When Larry Draper, owner and managing partner of Courtyard Village at Raleigh Hills and his mother-in-law started talking about the idea of retirement living in 1981, they had an idea: why not provide an alternative to nursing homes or the home mother-in-law suite and provide individuals with an independent retirement facility that let the residents run it? They started penciling out what essentials to include – including how it would work and who would keep it running – and before long, they had opened and filled their first building with 67 apartments. His concept was – and continues to be – simple: discover what the people want, encourage them to provide their input and ideas, and then give them what they want.

Draper continued building upon the independent retirement living concept and in the last four decades, has opened approximately a dozen communities. Courtyard Village is one of the Portland area’s most affordable and beautiful independent retirement communities and welcomes new residents.

Nestled on 4.5 acres in the heart of SW Portland, the senior living campus opened in 1999 and welcomes people ages 62 and up who want to embrace an active and independent lifestyle. There are 183 comfortable apartment homes with spacious kitchens that include a standard-size oven, stovetop, dishwasher, and fridge. There are no community fees, no second-person fees, and each are priced with an easy month-to-month agreement.

“We designed the apartments for those folks who prefer to cook their own meals and have the choice to enjoy chef-prepared entrees in the dining room”, says Larry Draper. “Also, choosing to move from your home can be stressful.  We decided not to charge exorbitant entrance fees, second-person fees, or other hidden costs. Just keep it simple for people.”

Location, location, location

Courtyard Village is located conveniently next door to Fred Meyer, close to New Seasons Market, and other shopping and dining venues. Just 10 minutes to downtown Portland and located in the southwest hills of Washington County, with Beaverton to the west, West Slope to the north, and Progress and Garden Home to the south, it’s set off Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in a quiet area surrounded by trees, providing close access to Highway 26 and Highway 217.

Transportation

Courtyard Village recognizes that convenience is paramount for people living their best life in retirement. That’s why the retirement community offers an expansive transportation program, shuttling residents to local grocery stores, the post office, banks, specialty stores, department stores, and more. Transportation to and from medical and dental appointments is also available four days a week.

On-Site Dining

Flexible, optional meal plans are offered at Courtyard Village, giving residents the opportunity to experience healthy, hearty, and flavorful meals in the dining room. The chef’s daily menus balance a nutritionist’s eye for the healthy choice and a gourmet’s appetite for good living. Selections range from home-style favorites like pot roast, BBQ ribs, and their infamous clam chowder to the old-world flair of chef’s specials such as Beef Wellington, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and classic French Onion Soup. Salads, vegetables, and fresh fruit are always offered, and complimentary beverages and ice cream are available for residents and visitors throughout the day.

Staying Social

Relationships are important to the team at Courtyard Village. That’s why retirees will find an abundance of fun and exciting social engagements, including entertainment, educational and volunteer opportunities, physical activities, and much more. This spring, residents can experience weekly park walks, a special Mother’s Day buffet on May 11^th, an excursion day spent antiquing in picturesque Aurora on May 22^nd, a Memorial Day barbecue on May 26^th, and every Wednesday in May, an opportunity to create spring-themed art projects is offered. In addition, residents are encouraged to help choose the next project to add value and social excitement to the community, whether it be a community garden, bar area to enhance regular “happy hours”, or reconfigure and create an outdoor patio space within one of their beautiful courtyards.

Joanie Ceballos, General Manager of Courtyard Village, sums it up best. “We ask for and welcome ideas and feedback from our residents. Nearly all our activities and programs come from resident suggestions. This certainly makes it easy for us.  As I tell the staff, say ‘yes’ as much as you can and simply give them what they want.”

Ready to experience a social and active lifestyle? Courtyard Village at Raleigh Hills gives retirees the ability to enjoy the comforts of home without the stress and hassle of maintenance. Discover the difference and schedule your personal tour today here.