Why CA is a Top Retirement Destination in the U.S.
December 14, 2021Finding Your (Recreational) Bliss Through Inspired Senior Living
When you picture the perfect retirement, what do you see? Plenty of time, at last, to do all of those things you’ve been putting off for so long? The chance to finally pursue some long-anticipated R&R?
In a recent Forbes article,1 contributing author William Barrett noted that among the many reasons people make long-distance moves when they retire is the pursuit of “recreational bliss.” They want to live in a place that is “suited to their leisure interests,” he wrote.
Fortunately, if you already live in the Los Angeles area, you don’t have to make a long-distance move. You’re already in the ideal place to retire if you’re ready to pursue recreational bliss. Best of all, living at The Variel would give you convenient access to all of the “retirement passions” mentioned in the Forbes article:
- Arts/culture
- Fine dining
- Lifelong learning
- Volunteering
- Outdoor activities on water
- Outdoor activities on land (including golf)
Plus, senior living in Southern California fulfills yet another standard that many seek in retirement: a warm, sunny climate. Los Angeles is known far and wide for its near-perfect weather all throughout the year.
Endless Outdoor Activities for Seniors — on Land and Water
The glorious weather we enjoy here in Southern California makes all kinds of outdoor activities possible, even on the spur of the moment. With convenient access to the ocean, beaches and mountains, there are myriad options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, sailing, sunning, scenic excursions and more.
Tennis and golf are perennial favorites among outdoor activities for retirees, and there’s plenty of both close at hand here in Warner Center. There are countless other options for enjoying a sunny day outside as well, from strolling through any of several nearby farmers markets to an afternoon concert or festival at Warner Center Park.
With its lower population density and lush green areas, Woodland Hills has emerged as one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley region. And we haven’t even gotten to the profusion of dining, shopping and cultural opportunities yet!
What Are You in the Mood to Do?
Arguably the arts and entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles offers a rich and diverse selection of venues for sports fans, gourmands, museum and movie buffs, music lovers, art aficionados and theatergoers. Whatever your interests, whatever you feel like doing, there’s a place for that in L.A. — and probably right here in Woodland Hills.
Shopping and Dining Galore
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe for an impromptu lunch with friends or an elegant fine-dining establishment to celebrate (or create) a special occasion, you’re sure to find it in Woodland Hills or a nearby neighborhood.
If you feel like staying close to home, Woodland Hills has its share of upscale steakhouses, sushi bars, burger joints, pizza parlors, gastro pubs and grills. Along with standard American fare, you’ll find all kinds of ethnic restaurants to explore — because, after all, this is California.
From Tiffany & Co. to Target, Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas are a shopper’s delight. As an example, Westfield Topanga & The Village, a new mall in nearby Canoga Park that spans 2.1 million square feet, has quickly become a preferred destination for high-end browsing and buying.
If you feel like venturing a little farther out, the bistros and boutiques of Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive and The Grove are all about 45 minutes or so away.
Life Enhancement and Enrichment
Volunteering and lifelong learning are also popular activities for seniors. If either or both of those are something you’re interested in, rest assured there are ample opportunities for engagement close to home.
Civic-minded seniors will find an array of community services and nonprofit organizations that will appreciate their time and efforts, including a live theater, no-kill animal shelters and charities to help children.
For those who want to maintain their mental acuity, Pierce College in Woodland Hills offers free classes for older adults through its Encore program. There’s also the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI at UCLA), which offers an extensive program of noncredit courses for people who are at least 50 years old. OLLI at UCLA has non-academic events for members, too, such as museum tours, film screenings and speaker series.
Warner Center: Smack-dab in the Middle of It All
We’re excited about being here in Warner Center because it puts us in an exceptionally convenient location. With so much to see and do within our community and just beyond, we’re confident that everyone who chooses to live at The Variel will quickly discover how easy it is to maintain or elevate their active lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about joining us, keep in mind that the maintenance-free lifestyle at The Variel will give you more spare time to do as you please, rather than doing what you “must.” Instead of spending the afternoon taking care of your home, you’ll be able to take a hike, take your friends to lunch or just take it easy.
What Makes The Variel Unique Among Retirement Communities in California?
Besides our prime location, contemporary design, world-class amenities, personalized care programs and overall inspired senior living concept, The Variel is one of the only retirement communities in California to offer a month-to-month rental option.
Many, if not most, senior living communities require you to pay a substantial entrance fee or put down a large deposit when you move in. As a result, you’re locked in to a long-term commitment.
That’s not how we do things here at The Variel. Our monthly rental concept gives you the flexibility to stay here as long as you like — and only if you like.
In addition, The Variel will offer 24-hour on-site nursing care, so we’ll be able to assist residents with medications and certain other aspects of their health care. Retirement communities without a medical professional on site cannot provide these services.
Our customer service will also set The Variel apart from other retirement communities, as we work relentlessly to honor our commitments and build trust with residents, vendors and our partners throughout the community.
“We want a reputation for unusual competence,” said Keith Payne, executive director at The Variel. “And we want to be known as absolutely reliable.”
If you’re ready to learn more about The Variel and how we plan to be the premier retirement community in Southern California for those who seek inspired living, contact us.
1 William P. Barrett, “The 25 Best Places to Enjoy Your Retirement in 2021,” Forbes, September 17, 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2021/09/17/the-25-best-places-to-enjoy-your-retirement-in-2021/?sh=331c84954434.