What You’re Really Paying For in a Retirement Village (Hint: It’s Not Just the House)

It’s not just the home, it’s the friendships that come with it.

It’s one of the first questions most people ask, right after “What’s it like to live there?”

And it makes sense. Moving into a retirement village isn’t just a financial decision. It’s a personal one. You’re choosing where you want to live, who you want to live alongside, and how you want to spend your time.

At Longridge, we often say you’re not just buying a home. You’re choosing a way of living. Somewhere that feels right, not just for today, but for the years to come.

At Longridge Country Estate in Paeroa, we speak with people every week who are weighing up their options. Some are planning ahead. Others are helping Mum or Dad look at the next chapter. Either way, understanding the costs of retirement village living is a good place to start.

There’s a moment when you first walk into a village like Longridge. Maybe it’s the view of the Coromandel Ranges. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh baking. Or maybe it’s the laughter you hear from a group of friends clinking glasses over afternoon tea.

And that’s when you realise this isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about the kind of life you want to live. The truth is, moving to a retirement village is a big step. It’s not just about the money. It’s about lifestyle, community, and knowing you’ve set yourself up in a place that feels comfortable. Not only today, but for years to come.

Let’s talk about the numbers

We believe in keeping things clear. Villas at Longridge start from $729,000, and there’s a weekly fee of $149 that covers the things most people forget to add up. That includes insurance, council and water rates, garden upkeep, exterior maintenance, access to community facilities, and our onsite team.

You won’t need to mow the lawns or manage the gardens unless you want to. No hiring tradies for house painting or roof checks. It’s all looked after for you as part of the fee.

For couples where both are over 75, that weekly fee is fixed for life. And yes, there is a Deferred Management Fee, which is capped at 30 percent after four years. But there are no refurbishment costs unless there’s actual damage, and no hidden admin charges when it comes time to move on. It’s all laid out simply, so there are no surprises down the track. You can read more about this in our FAQs.

But it’s not just about cost

It’s easy to compare numbers. What’s harder to measure is the value of not having to worry. Not chasing tradies. Not budgeting for rates, power, or house painting. Not wondering who will mow the lawn or do the gardens.

Here, that’s all taken care of. And what you get in return is time. More time for the things you want to do, and less spent managing a house you no longer need to manage.

You can read how this all adds up in our Affordable Living section.

View our last Hauraki Villa at $699,000

Our last Hauraki Villa available - sunny, spacious, and built for everyday living.

The true value? The life you live

The reason most people choose Longridge isn’t just the spacious villas or the scenic location (though those are pretty great). It’s the feeling of community. It’s walking the dog without feeling watched. It’s the laughter at morning tea, the quiet kindness of a neighbour bringing lemons, or joining a card game you hadn’t planned on.

Fresh lemons and good company. Longridge residents enjoying time in the community orchard.

And with 90 acres, there’s room to breathe. Some residents keep veggie gardens. Others head out to Karangahake Gorge or Waihi Beach. Many just enjoy not having to do anything unless they feel like it. You can hear it in their own words over on our Testimonials page.

And then there’s the space

We’ve got 90 acres here. That makes Longridge one of the most spacious retirement villages in New Zealand. There’s room to stretch out, walk the dog, plant herbs, join a game of petanque, or just sit with a cuppa and enjoy the view.

While we’re tucked away in peaceful Paeroa, our location is ideal. Still an easy drive to Auckland, Tauranga, or Hamilton. Some residents head out to Waihi Beach for the day. Others walk the Karangahake Gorge. You’ve got options.

Still working it out?

That’s completely normal. Whether you’re gathering info for yourself or for someone close to you, we’re always happy to answer questions.

Call us on 0800 928 928, email info@longridgecountryestate.co.nz, or come by for a look around. You’ll be met with a friendly smile and probably a slice of cake, too.