also saved over $10,000 there. The place is part of the Gateway village company which have many many villages so is a safe investment. When buying we made sure it was not part of an individual owner operated village as they, in our view, are an unsafe investment. We have only met nice people in the village and my wife enjoys exercises and I play darts in organised groups plus we have happy hour every Fri afternoon for a couple of hours where its BYO nibbles & drinks for anywhere between 10 and 30 of us for a couple of hours. It may not be for everyone but we love it.
As you can see by the pic from our back verandah we have our own back yard with a lagoon we pop our kayaks in for a paddle occasionally plus we are about to buy a couple of electric bikes for a bit more fun.
-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Thursday 11th of October 2018 07:00:13 PM
SNIP~~~RockyLizard, I must say your lifestyle appeals as well. but I want to ask one pertinent question if I may be so bold. What happens when that road runs out? That's the kind of thing we personally would have to a plan for I think. More me than my wife actually. ~~~SNIP
Gday...
It does cross one's mind from time to time.
When I first joined the forum I wrote on my profile (and its still there) -
"Retired in Dec 2008, bought the van, sold the house and settled into living the nomad lifestyle. In May 2010 bought the LR Discovery 3 to better tow the van. I do occasional harvesting/farm work for the interest and the extra fitness level I gain. Love photography, bushwalking, reading and writing. I hope to do this until I die - or fail to have sufficient mobility to hitch and/or unhitch the van."
I figured that if the loss of mobility, either through 'old age' or illness, came upon me I would simply tow the van to a suitable park in a suitable little country town, put it up on blocks and live in it till I dropped off the perch.
I am always on the lookout for such a nice van park in such a suitable little country town with basic facilities such as supermarket/groceries, butcher, servo, doctor, pharmacy, ambulance/hospital/clinic. Just in case I ever needed it.
As I travel solo, my fear 10 years ago was having a heart attack/stroke or a bad injury that would limit my abilities.
In the last couple of years I am now not concerned with those issues - my 'fear' is dementia - particularly as I am usually all by myself.
To be perfectly frank, I have yet to devise a plan of how to handle that should it happen ... or even if I will ever KNOW that it is happening.
One of my friends says it should be no problem. I would wake up one morning and think "This is a lovely camp site, I might stay here today." Then the following morning I would wake up, look out the door and say "This is a lovely camp site, I might stay here today." He says this could go on for days so just relax and enjoy it.
Unfortunately, I know that won't be the case. It is a concern but I put it from my mind. I figure that one of those roadtrains that come toward me from time to time on those lovely quiet outback roads could take me out long before any illness or dementia etc.
Just choose what you want and do it ... we have all wasted too much time working and saving and now is the time to enjoy those golden years we have left.
cheers - John
palaceboy said
11:10 PM Oct 11, 2018
All I can say at this stage is I'm inspired by all of these posts :) Thanks people. Hylda and Jon and John and Newslug.
My wife never goes on forums, I think she may be coming on this one for sure. Very uplifting.
Going off to work right now in quite a buoyant mood after seeing how other people do it.
Roll on next year :)
Oh and Rockylizard aka John, Have you been to the Wangaratta park, that's a really nice place, very central and a fantastic town. Owners a bit Authoritarian though. Which is probably better than being totally liberal.
rockylizard said
08:56 AM Oct 12, 2018
Gday...
If you mean the Wangaratta Caravan park in Parfitt Road, then yes I have.
I stayed there back in 2011 for a couple of nights so I could check out the Warby Ranges camping areas.
I found a good one up there and then moved up with the van and stayed at Wenham's Camp for a week. Lovely area.
I haven't been back to either place since.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 12th of October 2018 09:42:45 AM
palaceboy said
06:22 PM Oct 12, 2018
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
If you mean the Wangaratta Caravan park in Parfitt Road, then yes I have.
I stayed there back in 2011 for a couple of nights so I could check out the Warby Ranges camping areas.
I found a good one up there and then moved up with the van and stayed at Wenham's Camp for a week. Lovely area.
I haven't been back to either place since.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 12th of October 2018 09:42:45 AM
The one before it closer to town, called Painters Island, walk across the footbridge at the back of the park and everything is right there, just the Ovens river in between. Best located park I've been to, Basically right in town, yet you wouldn't know it. Great place for settling IMO. I'm sure there's letter around though, I've just not seen them... yet. Being able to walk to amenity from a great environment is my personal No 1 priority. You can walk around the whole CBD easily from there. Wangararatta is a very underestimated town I reckon.
rockylizard said
08:01 PM Oct 12, 2018
Gday...
I didn't stay at Painters due to the floods at that time
Cheers - John
PeterD said
10:11 PM Oct 12, 2018
I would not set up permanently in Palmers Island. It floods periodically ( if and when we get more then normal rainfall.)
JayDee said
11:46 AM Oct 13, 2018
Just for the record, I will be 80 next January, and whilst we have given serious thought to down sizing into a lifestyle, I don't think I really old enough to want to be living in a lifestyle village.
The residents in these villages seems to me to be old people.
Well when I am old enough I will reconsider our future.
But i think I have he mind of a 28 year old but a body of a soon to be 80 year old.
Jay&Dee
PeterD said
12:38 PM Oct 13, 2018
Jay&Dee, I think you are starting to get too old for one of our villages. Most of the old people who move in discover they were too old to move and the stress of the move sent them downhill. They don't last long. The long-term residents are those who came in at an early age. Stay where you are until you are ready for a nursing home.
I suggest that those who are considering moving to a Residential Land Lease village do so whilst they are young enough to fit in with the lifestyle.
With most of us being around the same age and in early retirement, I thought I'd enquire about peoples experiences and views on Retirement villages. I've had a couple of tentative looks at the possibility. Presently I'm open to all ideas. However when it comes to these villages, I just dont really get it.
They seem very expensive as an ongoing cost to me. Also there are issues with your property value as the villages seem to take quite a percentage should you leave. I understand the freedom from maintenance issues, I understand the facilities. I dont think it's worth circa 600 bucks or more a month (plus rates!!) when one could hire a regular visiting handyman for less than this, maintain full property value and freedom.
Security I guess is a big one as well, that's very good peace of mind and probably worth a lot. Generally speaking they are IMO poorly located not within walking distance of shopping etc and you need your own transport to get around. Something I'm personally steering away from. Don't really want to own a car in retirement and use the plentiful public transport or one of the multitude of ride sharing services in inner Melbourne. Even have Uber Pool here. I will of course at least own a camper (and tug potentially in the future) of some description, but I dont want to use everyday around central Melbourne.
One unsaid factor, well I've not heard it said, is a emotional issue that a friends much older sibling hinted at. That's like insurance for a social network in case a partner died. Now that did hit me. Is that the big unsaid reason that people move into these places? I actually think that's one hell of a good point. Thats the biggest selling point for us.
I have rellies in retirement homes, and they seem really happy. But, am not convinced they are for me, as we are on a farm in FNQ and rarely see neighbours. I'm not that sure I would feel comfortable living close to neighbours, have to invest to buy a unit/house, and then have to pay monthly maintenance fees etc etc.
Just my opinion at the moment.
Garry
there are places called over 50 lifestyle homes and the fees/charges are very different to retirement/care facilities
do your homework so you are clear on the differences and fees / charges
one over 50 I can comment on (if you want) is Called Living Gems and I think they have 5/6 different locations
I lived in a village for over 50's for many moons. Owned the unit but not the land. Paid a small weekly fee that included water, rubbish collection and in my mind, security. It was great and my late wife and I loved it. When she died and that small weekly fee went up and was going up 10% each year from then and some memories I needed to get away from I sold the lot, got what is listed below and now live full time on the road. I love the life.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
More power to you. Hope you have great travels :)
Gday...
The main problem with retirement villages is they are full of old people.
cheers - John
I noticed that
I used the wrong term really, I did mostly mean Lifestyle villages, do you feel the same way about those?
There some fairly sassy over 55's out there, including my gym junkie wife. As for me, maybe I'll introduce them to some Sasha and John Digweed. Great travelling and background working music.
Music is my key to staying current.
-- Edited by palaceboy on Tuesday 9th of October 2018 01:48:06 PM
-- Edited by palaceboy on Tuesday 9th of October 2018 01:50:32 PM
Yes, my 89 mother just recently made that observation when my sister in law suggested maybe she should look at moving. She is quite happy and able to look after herself at home and doesn't want to be surrounded by old people.
And no pesky kids and teenagers
1. There always seems to be a ''dominant group'' in every one of them that ''rule the roost'' over the rest of the residents.
2. They are so depressing, everyone is aware of who died last week or who has been taken to hospital with a life threatening illness. Am I next?
3. The management jack up the prices at will.
4. Who'd wanna' spend 24/7 with a load of whinging old farts anyway?
Have some retired friends who like to travel a lot, both here and o/seas. When ever they were away their kids moved back home and created a mess. By moving to a retirement village they were able to stop this. Their unit was still intact when they got home, their lawns were cut etc. The village also had a boat & van storage area.
DD. 4. Who'd wanna' spend 24/7 with a load of whinging old farts anyway? Just go caravanning in Grey Nomad season
thought I'd throw in my 2 penneth worth here : Im 68 and two years ago I bought into an over 55's lifestyle home park on the Central Coast. Here's how it worked for me :
I knew I wanted to "try" the central coast of NSW.. so as soon as my house ( on three acres on the Sunshine Coast) sold I drove to the central coast, hopefully to inspect as many houses as possible and secure one. It was a rushed trip, and I checked out homes in four home parks. One I really liked was brand new, but the layout was a bit strange../ but the price at $280 thousand was, I thought very good. But Ultimately I looked at an older home ( about 18 year old) in a nearby park, which I managed to negotiate down to $170k . yes, it is only small, (two bedrooms) and its taken me a while to "contract" my belongings ( read "get rid of") to just the necessities...
In these establishments you own the house, but you don't own the land You pay rent on the land which covers your council rates, park maintenance and use of facilities. My Park has two heated swimming pools, two community halls, bowls croquet and boule facilities, there is a golf driving range. It is fairly flat so ideal for "exercise walking" its about 450 metres from Lake Macquarie, and about 15 minutes to a legal nude beach if that's your "thing" .
Depending on your financial situation you may be entitled to Government Rental assistance... (* I get the maximum allowable, which I believe is about 160 a week ( though its never itemised on your pension information for some reason) but it covers my rental and remember you don't pay council rates. you only pay water gas electricity. Phone is $20 a month, internet ( although pretty dismal) is $5 a month (unlimited). Gardens are well maintained, but house maintenance is the owners' responsibility...
Life style ? its what you make of it, There is a very active Social committee, theatre group, even a weekly Meal arrangement if you wish for a Friday night social activity . though I think it could be made into much more fun..but the meals are good value for the very low price ( under 10 dollars) paid. Community bus will pick you up and deliver you to the hall for the meal and take you home again.
As one who plans to buy a motorhome, the little house I bought will serve as a great "home base" .,.Like every situation where there is higher density living accommodation, you need to be aware of the possibility that some people will try to "run the show" .. there are in every case "whingers" who like to complain,. but that can happen in unit blocks and apartment houses as well ..So far I've not encountered anything but people who are pretty much friendly, and at night its very quiet .. no noise seem to happen after 7 pm... and the whole place has security gates..
For a pensioner I recommend this kind of life style, you have your dignity and privacy.. yes there are rules but there are always rules, even if you live in a stand a lone home in the suburbs I find it a perfect answer to low cost accommodation ./ there are no government stamp duties to be paid on the house, and your property can become part of your will for inheritance, or it can be sold. AND unlike retirement homes, there are NO exit fees.
If you home park is sold, and the new owner wants to change its use, (* say to establish it for some other purpose, say, for instance, a "highrise" property, It is the onus of the new owner to cover the cost of removal of your home to another property., of similar ambiance and relocate you and if needed "temporary" accommodation during that move .. its a pretty good arrangement and its all on a contract so fairly hard for you to be just "kicked out" .
DD sounds like he has experienced nursing homes rather than the Residential Land Lease villages. The ones I know of like the ones on the NSW central coast are vibrant places. They are not full of old farts but have a balance of younger residents. They are active in the sports teams that compete amongst other villages, have plenty of outings organized by the residents and many of the residents are involved in community organisations out of the villages.
As for the dominant groups that rule the roost, that happens in any organised group whether they are within out villages or out there amongst the wide world. I have experienced those for the whole life. It is not confined to RLL villages, it is part of any community.
If you are looking at a RLL village life I would suggest you move in early and not leave it until you on your last legs. Move in when you are fit enough to contribute to a vibrant community and enjoy the lifestyle.
In my home park, prices can't be just "jacked up" at will by management, and like all similar home parks in NSW (at least) they are governed by rules that protect the home owner from any such move. Yes there are some unscrupulous park owners who may try to do the wrong thing . but there is fairly new legislation, there are residents committees., and there is an overarching body (ARPRA) which protects you./.. In years gone by there were often problems with management changing their plans, but these days, contracts are seen as contracts... and effectively under the legislation the home owner/resident is pretty strongly protected./
Yes there will always be someone who tries to develop a pecking order in the home park but ultimately they can be brought under control ...just don't allow it to happen .Self-centered and self important residents do not have authority to dictate how things go. I've heard of one particular home park, on the south coast of nsw, where one particular woman has tried to "rule the roost" with bad language and standover tactics and threats .Of course ultimately these people lose their support base (as she has) and is now, Im told in the throes of moving to another home park where she hasn't yet been asked to leave .,.,eventually she will run out of options
It is always listed separately on the notice you get each time your pension changes.
Gday...
Good run-down on your choice newslug - well thought out and I am sure it suits you. However, as you say it 'works for you'.
I would never use any of those amenities you see as an advantage - I haven't swam in a pool, heated or otherwise, for probably 40 years ... give me a nice creek or lake somewhere out in the blue yonder.
I would rarely attend "organised do's" in 'community halls', I find bowls, croquet and boule abhorrent and I see golf as did Oscar Wilde - a good walk spoiled.
I find that walking through bush far more exhilarating than an 'exercise yard/circle/path' in manicured surroundings and if we were to meet you would see why I would be very unlikely to go anywhere near a nude beach.
You also say "....I recommend this kind of life style, you have your dignity and privacy..." for me, travelling full-time in my van gives me more than just my dignity - it gives me a reason for continuing to live independently, at my own pace, doing my own thing without needing to fall under the direction of others and there is SO much to do and see that, even after 10 years, I ain't even skimmed the surface.
Privacy - there is nothing more private than being camped at a nice creek tucked away in the bush - tranquillity and at one with nature - and no-one organising bowls croquet boule or golf - and I can do my nude thing in private if the whim overwhelms me.
I am now 71 and cringe at the thought of having to have to live in a 'retirement village' etc for the past decade (or longer).
cheers - thankfully we all require different stimulation to salve our soul - John
No. We're definitely talking about Retirement Villages. We have quite a large amount of experiences with them.
Some great posts on here, and yours is very informative and interesting to me, so thank you. I also like Rockylizards mode as well. It's hard to know how we are going to go in retirement, so both options are on the table at present. We just know we want to be doing lots of different acitivities and not shut up indoors watching TV or in a rut.
Reason I like your post Newslug, is it's not part of a lifestyle community webpage, where you dont know if people are being paid to write these personal insights. It's your own honest appraisal and a very interesting one as well. I for one didn't know the fees could be that low, plus I always thought the rates were on top. So thanks for putting this on the Agenda.
RockyLizard, I must say your lifestyle appeals as well. but i want to ask one pertinent question if I may be so bold. What happens when that road runs out? Thats the kind of thing we personally would have to a plan for I think. More me than my wife actually. Who's a Aussie Country Girl from beyond Parkes and brought up on outback stations....and doesn't mind not thinking about next year or later on at all. In fact she'll be great on the road. Being the only girl out of 4 brothers she can do bush stuff you wouldn't believe.... Does all those variious knots like they are nothing, including pully ones. Which is way way beyond my South London upbringing. Never forget the time we went up beyond Cairns in our early years, got stuck with a broken petrol tank. Had to put a tent up in river bed, in soft quartz sand.... Not a problem for her. Off she went gathering rocks and stuck them on the tent pegs. Full of stuff like that she is. Way beyond most city slickers like myself. She'd love your lifestyle. So lets see where the future takes us.
-- Edited by palaceboy on Thursday 11th of October 2018 04:21:38 PM
-- Edited by palaceboy on Thursday 11th of October 2018 04:21:57 PM
-- Edited by palaceboy on Thursday 11th of October 2018 04:24:15 PM
We moved into an over 50 lifestyle village in Yamba NSW 3 months ago for a little over $300,000.
The house is about 3 years old and, as others have mentioned, we rent the land for $157 a week. The rental covers all facilities including the community centre, pools, roads, boom gate security etc, We pay no council rates but we do pay for electricity & water but we are in the process of installing solar power so that will not be a worry.
Initially moving in we didn't need to fork out money for a conveyancer like we would have if we bought a normal house so saved a couple of thousand there, also there is no stamp duty so also saved over $10,000 there.
The place is part of the Gateway village company which have many many villages so is a safe investment. When buying we made sure it was not part of an individual owner operated village as they, in our view, are an unsafe investment.
We have only met nice people in the village and my wife enjoys exercises and I play darts in organised groups plus we have happy hour every Fri afternoon for a couple of hours where its BYO nibbles & drinks for anywhere between 10 and 30 of us for a couple of hours.
It may not be for everyone but we love it.
As you can see by the pic from our back verandah we have our own back yard with a lagoon we pop our kayaks in for a paddle occasionally plus we are about to buy a couple of electric bikes for a bit more fun.
-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Thursday 11th of October 2018 07:00:13 PM
Gday...
It does cross one's mind from time to time.
When I first joined the forum I wrote on my profile (and its still there) -
"Retired in Dec 2008, bought the van, sold the house and settled into living the nomad lifestyle. In May 2010 bought the LR Discovery 3 to better tow the van. I do occasional harvesting/farm work for the interest and the extra fitness level I gain. Love photography, bushwalking, reading and writing.
I hope to do this until I die - or fail to have sufficient mobility to hitch and/or unhitch the van."
I figured that if the loss of mobility, either through 'old age' or illness, came upon me I would simply tow the van to a suitable park in a suitable little country town, put it up on blocks and live in it till I dropped off the perch.
I am always on the lookout for such a nice van park in such a suitable little country town with basic facilities such as supermarket/groceries, butcher, servo, doctor, pharmacy, ambulance/hospital/clinic. Just in case I ever needed it.
As I travel solo, my fear 10 years ago was having a heart attack/stroke or a bad injury that would limit my abilities.
In the last couple of years I am now not concerned with those issues - my 'fear' is dementia - particularly as I am usually all by myself.
To be perfectly frank, I have yet to devise a plan of how to handle that should it happen ... or even if I will ever KNOW that it is happening.
One of my friends says it should be no problem. I would wake up one morning and think "This is a lovely camp site, I might stay here today." Then the following morning I would wake up, look out the door and say "This is a lovely camp site, I might stay here today." He says this could go on for days so just relax and enjoy it.
Unfortunately, I know that won't be the case. It is a concern but I put it from my mind. I figure that one of those roadtrains that come toward me from time to time on those lovely quiet outback roads could take me out long before any illness or dementia etc.
Just choose what you want and do it ... we have all wasted too much time working and saving and now is the time to enjoy those golden years we have left.
cheers - John
My wife never goes on forums, I think she may be coming on this one for sure. Very uplifting.
Going off to work right now in quite a buoyant mood after seeing how other people do it.
Roll on next year :)
Oh and Rockylizard aka John, Have you been to the Wangaratta park, that's a really nice place, very central and a fantastic town. Owners a bit Authoritarian though. Which is probably better than being totally liberal.
Gday...
If you mean the Wangaratta Caravan park in Parfitt Road, then yes I have.
I stayed there back in 2011 for a couple of nights so I could check out the Warby Ranges camping areas.
I found a good one up there and then moved up with the van and stayed at Wenham's Camp for a week. Lovely area.
I haven't been back to either place since.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 12th of October 2018 09:42:45 AM
The one before it closer to town, called Painters Island, walk across the footbridge at the back of the park and everything is right there, just the Ovens river in between. Best located park I've been to, Basically right in town, yet you wouldn't know it. Great place for settling IMO. I'm sure there's letter around though, I've just not seen them... yet. Being able to walk to amenity from a great environment is my personal No 1 priority. You can walk around the whole CBD easily from there. Wangararatta is a very underestimated town I reckon.
Gday...
I didn't stay at Painters due to the floods at that time
Cheers - John
Just for the record, I will be 80 next January, and whilst we have given serious thought to down sizing into a lifestyle, I don't think I really old enough to want to be living in a lifestyle village.
The residents in these villages seems to me to be old people.
Well when I am old enough I will reconsider our future.
But i think I have he mind of a 28 year old but a body of a soon to be 80 year old.
Jay&Dee
I suggest that those who are considering moving to a Residential Land Lease village do so whilst they are young enough to fit in with the lifestyle.