RESIDENTS of the Oak Tree Retirement Village are preparing to welcome more neighbours, as the over-55s community continues to expand.

Manager Marnie Morgan said there was a real sense of community amongst the village's 24 residents.

"It's really family-oriented here - everyone is family for one another," she said.

Ms Morgan said the Oak Tree community was set to expand this year, with the third stage to be completed by the end of the year.

"We have a couple moving in (today) and another six in the next month," she said.

"By the end of 2014 we expect to have twice as many residents."

Most of the residents coming in were from the Warwick area and looking to downsize, Ms Morgan said.

"Everything is maintained and managed for them," she said.

"We encourage family and friends to visit regularly."

With two more stages to go until the village is fully completed, Ms Morgan said the aim was to retain community spirit.

"There will be 63 villas at the end of construction," she said.

"If the village becomes too big, there will be too much segregation."

With river views in a quiet street, the lifestyle of Oak Tree is drawing retirees from outside of town as well.

The community centre in the village has a pool, a bowling green plus a number of services including a hairdresser, nail technician and massage therapist.

Ms Morgan said an expanding village would see more activities and services for residents.

"We have water aerobics classes starting very shortly," she said.

"The residents are also setting up a cinema club."

With the expansion comes a new venture for residents, with a chicken coop and vegetable garden added in recent weeks.

Ms Morgan said the residents were enjoying having six chickens.

"They have a roster amongst themselves for feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs," she said.

"The eggs are shared amongst themselves."

An open weekend will be held on Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16 from 10am-2.30pm.

The community centre will be refurbished for the weekend, with the new fully furnished display villa also open for inspection.

New plans for subsequent stages are also set to be on display for those interested.

Residents will be on hand to guide tours of the village and light food and refreshments will be available for all visitors.