Highland Springs	UPDATED: Monday, March 03, 2008
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Where will you live?

Posted on Saturday, March 01, 2008

By Meghan Streit & Danielle Rexrode
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When you are retired, there are many things to consider—how you will spend your time, how you will fund your retirement, how you will access and pay for health care, to name just a few. But arguably the most important decision you make about your retirement is where you will live.

By the time they reach retirement age, a majority of people live in houses that they own. While many plan to continue living in their houses during retirement, a large percentage of retired households pursue other options.

One-third choose community living
Approximately one-third of people over age 55—some 10.7 million households— choose to live in an agequalified retirement community, according to a recent report by the National Association of Housing Builders’ 50+ Housing Council.

Individuals cite a variety of different reasons for considering a move to a fullservice retirement community. Some move to be closer to children and grandchildren. Others opt for community living for the access to recreational activities and new friends. And for many, the motivation may be to alleviate the cost and stress of household maintenance.

“There comes a time in life when you just don’t want to take care of a big house anymore, and we had reached that point,” say Tom and Peggy Watkins, who moved to Highland Springs from North Dallas. “And all of the conveniences that we would normally use are already here on campus.”

The Watkins aren’t the only ones who value convenience as part of their lifestyle. In fact, the 50+ Housing Council reports that 22% of people who move to age-qualified, active adult communities cite access to leisure activities as their top reason for moving.

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Getting and staying connected
Situated on 89 acres in North Dallas, Highland Springs is considered by many residents to be a small town under one roof—all apartment homes are connected via climate-controlled walkways to the Hillcrest Clubhouse, which offers amenities like a day spa, market, restaurants, billiards room, swimming pool with hot tub, and lounge.

And while they may have moved to a new neighborhood, people who live at Highland Springs don’t necessarily give up ties to their old ones. Frequently, residents stay involved with their local organizations and friends while making new ones.

“We’ve met so many people from all over the country living here, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to expand our list of acquaintances and friends,” say the Watkins.

“But we also have dear friends that aren’t living here, and it’s nice to invite them for a meal and then go up to our apartment and visit.”

Decide for yourself
Whatever your individual reason for considering a move, Barbara Krueger, founder of seniorresource. com, an organization that helps older adults consider their retirement living options, advises exploring the options early. She says it’s best when people move to a retirement community “before [they] desperately need to.”

“While you’re in good health, it’s going to be easier for you to socialize, make friends, and find your niche,” Krueger says. “If you wait too long, it gets very hard to do that. You really need to be proactive; unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t.”