Henry Van Gleson reported a similar experience: “‘The kids don’t go to grandmother’s house anymore. You have to go to the kids’ house. They have all their activities and friends and soccer and whatever.”’
Family matters
The desire to be near family is partly why Bill and Jean Beyhl are moving to Wind Crest from Florida. Originally from the East coast, the Beyhls retired in Florida 12 years ago. But in recent years, they’ve seen the kids and grandkids less and less.
“Our daughter and two grandsons moved here in July, and we’ve decided to move to Wind Crest to be closer to them,” Bill Beyhl says. “Florida’s getting crowded, so this will be a nice change.”
Earline McJunkin recently moved to Wind Crest from Scottsdale, Ariz., to be closer to her daughter—who has been in Colorado for several years. And though she enjoyed Arizona, even Scottsdale had its drawbacks.
“The summers are beastly there—but they’re quite beautiful in Colorado,” she says. As a bonus, the traffic isn’t as bad as it is in Scottsdale, and the cost of living in Colorado is less too.
All things considered
Wind Crest’s location seems to reflect retirees’ key considerations—from health care to transportation to climate.
The Denver area boasts 14 hospitals—something Ed and Kathy Burton didn’t think about before retiring to Tennessee. In Greene’s article, the Burtons reported that shortly after relocating, they had to drive 30 minutes to the nearest hospital to have a painful splinter removed. Had they chosen Wind Crest, they may not have needed outside care at all. With an on-site medical center, people who live at Wind Crest report that they have immediate access to quality care, without even having to drive.
According to MSNBC reports, more of today’s retirees are choosing to live in or near a large city—partly due to alternative transportation options, which is important for older Americans who may eventually need to give up their car keys.
Beyond Denver’s many transportation options, Wind Crest offers its residents a wide variety of free shopping-based shuttle trips, low-cost bus trips to see various downtown performances (usually at a discount), and “taxi” style service in an SUV. These options create a safe alternative for those who no longer drive, don’t want the hassle of driving, or prefer not to risk driving on icy winter roads, says Wind Crest Transportation Supervisor Bob McDaniels.
As for climate, not everyone wants 85 degrees all the time. For longtime Hawaii residents Bob and Merla Marsh, the changing seasons in Colorado—where the sun shines 300-plus days a year—have been delightful And though they’re not wild about snow, they love watching it fall from the heated comfort of Wind Crest’s glassenclosed saltwater pool.
Home, sweet home
The Peckhams are glad they chose Colorado. In addition to being closer to their daughter and grandchildren, they like everything about their apartment home at Wind Crest.
“We’re close to shopping, there are endless trails for walking, and with the on-site restaurants, Sharon doesn’t have to cook anymore,” says Don Peckham. They also enjoy mountain events—like the International Ice Sculpture Competition they recently attended in Breckenridge.
New directions
In a 2007 Wall Street Journal article, Conor Dougherty reported that for the first time in history, Atlas Van Lines moved more families out of Florida in 2006 than it moved in.
Whatever the reason, many of today’s savvy retirees are saying “no” to Bermuda shorts in favor of more flavorful locations like Denver. With all the benefits, amenities, and activities at Wind Crest, Colorado residents can have their cake—and eat it too.
Community Calendar
Whether you’re a history buff or you could just use a good laugh, you won’t want to miss the next seminars in the Center for Continuous Learning series at Wind Crest’s Town Center Clubhouse. These presentations are a fun way to learn something new and meet new friends at the same time, and there are no sales pitches involved.
“Mile High History” - Tuesday, March 18 at 2 p.m.
Active Minds is back with insight into Denver’s past. Hear how our city was founded. Learn about James Denver, Robert Speer, Ben Stapleton, and others. We’ll cover booms and busts and find out why the 1976 Winter Olympics were not held here. Bring your favorite Denver trivia!
“The Power of Laughter” - Tuesday, April 15 at 3 p.m.
Don’t let tax deadlines and other stressors get you down. Two of Denver’s most recognized Certified Laughter Leaders will show you how to tap into the physical and mental benefits of humor to prevent “hardening of the attitudes.” Includes an actual laugh therapy group demonstration.
These seminars are free and open to the public, but space is limited. Call 1-800-834-7188 or 303-798-3100 today to reserve your seat.