Spring is the season for bugs — travel bugs, that is! There’s something about spring that lets destinations truly sparkle, making it one of the most appealing times of the year to make a getaway.
Living in Atlanta means you have access to one of the world’s most active airports. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serves more than 220 destinations, making it possible to catch a flight virtually anywhere. Of course, savvy travelers know taking a trip isn’t as simple as hopping on a flight.
However, some active seniors are privy to a travel trick. They’ve discovered that an independent living lifestyle is the ideal solution for a lock-and-leave retirement.
While at their home base, they’re able to enjoy all of the community’s amenities, but when they get the itch to hit the road, it’s easy to make a quick getaway knowing their home and belongings are safe and sound.
Could independent living be the right fit for you?
When most people contemplate a move to a senior living community, they’re thinking about the senior independent living benefits they can enjoy while they’re in the community — and what they gain by leaving the responsibility of homeownership behind.
When you’re exploring what the independent living communities in Atlanta have to offer, you’ll find a wide variety of options. For a discerning future resident, a community’s residential selections, features and amenities are obvious considerations.
This is also true for someone who is looking at communities with the plan of spending a fair bit of time away — whether it’s days, weeks or months at a time. After all, there should be more to come home to than your own comfy bed.
Fortunately, as a traveler with an independent living community as a home base, the amenities will be ready and waiting. There’s no pool to condition and prep before you jump in; it’s there in pristine condition, ready for you to enjoy.
A leisurely walk through the grounds reveals beautifully maintained landscaping you can simply appreciate without firing up the mower or trimming a single branch. (Although, if you live someplace like Canterbury Court, you can head over to the greenhouse and get your hands dirty, knowing you alone won’t be responsible for watering and nurturing the plants you help create.)
There’s no worry about stopping off at the grocery store on your way home from the airport; diverse dining options ensure you can enjoy a hot chef-prepared meal even if the fridge in your apartment looks a little bare. And if you want to grab a few essentials, some communities (Canterbury Court included) offer onsite markets for quick snacks and convenience items.
You’re sure to discover other features and amenities that are as attractive for the residents who stay close to home as the ones who venture far and wide, such as:
- Secure parking that means your vehicle is safe overnight — or while you’re traveling hundreds of miles away.
- A robust activity calendar that makes it easy to develop close friendships — and reconnect with neighbors when you’re home, without the pressure of organizing a social event.
- Fitness classes and other enrichment events that welcome your participation, even if you’re only dropping in for a session or two before your next trip.
How do the intangible benefits stack up?
Community amenities and lifestyle features aside, there are other important intangibles that can sweeten the appeal for an aspiring traveler, so be sure to explore how the communities you’re considering deliver in the following areas:
Stress-Free Living: Moving to a senior living community should mean putting household stress to rest, so concerns like the cost of upkeep, unexpected repairs and safety are no longer yours to carry. For many senior living communities, those responsibilities lie with the community, and predictable monthly fees mean you’re free from worry about surprise expenses like property tax or insurance increases. That means no household mishaps to interrupt your plans and a travel budget that stays intact.
No More Maintenance: Similarly, many independent living residents are able to count on maintenance-free senior living. That means you can confidently turn the skill, time and expense required for interior and exterior maintenance over to a capable team that takes care of any necessary work on your behalf. You can rest easily knowing your home is being cared for by professionals, even when you’re away.
Freedom for Free Time: Many communities also offer regular housekeeping services, further ensuring your free time is yours to spend as you wish. That’s especially good news for someone who enjoys traveling, since there’s no need to feel guilty about leaving household chores behind. You have the freedom to come and go as you wish, without demands on your time.
Logistical Simplicity: Because details like utilities and other services are managed collectively by the community, you likely won’t need to worry about frequent stops and starts. A simple alert to the care team that you’ll be away will ensure they know to look after your residence, collect your packages and not worry when they don’t see you around for an extended period of time.
Peace of Mind: A house standing empty for stretches of time can pose risks, but most senior living communities provide comprehensive security programs that protect the residents in the event of an emergency, and also their belongings. Controlled access for non-residents, 24-hour onsite security and high-performance security technology are some important ways communities like Canterbury Court protect residents.
How else does this lifestyle support your travel plans?
Choosing to move to an independent living community is a highly personal decision, and you may discover some very personal reasons this lifestyle is the ideal fit with your desire to travel and explore. For example:
You can embrace spontaneity, perhaps like never before in your life. In this season of retirement, you’re free from the obligations that held you to times and places during different stages of life. Independent living gives you a solid foundation you can return to again and again, while you jump at the chance to live free and vibrantly.
You can strike a harmonic balance between having a comfortable, inviting living space you’re proud to call home and the ability to leave it all behind to pursue your passions, whether it’s an island getaway or an extended weekend with the grandkids. There’s no need to choose one or the other; this is a case where you really can have the best of both worlds.
You may encounter potential travel partners to share your adventures. It’s no coincidence that you’re likely to make friends with your new neighbors. Like-minded peers likely chose the same community you did because of similar interests, life experiences or mindsets. Some communities even offer organized travel clubs that bring travel enthusiasts together.
Start Planning Your Lock-and-Leave Retirement
Now that you have a better idea of the many ways independent living supports a busy travel schedule, you may be ready to take a closer look at communities that fit your needs with lock-and-leave retirement living.
Canterbury Court, located in the heart of Atlanta’s Buckhead community, is an extraordinary place to come home to. The community’s stunning gardens and friendly, interesting neighbors from all walks of life are two great reasons to arrange a tour, but you’ll also appreciate the variety of unique floor plans where you can display all of the keepsakes and mementoes from your travels.
Schedule a tour with our friendly team so you can start planning your next trip with a lighter heart and freer mind.