You have a beautiful home that you've enjoyed for years. Right?
But since your adult children have moved out, it’s empty more often than not. As you struggle to keep up with the housework, home maintenance, and landscaping, you might wonder if it’s time to move to a retirement community in Williamsburg, Va.
Moving to a senior living community before you need assisted living, nursing, or memory care carries many advantages, especially for active adults.
With nearly a dozen communities catering to the unique needs of 55+ retirees, your likely to find a perfect location in Williamsburg, Va.
But, not all senior living communities are the same. While Williamsburg has some great communities, there are three primary types of services you need to understand:
Independent care
Assisted living
Memory care
Nearly all retirement communities provide independent care, but only a handful provide what is now called a Life Plan Community (formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Communities are CCRC for short).
In short, a life plan community in Williamsburg, VA should:
Offer more than one level of care on a single campus
Have a focus on an active lifestyle
Be integrated into the community with an emphasis on giving back and being socially responsible.
In addition, you'll want to evaluate many different factors including accreditation and awards, independent living options, activities, dining, health and fitness facilities, and of course, health care services.
Is healthcare a concern? Don't worry.
Williamsburg has two major hospitals supporting a population of 15,000 people. While many retirement communities have healthcare services, you can rest easy knowing knowing there are great hospitals nearby.
Do you like to travel and enjoy day trips? Retirement communities in Williamsburg have that covered. Travel is easy with an Amtrak station and three airports located within just an hour from Williamsburg.
But, you don't have to go far for fun.
When your grandchildren visit, you'll have a blast taking them to Water Country USA, Busch Gardens, and Colonial Williamsburg. These three major tourist destinations are located just miles from most retirement communities.
Moreover, many retirement communities in the area are conveniently located near medical centers, shopping centers and pharmacies. Equally as important, they provide free transportation for seniors.
Finally, retirement communities in Williamsburg make it easy for you to enjoy life. Meet new friends your own age, engage in activities arranged by the community, and enjoy your golden years in vibrant and safe neighborhoods.
Here is a run down of the major retirement communities in or around Williamsburg, VA.
Brookdale Senior Living
Brookdale Senior Living in Williamsburg provides exclusive Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care services for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
With a continuum of care, Brookdale is designed to support seniors who have independent lifestyles and those needing assistance with daily activities.
Residents have the security of knowing they can life at the community for life. You won't have to relocate and separate from your familiar surroundings, should your needs change over time.
If you want to get the most out of life, you'll appreciate that Brookdale participates in the Optimum Life® initiative. This program helps seniors start their journey towards maintaining overall health and well-being. As a resident, you will learn how to balance the emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual and social aspects of your life for lifelong fulfillment.
Independent Living Options at Brookdale
Brookdale has multiple floor plans available for both independent living and assisted living needs. Plans are pet friendly and include one or two bedroom apartments with furnished units available. Some units may include a balcony as well.
Brookdale management also assures incoming residents they have services available to address the changing needs of seniors who can continue living as they please.
Activities at Brookdale
Brookdale offers a handful of activities for active seniors. While not the most robust menu of activities on the list, you enjoy:
Excursions into Williamsburg, Jamestown, the Williamsburg Winery and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
Swimming in the outdoor pool
Game room w/billiards
Piano
Arts & crafts studio
Putting green
Gardening/greenhouse
Ammenities at Brookdale
Community amenities include an onsite cafe, chapel, computer rooms, educational services, fitness center and library. The community also has a full-service dining room.
Transportation services are available to independent and assisted living residents. Staff professionals offer speech and physical therapy as well as help with residents dealing with incontinence.
Learn more about Chambrel at Williamsburg by calling (757) 220-183.
Williamsburg Landing
If you're looking for a premier, fully accredited retirement community, look no further than Williamsburg Landing.
Nestled in the gorgeous countryside of Tidewater, Williamsburg Landing is a 137-acre senior retirement community consisting of apartments and cluster homes in a luxurious resort setting.
"The Landing", as the locals call it, offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. As a result, Williamsburg Landing is a Life Plan Community.
It is the first and only CARF-CCAC accredited Life Plan Community in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Only 15% of accredited Life Plan Communities in the country are awarded this distinction!
Living Options at Williamsburg Landing
The Landing offers independent living at its best. As a resident, you'll enjoy residing in maintenance-free, independent living accommodations. Chose from single-family homes to luxurious apartment settings.
Architectural styles of Williamsburg Landing homes include executive-style ranch, charming cottages, and lovely Colonials. Various floor plans and square footage options are available to accommodate senior singles and couples. Pets are also allowed at Williamsburg Landing.
Residents are within walking distance of convenience stores, shopping centers and fine dining restaurants.
Activities at Williamsburg Landing
If engaging with others, building relationships, and living your passions is important, you may just find it at Williamsburg Landing. You'll find new hobbies, enjoy existing hobbies, and even dive into the arts, music, and theater.
The Landing offers may activities for active seniors including:
Art exhibits by residents and staff
Art and pottery classes
Museum trips
Author presentations
Music and opera
Theatre
Trips to in-state and out-of-state places of interest
Learning class
Charitable functions and giving back
Bible studies
Honestly, the list is so long, you won't run out of things to do!
Dining Options at Williamsburg Landing
The Landing has many dining options. Whether you are seeking a healthy meal or a once a week binge on great cooking, you definitely won't go hungry.
You'll enjoy a main dining room at The Landing Building which includes many dishes and alternating menus. Residents will also enjoy a more casual atmosphere located at the Cove Cafe.
Health Care Services at Williamsburg Landing
Pricing for Williamsburg Landing
Fees can vary greatly at Williamsburg Landing depending upon the
With a 4 1/2 star rating on Google reviews as of this writing, Williamsburg Landing is loved by its residents.
Learn more about Williamsburg Landing by calling 800-554-5517.
WindsorMeade Retirement Community
Developed within the Historic Triangle near historic Williamsburg, WindsorMeade is a gated community boasting a five-star Medicare certification rating.
If good healthcare is a major financial concern for you, WindsorMeade may a great option.
Spacious, single family villas and apartments complemented with many amenities are available to 55+ adults. You’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience of a 2400 sq. ft. clubhouse for private use as well as catering services for family gatherings.
This community also provides meal deliveries for residents who have become temporarily home bound. Transportation is available for scheduled trips, church services, medical appointments and other planned events.
Members of WindsorMeade in Williamsburg can access preventative health services such as blood pressure checks and lab work, attend recreational activities and classes on crafts and computer literacy. For residents recovering from illness or surgery, WindsorMeade offers rehabilitation therapy and massage therapy services provided by licensed professionals.
Active seniors will enjoy swimming, tennis, walking paths and even strength training equipment. If staying in good physical shape and maintaining mental health is important to you, WindsorMeade has the amenities you need.
An onsite convenience store, pharmacy and gift shop make it easy for seniors to accomplish essential daily tasks independently.
For more information about WindsorMeade, call 866-403-5503.
The Patriots Colony in Williamsburg
Patriots Colony is a 55+ retirement community exclusively for men and women who served our country, civil servants, and officers in the armed forces.
Patriots Colony in Williamsburg is built on over 90 acres of protected woodland. In addition to providing independent living residences, this Williamsburg retirement community offers a continuum of care services open to seniors with a non-military background who need skilled nursing car and/or assisted living services.
Independent living residents at The Patriots Colony are guaranteed priority access to the community's Springhouse Memory Care and the Berkeley Assisted Living program.
The Patriots Colony also has an onsite medical clinic staffed with healthcare professionals associated with Riverside Health System in Williamsburg. The Canon Community Center offers daily fine dining, educational, wellness and social opportunities.
Learn more about The Patriots Colony in Williamsburg by calling 800-716-9000 or 757-220-9000.
Dominion Village at Williamsburg
Living options at Dominion Village include one or two bedroom apartments for independent living or assisted living seniors. Transportation is provided to nearby medical clinics and hospitals and single or multiple pets are welcome.
Amenities and services include:
Restaurant dining
Wellness/exercise programs
Recreational/educational/social activities
Free Wi-Fi
Game rooms
Hair salons
Laundry/housekeeping services.
Residents of Dominion Village need only travel a short distance to visit the Botanical Gardens, Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and public parks.
Do you like wine? A spectacular winery offering bi-monthly tasting events is a favorite place for residents to visit and explore the historic farm and 300 acres of land on which the winery is built.
Dominion Village community members have access to a spacious private dining room for family events, secured outdoor areas and immediate snow removal.
There is also a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities for independent living residents who want to give back to their community.
To learn more about Dominion Village senior living Williamsburg VA residents can call (757) 258-3444.
The Settlement at Powhatan Creek
Located adjacent to the sparkling Powhatan Creek waters, the Settlement at Powhatan Creek offers seniors quality lifestyle living in low-maintenance townhomes or single family homes.
One of the most popular amenities at this retirement community is The Resident's Club, a 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse featuring indoor/outdoor swimming pool, locker rooms/showers, game room, ballroom, tennis court and fitness rooms. In addition, all residents can reserve The Resident's Club for special occasions.
Homes available at The Settlement at Powhatan Creek feature first floor master suites and a main level living area. Townhouses and single family homes all have at least two bathrooms, two bedrooms and attached garage. Three bedroom and two attached garage homes are available.
Residents pay an affordable monthly homeowners association fee to enjoy free outdoor maintenance services such as mowing, snow removal, and landscaping.
Golf enthusiasts living at the Settlement will love the fact that the Williamsburg National Golf Club is just a five-minute drive away.
Do you like to shop? Shopping aficionados can spend all day at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets shopping complex less than 15 minutes from their home.
Talk to a staff member at The Settlement at Powhatan Creek to learn how you can book a tour by calling (757) 903-4690.
The Villas at Five Forks
Villas at Five Forks is a senior retirement community in Williamsburg offering park-like surroundings, tree-lines avenues, walking trails and scenic ponds.
Each maintenance-free home was professionally designed to accommodate 55+ active adults with open floor plans, first floor master suites and minimal maintenance exteriors.
With New Town and James River just outside the doors of residents' homes, fine dining, shopping and a spectacular variety of recreational venues.
While most retirement communities in Williamsburg VA provide members only clubhouse amenities, the Villas at Five Forks offers that and more.
The community clubhouse has a spacious layout featuring chairs, tables and a large kitchen to accommodate large parties. Residents can also take advantage of the clubhouse billiards room, fitness center and outdoor and indoor heated pool whenever you wish.
Watch sports on large, flat-screen televisions, have barbeque get-togethers in the summer or relax by the fireplace during winter with a good book.
If you like newer construction, you’ll appreciate that construction of the Villas at Five Forks homes began in 2008 and was completed in 2013.
Villa-style homes are located in quad-structure style and range in size from nearly 1,800 sq. ft. to 2,200 sq. ft. Incoming residents can choose among four floor plans offering two or two and a half bathrooms, two or three bedrooms, and one attached two-car garage.
The Windsor and Chateau homes have a guest suite on the second floor and first floor master suites. The Canterbury and Abbey homes are single family, single level homes. All homes have optional patios, glass-enclosed verandas and open kitchens. As a resident of the Villas at Five Forks, you don’t need to worry about mowing your lawn, maintaining your driveway or building maintenance. A reasonable homeowners association fee takes care of all these expenses.
This retirement community is conveniently located near Colonial Williamsburg, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, art museums, restaurants, spas and boating opportunities in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Call The Villas at Five Forks today at (757) 645-2506 to get information about living at one of the leading retirement communities in Williamsburg VA.
Verena at the Reserve in Williamsburg
With upscale apartment living for seniors complemented by active lifestyle amenities, the Verena at the Reserve in Williamsburg offers homes featuring colonial-style architecture and beautifully landscaped lawns.
Verena at the Reserve has one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment options, with balcony, patio and den options. Floor plans range between 665 sq. ft to a comfortably roomy 1300 sq ft and include nine-foot ceilings, full kitchens sparkling with attractive granite countertops, full-sized appliances, hardwood cabinets and elegant crown molding.
Amenities and services provided by the Verena at the Reserve include:
Meals prepared by chefs and served restaurant style
Exercise/wellness programs and classes
Bi-monthly housekeeping
Scheduled transportation
Education and social programs
Landscaped walking trails
Cable TV and utilities included in monthly home payment
Concierge services for assistance with salon appointments, dry cleaning and fresh flower delivery
Professional maintenance and repair technicians
Refreshments offered throughout the day
Guest suites for family and friends
Library
Film theater
Outdoor patio with benches, tables, firepits and gazebos
The Verena at the Reserve is also a pet-friendly, senior living community.
Call 757-345-2995 to schedule a visit or to learn more about this Williamsburg retirement community.
Morningside of Williamsburg
Located in McLaws Circle near the Covenant Wealth Advisors office and within a few miles of Busch Gardens and Kingsmill, Morningside of Williamsburg provides independent living and assisted living services for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
With over 85 private, one and two bedroom apartments situated on landscaped grounds, Morningside residents enjoy healthy dining amenities, 24-hour staff, daily recreational and educational activities and wellness programs.
Additional amenities include an onsite barber shop, beauty salon, free wi-fi, housekeeping services and on-demand transportation.
Morningside of Williamsburg accommodates couples, single individuals, retired military and seniors requiring assistance with transportation to medical facilities nearby. This retirement community is also pet-friendly, permitting both multiple pets and large breed dogs.
Outdoor recreation opportunities, golf, concerts, art festivals, shopping and hospitals are just minutes away from Morningside, including the historic attractions of Colonial Williamsburg.
Memory care services offered at this assisted living facilities (ALFS). Services include help with personal care, making sure residents are taking medication on time, and engaging residents in daily activities meant to improve emotional and physical health.
Assisted living facilities like Morningside of Williamsburg further improve the ability of residents to remain as independent as possible. They do this by incorporating housing color and structural designs proven to reduce stress and anxiety in residents needing assistance.
Many people with memory issues do not require extensive medical care but rely on others to help them perform daily tasks than can be provided by home health aides. An assisted living retirement community such as Morningside offers the ability for residents to live independently in their own separate apartment if they have minor to moderate memory issues.
Along with meals, transportation and housekeeping services, Morningside makes sure residents get to all scheduled medical appointments, attend field trips with other members of the community and remain involved in hobbies they enjoy.
Learn more about Morningside of Williamsburg by calling (757) 221-001.
Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards
Offering privacy and tranquility to seniors over 55 in a cosmopolitan ambiance, the Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards gives seniors the option of choosing from a dozen different home designs.
Located just 30 minutes from Williamsburg in New Kent County, the Four Seasons is within short driving proximity to airports, fine dining, shopping/boutiques and medical centers.
First-class amenities at the Four Seasons include the Rees Jones golf course and the 18-hole golf course at New Kent Vineyards. Residents also have 24/7 access to the Four Seasons' community clubhouse. The clubhouse comes complete with meeting rooms, state-of-the-art exercise center and catering kitchen.
Home designs include large, four-bedroom and three or four bathroom floor plans as well as two or three bedroom homes. Single family residences have suites and open kitchens with options for two car-garages, lofts or dens. Spacious rooms have nine-foot ceilings and windows allowing plenty of sunlight to stream in during the day.
Popular destinations for Four Seasons residents are the New Kent County Historical Society, Martha Washington's birthplace, Colonial Downs Strawberry Races and St. Peter's Church.
Having the Richmond International Airport less than 30 minutes from the Four Seasons makes it easy for family and friends to visit you any time of the year.
Learn more about this wonderful Williamsburg retirement community by calling 703-885-7265.
The Cost of Living in a Retirement Community
According to SeniorHomes.com, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is the most expensive type of community available simply because they offer residents ongoing healthcare services for the remainder of their lives.
CCRC entrance fees can range between $40,000 to as high as $365,000. Monthly rates for living in a CCRC average from $700 to $4200 in 2018.
However, these rates almost always include transportation, meals, housekeeping services, utilities and maintenance.
Telephone, Internet and cable expenses are the responsibility of residents.
The cost of nursing home care or living in CCRCs or assisted living retirement communities is available annually through AARP or other senior retirement websites. Unfortunately, the cost of living in independent retirement communities is not readily available.
SeniorHomes.com lists high and low average monthly rates for independent living communities of each state. In Virginia, the average monthly cost is $2200 while the monthly maximum is $3800.
Conclusion
If you are seeking a wonderful place to live in retirement, Williamsburg, Va has many great retirement communities. Ultimately, the community you choose may depend on your financial strength, your quality of life desires, and the life amenities for which you are accustomed.
As a trusted wealth management firm for individuals and families age 50 plus, we serve dozens of families who enjoy independent living in Williamsburg.
As your trusted financial advisor in Williamsburg, Va, we can help design a financial plan that helps you live comfortably in retirement.
If you need objective advice on whether or not you can afford one of these great communities, just give us call at 757-259-0111. We’re happy to help.
Mark Fonville, CFP®
Mark has over 18 years of experience helping individuals and families invest and plan for retirement. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and President of Covenant Wealth Advisors.
Disclosures: Covenant Wealth Advisors is a registered investment advisor. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital.The views and opinions expressed in this content are as of the date of the posting, are subject to change based on market and other conditions.
This content contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Please note that nothing in this content should be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any security or separate account.
Nothing is intended to be, and you should not consider anything to be, investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. If you would like accounting, tax or legal advice, you should consult with your own accountants, or attorneys regarding your individual circumstances and needs. No advice may be rendered by Covenant Wealth Advisors unless a client service agreement is in place.
Registration of an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Comments