A new high-rise retirement community in Sydney is reimagining what downsizing looks like, combining sweeping views, hotel-style amenities and a 200-metre walk to one of the city’s major transport interchanges.
Levande’s The Cambridge, located in the heart of Epping, is New South Wales’ tallest retirement village at 28 storeys. With more than 140 residents already moved in and remaining apartments in high demand, the vertical community is attracting active retirees who want to stay connected to the city, not retreat from it
Positioned just 200 metres from Epping Metro and train station, residents can travel directly to the CBD, Chatswood or the Hills District without relying on a car. For many, that level of convenience has proven decisive.
“A vertical village like The Cambridge works because it keeps people connected to friends, to family and to the broader neighbourhood,” shares local real estate agent, Catherine Murphy.
“It doesn’t feel isolated,” says Michael Burling, whose parents, Pam and Neil, recently moved in. “It feels connected to everything.”
OPEN DAY: See for yourself at The Cambridge’s upcoming Open Day, “The Taste of The Cambridge,” on March 21st, where attendees are invited to get a glimpse of the wonderful lifestyle, facilities, and convenience that residents are now enjoying. Bookings for The Cambridge’s upcoming open day are essential and filling fast. All tasting experiences are complimentary.
Moving in with friends, and not looking back
For Pam and Neil, the move was about more than just downsizing from their large Darlinghurst apartment. It was about community.
Two of their closest friends had already committed to buying at The Cambridge, part of a group of six long-time friends who first met on a cruise and now jokingly refer to themselves as “the cruisers”.
Pam says. “For us, it wasn’t just about the apartment. It was about the people.
“The views are extraordinary. It feels elevated in every sense.”
While the decision to leave the inner city was emotional, the lifestyle benefits quickly became clear.
Michael adds, “They’re really happy. They’re super active and social. If anything, this has amplified that.”
Vertical retirement living, the urban future
The Cambridge comprises 158 architect-designed independent living apartments, ranging from one-bedroom residences to premium penthouses. Apartments start in the mid-$700,000 range, with upper-level homes commanding higher prices.
Unlike traditional low-rise retirement villages on the city fringe, The Cambridge sits within an established urban precinct. Residents can walk to supermarkets, medical services, cafes and restaurants, while enjoying access to Metro, rail and bus services from the nearby interchange.
FIND OUT MORE: Levande’s The Cambridge retirement community in Epping.
For some residents, the location has prompted them to reconsider car ownership entirely.
The development includes an independently operated residential aged care community within the tower's lower levels. The aged care facility operates separately, with its own entrances and lifts, but provides reassurance should additional care ever be needed.
“As a son, there’s real comfort knowing they’re in a secure environment with support close by if it’s ever required,” Michael says.
Designed for active living, not slowing down
Residents have access to a two-level retirement clubhouse featuring a resident-only bar, rooftop dining spaces and terraces, a Gold Class-style cinema, indoor heated swimming pool, gym, library, lounge areas, workshop and landscaped communal gardens.
The design supports ageing in place, with wide corridors, adaptable bathrooms and single-level living.
For Michael’s father, the move has not meant giving up long-held passions.
“Dad’s still racing yachts on the Harbour,” Michael says. “They’re not slowing down. If anything, this gives them more time to do what they enjoy.”
Free from home maintenance, gardening and pool upkeep, residents say they can now focus on social activities, travel and hobbies.
As one future resident put it during a community information session, moving to The Cambridge means “doing what you want to do, not what you have to do.”
A shift in how retirement is viewed
Levande describes The Cambridge as its flagship community, the company name inspired by the Swedish word meaning “full of life”. The project embodies a shift away from outdated perceptions of retirement living.
Rather than an isolated complex, The Cambridge has been designed to foster connection, both among residents and across generations, through its co-located church and school.
“Today’s downsizers are very discerning,” Catherine says. “They’re looking for quality finishes, security, lift access, proximity to transport and, importantly, community. They don’t want to feel isolated.”
With Sydney land becoming increasingly scarce, high-rise retirement living close to transport and amenities is expected to become more common.
For Pam and Neil, however, the decision was less about trends and more about lifestyle.
“They haven’t lost that sense of vibrancy,” Michael says. “It feels like the start of a fresh chapter,” shares Pam.
FIND OUT MORE: Levande’s The Cambridge retirement community in Epping.
This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Levande.
