Retirement living isn’t about finding a home – it’s about finding your people. At Shortland Waters, connection comes easy in a vibrant, well-established community just 10km from Newcastle. Set beside leafy fairways and landscaped gardens, this peaceful golf-side village is where neighbours become friends and there’s always someone around if you need. With home and garden maintenance looked after, you’ll have more freedom – and more time to spend your way.

At Shortland Waters, residents enjoy easy access to local attractions, including golden beaches, nature trails, vibrant shopping hubs, and historical treasures. Whether you cherish leisurely beach outings at Merewether, indulge in a shopping spree at Westfield Kotara, or immerse yourself in the lively centre of Newcastle, Shortland Waters boasts an unbeatable location surrounded by nature.

Choose from a selection of spacious 2-bedroom villas, some with multi-purpose rooms or study, meticulously designed with all the modern conveniences and comfort in mind, providing the perfect low-maintenance lifestyle you've always envisioned.

Spend your days delighting in the array of on-site amenities, including a flourishing community garden, gym, salon, arts & crafts room, cinema, resident bar and workshop. You can also enjoy seamless access to The Forum's facilities and Shortland Waters Golf Club.

For social enthusiasts, a bustling calendar awaits, featuring diverse clubs and community bus trips for local exploration, ensuring there's always something engaging to do.

Discover Shortland Waters as the place where you can spend every day just how you choose.

To find out more about being part of this community, explore Shortland Waters with a discovery tour – it is a great way to see if this community is the right fit for you.

Aveo Retirement Villages & Retirement Living Guide 

Reviewed by: Villages.com.au Editorial Team 
Last Updated: July 2026  

Aveo is one of Australia's largest retirement living operators, with more than 67 retirement communities across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Serving more than 10,000 residents, Aveo focuses on independent retirement living supported by optional lifestyle services, home care and, at selected locations, residential aged care. This guide explains how Aveo's retirement villages work, where they are located, what residents can expect and the key factors to consider before making an enquiry. 

About Aveo 

Who is Aveo? 

Aveo is one of Australia's largest and longest-established retirement living providers. With more than 40 years of experience, the organisation develops, owns and manages retirement villages designed for older Australians seeking an independent lifestyle with less home maintenance and greater opportunities for social connection. 

Today, Aveo operates more than 67 retirement communities across Australia's eastern states and Tasmania, supporting more than 10,000 residents. Communities range from boutique metropolitan villages to larger resort-style developments, offering different lifestyles depending on location and resident preferences. 

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, Aveo provides several retirement living models. Some communities focus solely on independent living, while others also offer serviced apartments, home care or residential aged care on the same site or nearby, depending on the village. These services vary between communities and should always be confirmed before making a decision. 

Quick Facts 

Services and accommodation vary between communities. 

Why People Choose Aveo 

One of Aveo's biggest strengths is the diversity of its communities. Whether someone wants an apartment close to a capital city, a villa in a leafy suburb or a coastal retirement community, there is usually a choice available across the operator's network. 

Many retirees are also attracted by the ability to tailor their lifestyle. Residents can remain fully independent while choosing additional services such as housekeeping, meals or home care if and when they need them, rather than paying for services they may not currently use. 

Aveo also places a strong emphasis on community life. Shared facilities, organised activities and resident groups help many people build new friendships after downsizing, which can be just as important as choosing the right home. 

Retirement Living at Aveo 

Aveo's core business is retirement living for independent older Australians. 

Most communities offer private homes within professionally managed villages where external maintenance and gardening are handled by the operator. This allows residents to spend less time maintaining a property and more time enjoying hobbies, travel or social activities. 

Village facilities vary considerably between locations. Depending on the community, residents may have access to clubhouses, swimming pools, bowling greens, gyms, cafés, libraries, wellness spaces and organised social programs. Because facilities differ, prospective residents should review the individual village listing before making comparisons. 

Some communities also include serviced apartments, which combine private accommodation with additional hospitality-style services such as meals and housekeeping. 

Care & Support Services 

Although Aveo is primarily a retirement living provider, some communities also offer additional support services that can help residents remain independent for longer. 

These may include home care, personal care, meal services, domestic assistance and allied health support. Selected locations also include residential aged care, although this is not available across the entire portfolio. 

Importantly, moving into an Aveo retirement village does not automatically guarantee access to future aged care. Availability depends on the individual community and resident eligibility. 

Services Available 

Where Are Aveo Retirement Villages Located? 

Aveo operates across four Australian states. 

The size, style and facilities of each village differ, making it worthwhile comparing individual communities rather than assuming every Aveo village offers the same experience. 

What Makes Aveo Different? 

Unlike many operators that focus on one style of retirement community, Aveo offers a broad mix of village types across metropolitan, suburban and coastal locations. 

Another distinguishing feature is the range of optional support services available at many communities. Rather than immediately transitioning into aged care, some residents can arrange services such as housekeeping, meal preparation or home care while remaining in their own home, where available. 

Aveo has also introduced flexible contract options at many communities, recognising that retirement village contracts can be complex and that different retirees have different financial priorities. Individual contract terms still vary and should always be reviewed carefully before signing. 

Accommodation Options 

Accommodation varies significantly between villages but generally includes: 

• Independent living villas  

• Retirement apartments  

• Serviced apartments at selected communities  

• Larger homes suitable for couples  

• Apartments designed for lower-maintenance living  

Floorplans, ownership arrangements and renovation standards differ between communities, so buyers should inspect individual homes rather than relying on general descriptions. 

Costs & Fees 

Like most Australian retirement villages, Aveo communities involve several potential costs. 

These may include: 

• Purchase price or entry contribution  

• Ongoing recurrent or maintenance fees  

• Optional service charges  

• Exit or deferred management fees, depending on the contract  

• Reinstatement or refurbishment costs where applicable  

The exact fee structure depends on the village and contract selected. Prospective residents should request the full disclosure documents and seek independent legal and financial advice before committing to any retirement village agreement. 

Who Is Aveo Best Suited For? 

Aveo may suit retirees who: 

• Want to downsize while maintaining independence.  

• Prefer a professionally managed community with less home maintenance.  

• Value social opportunities and organised activities.  

• Would like access to optional support services as their needs change.  

• Want a choice of locations across several Australian states.  

• Appreciate having multiple accommodation styles available within one operator.  

What Should Consumers Consider? 

Before choosing an Aveo retirement village, compare individual communities rather than focusing solely on the operator's overall reputation. 

Questions worth asking include: 

• Which facilities are included?  

• What ongoing fees apply?  

• Which support services are available on-site?  

• Is home care available?  

• Does the community include serviced apartments or residential aged care?  

• What exit fees or deferred management fees apply?  

• What social activities are organised for residents?  

Because Aveo operates a large and diverse portfolio, the answers can vary significantly from one village to another. 

How to Enquire 

Villages.com.au makes it easy to compare Aveo retirement villages alongside other leading retirement living providers. 

You can browse available properties, compare locations, request brochures and arrange inspections to determine whether a particular Aveo community matches your lifestyle, budget and future needs. 

View all villages and aged care facilities of Aveo