Written by people who know: Residents and Staff

1. You will find new and old friends here.
2. The Garden is ever-growing and ever-changing, yes, including the plants.
3. There are annual resident ducks and ducklings.
4. You can find staff members that are like family members, living and growing together.
5. The resident’s self-determination single-handedly keeps the Gardens going.
6. You will have access to the wide variety of reading materials in our on-campus library; you’ll be surprised.
7. You will find staff members who get lost in the 31-acre campus, even after working for over 10+ years.
8. You can take a trip back in time to your college years by taking classes at Claremont College with current college students.
9. You can find 65 different bird species on campus. You can even get loaner binoculars to go bird watching.
10. You can join the aquanauts to get special privileges to use the pool and swim with other avid swimmers on campus.
11. Riding the bike at 15 miles per hour on campus is the norm, although not recommended by Clinic staff.
12. You can have your special family recipe feature in our meal plans. You can bribe the cook with homemade cookies.
13. You’ll be surrounded by people who are compelled to keep the Gardens flourishing in all aspects of life.
14. You can bring a car if you like, but you won’t need one.
15. On-campus golf carts are the next hot commodity; everyone wants to own one.
16. You can bring a golf cart if you’d like, but you’ll probably only use it on rainy days. It’s always sunny in California.
17. Our founder’s family is residential on campus.
18. We have our own resident publication called “The Green Leaf,” and it is wildly popular within the community.
19. You can be an author on the Green Leaf.
20. Impromptu swing dancing is normal, if not expected.
21. You can join the Gardens’ Choir Chorale, but you may need to audition.
22. The existing Committees: (70 committees) and counting.
23. You will know all the names of the plants and trees in the Gardens; they are all labeled.
24. There are no door-to-door solicitors, ever. We make sure they can’t find you.
25. Downsizing is the new trend, but nobody wants to admit it.
26. You can live a fuller life with new and intriguing activities and opportunities.
27. You can have it all in a lifelong learning atmosphere with other residents.
28. You can bet on all the trees planted on campus that you will find your support group here.
29. Moving here will be a great gift to your children.
30. The squirrels on campus perform Olympic-like acrobatic stunts – always entertaining.
31. You’ll never have to change your own light bulb again.
32. You can show off your green thumb in the area around your home if you’d like.
33. If you don’t have a green thumb, no one will know because our grounds team will make sure it always looks immaculate.
34. There are no library fees for books returned late.
35. If our 31-acre campus isn’t large enough for you, it is a 7-minute drive to the 1,693-acre Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.
36. You can find shopping and good eats at the Claremont Village, which is a short 1-mile walk from the Gardens.
37. There is probably someone on campus who has a shared interest with you, no matter how random or farfetched it may be.
38. The koi fish will let you pet them, just don’t fall into the pond.
39. The water lily logo looks good on everyone.
40. No outfit is uncool.
41. The number of butterflies on campus will make you feel like a Disney princess.
42. Residents are encouraged to have pets, and pets can sometimes move with you into higher levels of care as well.
43. You don’t have to go off-campus to hear high-quality speakers. Our resident forum committee brings the speakers to you.
44. There is museum-quality artwork on display throughout our common areas.
45. Someone on campus will always greet you and say hello.
46. There are beautiful “hidden” areas on campus to stumble upon.
47. Different areas of our campus bloom throughout the year.
48. Our chef and dining team is award-winning.
49. There are no hidden fees — just a clear, inclusive pricing structure that helps you plan your financial future with peace of mind.
50. We are a non-profit organization, and our mission and values complement that status.
51. A bouquet of hummingbirds makes the Gardens their home.
52. Bright orange and blue dragonflies can often be seen visiting our koi ponds.
53. The Pomona Arts Colony is a 9-minute drive away.
54. Claremont and Pomona have a rich history that has developed over the past 100 years.
55. There are a variety of home styles to choose from, and you don’t have to stay in the same home forever.
56. You are a 40-minute drive from downtown LA, a 30-minute drive from Pasadena, a 45-minute drive from Disneyland, and a 60-minute drive from the beach.
57. You are a 5-minute drive from the most extensive garden dedicated to state natives, the 86-acre California Botanic Garden.
58. Among the 950 trees planted, there are 134 different species spread all across campus.
59. There is always someone on campus who will help you snap selfies to send to your grandkids.
60. With all the amenities, you’ll never get bored.
61. Never worry about long-term health care. It’s all at the Gardens.
62. It’s impossible not to have good friends here. Even those who care for you become dear friends.
63. You can bring your exotic pets on campus. Yes, even your imaginary dragons.
64. You will find an intergenerational environment at the Gardens. You will come across people of all ages, either working or visiting.
65. Say goodbye to social isolation, you will always have someone to meet and connect with.
66. You’ll have not only the fastest access to medical care on campus but also friends who will support and advocate for you when you need it most.
67. Daily activities and events keep you as busy as you want.
68. Part of our campus is designed using the Greenhouse™  project.
69. We are only one mile away from the Pomona and Claremont Colleges, grocery stores, antique shops, and local restaurants.
70. You can be in two places at once! Our 31-acre campus is built between two cities: Claremont and Pomona.
71. We have a campus store that sells everything from jewelry, clothes, snacks, and more.
72. The Cutting Garden has flowers all year round.
73. The Cutting Garden has flowers, trees, bees, and seasonal fruit, which most residents pick and deliver to other residents.
74. Residents and staff will get to know you and your interests and hobbies.
75. You will build relationships quickly that will feel like you have had them forever.
76. Our brand-new fitness center, the Evergreen Commons Center for Wellness and Community Life, is available 24/7, seven days a week.
77. Opportunities to collaborate with others on new projects and interests.
78. Plenty of walking paths to explore.
79. You will always have someone to learn from and learn with.
80. Artwork is everchanging in our gallery and throughout campus
81. BHT Theater group’s show-stopping performances.
82. There is a “Hidden” picnic bench along Bamboo Lane.
83. Your neighbors will invite you over for an endless intellectual conversation.
84. If you practice music, you’ll have a built-in audience.
85. You can participate in folk singing, a choir, theater, and jazz band all at the same place.
86. Our sustainability efforts with solar panels and drought tolerant plants.
87. Our community celebrates diversity and inclusiveness.
88. You’ll have access to a built-in physical, emotional, and mental health support system 24/7.
89. Never clean a bathroom again.
90. Dining room conversations range from everything and anything.
91. You can view Mt. Baldy from the Gardens.
92. You will find daily classes, movies, and entertainment.
93. Everything you might need is nearby or at the gift shop.
94. Gardens Council is a driving force of activities and action on campus.
95. Never go to the grocery store or cook again if you don’t want to. Or cook as much as you want.
96. Free lounge entertainment venues.
97. Multiple generations of Gardeners live here.
98. There are plenty of published authors on campus to help you with your book if you want.
99. On Friday afternoon, you can hear singing from the dining patios.
100. You can run across the world in the hydro running machine in the Evergreen Commons.
101. We wear name tags, so you never forget names.
102. You can volunteer with CLASP and have a blast with local school kids.
103. We are a 5-Star CMS-rated community.
104. You can enjoy your neighbor’s pets. They are friendly and loveable.
105. You don’t have to interact with any pets you don’t want to.
106. You can produce a major theater or video production without any prior experience.
107. You can form a band of any kind and hold your own televised concert.
108. There is always popcorn or cookies in the dining room.
109. We are only 16 minutes from an international airport.
110. In a world of large systems, The Gardens remains a unique, single-site nonprofit — and we think that’s a beautiful thing.
111. At The Gardens, residents don’t just live here — they help lead. Six serve on our Board, with five having a vote.
112. Our Gallery features new artwork from local artists every month. There is always a built-in exhibit.
113. There are tax benefits to being a resident.
114. Enjoy a predinner cocktail at the bar in the social center.
115. We pay for magazine and newspaper subscriptions, so you don’t have to.
116. There is a committee for everything.
117. The bird watchers will help you identify any birds you see or hear.
118. Fitness classes that are welcoming to all fitness levels.
119. There is magical energy when you walk through the campus.
120. Dining services to catering delicious food for all special dinners.
121. You will find hidden art sculptures throughout the campus.
122. You will find pianos in most lounges and social areas.
123. You’ll be surrounded by people who are compelled to live in a community with you.
124. Your friends will check on you when you are not feeling well.
125. We will accept you exactly as you are and make sure you know you are family.