Why Julie Left Auckland on Her Own and Says It Was the Best Decision She’s Ever Made

From Papakura to Paeroa

After more than 18 years in Papakura, Julie was ready for something different.

Her street had changed over the years. It had become noisy, tense, and not the kind of place where you felt comfortable going for a walk. She found herself staying indoors more and more. “I didn’t feel safe,” she said. “I wasn’t living the life I wanted.”

Not long before turning 65, she made a bold decision to leave Auckland.

Julie didn’t know too much about Paeroa, and she wasn’t quite sure about retirement village life. “I worried I might be too young,” she admitted. “And moving on my own, I wasn’t sure what to expect.” But one thing was clear. She wanted a better way of living.

She chose a Hauraki 111m² villa, a two-bedroom duplex with a study, tiled bathroom and separate guest toilet. “It was perfect. Not too big, not too small. I’ve never lived in a new home before,” she says. “It felt amazing walking into something brand new.”

Inside a Hauraki Villa: High vaulted ceilings and open-plan living make the space feel relaxed and easy to enjoy. It’s the same villa style Julie chose.

Hauraki Villa floor plan – the same layout Julie chose. 111m² with two bedrooms, a study, internal garage, guest toilet, and open-plan living.

She’s not alone in that. For many residents at Longridge, it’s their first time living in a brand-new home. Designed to be easy, accessible, and enjoyable from day one.

But it wasn’t just the villa that surprised her. It was the lifestyle.

Julie now feels safer, fitter and more social than she ever did in the city. “I’ve got more friends than I ever had in Auckland,” she says. “I get out more, I’m doing more, enjoying myself and feeling really good about life.”

Julie also likes knowing her villa has built in safety features. It is not something she needs to think about, but it is nice knowing they are there.

Learn more about safety and security at Longridge

There is always something happening in the village. Julie enjoys a quieter lifestyle, but she loves the sense of community around her. “We’ve had more than a few street parties just on our drive,” she says. “We’ve hosted dinners, shared drinks, all sorts. You actually get to know your neighbours here, and they’re good ones.”

There’s plenty to get involved in, from Happy Hour and the Thursday barista to gardening, craft, pool nights, fitness groups and fishing trips, the list goes on.

And the best part? “I can walk to the letterbox in my dressing gown,” she laughs. “I wouldn’t have dared do that on my old street in Auckland.

See what’s on at Longridge

Residents enjoying Happy Hour and a game of pool at Longridge.

She still works part-time and sometimes heads back to Auckland for work, but coming home is the best part. “No traffic, no stress. I walk in the door and feel myself relax.”

What started as a practical move turned out to be one of the best decisions she’s ever made. “I came for the new home,” she says. “But what I found here is so much more than I ever expected. I’m so happy and I feel really lucky. I love it.”

Julie is not alone in that. It is something we hear often from new residents. The right home is just the beginning. It is everything that comes with it that makes life better.

Her message to others thinking about it, especially those moving on their own:

“Don’t wait. Don’t worry if you’re single. There are plenty of us here and we love it. You won’t be on your own. Everyone’s friendly and you’ll feel part of it straight away.”

This is the same Hauraki villa style Julie chose. And we have only one left – priced at $699,000.

Exterior of a Hauraki Villa at Longridge, the same villa style Julie chose. Last one priced at $699,000.

Interested in seeing a Hauraki Villa for yourself?

Get in touch with us here, email info@longridgecountryestate.co.nz or call 0800 928 928.