Blog Post

“We are so excited to be part of this great community, filled with an abundance of new friends and neighbors, natural beauty and promise for a wonderful future.  It’s great to be home!“ Rick and Liz, homeowners at Chickahominy Falls.  

Rick and Liz aren’t the only ones looking for the perfect 55+ community.   

Looking forward to the next wonderful phase of your life is exciting and finding the right fit takes some contemplating.   

What should I look for in a 55+ community?  Here are some TIPS for you to ponder as you look for the community that is right for you!

Best Features of an Active Adult Community

1. Size of Community

Some people like the big cruise ship and some like a nice intimate sail boat. Cornerstone prides itself on building communities large enough to have all the amenities you want but small enough where you don’t get lost in the crowd. Our “boutique size” communities foster a strong sense of community. 

2. Affordability 

What can I afford and what do I get for the community fees? Meeting with your financial advisor to determine your affordability is the first step in your search.   

3. Low Maintenance

Imagine never having to deal with (or even think about!) exterior home maintenance again. Along with professionally maintained landscaping, we take care of your exterior maintenance, which among other things, includes raking leaves, cleaning gutters, mowing and fertilizing your lawn. With our low-maintenance lifestyle, we do the work — and you do the living!

4. Like-Minded Neighbors

When you live in one of our 55+ communities, you surround yourself with neighbors who are as excited about retirement as you are. This means that the people you live next to are always happy to accompany you on a walk, hang out at the Corner Patch Gardens, share laughs over an afternoon cocktail, or join you for a backyard get-together. Here, your neighbors become lifelong friends.

5. Close Proximity to Attractions

Being close to everything you need and want is important!   We build our communities in areas where you have endless opportunities for a fun-filled day in town, whether you’re entertaining visitors or indulging in some “me-time.” You’ll enjoy easy access to all of the shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation you love, along with top options for medical care. And with our Lock and Leave promise, you are free to get out and explore near and far without having to worry about your home!

6. Single-Level Living

Living on one level is a no-brainer!  Our open-concept, comfortable homes are specifically designed with you and your lifestyle in mind. Gone are the days of dealing with the hassle of stairs! All of our new homes gives you wide open space to make your own and live comfortably at all times. Plus, it’s easy to navigate and clean! You’ll never have to worry about accessibility in your home — your only worry is what fun activity you want to do next.

7. Timely and Lasting Features for Staying Power

This will be your forever home.  Part of what makes a house a home is a lasting sense of comfort and security. We incorporate today’s best timely and lasting features in our homes, because you should be able to live comfortably without anything standing in your way. A few features include a zero-threshold owner’s entry, lever door handles, natural and supplemental lighting, wider hallways and doorways, structural support for grab bars, and more.  

8. Private Outdoor Spaces

Importance of outdoor spaces.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather! Our new homes come with  charming outdoor spaces like a private courtyard, covered patio, or screened porch that lets you relax outdoors whenever you want, from enjoying morning coffee with some fresh air to entertaining family and friends for dinner al fresco. This is your very own outdoor oasis to enjoy! 

9. Smart Home Features

Now more than ever, you want a smart home that makes your everyday routine as easy as possible. That’s why we include smart home features that provide comfort, convenience, and security, like smart keypads, motion sensors, smoke detectors, and door alarms; a Zen thermostat, Kwikset SmartCode front door lock, and GE ZigBee Plug-in Smart Dimmer; a digital audio system and surround sound; and so much more.

10. First-Rate Amenities

What to do with all your new free time.  If you like to meet new people, attend social events, join a club, and enjoy beautiful amenities just outside your front door, you’re going to love what we have waiting for in our communities! From wellness amenities like the Fitness Center, Corner Patch Gardens, Farm Stand,  and scenic walking trails, to fun attractions like a clubhouse, pool, and community event space, there is always an activity to join in on and a friendly face to say hello to.

We hope these tips have helped you to make the best decision of your life.  When all is said and done, you deserve to live exactly how you’ve always wanted to, on your terms and on your time. At Cornerstone Homes, our job is to enhance your lifestyle, and we do this by providing you with everything you want and need in this wonderful phase of your life. 

We believe that connection is the cornerstone of a happier, healthier lifestyle — which is why our communities connect you to the amenities you want, the attractions and opportunities you love, and of course, the friendly neighbors you want to spend time with.   Everything you need to live happier!  

Click here to see a listing of our quick move in homes to get this lifestyle faster. Or for more information about all our 55+ communities throughout Virginia, give us a call at 804-215-0766 today.