Learn & Grow/Independent Living/10 Must-Haves for an Independent Living Community
Independent Living

10 Must-Haves for an Independent Living Community

Deciding where to spend the best years of your life doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be exciting to research and develop a plan for the next stage of your life. If you’ve begun research already, you know that there are plenty of options available. But do you know which one is the right fit for you? 

Use this article as a guide to help narrow down your retirement living choices. 

What is an Independent Living Community?

You may have come across the term independent living community in your research. What does this term mean? Is this a good lifestyle fit for you? 

Many retirement communities like Harbour’s Edge have cultivated an engaging independent lifestyle for their residents. With independent living, you continue to live a self-sufficient life while enjoying the benefits of residing within a community of like-minded individuals. 

Living in a community is actually very beneficial to your physical and emotional well-being. In a community, it’s easier to maintain friendships, be physically active and live a more fulfilling life. An independent living community is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a socially enriching lifestyle. 

Determining Your Must-Haves for a Retirement Community

While browsing communities, you may have been overwhelmed by the numerous amenities and services each one offers. To narrow down your choices, make a list of features and amenities that you would enjoy at your dream community. Do you want to live in elegance and sophistication? Do you want to live in a warm climate close to the beach? 

The checklists below can be used as a starting point to create your own list.  

Essential Must-Haves for a Retirement Community

These must-haves are organized by categories to help you better track what is essential to your ideal retirement lifestyle. Bring this list along when you tour a retirement community and add your own questions as they occur to you. 

Appearance & Maintenance Must-Haves

Is it important to you that the community has… 

  1. Beautiful landscapes and buildings that are regularly maintained? 
  2. Well-lit outdoor and indoor spaces?
  3. Easy to navigate campus and accessibility options?
  4. Nearby grocery stores, public transit, pharmacies and hospitals?
  5. Convenient parking lot for you and your visitors?

Amenities & Services Must-Haves

Is it important to you that the community has… 

  1. Kind and skilled caregivers who treat all residents with patience and care?
  2. Physical rehabilitation services: joint therapy, pain management, healthy lifestyle programs? 
  3. Exciting game room or arts studio with regularly hosted events and activities? 
  4. Delicious dining options such as chef-prepared meals?
  5. Salon and barber services?

These are just a few things to consider while evaluating your retirement community options. Hopefully, it will inspire you to create a more specific list where you can compare the pros and cons of each community as it relates to your dream lifestyle.

Schedule a Tour at Harbour’s Edge

Are you ready to spend your retirement basking in the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze?  Harbour’s Edge, located near Delray Beach, is an inspiring oasis where you can live the tropical life you’ve always dreamed of. Discover world-class independent living amenities and dining venues. Plus, our exceptional Life Care plan includes rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, providing you and your family with a solid plan for the future — today.  

See what living at Harbour’s Edge is really like. Schedule a tour.

Related Stories