How to find a retirement rental community that feels like home

When you're looking for a place to call home in your retirement, there are three important factors to keep in mind: affordability, safety (your home must be secure and your personal safety needs to be cared for as well) and comfort. An important part of the comfort requirement is that you must be part of a community where you feel at home. The CSi Property Group has put together this guide on how to find a retirement rental community that feels like home. There are four questions you need to ask to establish whether a particular retirement village will be right for you. Let's dive in.

1. Will you be able to pursue your interests here?
2. Will you be close to your friends and family?
3. Is there a social element to life in the village?
4. Will you be close enough to the amenities you need?

Will you be able to pursue your interests?

Retirement villages in Gauteng tend to offer an array of amenities from walking trails and bowling greens to swimming pools and exercise classes. If you're particularly passionate about an interest or hobby, you'll need to find out whether you'll be able to pursue it - either within the confines of the village or close by. For example, if you enjoy shopping, theatre and the cultural scene, then a home in Sandton's Douglasdale Retirement Village may be right for you as you'll have everything you love close to home.

Similarly, if nature walks, cycling and fishing are your favourite pastimes, then Pretoria's Waterkloof Marina Retirement Estate may be the right choice for you. This particular retirement estate is well-loved for its nature trails, catch-and-release fishing opportunities and world-class lifestyle centre.

Will you be close to your friends and family?

Nothing is more important than having friends and family members close by. When choosing the area of Gauteng that you're going to retire to, keep this in mind. For example, if your family lives in Johannesburg and you've found a retirement village that you love in Pretoria, it may be worth thinking twice. Personal connections become even more important as time passes and you'll want your loved ones nearby if you become unwell or travelling becomes more difficult for you. For example, if your family and friends live in and around Krugersdorp, then Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village could be a great choice for you.

Is there a social element to life in the village?

Many retirement villages make it easy for their residents to have vibrant social lives. The list of activities often on offer includes church services, movie nights, card games evenings, bowls and much more. If you enjoy socialising and taking part in sporting and cultural activities, make sure the retirement village you choose to rent in offers pastimes that will bring you joy. A prime example is Centurion's Eldoraigne Retirement Village, where you'll find a communal lounge, library and recreational hall amid a long list of other amenities.

Will you be close enough to the amenities you need?

Bear in mind that as you get older, it may become more difficult to travel far from home. Make sure that the retirement village you're considering is close to shops, restaurants and other amenities. Very importantly, is the retirement village you're interested in close to a good hospital and other medical facilities? It's also well worth finding a home that has frail care and on-site medical services in case these should be required in years to come.

The team from the CSi Property Group has decades of experience in helping Gauteng residents find their ideal retirement home. Get in touch and let us help you find the right retirement village to meet your needs and allow you to enjoy a fulfilling and happy retirement.