Halcyon Hoppers: How one couple found their perfect community

Sue and David Richardson's journey with Stockland Halcyon communities began seven years ago on the Gold Coast—although it almost didn’t happen! When the couple was looking to downsize, Sue was hesitant when their daughter-in-law suggested Halcyon Greens.  

“I imagined a retirement village with small, poky rooms and someone cooking all our meals,” Sue shares with a laugh. 

But after visiting Halcyon Greens, there was no turning back.  

“We were sold straight away once we saw what life in a Halcyon community was all about.”

Sue and David Richardson are embracing life at Halcyon and love the sense of community. 

Back in the ‘60s, the Richardson’s were keen campers, but Sue says she’s a “full resort girl” now, and living in a Halcyon community feels like being on holiday every day.  

“You get your own beautiful, private home in a secure estate with luxury on-site facilities, loads of social events, and plenty of friendly faces.” 

Sue and David have become pros at the Halcyon lifestyle. They lived in Halcyon Greens for three years before moving to Halcyon Rise in Logan Reserve to be closer to family. 

“The sense of community at both Greens and Rise has been marvellous,” David says. 

“We’ve made so many real, lifelong friends — not just Facebook friends you never see, but people you know you can count on to be there when you need them.” 

So where to next for these ‘Halcyon Hoppers’? Sue and David recently signed for their third Halcyon home, this time in Halcyon Coves on the Sunshine Coast, with plans to move in 2025. 

“We’ve always dreamed of living on the Sunny Coast,” David explains.  

“You have beautiful beaches and charming country towns right on your doorstep, and with easy motorway access, we can get to Brisbane in no time. We’re sure our family and friends will love visiting.” 

Sue and David’s grandchildren visit often — when 13 year old Kara comes over she loves to swim or watch scary movies with her nan.

Under Stockland Halcyon’s land lease model, the couple has the benefit of traditional home ownership without the burden of exit fees, making it easy to ‘hop’ between communities. 

“Once you’ve experienced the Halcyon model — where everything is taken care of with no rates to worry about and no capital gains tax — you can’t imagine buying a regular suburban house again,” David says. 

The Richardsons have already picked out the finishes for their new home and couldn’t be more excited. 

“We didn’t change much because it was all pretty perfect. The best part is the back verandah—it’s 7.5 metres wide with an amazing view straight onto the Bells Creek Forest,” Sue says. 

This dynamic duo will have no trouble settling in at Halcyon Coves. Both avid bowls players, Sue and David are happiest when they're out on the green or volunteering at community events.   

“David enjoys helping out with the barbecues when needed, and I’ve worked behind the bar at Greens and Rise. I’m also the bowls secretary—we’re currently 120 bowlers and growing,” Sue shares.  

Sue and David’s bowls group play four times a week and has friendly, competitive games against other over 50s communities. 

“I do like to win, but I’m also just happy for the get together afterwards with lunch and a couple of wines,” David says. 

For Sue and David, being part of the Halcyon family has brought them joy, security, and lasting friendships.  

“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but in a Halcyon community. We just love it!” David says. 

Spoken like a true Halcyon Hopper. 

Watch the below video to learn more about why Halcyon Hoppers Sue & Dave chose Halcyon Coves to be their next home.