Located just an hour inland from Brisbane, The Ninth Middle Ridge luxury retirement village in Toowoomba offers a unique blend of tranquillity and expansive views with a great sense of community connection. For downsizers seeking an escape from bustling coastal retirement hotspots, it presents an ideal retreat with its cooler climate, open spaces, and slower pace of life.

While the neighbouring golf course is certainly a perk, it’s the panoramic views, spacious apartments, and close-knit community that truly make it special. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or someone who doesn’t know a putter from a driver, there’s something here for everyone. Here, a round of golf can be just as enjoyable viewed from the balcony with a cup of tea as it is on the green.

We spoke to some residents and staff at The Ninth Middle Ridge who share why it’s the perfect choice for retirees who value serenity, space, and a sense of community.

A change of pace in tranquil Toowoomba

Shirley, the Sales Consultant at The Ninth Middle Ridge, is a friendly and familiar face around the village and, along with Hope, the Village Manager, often joins residents for Friday night happy hour drinks.

Shirley has helped many residents find their perfect homes and is dedicated to ensuring their ongoing care. She explains that the village particularly appeals to downsizers looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle without compromising on the sense of openness they’re accustomed to.

“Every single apartment here at The Ninth Middle Ridge offers exceptional privacy and breathtaking views, whether it’s overlooking the golf course or across the escarpment out to Brisbane. Many of the residents have come from the land, and absolutely love it. They can walk through their front door and see the blue sky, step onto their balcony, and take in the stunning scenery. It means a lot to them and truly feels like home – but with the added benefit of maintenance-free living,” she says.

“I’ve also had quite a few residents move here from up north,” she adds. “They appreciate the escape from the humidity, the heat, and the heavier traffic. Life here is more laid back and less intense – you can get around quickly without travelling for hours. Toowoomba has a vibrant café culture, restaurants, and beautiful gardens and Brisbane is just a short trip away.”

“This is it”: Bill and Rita’s story

Bill and Rita moved to The Ninth Middle Ridge in November 2022 and are among the village’s original residents. Despite relocating from Hobart, their connection to the area runs deep as Bill was born in Toowoomba and Rita lived there as a young girl.

The couple had visited often over the years as Bill’s mother lived there until her passing and they have other family members in the area. Their decision to call The Ninth Middle Ridge home brings them full circle, reconnecting them with the town permanently.

“We were up here with our caravan and decided to play a round of golf,” Rita says. “That’s when we saw the site under construction. Curiosity led us to the sales office, and we asked for a look around. We were so impressed with the design and features, even though the village was still being built, that we thought, ‘This is it.’

“That night, we signed up on the spot. We sold the caravan, went back to Hobart to sell our house and one of our cars, and returned. We put down the deposit in July and by November we had moved in and settled.”

“We chose the side that looks out over the valley. The apartments on the other side face the golf course but given that we’re avid golfers, we felt we’d see plenty of it. So, we opted for an apartment with the valley view, and couldn’t be happier with our decision.”

Socialising and staying active

Bill and Rita appreciate the perfect blend of privacy and social interaction. “We love the balance here,” says Rita. “You can relax with a beautiful view, but also have the opportunity to engage with others – both inside and outside of the village – if you want to.” Bill adds, “Having the golf course nearby brings in people from around town, giving us a chance to stay connected with the broader community.”

“I’ve joined a group here called the Bunker Boys,” he says. “Most of the group are from the country and are very welcoming – a great bunch. It’s a way of getting a regular game of golf in but also a nice way of mixing socially. We’re having a meal at the club with our wives next week.”

Rita adds, “I started a Mahjong group that plays once a week, and there’s a book club I’m in that another one of the other ladies started.”

“We also have regular morning or afternoon teas or dinners where everyone contributes. Often, it’s for a special occasion, like when one of the residents turned 80 a while ago. His family put on a big afternoon tea for him and invited everybody. We also have themed get-togethers like a Winter Warmers dinner where we all prepare and share winter food.”

The couple also love a game of pool and play regularly in the recreation area. “I used to really enjoy it, but Rita is starting to beat me now, so I’m going off that!” Bill jokes.

“There are lovely shared spaces here, outdoor and indoor,” Rita says. “There’s a community garden and a little gym.” Bill appreciates the fact that the balance of facilities is just right – enough to bring people together but not so many that they go unused or require too much extra maintenance.

Rita adds, “Because Toowoomba is a regional centre, the shopping’s good and it’s got everything we need. We also go down to Brisbane every month or so and have friends that we visit in Caloundra as well.”

Security, safety and peace of mind

Shirley emphasises that while independent living is valued at The Ninth Middle Ridge, help is always at hand if it’s needed.

“Residents feel secure with our 24/7 alarm system. They only have to push a button to get immediate assistance, and it gives them a reassuring safety net,” Shirley says. “For those who need additional help, we partner with a company called Five Good Friends that provides services like cooking, cleaning, and transportation.”

She adds, “I firmly believe that people can stay in their homes much longer in this environment without needing to move into aged care. It’s not only the access to medical services but also the community that keeps their minds engaged and gives them constant interaction and support.”

Rita agrees and says, “Bill’s had some medical issues and if you need top specialists, it’s good to have Brisbane close by. There are also several good hospitals in Toowoomba, and that’s part of the attraction. We’ve found some great medical services here that we’re very happy with.”

Enjoy contemporary open-plan retirement living

Shirley says she enjoys seeing prospective residents’ reactions when they tour the apartments and realise how impressive they are, including the top-notch finishes, open spaces and wide hallways.

Bill and Rita agree, expressing how much they enjoy their space and appreciate Aura Holdings’ resident care. “The operators here have been great. If we have any issues, they bend over backwards to resolve them. The other thing that appealed to us is that it’s a retirement village, not a lifestyle resort, and it’s covered by the retirement village laws, which gives us extra protection,” Rita says.

Among the many features of The Ninth Middle Ridge’s luxury two and three-bedroom apartments are:

●    Sliding glass doors from the living space to a private balcony
●    Stone bench tops in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and walk-in pantry
●    Induction cooktop, concealed range hood and wall-mounted ovens
●    Soft-closing toilets and step-free, semi-frameless shower screens
●    Bright bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans
●    Ducted and multi-zoned air-conditioning throughout the apartments
●    Secure car parking and entry with video intercom.

Source: Downzising.com.au