How to Choose the Right Retirement Village for You

Last modified on December 1st, 2025

Retirement is an exciting chapter of your life, and choosing the right retirement village can be a difficult decision. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options and you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve put together a guide to choosing and living in a retirement village to help you find the right one to suit your needs.

1. Budget

Determining your budget can help you choose a retirement village. This can impact the size of your new villa, unit or apartment, and associated costs can vary depending on the village, based on the services and amenities provided. It’s also important to factor in your living expenses, such as the cost of groceries, maintaining a vehicle, or any medical expenses. At Centennial Living, you’ll find a great selection of homes and serviced apartments across all our villages, with options to suit all budgets.

2. Location

For some, retirement is a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and simply relax. Others prefer the comfort of a suburb that they’re familiar with, or want to stay close to family or friends. Do you prefer easy accessibility to the city, or do you prefer fresh air and more nature? Knowing your preferences can help you select the perfect retirement village in your desired location. Centennial Living offers a range of villages across the Melbourne metropolitan area, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

3. Space

Knowing how much space you need can assist you in choosing the right retirement village for you. Centennial Living offers a range of 1 and 2 bedroom villas, units and apartments, some equipped with a study, and most with a car park and garage.

4. Pet friendly

If you’ve got a furry family member, it’s important to choose a pet friendly retirement village. Some retirement villages don’t allow pets at all, while others only allow certain breeds. When you choose Centennial Living for your retirement, you can be confident that your pet will be treated as part of the family. Our pet friendly policy welcomes all well-behaved pets.

5. Activities

There are some retirement villages that offer more recreational opportunities than others, such as pools or game rooms; others may have beautiful gardens or walking paths. When you choose Centennial Living for your retirement, here are just some of the great activities on offer in our villages: • Bowling green • Community centre • Bar & lounge • Dining room • Library • Billiards • Arts & craft room • Games room • Dance floor • Indoor heated pool & spa • Gymnasium • Hairdressing salon • Hobby garden • Workshop • Village bus outings • BBQ & entertainment area • Courtyards and garden spaces • Visiting health practitioners • Nurse • Emergency call system 24/7 • Many social & recreational activities Be sure to explore the different villages available, and choose one that offers activities aligned with your interests.

6. Public transport

You may not need this immediately after retiring, but as time goes on and mobility becomes more challenging, having access to public transportation will make life feel much easier. Being close to public transport means you can explore your local neighbourhood independently, whether it’s to catch up with a friend for coffee, or for a spot of shopping.

7. Security

When choosing a retirement village, it’s essential to look for one that has good security measures in place, as well as an emergency response system. At Centennial Living, you’ll feel safe and secure with onsite village managers and staff including a registered nurse, as well as gated entrances for additional security. 24-hour emergency call buttons are also available in each unit for your peace of mind.

8. Staff

The staff is another important consideration when choosing where to live during your retirement years – it’s important that they are friendly and welcoming, as well as knowledgeable about any questions or concerns you may have. At Centennial Living, you’ll find friendly faces everywhere you turn – from the qualified onsite nurse at each village through to the staff at our care partners. At Centennial Living, we understand the importance of choosing a retirement village that meets your needs. Find out more about village life at Centennial Living, or get in touch with us today for more information.