Picking a retirement community is just like any other major life decision—there are dozens of factors to consider. But don’t get overwhelmed! We’ve created this easy guide on what to look for in a retirement community. Use this to inform your final decision as you narrow down your options… and start imagining the exciting next chapter of your life.
1). Convenient Location
The first thing to consider when choosing a retirement home is the location. Independent living is better with visitors, so many folks want to stay close to their family and friends. Invite the grandkids over for dinner, have a game night with friends, or even host Thanksgiving!
You also want it to be enjoyable year-round. Is the weather manageable in the summer and winter? And are you close to a city filled with things you love to do? Whether it’s dining, shopping, art, theater, hiking, coffee, or beyond—find a location that inspires you.
A perk of Woodcrest Villa is that we’re conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Lancaster General Health Suburban Pavilion. Plus, we’re close to major highways, airports, and an Amtrak station. Just hop on the train for a day trip to Philly, Baltimore, or NYC! Whether you’re traveling near or far, there’s no better home base than Woodcrest Villa.
2). Variety of Social Activities
Many folks choose an independent living community because they want to meet new people. And social activities for seniors are the way to do it! Your retirement community should plan engaging events for residents, the kind that make you look at your schedule and say, “How am I already booked for the week?”
If possible, explore the events calendar to see a snapshot of your month. You can also check the community’s social media accounts for photos of the fun.
Beyond that, discover what clubs you can join. This is a great way to make new friends with folks who have a shared interest. At Woodcrest Villa, our residents all have different talents and passions. We have art classes, chess clubs, a train room, woodworking, Bible studies, live music, and more! Whatever your passion, you will find people here that share it.
3). Educational Programs
Along with social activities for seniors, are there educational programs? Learning never stops, no matter your age, and you want a community that embraces that. From technology seminars to history tours, find a campus that cares about your growth and education (and keeps your mind active as much as your body).
4). Modern Campus Facilities
Our next suggestion for what to look for in a retirement community is the campus amenities. What facilities are available? Were they recently updated? Do they have the essentials you need for a happy and healthy life? If you’re a swimmer, an indoor pool is a must. If you’re a film buff, a movie theater would be a game changer. It’s not just the fun stuff. You also want the practical things, like a MarketPlace and wellness clinic.
Woodcrest Villa has all that and more in our VIVA Centre. This is the lively heart of campus, where dining, art, fitness, and social events keep you moving, trying, tasting, and laughing.
5). Housing That Fits Your Lifestyle
Sure, your calendar will be packed with events and classes. But where you sleep at night is still important. Each retirement community has different housing options, so make sure you find one that fits your lifestyle and design preferences. What’s great about Woodcrest Villa is you can customize your home with our Move-In Coordinator, creating a space that feels so you.
This is the time many folks choose to downsize, whether that’s to a cozy studio apartment or to a charming, one-story villa. Explore our floor plans to find a home that speaks to you. And if you’re an animal lover, always check whether the homes are pet-friendly. (Don’t worry. All of ours are.)
6). Strong Campus Culture
When choosing a retirement home, don’t overlook the residents themselves. What kind of people live there? Are they active or do they prefer the comfort of their home? Are they social or do they keep to themselves? There’s no right or wrong answer, but you want a campus culture that matches your lifestyle and values.
We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly, vibrant culture where residents can live the life of their dreams. Folks spend their days doing what they love and learning new skills in an environment that supports them. Woodcrest Villa’s mission is “to enrich the lives of residents, staff, and the community.” Each day, we wake up excited to do just that.
You can read about culture as much as you want, but the real magic is in chatting with our staff in person. Schedule a tour to get a feel for campus and meet the people who might just become your new favorite neighbors.
7). Five-Star Resident Testimonials
On the list of what to look for in a retirement community, many people forget about testimonials. But hearing about a resident’s experience in their own words, good or bad, can help you make a decision.
See what some of our residents have to say about Woodcrest Villa:
We love it here, as does our dog Mona. There are plenty of activities, clubs, exercise classes, committee’s, and entertainment to keep us busy. There is free transportation to the nearby Park City Mall, supermarkets, Leisure Lanes Bowling, Walmart, and Central Market to name a few.… The variety and quality of food is second to none.
I moved here 2 weeks ago!! I love, love, love it!! Wonderful residents and administrative coordinators who make me feel so at home. Choice of so many activities. Delicious food! I feel so safe and secure. Such a blessing!!
What a wonderful, wonderful community with tons of activities, precious friends and fantastic walking!
8). Delicious Food
Eating the same food every day gets old pretty fast. Meal options for residents are an important element of what to look for in a retirement community. Are there casual eateries along with fine dining? Are the meals healthy? Can the kitchen accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
And of course the most important question… does the food taste good? You deserve meals that make you excited to heat up leftovers.
The best way to know is to visit campus and try the food for yourself! We offer four different dining options including a café, bistro, and two evening restaurants for a dinner buffet (with a community table for those looking to make new connections). It’s dining that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
9). Safety and Security
Another important consideration when choosing a retirement home is security. Do you feel safe on campus? What security measures are in place? During your tour, take note of outdoor lighting, bike paths, and accessibility features that matter to you. Don’t be afraid to ask about visitor check-ins, alarms, security cameras, and emergency communication.
Services like snow removal also contribute to safety. You want to feel confident stepping outside, even after a winter storm tries to slow you down.
10). Levels of Care
You may be independent now, but everyone’s health needs change. Before committing to a retirement home, ask what levels of care are available on campus. If there is no on-site care, ask if there are facilities nearby that offer rehab and long-term health services.
At Woodcrest Villa, we’re just across the street from Trillium Place, with five levels of personal care, skilled nursing, and memory support available. Plus, we’re not far from the Lancaster General Health Suburban Pavilion, featuring a variety of outpatient and specialty physician services.
11). Well-Maintained Campus
How the campus looks is also a factor. Are there plenty of green spaces to connect with nature? Is it walkable? Is it well-kept and landscaped? Are shared spaces clean and comfortable?
Here at Woodcrest Villa, we keep our campus beautiful through every season. And we’re definitely not lacking green spaces! Our entire 130-acre campus is an accredited arboretum, so your morning stroll is sure to include birds, blooms, and a few neighbors getting their steps in.
12). Off-Campus Transportation
Our campus is beautiful, but there’s so much fun outside it, too. Make sure your retirement home provides transportation options for seniors. Want to pop over to Central Market downtown? Need to run to Walmart? Craving a trip to the mall? We can get you there! Woodcrest Villa offers all residents free transportation to popular spots in the area, no car keys required.
13). Cost
And the last recommendation for what to look for in a retirement community is a fair price. The cost of retirement living varies from campus to campus. During the application process, make sure you understand the pricing structure. Ask about entrance fees, monthly fees, and what each goes towards. To get an idea for the cost of living at Woodcrest Villa, download our price sheet!
Key Takeaways: What to Look for in a Retirement Community
- Location: a convenient location that’s close to loved ones and activities you enjoy.
- Social Activities: a packed calendar of fun, unique events.
- Educational Programs: programming to help you learn and expand your horizons.
- Campus Facilities: modern amenities that let you pursue your hobbies and stay active.
- Housing: housing options that fit your lifestyle and design preferences.
- Culture: a strong culture that aligns with your values.
- Resident Testimonials: positive testimonials from real residents and their families.
- Dining: a variety of meal options for residents, backed by a dietician.
- Safety and Security: a campus with security measures so you feel safe walking around.
- Levels of Care: on-site care or a campus close to a quality hospital or continuing care community.
- Campus Design: a beautiful, well-maintained campus with clean shared spaces.
- Transportation: free transportation to the surrounding area.
- Cost: a price that delivers the value, comfort, and freedom you’re looking for.
Curious About Woodcrest Villa?
Visit campus in person to see what we’re all about.