PLANNING FOR A HAPPY RETIREMENT
Retirement planning and financial planning go hand in hand. But when it comes to preparing for this next phase of life, one of the most important considerations is lifestyle: how do you want to spend this time so you enjoy it to the fullest?
Having meaningful plans that let you stay active and develop new connections is crucial. The right community of like-minded people, in an area that offers activities you love and access to amenities you need, will help you stay engaged and excited. When Mary Richards and her husband were ready to retire and downsize last year, they chose Cherry Hill for that reason. “It was the best decision we ever made,” she says.
Just an hour from Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Toronto, the gated community is in the heart of Ontario’s picturesque wine country. The temperate climate creates an environment where wineries and orchards flourish and opportunities for hiking, golfing and outdoor living are plentiful and accessible.
Built on a landscape of mature trees, plenty of open green space and a pond, Cherry Hill at Vineland includes 215 land-lease homes offering sophisticated amenities in a country setting. Each fully bricked home has an attached garage and paved driveway, along with a full basement. The common areas are meticulously maintained, while carefully tended gardens showcase the pride of Cherry Hill residents. The spacious lots ensure privacy, and the on-site recreation centre provides the chance to turn neighbours into friends through various social activities, such as bocce courts and shuffleboard.
For the Richards, the Cherry Hill community makes all the difference to their lifestyle.
“We never knew our neighbours in our previous homes,” says Mary Richards, “but I know everyone here. I don’t mean that I recognize their faces; I actually know their names.” Besides frequent barbecues, card nights and golf games, the Richards regularly go to dinner and attend events with their new friends. “Our calendar is full,” she says.
Nearby Vineland and St. Catharine’s have the convenience of brand-name shopping centres and grocery stores as well as hospitals and health-care services, while the local area provides opportunities for new discoveries. For theatre buffs, the acclaimed Shaw Festival is driving distance away, as are four golf courses and more than 20 wineries. Ball’s Falls conservation area has year-round recreational activities, including bird-watching and hiking, while the Welland Sports Complex makes it easy to prioritize fitness.
For the Richards and their friends, Cherry Hill has been key to the happy retirement they worked for. Explore Cherry Hill at cherryhillatvineland.com.