The 5 best retirement villages in Adelaide feel like home

I first surveyed Living Choice in Fullarton. What I immediately noticed about the retirement village is that it is located within the southern suburbs of Adelaide, which will make it easy for me to visit my elderly parents here, since we are just close by!

What I liked the most about their services is the vast array of activities they offered to their senior residents. I saw arts and craft groups talk about their latest projects, which my knitting-obsessed mom can join someday! My dad, on the other hand, may be more interested in their Friday Happy Hours.

They also have staff and amenities recognised under the Australian Retirement Village Accreditation Scheme of QIP, which follows a strict protocol on health, security, well-being, and residential maintenance. This assures me that my parents would be comfortable in this place.

However, their offices and amenities are closed to the public on the weekends. These are my only available days, unfortunately.

Great for catching up with grandparents

“Really cool place – especially for catching up with Grandparents in nearby aged care. Great food, good coffee and friendly staff.”

Josh Foord | Google review

In love with the community

“My aunt lives here, she loves the community and the services that are on offer to her as a resident. Damiens on Fisher the restaurant on the ground floor is open to the public.”

Sarah Murray | Google review

The Reserve Lifestyle Village has locations in North and South Australia. After learning this, Mom also phoned her relative outside Adelaide, who was also looking for a retirement home!

What we liked about this retirement home is that it prioritises maintaining a natural landscape for its residents. Mom and Dad were thinking of having picnics and slow strolls here.

However, when we inquired about home availability, it turned out there were only around 20 homes left open.

This is a limited selection for my parents, who were dissatisfied with the available homes’ interiors. Plus, some of the available homes are still under construction, which further decreased their choices.

Helpful, supportive and kind staff

“Mum has just moved into this village. The help, support, kindness and efficiency of Le-Anne has been wonderful and we can’t thank her enough it is a very emotional time for mum and Lee-Anne and Roxanne have made the experience seamless. Thank you both again kind regards Julie and Judy.”

Julie Ann | Google review

Good retirement village, may need maintenance

“Good residential retirement village, Lifestyle could do a bit more maintenance to keep on top of issues.”

Greg | Google review

Victoria Grove Retirement Village was quite a hassle to travel to from our place, since it’s a private, secluded luxury estate. While we adored its surroundings, especially how it is full of greenery, the way there could be difficult for visits!

What we appreciated about the place is that it offered a selection of executive suites and villas. 

I also took note that to resolve their address’ issues, they have in-house shopping centres, hair salons, grocery stores, and health professionals. Some residents shared that they don’t have to travel outside, since they have it all here. Talk about convenience!

However, since it’s a quaint place, the activities they offer are also quite limited. My dad was looking for something more aside from bowling and golfing, which were the only sports available.

An independent, standalone village

“Mainly an independent living village, where residents purchase a standalone homette, with maintenance and assistance provided. Also has higher level of care rooms.

Central building offers meals and social gatherings.”

Tony Hobbs | Google review

First class, may be difficult to access

“First class everything except shopping. Need a car or cab and a very healthy bank account”

Bruce Mildren | Google review

I drove up to the West Lakes to view what Woodbridge Retirement Village has to offer. I was immediately hit with a view of brilliant blue waters. This is because it’s near a lake, and I even saw some residents swimming!

I liked that they have outdoor swimming, aqua aerobics, kayaking, and even fishing because of its location. 

Plus, they are partnered with Rembrandt Living, a non-profit organisation recognised under Leading Aged Services Australia, a national association for aged care. This lets me know that their medical care, elderly assistance, and homes are all modelled around providing comfort to their senior residents.

However, it may be difficult to land a home here. It’s in demand due to its location and requires anyone interested to sign up for their waitlist. My parents are rather impatient, and so am I! 

Friendly residents, safe place

“Beautiful residents, good set up, and great facilities. Gives us peace of mind to know Mum is safe.”

Debbie Haines | Google review

Full social life for residents

“All the facilities for older people to have a busy and full social life. Hall, pool, small library, great gardens and good safe place for older people to feel supported in their independent living. Houses are refurbished before each new owner moves in, each house has a garage for one car, and a small courtyard garden. Plenty of activities to join if wanted, a tennis court, a park nearby for grandchildren’s picnics. Close to West lakes shopping centre and the beach and council library as well as golf course and bus transport.”

Marilyn Osborn | Google review

We wanted a retirement home that’s not too far from the city where I work and live in and also close to places with outdoor activities. I surveyed Ashbrook Apartments based on these criteria. 

Since this is only 10 minutes by car from Adelaide’s CBD, and also 10 minutes away from Glenelg beach, it’s convenient to visit my parents for a swim after work!

I also think my parents could live safely here because they have a Lifestyle Housing Award and a Building Excellence Award from the Master Builders Association. 

However, because it’s a metropolitan, apartment-type retirement housing, it’s more focused on indoor activities, such as billiards, table tennis, bowling, and art workshops. They may not have the kind of outdoor enrichment my parents are looking for.

Beautiful apartment and people

“My Mum lives here and she is so happy. Beautiful apartment, lovely people as neighbours, always clean and the staff are great.”

Alexandra Frost | Google review

Hard to fault

“Hard to fault. Quality and service can’t be beaten.”

Geoff Ridings | Google review