Moving can be a notorious source of stress, regardless of age. From the disruption of daily routines to the challenges of finding a new home, many aging adults who are faced with the decision to vacate the home they have lived in for decades to take up residence in an independent living community, find it too stressful to seriously consider. Some feel like they are going to an “old folks home”. But a move to an active, independent living community that is the right one for you, does not have to be the doom-filled ordeal you may think it to be.

Transitioning from a home you have filled and enjoyed over the years has never been easier. “It was the best decision I ever made”, is how Diane Hazen feels about her “smart-sizing” move. When Diane first toured The Belvedere, it was undergoing construction in July 2017 and only the three model apartments were completed for open house tours. “I instantly loved it!” was Diane’s reaction. “I walked in and said this is it. It’s exactly what I’m looking for”.

“All on one floor”
“I had stairs and stairs”, Diane explains on getting down to the basement and up to the bedrooms before she moved. ‘You don’t realize just how often you have to climb the stairs at your house every day, until you get arthritis.” There are no stairs inside your apartment here. In fact, The Belvedere features three elevators positioned at different entryways throughout the building. So, no matter what floor your apartment is located on, you are walking the same distance to your apartment with the convenience of having an elevator right there when you walk into the building.

“Having storage was a huge thing for me”
Diane moved from a two-bedroom house with a full basement and enjoys quite a bit of cooking. “Having space to put things is very convenient”, Diane boasts about the 9-foot storage closet located right inside her apartment. On floor plan design, Angelo Natale, CEO of Natale Development Co. said he wanted to “make sure residents have enough room to bring their most cherished possessions with them”. Diane lives in the “Aria” floor plan with a courtyard view overlooking the pool and putting green. It is 1300 square feet featuring two bedrooms, one and a half baths and a very large storage closet positioned off the kitchen area. The Aria floor plan also features a 9-foot walk-in-closet in the master bedroom and linen closet located in the full bathroom. Starting at 1,050 square feet and soaring all the way up to 1,750 square feet, 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.

“I never thought that was an important thing”
Every apartment at The Belvedere features those details that aren’t often thought of when living in the house you have owned for years. Diane reports on the wide 36-inch doorways, walk-in-showers and a raised toilet, “I never thought that was an important thing or gave it a lot of thought. But once I had it, I was like, that is a really cool thing”.

Every apartment will feature:
*Walk-in-showers & raised toilets
*Gourmet kitchens equipped with an island
*Spectrum’s “Select” Cable TV Package
*Stainless Steel Appliances
*Private Balcony or Patio
*Individual Heat & Central air conditioning
*In-unit washers & dryers
*Quartz counter tops
* Wi-Fi
*9-foot ceilings
*Smoke-free Living
*Dining Alcoves

Worry-free Living
“One of the biggest reasons I chose this kind of lifestyle was that I didn’t have to worry about the furnace going out, the sink backing up, the stove going out, the air conditioner not working, the maintenance of the roof and shoveling snow and all the rest”, says Diane of the maintenance burdens of home ownership. “I always liked a really nice clean driveway. I didn’t like ice on it and always kept it very clean. I just physically got to where I really couldn’t do it. I had to pay people to do these things and when they did, it often was not done as well as I used to do it” Diane explains. “When I go out to my garage here, the walkways are clear, the driveway right up to my door, is clear. I even brought a snow shovel thinking that they won’t get up to the doors, but they do! It’s clean and clear. I’m very happy about it”, says Diane smiling.

“You can be as involved as you want, as often as you want”
Healthy, active living is promoted with a full calendar of activities such as Zumba Gold, Silver Sneakers & Yoga (just to name a few). Jill Bronski founder of Forward Fitness is one of the Belvedere’s many qualified instructors that specialize in activities centered around active aging. “I especially enjoy the arthritis yoga class” boasts Diane. The Belvedere is home to amenities not found at many other communities. The apartments surround a beautiful court yard area where residents enjoy activities such as Aqua Zumba in a heated swimming pool- complete with a pool house. There is a putting green, tiki bar and barbeque area in the courtyard as well. Positioned at the north end of the property will be a greenhouse for community gardening come spring- where Diane plans on showing off her green thumb. Residents who join the Belvedere’s Gardening Club can decide and grow beautiful flowers that will be planted around the community! Indoors features a pub & billiard room, perfect for resident happy hours, organizing Monday night poker games or catching the game on TV (yes folks, The Belvedere’s community room and pub both have the sports package). Did someone say Superbowl party?? Residents have the convenience of entertaining 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 that is coming this spring or take full advantage of the onsite guest suites that are available for out of town visitors! “It’s totally encompassing” reports Diane.

“It’s almost magical when it all comes together”
Diane made the decision to call The Belvedere home after looking at “every apartment community within a 10-mile radius of Clarence Center”. She preleased (reserved) her home at The Belvedere in July of 2017- an entire year before construction was completed. “It was worth the wait”, Diane said. She put the house that she had lived in for the last 25-years up for sale and began to prepare for the transition to her new home at The Belvedere. Being one of the first 25 residents to sign a lease, Diane was able to take advantage of a few pretty generous rent specials such as a $100 Wegman’s gift card to help restock her pantry. As well, Diane receives 8.5% off her monthly rent for an entire year AND a flat-screen TV for being among the first 55 new residents! The Belvedere features an exquisite grand foyer entry. “It’s so beautiful when you walk in”, Diane beams. When asked what the driving factor was to choose The Belvedere over other communities, Diane replied without hesitation “it was all of the amenities, the size of the apartments and the lifestyle vision that was projected to me of what was going to be here once the construction was completed”. Diane didn’t want to feel like she was in a retirement home or entering the next phase of her life, because she’s very active and simply not there yet. When asked what her friends and family think about her decision to move to The Belvedere: “My friends and family tell me that it is just outstanding. They can’t believe all that they do for you here. They tell me you’re right, this was the best decision. It is exactly what you were looking for. I love it here”.
***Save the Date*** Join us for our Winter Wonderland Open House Saturday, January 26th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Baby, it’s cold outside….. So warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and refreshments from the dessert bar and join us for special winter entertainment while you meet our warm, friendly staff and residents.
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 is 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. The Belvedere is currently accepting applications. We are happy to provide any assistance needed, ensuring the application process is a simple one. Be one of the first 55 applicants to sign up and receive the following attractive rent specials- you will have to hurry as there are only a few spots left:
1. Reduced monthly rent rate for your entire first year (approx. 8.5%)
2. Flat Screen TV!!
3. Entry in the $15,000 giveaway with the other 55 applicants
Please visit 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!