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RIO RANCHO, N.M. — A $50 million life-care community in Rio Rancho is now open.

The first residents moved into the independent living apartments this week at The Neighborhood at Rio Rancho, which consists of 210 units on 12 acres developed by Haverland Carter Lifestyle Group, the nonprofit company behind the La Vida Llena retirement communities.

Dave Walbright, sales and marketing director for Haverland Carter, said The Neighborhood, at Loma Colorado and Northern boulevards, features 90 independent living apartments, as well as 48 assisted living, 24 memory care and 48 skilled-nursing units in several buildings.

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“We are over 80 percent reserved for the 90 independent living apartments” for residents 62 and over, said Walbright.

He said residents are people who “have planned well for their retirement.” The average age for the most current group of residents is 76, said Walbright. “They are typically middle-income and above.”

“We plan to keep them healthy with wellness activities and good nourishing meals” for those who opt for the dining program, which costs extra.

The entrance fee is $160,000. In addition, there is a monthly fee depending on which of eight apartment sizes the person selects, which dining options and other choices, Walbright said. That fee could range from $2,295 to $4,200.

The services, available for the resident’s lifetime, will include housekeeping, all utilities, transportation, landscaping and maintenance, a flexible dining program, 24-hour safety patrol, assigned covered parking, a pool, fitness center, medical care and a storage locker.

“Residents enter into a life-care agreement,” said Walbright, meaning they have access to a higher level of care should they need it.

Construction began in October 2014 and concluded last month.

Bradbury Stamm was the general contractor on the project with The Hartman + Majewski Design Group hired as the architect.

Walbright said the The Neighborhood expects to employ 120 people; 80 are already on board. As demand for more medically-intensive care becomes necessary, the facility will ramp up its workforce in the health care area and become Medicare-certified. Nurses, certified nursing assistants and physical therapists will be the largest percentage of employees, followed by workers in dining services.