‘Designed to offer a fresh start’: Why singles over 50 are choosing lifestyle resort living

Lifestyle resorts for singles over 50 are gaining popularity across Australia as more people recognise the value of social connection and community alongside maintaining their independence.

Modern, low-maintenance homes paired with resort-style facilities are creating a compelling alternative to traditional housing.

They also provide opportunities for social connection in a supportive environment–a big drawcard for singles over 50 looking to enhance their quality of life and improve their overall health.

A recent report by Oxford Economics Australia found demand for retirement communities has grown over the years, driven by developers turning up the luxury lifestyle offerings and an increasing awareness around the negative impacts of social isolation.

From 2006 to 2021, the number of people living in retirement communities nearly doubled, with occupancy rates surging to 95% in 2023.

While traditional retirement communities remain popular, lifestyle resorts like Aliria on Dean are emerging as a contemporary option offering more flexibility and independence, and one that is attracting a younger demographic of homeowners looking to enjoy active, social living.

Andrew Coulter, director of Aliria–a developer of lifestyle resorts for over-50s, backed by a team with decades of experience in the land lease sector–says they thoughtfully considered the needs of singles over 50 at Aliria on Dean, both practically and emotionally.

“We know that for many singles, especially those transitioning into a new phase of life after loss or separation, finding a place that feels both safe and welcoming is essential,” he says.

“Aliria on Dean is designed to offer a fresh start – one that doesn’t compromise independence but instead surrounds residents with opportunities for connection, activity, and a sense of belonging.

“Where many communities are designed with couples in mind, we’ve consciously created a space that supports a broader spectrum of life experiences.

“About 30% of our buyers so far are single women, and we’re seeing strong interest from single men as well.”

New beginnings, shared connections

After the passing of her husband last year, Carry Lee, 69, made the decision to downsize from her large family home on an acre of land to a more manageable and secure lifestyle at Aliria on Dean.

Seeking a fresh start, she was drawn to the brand-new villas, no entry or exit fees, full retention of capital gains, and proximity to friends, medical services, and shopping centres.

“Moving to a gated community means I won’t need to worry about gardening or cleaning the pool,” she says.

“It’ll give me more time to do my sewing projects and more security enabling me to travel.”

She sees the $205 weekly site rental as a fair trade for the ease of maintenance and lifestyle benefits.

“It’s comparable to what I was paying at my old property when you factor in the extra costs I no longer have,” she says.

Initially hesitant about living in a close community, Lee found reassurance after spending time at her mother’s over-50s resort, realising she could have the best of both worlds.

“Once you’re inside your own home you don’t see or hear others living nearby,” she says.

“At the same time, I’m looking forward to meeting other like-minded people who may even share some of my interests.”

Boutique living with a social heart

With just 57 homes, Aliria on Dean is a boutique development that has been designed to feel intimate and approachable.

Shared amenities include a sundeck and pool, gym, pickleball court, community hall, and 5,000 sqm of open green space for casual interactions and recreation.

“Whether it’s joining a group trip, bumping into neighbours at the gym, or simply knowing someone nearby shares your interests, the emotional reassurance that comes with this lifestyle is incredibly powerful,” Coulter says.

Every home at Aliria on Dean includes two bedrooms plus a multipurpose room suitable for hobbies, guest stays, or a study for those who work from home.

The open-plan living areas flow onto a private alfresco or porch for indoor-outdoor living.

“For singles, that sense of personal space is balanced with thoughtful proximity to communal areas, helping strike the right balance between privacy and connection,” Coulter says.

“Importantly, every home is single-level, energy-efficient, and purpose-designed for ease of living now and into the future.”

More than a home – a place to belong

Community is at the heart of the Aliria on Dean philosophy.

“From the outset, we designed shared spaces that naturally bring people together,” Coulter explains.

“It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s the lifestyle that flows from it.”

This resident-driven approach means activities grow organically with the community–creating a lifestyle that’s shaped by those who live it.

“The residents themselves form interest-based clubs or run a variety of activities or simple casual gatherings, which give residents as much or as little social interaction as they want,” Coulter says.

“It’s these moments–simple, genuine, and unplanned–that build real relationships and make the community feel like home.”

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