There comes a time after the children have left and the retirement celebrations have ended, when you look around and decide you don’t want all the burdens that come along with homeownership. You make the decision to sell your family home. A million questions now circle your head and you are faced with the “what’s next?” choice. Should you begin your next chapter at an independent senior rental community or a retirement community? What’s the difference between the two and how do you know which is right for you? In order to “right-size” into a lifestyle that fits your individual situation and meets your desires, let’s begin by understanding the differences between a retirement community and an independent senior apartment community.

A retirement community is a residential community designed for older adults typically age 62+ years of age, who are generally able to care for themselves and would like to remain as independent as possible. However, these new “right-sizers” may prefer or require meal plans, transportation to medical appointments or to the grocery store, a 24-hour on-site attendant and/or housekeeping services. You would be sure to find emergency pull cords in the apartments as well. There is also a larger emphasis on nonphysical or less active-type activities and socialization opportunities. Along with these added features and amenities, also comes a hefty expense that can soar close to $10,000/month at some places.

Independent senior rental communities offer a low-maintenance, lower-priced lifestyle and for the most part is exactly as it sounds- “independent”. At this type of community residents would be responsible for their own meals, housekeeping and transportation. The activities and amenities available to residents are usually on a smaller scale than that of a retirement community and are geared towards a more active lifestyle. Independent senior rental communities are also less expensive than retirement communities but can also cost upwards of $3,500/month at some places.

Now that there is a better understanding between the two, it would just boil down to the average individual’s situation and preferences. What if you don’t consider yourself in these average categories though? What if you’re still very active and not quite ready to enter into the “next phase of life”, but still desire a lifestyle free from the hassles and expenses of home ownership? Believe it or not, that middle ground does exist right here in Western New York!

Nestled comfortably inside Lancaster’s rolling hamlet meadows along the Williamsville and Clarence boarder, the Belvedere is unlike any other existing 55 and older active adult rental community in the area. Conveniently located at 375 Harris Hill Road (between Wehrle and Genesee), you are just five minutes from Transit Road where endless shopping, dining and entertainment are right at your fingertips. The Belvedere is designed to be “a renaissance in active adult living” and caters to a healthy, active independent lifestyle.

Resort-style Amenities

The Belvedere brings your vacation home with it’s unique amenities not found at many other communities. Fill your days with as many (or as few) activities as you like. Belvedere’s Lifestyle Coordinator pampers residents with a full calendar of activities and events- at no additional fee! Residents will even be able to organize events independently through their Resident Portal such as: book club in the study, card games in the community room or paint & sip classes in the hobby room. What a great way to get to know your neighbors!

The community embraces a beautiful court yard area where residents can enjoy live music or festivities such as: an annual Luau in the heated, salt-water swimming pool (complete with a pool house and tiki bar). There is a putting green and barbeque area in the courtyard as well. Positioned at the north end of the property will be a greenhouse for community gardening, where residents can show off their green thumb. Residents who join the Belvedere’s Gardening Club can decide which beautiful flowers will be planted around the community- and grow them! Healthy active living is further promoted with a 24-hour onsite resident fitness center that will feature activities such as: Zumba Gold, Silver Sneakers & Yoga (just to name a few). The Belvedere’s many qualified instructors specialize in activities centered around a fun and active lifestyle. Get your steps in while enjoying the beautiful wooded scenery. There will be a walking path surrounding the building, that includes periodic distance markers and pet stations.

Indoors features a pub & billiard room complete with piano, where residents frequently gather for happy hours. Did someone say Superbowl party?? Residents have the convenience of entertaining their own guests in the large community room furnished with a fully equipped kitchenette area, TV and fireplace. They can even practice their swing all year round with Belvedere’s in-door golf simulator or take full advantage of the onsite guest suites that are available for out of town visitors. The best part is that all these amenities don’t come with the hefty price tags of retirement communities!

The Apartment Homes

We like to say “out with the old, but in with the familiar”. Why give up all those familiar comforts of home just because you’re “right-sizing”? Equipped with 9-foot ceilings, ample storage space right in the apartments and open floor plans; residents feel all the familiar comforts of home. Transitioning from a home you have filled and enjoyed over the years has never been easier. Starting at 1,050 square feet and soaring up to 1,750 square feet, The Belvedere’s apartments are not only luxurious, they are some of the most spacious floor plans in the area. Rent prices begin at $1,204. Select from a variety of luxury one and two-bedroom layouts. There are also options for attached garages by means of an enclosed breezeway, as well as detached garages. Whether a resident chooses the peace and tranquility of the surrounding (protected) woods and meadows or wants to be near the happening courtyard area, they can do so from their own over-sized patio or balcony.

The Belvedere also offers it’s residents resources tailored to make the transition easy-breezy such as: Andrew’s Estate Service. The professionals at Andrew’s will help melt your stress away by showing you how the things you want to bring with you the most, will fit into your new home at The Belvedere. They even have discounted pricing that is exclusive to future Belvedere residents!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Visit us today to see how “smart-sizing” can give you an upgrade in your quality of life. From the minute you walk in the door, the Belvedere’s friendly team of professionals are dedicated to providing you with a welcoming and proficient experience. Feel free to stop in to tour our community and explore our three model apartments. Don’t forget to ask about the current rent specials while you are there. Sign up and receive 8% off your monthly rent for the ENTIRE FIRST YEAR!! Hurry though, this offer expires soon! The Belvedere is pet friendly and currently accepting applications. Our friendly rental policies accommodate lease start dates ranging from immediate move-in all the way through October. We are happy to provide any assistance needed, ensuring the application process is a simple one. If you’re still unsure as to whether this would be the right decision for you, be our guest for a couple of days and stay before you sign! After all, you wouldn’t buy a vehicle without first taking it for a test drive would you? Visit www.LifeAtBelvedere.com or call (716) 247-6655 today to schedule your tour and see how the Belvedere offers a quality of living that outshines the rest!

***Save the Dates***
Open House
Monday-Saturday
from 11 AM – 3 PM
(we are happy to accommodate scheduled appointment hours outside of this timeframe)
Senior Lifestyles Fair
August 3rd 11 AM – 3 PM

www.LifeAtBelvedere.com
375 Harris Hill Rd
Williamsville, NY 14221