For Denise and Gene, who have called Oak Tree Taylor Street home for three years now, the decision to make the move was one of their best yet! As part-time residents who split their time between America and Australia, they were looking for the perfect home base to return to. “We spend six months here and six months in the States,” Denise shares. “We wanted a permanent place to come back to, and Oak Tree was exactly what we were looking for.”

From the moment they toured the village, Denise knew it was the right fit. “I instantly liked it,” she recalls. “It was cute and just the right size for us. Plus, the idea of having a Village Manager on-site was really appealing.”

One of the biggest benefits for them has been the social side of village life. “We’ve made some wonderful connections,” Denise explains. “We have Sunday night fish and chips, join in on church activities with other residents, and even though we don’t see each other every day, we always check in whenever we cross paths.” The sense of community is strong, and Denise values knowing that support is always close by. “If you need something, you can just knock on someone’s door or give them a call. People here genuinely look out for one another.”

Denise and Gene have always been incredibly active people, and the Oak Tree lifestyle offering has allowed them to embrace their independence even further!

Gene, who works part-time at the University of New England on animal science statistics at the poultry hub, also enjoys woodworking at the men’s shed. Meanwhile, Denise keeps busy with morning teas, spinners and weavers’ groups, and weekend hikes to nearby national parks. “We’re able to continue the activities we love, just like we do back home in Georgia,” Denise says.

For them, the convenience of village life is unmatched. “The best part is having no outdoor maintenance,” Denise says. “And being so close to town makes everything incredibly easy, whether it’s visiting friends or ticking off jobs. There’s the added bonus of being part of both the village and the wider Armidale community. It’s truly special.”

For Denise and Gene, Oak Tree has become not just a home base, but a place where they can thrive, surrounded by community, comfort, and the freedom to live life to the fullest.