“I wish I had moved in sooner.” That’s the sage advice most often shared by independent living residents of vibrant communities like Berkeley Square and Westover in Hamilton, Ohio.
Residents like Bill and Marilyn McKnight, who moved from a 24-acre property in Oxford to a home in Hamilton’s Berkeley Square, quickly find that while deciding to make the move to independent living comes with many considerations, the benefits soon become clear.
More Time for Activities, Events and New Friendships
Residents repeatedly express how busy and involved they become with all of the events and the friendships they’ve made; their only regret is that they haven’t been doing it longer. Bill and Marilyn share that when speaking with other residents, one message comes through loud and clear: It’s never too early to take the leap.
Transitioning to independent living can open doors to more opportunities for enjoying new activities, relaxing with maintenance-free living and experiencing amenities that can lead to an improved sense of well-being. As Marilyn McKnight, Berkeley Square resident, shares, “It’s easy to be active here at Berkeley Square, because it’s all set up for you — you just have to get out of bed and take advantage of it!”
The couple especially enjoys exercising at Elements Wellness Center, dining at the on-site, upscale Coach House restaurant and participating in their community’s Trips & Travel opportunities with fellow residents.
Read about Bill and Marilyn McKnight choosing an independent living home
How Independent Living Reduces Isolation for Seniors
You may have lived in your home for decades, raised your children there and celebrated holidays with your neighbors, but now the neighborhood has begun to shift. There is a change in how you use your house and space, along with a need for greater connection and socialization beyond your own neighborhood.
Independent living can offer an entire community of like-minded people who have similar life experiences and share your values. Communities like Berkeley Square and Westover have events, activities and multiple ways to get involved, ranging from swim classes to monthly buffet dinners and so much more. Being close to all the action makes getting involved easy and fun.
Maintenance-Free Living: No More Yard Work or Home Repairs
Mowing the yard, finding a reputable plumber and replacing your appliances can take up precious time and money while creating added stress. Maintenance tasks like these interfere with living your best life, consuming your attention when you would rather be visiting with family, having lunch with friends or pursuing more fulfilling hobbies.
Choosing an independent living residence allows you to enjoy maintenance-free living so that should the need for a repair arise, our maintenance teams can fix the issue or call the right people for the job. Mowing and landscaping services can also help with beautification and upkeep outside your home, so you’re free to enjoy your time in other meaningful ways.
Accessible Homes Designed for Safety and Comfort
Are the steps beginning to get harder to go up and down? Do you have to call a family member or friend to get items out of the attic? You may worry about falling or other what-ifs that could happen in your home when it becomes a bit too much to maintain. And, there’s good reason to be concerned. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older.
Our beautiful and spacious independent living homes and apartments in the communities of Berkeley Square and Westover in Hamilton are designed with your needs in mind. With open layouts and amenities, you can feel right at home and have the peace of mind that as your needs change, there will be care available every step of the way.
What Is Life Care, and How Does It Protect Your Future?
As you age, your needs may change and require different types of support and care. At a Life Plan Community like Berkeley Square and Westover, there is an appropriate level of care available for each step of life. Residents often enter independent living and value the peace of mind that comes with knowing additional levels of care — assisted living, skilled nursing care and memory care — are available if their health needs change in the future.
A commitment to lifetime care means you can have peace of mind knowing that your needs will be met no matter what the future may bring. Our commitment to you is for life, and no resident will ever be asked to leave for financial reasons.
Learn about the benefits of choosing a Life Plan Community
Get More Out of Life
Berkeley Square and Westover’s independent living homes and apartments offer the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and community for active seniors who are ready to make the most of every day.
Hear from independent-living residents
Our knowledgeable senior-living team is also here to offer their expertise as you consider your next best chapter. We invite you to contact us for more information, schedule a visit or attend an upcoming Explore & Tour event at our Berkeley Square and Westover communities.
Last updated: May 18, 2026. This article was originally published on July 11, 2025.
