Retire to Lakefront Living

Discover the timeless charm of downtown St. Joseph, where The Whitcomb’s premier location places you just steps from the tranquil St. Joseph River and the glistening shores of Lake Michigan. Wander through boutique shops, savor local dining and cafés, or unwind with a peaceful walk along the water. At The Whitcomb, every day offers the perfect balance of beauty, convenience, and small-town sophistication—where lakeside living meets effortless comfort.

Why Choose Independent Living at The Whitcomb?

  • Lakefront Living

    Wake up to the beauty of Lake Michigan every day. Perched on the bluff in downtown St. Joseph, The Whitcomb offers stunning views, refreshing lake breezes, and easy access to beaches, shops, and restaurants. It’s where the tranquility of the water meets the energy of downtown — the perfect balance of comfort and connection.

  • Downtown Living

    Downtown living at The Whitcomb means immediate access to the best of St. Joseph — walkable streets, boutique shopping, locally owned cafés, waterfront parks, and year-round events just steps from your front door. Residents enjoy the convenience of urban amenities without the congestion, paired with the charm of a historic lakeside district. It’s a turnkey lifestyle: no driving, no maintenance, no hassle — just effortless access to everything that makes downtown St. Joseph vibrant, livable, and uniquely rewarding for seniors who want independence with real lifestyle value.

  • Activities & Entertainment

    Life at The Whitcomb is anything but ordinary. Every day brings opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate. From live music performances and movie nights to fitness classes, art workshops, and social gatherings, our calendar is filled with engaging programs designed to keep residents active and inspired. Stroll downtown for local festivals, explore the farmer’s market, or simply enjoy a good laugh with friends in our cozy library. At The Whitcomb, there’s always something happening — and always someone to share it with.

  • Social Connections

    At The Whitcomb, community isn’t just where you live — it’s how you live. From shared meals and lively conversations to game nights, social hours, and group outings, every day brings new opportunities to connect and belong. Friendships form naturally here, creating a genuine sense of family and togetherness. Whether you’re relaxing with neighbors or celebrating life’s moments, The Whitcomb is a place where connection thrives.

  • Physical & Emotional Wellness

    Our residents enjoy programs that nurture body, mind, and spirit, including Chair-Based Stretchercise, Mindful Meditation, and our Whitcomb Walkers on the Bluff — all intentionally designed to build strength, reduce stress, and foster genuine social connection.

  • Personalized Care Services

    Independent Living at The Whitcomb comes with the option to layer in personalized care through our à la carte services. Residents can add support as needed — from medication management and scheduled showers to assistance with daily living tasks such as dressing, grooming, mobility, or meal reminders. It’s a flexible model designed to preserve independence while ensuring the right level of help is available at the right time.

Independent Living- Frequently Asked Questions

  • Independent Living at The Whitcomb provides maintenance-free living with hospitality-style services— restaurant-style dining, 24/7 staffing, lifestyle programming, transportation, and a community designed for convenience, safety, and social connection. You live independently while we handle the heavy lifting.

  • Residents receive:

    • Three chef-prepared meals daily

    • Bi-weekly housekeeping and linen service

    • Scheduled transportation to local doctor’s appointments and Meijer’s

    • Daily activities and events

    • 24/7 front desk and emergency response

    • Access to all community amenities

    • Utilities, cable, and Wi-Fi

  • The Whitcomb offers multiple floor plans—studios, one-bedrooms, and premium lake-view layouts. Each unit includes private bathrooms and HVAC.

  • Yes, residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture, décor, and personal items to make the space feel like home.

  • Absolutely. Independent Living residents can add à la carte care services such as:

    • Medication management

    • Shower assistance

    • Wellness checks

    • Escorts/assists to meals and activities

    If a resident eventually requires more support, Assisted Living and Memory Care options are available onsite—ensuring a seamless transition.

  • Scheduled transportation is provided for local medical appointments, shopping trip to Meijer’s every Thursday, and community outings.

  • Residents receive three meals per day in the Calvin Britain Dining Room. Menus rotate regularly and include homemade soups, fresh salads, entrées, dessert options, and alternative a la carte options.

  • The Whitcomb delivers a full lifestyle calendar including:

    • Group and chair fitness classes

    • Musical performances

    • Educational sessions and seminars

    • Art and craft groups

    • Social gatherings and happy hours

    • Outings to local restaurants, Lake Michigan attractions, and downtown St. Joseph events

  • Pets are not permitted in Independent Living or elsewhere in the community. This policy ensures resident safety, reduces allergies, and maintains a clean, quiet environment for all.

  • The Whitcomb has 24/7 staffing, front-desk security, and emergency response system available to ensure rapid response at any time.

  • The Whitcomb maintains a family-friendly, open-door culture. Visitors are welcome daily at any time.

  • On-site resident and guest parking is available in The Whitcomb parking lot and around Downtown St. Joseph.

  • Rates start at $3,000/month for independent living and vary based on apartment type and location (including lake-view units). Contact our team at marketing@whitcombretirement.com or 269-944-7757 for current pricing and availability.

  • The Whitcomb is a historic landmark and a staple of the St. Joseph community— blending timeless architecture with modern senior living comfort.

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