By Jeff Ostroth
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Shortly after Ruth Avakian moved to Seabrook in New Jersey, she had relatives over for a visit, including her 13 year old grand-niece Kristen. “She came into the apartment and looked all around,” recalls Ruth. “She and her mother then took a walk around the campus and came back. And Kristen said, ‘I’d love to live here!’ I said, ‘You’re too young.’”

The experience is not unusual. When people see its all-season pool, hot tub, putting green, on-campus restaurants, clubhouse, and other amenities, it reminds them of staying in a hotel on vacation, except for one thing: Seabrook is a community for retired adults. Just like it sister campus in New Jersey, Fox Run in Novi is chock-full of the same amenities that are so attractive.

And it is not just children who find the lifestyle attractive. “Everyone from my sons and their families, to close friends to acquaintances who have come and visited us are very impressed,” says Ruth. “And sometimes, I think, a little envious.”

Younger Visitors
Other people who live at Erickson Communities across the nation have similar stories to recount. “Our daughters-inlaw are ready to move in,” say Irene and Jack Gottendenker. “When they first came to visit, they thought it was a wonderful set-up.”

Betty Wulf says that when her daughter first came from Virginia to visit her and her husband Gene, a security guard joked with her as she was leaving. “He asked if she was running away,” says Betty. “And she said, ‘Oh, no. I love it here!’”

Never Too Young
“I can tell you that when our grandchildren come in, they think it is cool living here,” says Glover Hill. “In fact, a lot of times they mention it’s just like living in a resort. And I agree with them. It is a cool place to live.”