Finding the Best Retirement home in The Villages
Think about all the steps you’ve made in your life. As you approach your retirement years, the decisions you make now are just as significant. When you start considering all your choices for senior living in The Villages, it can be difficult to sort through your possibilities.
Depending on guidance from your loved ones can be challenging, especially when their own commitments are so busy. You don’t want to put any extra stress on them. That’s why it’s beneficial to learn more about senior living communities, weighing both the advantages and downsides so that you can come to a conclusion that will lead you toward your own version of your ideal future.
Where can you find the ideal location to live for seniors in The Villages?
Let’s start by comparing two main types of senior living communities: independent living and continuing care retirement communities, also known as CCRCs. As you explore both choices, you’ll want to be informed about the differences between the two.
Independent living communities—like The Carriage House in The Villages—are designed for adults who typically don’t need support with the activities of daily living. If they do need additional help, they’ll need to find it on their own. Residents have access to all the features, offerings, and care support offered in their monthly rental fees.
CCRCs, or continuing care retirement communities, are meant for independent seniors who plan for a significant level of medical care or daily living assistance in the future. They offer a range of accommodations, from independent living to skilled nursing. Residents enter into an agreement and pay an initial cost, along with ongoing monthly fees.
The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs.
Would senior independent living at The Carriage House be a smart option for me?
Senior independent living at The Carriage House was intended for people who:
- Are 55 or older.
- Are relatively healthy and active.
- Do not need help with basic activities like getting dressed, showering, eating or medication monitoring.
- Like to socialize and stay involved with their activities and hobbies.
- Want to live in a place of their own with freedom from home maintenance and upkeep.
In what ways does independent living offer value?
At The Carriage House, you get all the benefits of independent senior living without the complexities and fees of a CCRC’s contracts and costs.
What does it mean to live in a CCRC
CCRC means continuing care retirement community, sometimes referred to as a “life plan” community. In this type of senior living arrangement, you’ll find:
- Independent living apartments or homes
- Assisted living units
- Memory care units for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Skilled nursing suites for individuals needing 24/7 care
Even if you may never need advanced care, you’ll still be financially covering the costs. That’s a major consideration when evaluating your long-term financial goals.
At The Carriage House, you get all the advantages of independent senior living without the contractual obligations and monetary concerns of a CCRC’s commitments and charges.
What should I understand about CCRC contracts?
Moving into a CCRC requires agreeing to a complex, legally binding contract and providing a significant entrance fee along with monthly fees. If your financial situation becomes different or you decide to move, your entrance fee may not be returned—depending on the conditions of your agreement. If the property is transferred, your contract terms might also be altered. It’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer and a financial advisor before signing.
In contrast, moving into independent living at The Carriage House in The Villages only requires a straightforward rental agreement. No upfront costs, no multi-year agreements, and complete financial flexibility.
Do all CCRCs involve legal commitments?
Yes. And they typically come in one of three contract types:
- Type A – Extensive Life-Care Contracts: You prepay for future healthcare.
- Type B – Modified Contracts: partial coverage is included, with more expenses added later.
- Type C – Fee-for-Service Contracts: Lowest initial cost, but costs rise as you need more care.
How much are the true price of a CCRC?
According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, the average entrance fee for a CCRC is $402,000, but it can vary between $40,000 to over $2 million.
Monthly fees can range from $500 to over $3,000, and they generally increase gradually. You may need to use your real estate assets, long-term care insurance, and personal savings just to afford the expenses.
At The Carriage House, there are no upfront payments. You simply pay a monthly lease and keep your hard-earned nest egg intact.
How does independent living at The Carriage House and a CCRC differ?
Feature | The Carriage House | CCRC |
| Level of Care | Independent only | Full spectrum |
| Costs | Lower, monthly only | High upfront + monthly |
| Commitment | Flexible rental | Long-term contracts |
| Location | Oxford | Mostly urban areas |
Should I choose The Carriage House or a CCRC?
Go with The Carriage House in The Villages if you:
- Are seeking comfort in a place where you're part of a community
- Are ready to be done with home maintenance
- Are excited about a engaging, social retirement lifestyle
- Don’t require daily assistance
- Don’t want to pay for care you may never use
- Want fewer restrictions over binding contracts
Ready to move into senior living in The Villages?
Say goodbye to outdated notions of retirement homes. Senior living communities like The Carriage House are lively, energetic places that support the evolving needs and lifestyles of today’s seniors.
Why consider moving to The Carriage House?
Socialization: Remain mentally and physically stimulated with games, classes, outings, and celebrations.
Security: Emergency alert systems, locked-entry units, and thoughtful design for accident reduction offer peace of mind.
Amenities: Enjoy everything from chef-prepared food and fitness centers to libraries, salons, and group activities.
Care When You Need It: While The Carriage House focuses on independent living, we can support access to care services if your needs ever shift.
Come See for Yourself at The Carriage House in The Villages
At The Carriage House, we keep things easy—absolutely delightful, full of joy, and simply the right choice for independent senior living in The Villages. We’re pleased to answer your questions, walk you through our community, and treat you to a delicious chef-prepared meal. Find out why so many active seniors love calling us home. We look forward to welcoming you.