Ever wonder if an affordable retirement lifestyle is a myth? Might be closer than you think actually.
I like to think we know Wasaga Beach and Parkbridge properties pretty well. My family and I stay there every single year. In fact, sometimes twice a year. Lakes of Wasaga Cottage and RV Resort is one of our personal favourites. We stay in one of the heated chalets every February. After a long day of brisk air over on scenic Blue Mountain, their chalets are perfection.
A couple of weeks ago my daughters and I, along with my good friend Margarita and her son, headed up there for a blogger’s weekend. We shared a lot of laughs, some good food and a sunny hot weekend at the beach. It turned into a really great girlfriend’s weekend. In fact I have not seen Wasaga Beach that busy in years! When we stayed at Wasaga Pines in August we had cool weather, so we welcomed the heat wave.
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So What are Residential Communities?
This time around we also learned a bit more about Parkbridge’s residential and affordable retirement lifestyle communities.
Where Can You Find Affordable Retirement and Residential Land Lease Communities in Ontario?
For a few of my friends, my readers, and their extended networks of family and friends, retirement is not that far away. But there’s a lot to consider. Will you have enough money? Are you downsizing from a large 3 or 4 bedroom home with stairs to a condominium, or a beach home? What does retirement look like? Is it even possible to retire at the beach?
An Inside Look
Recently we had the chance to tour one of Parkbridge’s affordable retirement and residential communities while staying in Wasaga Beach. And we heard a bit more about the benefits and the costs associated with retiring here. Affordable retirement and affordable home and cottage ownership is definitely an option at Parkbridge, because of the land lease arrangement.
Some Parkbridge Lifestyle Community Facts:
- Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities are located throughout Canada.
- There are over 120 Parkbridge residential and retirement communities across the country.
- They are a Canadian company.
- Leader in land lease communities in Canada
- Affordable options for home and cottage ownership as well
Why Land Lease?
So why land lease at Parkbridge? Well, there’s no better way to build an affordable retirement really. Land lease means you own your home, but not the land. If you live at Parkbridge, because someone else owns the land, much of the maintenance is taken care of for you. No lawn cutting? No Snow shovelling and no worrying about water or waste water systems.
As well, Parkbridge also builds and maintains infrastructure such as sidewalks, roads, and community centres on the property. At any one of the Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities you will find lovely parks, ponds, trails and pools. It’s a relaxed vibrant lifestyle community on its own.
An affordable retirement lifestyle at Parkbridge goes hand in hand with bustling social atmosphere. Each home is private. Owners can spruce up their houses as they wish. (as long as the maintenance people can still cut the lawn – FYI that means no garden gnomes) Communities are a diverse mix of retired couples, singles and widowers. That can be beneficial for widowed women in particular. Because they are safe, affordable communities, many widowed women flourish. The atmosphere provides opportunity to build new hobbies, sports interests, and friendships too. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed to live a bit longer independently.
Did I Mention The Beach?
One of my favorite things about the Parkbridge properties in Wasaga Beach, is the proximity to the beach and the Collingwood area. The communities all have common social spaces like the pools, community centres and the gathering areas for picnics. And many of these retirement and lifestyle communities from Parkbridge also have extremely active social calendars. Cycle around the property safely. Go for a swim, or take part in the many seasonal activities offered too. Each community has their own unique activities.
Cottage Ownership is Attainable Too
Parkbridge also has affordable cottage ownership options. To be honest that’s very appealing to me. Cottages are managed much the same way at nearby Lakes of Wasaga Cottage and RV Resort and that makes it affordable to buy. I mean imagine a cottage where you never had to mow the lawn?
Building vibrant communities and providing affordable retirement options
So to recap there are multiple options with Parkbridge Resorts and their land lease arrangement.
Buy an affordable retirement home.
Purchase an affordable family home
Rent a cabin or cottage at one of their Cottage and RV Resorts or Marinas.
OR you can buy a cabin, cottage, or chalet at one of their Cottage and RV Resorts and Marinas.
Affordable Retirement at the Beach is Possible
Together, we always have a great time at Parkbridge properties. For rental or for stays that are meant much longer, Parkbridge is a great option. So if you never thought you could build an affordable retirement dream at the beach, or buy a cottage there, think again. It might be easier to achieve than you think.
I attended a blogger’s weekend at Parkbridge Resorts Lakes of Wasaga. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.