For Millie Augustine, the move to Lakes of Sylvania was about more than finding a new place to live. It was about finding connection, convenience, and a renewed sense of community.

After being widowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Augustine decided to relocate from her longtime home three hours away to be closer to her daughter and family in northwest Ohio. While she values her independence, she quickly discovered another benefit of life at Lakes of Sylvania’s patio homes.

“I treasure my sense of independence, but I also enjoy the many activities, social hours, meals, and outings to casinos and restaurants with other residents,” Augustine said. “I especially appreciate the shopping trips that are available.”

Augustine is not alone in her appreciation for the lifestyle offered at the Lakes of Sylvania community off Mitchaw Road.

Mary Tansey, also a widow, said moving to a patio home has enhanced her quality of life in countless ways.

“This is the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said. “I have no grass to mow and no house to clean. There are so many things to do here. I love the sense of community and all the new friends I have made since moving in.”

For Roger and Nancy Ritzert, the decision to move came nearly a decade ago when they were ready to downsize.

“This was a perfect fit for us and really met our needs,” Ritzert said. “We love the sense of community and treasure all of the friendships we have made over the years.”

Ritzert has become an active part of the community, helping establish a resident vegetable garden that he and his fellow residents maintain.

“The staff is very receptive to residents’ suggestions and goes out of its way to accommodate requests,” he said.

Responding to growing demand, Lakes of Sylvania recently completed 26 additional patio homes, bringing the total number of one- and two-bedroom residences to 52.

Each residence features an open floor plan, ensuite bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, generous storage space including large closets, a washer and dryer, and an attached one-car garage. The pet friendly community also provides many included amenities, such as utilities, several meals, trash collection, Wi-Fi, cable television, and safety features. Medical transportation services are also available.

Residents also enjoy chef-prepared meals served in restaurant-style dining venues and an extensive calendar of activities designed to promote lifelong learning, wellness, and social engagement.

Daily fitness classes, twice-weekly art experiences, inspirational programs, musical performances, and educational courses covering topics ranging from history and humanities to science, languages, and technology provide opportunities for continued growth and enrichment.

The community’s “Keeping It Sharp” program offers cognitive activities three times each week, including trivia, board games, cards, current-events discussions, book clubs, poetry, and brain fitness exercises.

Residents also enjoy regular outings to local restaurants, museums, historic sites, and other points of interest, while specialized activities such as men’s breakfast clubs, woodworking projects, poker games, billiards, model building, and sporting events help foster friendships among neighbors with shared interests.

One of the community’s most popular traditions is the weekly Friday social hour, held from 3 to 4 pm, featuring appetizers, beverages, and often themed refreshments in the community clubhouse. The clubhouse is also the venue for movie nights and can be used for private events. The Lifestyle Director is also a Silver Sneaker certified instructor and provides several classes or the residents and community.

Nestled among landscaped grounds, walking trails, and small lakes, the patio homes offer a peaceful setting while remaining conveniently located near churches, shopping centers, medical facilities, and local parks.

While the amenities and services are attractive, residents say the true value of living at Lakes of Sylvania cannot be measured in square footage or conveniences.

“The friendships and support system here make it feel like home,” Augustine said.