THE VILLAGE AT DUXBURY

The South Shore’s intriguing alternative to the single family house

~ by Stanley Blackmur

Energizing Lifestyle

Maybe it’s something in the water, but living at The Village at Duxbury is quite energizing! Whether it’s the proximity to like-minded people, the freedom from the burden of house maintenance, or the beautiful surroundings, there is something about The Village that adds some zip to the step of the people who live there.

A History of Success

About 20 years ago, the family-owned Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group purchased a 30-acre parcel of land in Duxbury and built The Village at Duxbury. At that time, the Welch Group already had over 40 years of experience in senior housing. The Norwell-based company recognized that as people were living much longer, there was a real need for a housing solution that was easier to manage than a house, but didn’t have all of the costly medical services that went along with most senior housing options at the time.

What they came up with was extremely successful. Older adults, seeking a way to stay active and engaged, flocked to the new community. Because of the strong demand, what was intended to be a phased-in start-up instead opened ahead of schedule.

About 10 years in, demand was so enthusiastic that the Welch Group decided to expand the senior living community… twice more. The first expansion was a bold addition of 30 free-standing garden homes. With beautifully landscaped yards and up-to-date appointments the new neighborhood was created on an adjacent parcel of land. The second expansion involved the addition of 12 new apartments and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Once again, success followed, and soon The Village was sold out with a robust waiting list.

Opportunity arises out of challenging times

Lynda and Skip Dickerson moved to The Village at Duxbury in September of 2010.

Like the rest of the housing industry, The Village at Duxbury felt the impact of the dramatic shift in the housing market that hit so hard at the end of 2008. After years of steady share-price acceleration, the price of shares declined as more people decided to wait out the market in their later years in their own homes. Happily, sales and occupancy are starting to improve at the new lower share prices.

To meet these challenging times, The Cooperative is taking steps to make it easier and more desirable than ever to move to The Village. They have introduced exciting new interior finishes for their residences, and developed a buyer’s assistance program that helps with everything from securing bridge financing to organizing the moving process.

The Next Chapter of the American Dream

village_duxbury_005 — Dr. Rita Welch, Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group co-founder and Village at Duxbury resident.

The old American Dream was built on the premise of home ownership. But as we age and children move out, a house with all of its responsibilities can feel more like a burden than a blessing. It can be too expensive, too isolating and in many cases, not safe. The Village at Duxbury has strived to make it easier for individuals to continue pursuing passions and living the good life while making new friends. In other words, a new American Dream that is designed to be maintenance-free, and filled with opportunities for meaningful and fun social engagement.

Affordability

The Village has always been appealing to people who imagined themselves living in a community with stylish décor, impeccable appointments and fine dining. However, many are pleasantly surprised to learn that they can have all The Village has to offer without changing their cost of living. One bedroom apartments start at just $179,000.

What’s Next?

The Cooperative Board that governs The Village has always demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to try new things. Their latest venture is the development of a new medical practice near the community’s entrance. The Community’s management team is working with the town and is engaged in conversations with a local hospital to build a new space for practitioners who specialize in caring for individuals over 60 years of age.

How to learn more

There are residences available now for immediate occupancy. To learn more, call The Village at Duxbury sales office at 781-585-2334 Equal Housing Opportunity.