Finding our perfect home at The Ivy.
My wife and I have lived here for over eight years. We had previously visited several retirement communities and condos--even dining at a few--but none were appealing enough to motivate us to leave our four-bedroom townhouse. We abandoned the idea of moving until years later, when dear friends invited us for lunch at their new home here at The Ivy (then Holiday).
When we entered the lobby, we were immediately struck by the spacious architecture and the quaint bridge overlooking the koi pond. The peaceful, welcoming ambiance was unlike any place we had visited. During that brief visit, we knew this was where we wanted to live out our sunset years. Before leaving, we picked up brochures and requested an appointment to look at the available units.
Our subsequent tour took us across the expansive 23-acre grounds, revealing a serene walking path, a swimming pool, and scenic views of the ocean and surrounding hills. We appreciated the vast open space and natural environment, which stood out in stark contrast to the feeling of confinement of other retirement homes surrounded by concrete. Beyond the beautiful setting, a significant financial advantage to moving here was that a hefty six-figure buy-in typical of other communities, and usually non-refundable, was not required.
The Ivy offers a diverse selection of activities designed to help residents stay fit, improve balance, and prevent muscle loss. The weekly calendar includes weight training, tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, and seated exercises tailored specifically for those who might be unsteady on their feet.
Social options are just as varied and include movie nights, table games, ping pong, billiards, and informal sing-alongs. Residents can also join the more structured choir and ukulele group, both of which perform regularly for the community.
Because I am highly selective about my meals due to health concerns, having a wide variety of nutritious options is essential. Chef Bill provides excellent daily choices alongside the standard rotating entrees. I especially enjoy local favorites like the poke bowls, chicken katsu, and the customizable breakfast omelets. All of these are featured on a two-page menu of abundant alternatives available throughout the day. Furthermore, the freedom to dine anytime between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM is a vital service. It ensures residents can always grab a meal before boarding the community bus for early medical appointments, or whenever they return home outside of the designated meal hours.
We are very comfortable living here and having the opportunity to pursue such a wide variety of interests. We are truly thankful to our dear friends for inviting us here for that first lunch--otherwise, we might never have discovered this wonderful place we now call home. read more