Advent Christian Village sits on more than 1,200 acres along the Suwannee River, offering a peaceful place with curbless sidewalks and lots of trees, and the roads wind through different neighborhoods with several types of houses like apartments, duplexes, cottages, townhomes, single-family houses, manufactured home parks, motels, cabins, and even RV parks-you can find something to fit most needs here. This senior living community opened in 1913 and is Florida's oldest retirement community, keeping a strong Christian heritage and spirit of small-town living where neighbors get to know each other and often end up more like family, and folks of many backgrounds feel welcome. People can choose to live independently in over 300 residences, join a 55+ community, or get more help as needed through assisted living at Dacier Manor, skilled nursing, memory care in the Good Samaritan Center, or different rehab and home care services from trained aides. They focus on a full continuum of care, helping each resident stay healthy and as independent as possible, whether they just want companionship, help with daily chores, or more hands-on medical care. There are many options, like all-inclusive rent and care fees, and they don't charge an entrance fee, which makes planning a move a bit easier for some.
Life at Advent Christian Village goes beyond just living spaces, because there's a real sense of purpose and engagement, with staff and volunteers running ongoing community service programs that support both residents and folks from the local area. The community has quaint shops, its own shopping center, and a public access policy for many facilities, plus a medical center right on campus, so people can get outpatient care close to home. Meals get prepared by chefs who care about nutrition and dietary needs, served in communal dining rooms where guests are welcome too. There's also an on-site community church for worship and spiritual activities, plus regular religious services. Residents enjoy free Wi-Fi, high-speed internet access, media services, and use of meeting spaces like Camp Suwannee, the Phillips Center, Village Square, and a Community Center for gatherings, events, and hobbies.
There's a Conference and Retreat Center in a quiet area along the river, and the campus has beautiful scenery and outdoor spots to walk, garden, or play tennis. There's a swimming pool for aquatic programs, fitness and wellness centers, and fun things to do like games, crafts, field trips, and planned outings, so it's easy to stay social and active. Folks get laundry, linen service, housekeeping, and maintenance included, plus transportation for shopping trips and other needs. On the care side, nurses (part-time) and aides help with medication reminders and health needs, and the memory care staff trains to reduce confusion and wandering for those with dementia or Alzheimer's. Services include occupational and physical therapy, and the community offers respite and home care too, with care and companionship.
Advent Christian Village is a pet-friendly place and has homes with kitchen appliances and handicap-accessible features for comfort. Residents can expect a strong focus on safety and a friendly atmosphere, where lifelong friendships grow naturally, and people can age with a sense of security and meaning. For new folks interested in learning about Florida retirement, the Village encourages a simple four-step process-learn, experience, engage, and join-and even invites prospective residents to tour the grounds, meet others, and stay one free night at Village Lodge, which can really help with planning. The community runs its own youth programs, has spaces for all ages, and rents out cabins and cottages for short stays. Care homes, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing home options make it possible for residents to move within the community as they need more or less help over time, so they can stay connected with their neighbors and enjoy life near the river as their needs change.
