Thousands find an attractive alternative to fleeing south for the winter

By Kelly Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

For Northern Virginians, planning for the coming winter often means packing suitcases and purchasing plane tickets to warmer, southern destinations—but there is another option. By making the move to Greenspring, thousands have rediscovered the joys of an East Coast winter without the hassles of the accompanying snow and ice.

The key to an enjoyable winter
Fed up with shoveling, scraping cars and paying exorbitant amounts of money to get their driveways and walkways cleared (up to $75 per visit), many Northern Virginians are eager to give up their shovels and snow blowers for good.

“I’m so happy I moved to Greenspring,” says Thelma Ledger. “I now spend my time pursuing hobbies and meeting new friends rather than dealing with the winter weather.”

Greenspring offers the unique advantage of providing a small town all under one roof. Glass-enclosed, climate-controlled walkways means you’ll never have to worry about the weather. Convenience stores, Medical Center, performing arts theater, pharmacy, hair salons, and four on-site restaurants are just a short, heated walk from every apartment on campus.

“I really appreciate the fact that at Greenspring, everything is under cover,” says Thelma. “To be able to go from building to building and not have to go outside in bad weather is a tremendous asset. In fact, it’s like living on a cruise ship. Everything I need is right here.”

Maintaining winter traditions
In the past, when facing another long winter of backbreaking work, many Northern Virginians felt compelled to venture south for the winter months. “Time and time again, people tell me that they wouldn’t mind spending a few weeks in the south, but they feel like they are missing out on the little things that make a Virginia winter so special,” says Retirement Counselor Dana Bradshaw.