Retirement living communities are increasingly recognised as a critical setting in Australia’s ageing landscape. While historically focused on housing and property management, the sector is evolving in response to residents ageing in place with changing health, wellbeing, and support needs. This shift presents opportunities to move beyond a purely property focused model towards one that actively supports wellbeing through wellness oriented and strengths-based approaches to ageing. This presentation sets the scene for the symposium by examining how retirement living is changing in response to key shifts in resident profiles, expectations, and lived experience. Drawing on sector insights and research from Bolton Clarke retirement villages, the presentation explores retirement living as a distinct environment where independence, community engagement, and access to support intersect. We will provide insights into how the retirement living sector is navigating competing pressures: supporting independence while responding to increasing care needs; maintaining a distinct identity from residential aged care while accommodating greater health complexity; and balancing resident choice and autonomy with risk management, regulation, and service expectations. Championing innovation, research and data-driven approaches can redefine what “good” looks like in Retirement Villages, supporting quality ageing in place.