Uncovering the Secret to Affordable Maintenance-Free Living
By Kelly Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
“Before moving to Riderwood I had my own house and all the work and duties that went along with it,” says Warren Wood, who moved to Riderwood from Severn, Md., this past summer. “I found it was taking longer and getting harder to get all the work done. I wanted more time for me and my family.”
Warren isn’t alone. According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Countrywide Home Loans, “Seventy-five percent of people 50 and older want a home that comes complete with yard or ground maintenance so they have more time to travel, relax, and enjoy a care-free lifestyle.”
Riderwood’s maintenance- free apartment homes and vibrant lifestyle make it easy to enjoy vacations, hobbies, and friends without worrying about unforeseen house maintenance or repairs.
“Once I learned about Riderwood I couldn’t wait to move in,” says Warren. “I love it here: I’m only sorry I didn’t move sooner.”
Best of All Worlds
“The [NAHB/Countrywide] study results affirm that baby boomers and older home buyers want a maintenance-free lifestyle, freeing them up to travel, socialize, and pursue the active lifestyles they want to lead," said Kent Conine, president of NAHB.
In fact, it’s this desire to literally “have their cake and eat it, too,” that has led over 2,600 people to Riderwood. By removing the obstacles of owning a house—from expensive house repairs to regular upkeep and maintenance— members of the Riderwood community now enjoy newfound free time and peace of mind. “We chose Riderwood because we wanted a more leisurely life,” says Funny Jaffe, who moved to Riderwood after first attending an informational luncheon with her husband Jack.
“We like the maintenancefree lifestyle. Now we spend our time taking courses and keeping busy. We are perfectly happy here.”