Retirement communities

What is a retirement community?

A retirement community is a purpose-built residential development for older people who want to maintain their independence and privacy, while also having a range of integrated services on hand. Communities provide a network of friends and neighbours nearby, access to domestic and personal help if needed, and on-site facilities such as restaurants.

One of the appealing aspects of retirement communities is the opportunity to meet neighbours and enjoy shared social spaces such as gardens and communal lounges. There is usually a calendar of activities, clubs and social events too – from film nights and cocktail evenings to coffee mornings and hobby groups.

These communities are often located close to town centres and local amenities, allowing residents to be part of the wider area as well as the development. Importantly, each resident also has their own private home for when they want personal space.

Myths about retirement communities

• They’re only for elderly people – Retirement communities are typically for people aged 55 and over, though each development sets its own qualifying age. They offer a lifestyle suited to those who want a supportive, community-focused environment while maintaining their independence. Over-55 or over-60 developments are the most common.
• It’s the same as a care home - Retirement communities and care homes actually share very few similarities. While some care support may be available in a retirement community, care homes are designed for people with specific care needs. In a care home, care plans are tailored for each individual, residents may share rooms, and staff have access to rooms to provide support. In a retirement community, your home is private and care services are usually available only if and when you need them.
• You lose your independence – Some people worry about giving up their freedom when moving into a retirement community, but these developments are designed to help residents live independently for as long as possible. Your property is your own home where you can come and go as you please and make it your own.

Benefits of living in a retirement community for seniors

Our later years give us more time to enjoy the things we love, and spending them in a retirement community offers an exciting way to embrace the next chapter of life.

• Independent living - Feel confident spending each day the way you choose. Set your own routines, pursue your passions, and discover new ways to live a fulfilling life.
• Peace of mind - While you’ll live independently, you won’t be isolated. Development staff and neighbours are close by, giving you and your family reassurance that support is always available if needed.
• Social connection - Retirement communities are thriving social hubs where you can meet like-minded people and form friendships that last a lifetime.
• Communal spaces - Beautiful shared areas such as lounges, gardens and rooftop terraces are perfect for spending time with friends and visitors outside your private home. These are maintained by the development staff, so you can relax and enjoy the space without worrying about upkeep.
• Less maintenance - Downsizing to a retirement apartment or bungalow means spending less time on chores and more time socialising and relaxing in the community. 
• Optional support - Many retirement communities offer personal and domestic service, such as help with cleaning, shopping or medication. This isn’t round-the-clock care, but flexible support available whenever you need it – for example, while recovering from illness or injury.
• On-site facilities - Amenities vary by community, but many retirement villages offer convenient on-site options such as restaurants, beauty salons and guest suites for visiting friends and family.

What you need to consider

Retirement communities offer older people the opportunity to live a rich and fulfilling life, though there are some considerations to think about before committing to a new home.

• Property costs - There are several occupancy options for your retirement home, including buy, rent or part-buy, part-rent through Shared Ownership. Property prices are generally in line with the local market and fairly priced to allow retirees to financially plan accordingly, whether it's through selling your current home or taking out a mortgage. You may also be eligible for entitlements, such as housing benefit or council tax reductions, which can help offset some of the costs. 
• Extra charges - Additional monthly costs may apply, such as service charges to cover community management and the maintenance of communal areas, or for any lifestyle support services you use. These are typically reasonable, but it’s always worth asking for clarification if the details aren’t provided. 
• Care needs - If you require nursing care, round-the-clock support, or a high level of care, a retirement community may not be suitable. A care home or specialist facility will be better equipped to provide the support you need. 

How does a retirement community work?

In a retirement community, you have your own retirement property to call home. You have complete freedom to choose when you want to spend time with others and join in on activities, and when you want to spend time by yourself or venture out on day visits, leisure trips, and holidays. 

All McCarthy & Stone retirement developments are designed to provide the sense of community and independence you’d find in a retirement village, with the added convenience of being close to local amenities such as shops, public transport, and restaurants.

Each of our retirement villages and developments has a regular schedule of optional events, including coffee mornings, fish and chip suppers and quiz nights. With neighbours close by, a communal lounge, and on-site restaurants (at Retirement Living Plus developments) there are plenty of opportunities to socialise.  

Find retirement communities near me

Retirement community living styles

We offer two types of retirement living communities so you can find the one that suits you – Retirement Living and Retirement Living Plus. 

Retirement Living 

Designed for the over 60s, a Retirement Living community combines stylish, low-maintenance apartments with light, spacious design and welcoming communal areas. Enjoy independent living with the added comfort of a friendly House Manager and a vibrant community on your doorstep. At a Retirement Living property, you’ll receive:

• An outstanding property in a prime location
• A high level of security including door camera entry, a fire-detection system and, at selected developments, a gated car park
• A private outdoor space or balcony 
• All gardening and exterior maintenance taken care of
• A House Manager based at the development who organises events, provides help and support, and keeps the retirement community running smoothly
• A great value luxury hotel-style guest suite for visiting family and friends
• A communal lounge for meeting friends and neighbours

Plus, you’ll benefit from a great range of services paid through your service charge, including buildings insurance, security lighting for communal areas, window cleaning and equipment such as the lift and door entry system. 

Retirement Living Plus

If you’d like a bit of extra support but don’t want to give up your independence, then one of our Retirement Living Plus communities for the over 70s could be ideal. You’ll get all the benefits of Retirement Living, plus:

• An Estate Management Team on-site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 
• One hour of domestic support each week, such as additional cleaning 
• A chef-run restaurant or bistro serving everything from barista coffee and cake to three course meals 
• Bespoke and flexible domestic and personal care that can be adjusted to your needs,  so you only pay for what you use
• Some Retirement Living Plus developments also feature Wellness Suites, Hairdressers and Beauty Salons for added convenience 

Retirement property types

Our retirement villages and developments feature a selection of elegant apartments and bungalows. All of our retirement properties includes thoughtful design details to make daily living easier as you get older. These features continue throughout the communal areas, with lifts, wide doorways for accessibility, and spacious landscaped gardens that are easy to move around. Whether you choose a retirement apartment or a bungalow, your new home is designed to meet your needs now and in the future.