News

March 25, 2024 | IN Media Release and News | BY AVID | 3 min read

While multi-generational living is on the rise, a masterplanned community in Chisholm is experiencing
an adjacent trend with multiple generations from the same family all purchasing minutes from each
other within the community.

According to the Waterford by AVID Property Group (AVID) team, there are at least 20 purchasers in
the community who have one or more other family members living within Waterford or the AVID-
owned Harvest community next door.

Deborah Fisher, who made the move to the Harvest neighbourhood within Waterford with her husband
Les in 2018, is among this purchaser group, having moved just a few streets away from her two
children who both live in the community with their respective families.

While their son was the first to make the move to the community, followed a few years later by their
daughter, Ms Fisher and her husband, who previously lived on a five-acre block in the Port Stephens
council area, were unsure at first how their adult children would respond to them downsizing and
moving so close to them.

“A residential community was an easy choice because we were able to downsize on land but maintain
a large family home; we could have a ‘retired lifestyle’ without being in a retirement village or losing
our independence,” Ms Fisher said.

“When we first told our kids ‘we’ve bought land in the Harvest neighbourhood and we’re only going to
be two minutes away from you,’ the response was not entirely enthusiastic and there was certainly a
concern that we’d be around every five minutes checking up on them.

“But the reality has been wonderful, if we need them or they need us we can be there to support each
other with everything from school drop off to looking after the little ones over the holidays.

“It’s lovely being close to family but beyond that we have also been able to build connections with
residents at all age levels, from our children’s friends and neighbours to parents at the local school our
grandchildren go to. We haven’t been pigeon-holed into a neighbourhood of only people in our age
group,” she said.

Research has shown that befriending someone from a different generation is also an effective way to
limit feelings of loneliness by broadening networks, increasing social inclusion, and offering a different
kind of support¹

AVID NSW Project Director Danny Boubli said family referrals, like the Fisher family, was a testament
to the welcoming nature of Waterford.

“Having neighbours and family in your corner, close by is something that is often overlooked as an
important part of overall wellbeing,” Mr Boubli said.

“The turn-out at resident events throughout the year is always high and I am endlessly impressed by
the sociable, friendly nature of the community.”

Another Waterford resident, Jack O’Connor, recently purchased for the third time in the community –
following the lead of his parents who built their first Waterford home six years ago, and his sister who
also lives just a stone’s throw away from him in the masterplanned community.

Mr O’Connor shared that his family was in initially drawn to Waterford because of the natural, calming
surroundings of the community.

“The homes that my family and I have lived in over the years in Waterford have all been either close
to, or facing, beautiful natural enclaves. Having those relaxing landscapes surrounding you is
wonderful,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Having open green and blue spaces so close to home to stroll through, and to relax in on the
weekends with our family is really beneficial for our lifestyle and overall wellbeing.”

To find out more about Waterford, visit www.waterford.avid.com.au.

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Reference:

1. Intergenerational Friendship as a Conduit for Social Inclusion? Insights from the “Bookends” |
   Article | Social Inclusion (cogitatiopress.com)