Five Fallston Neighbors Find a New Home at Oak Crest

For over a decade, Lou Ann and Howard Rau, Janet and Richard Hurn, and Marge Bowen lived just a few doors apart in Fallston Commons, a 55-plus community in Harford County, Md.

"There were seven townhomes together. Richard and Jan lived at one end, and we lived next door. Four doors down from us was Marge," says Lou Ann. "We got to know each other well over the years."

Now, these longtime friends are neighbors once again at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md. They join a number of former Fallston Commons neighbors at Oak Crest, and more on the Priority List!

Oak Crest's convenient location in Baltimore County--a 30-minute drive from Harford County, at most--makes it ideal for retirees who want to continue shopping, attending religious services, and visiting friends in the area they know and love.

"Every year, about 30% of our new residents come from Harford County. Residents love to tell their friends and family about the vibrant lifestyle they are enjoying here," says Sales Director Dan Plakatoris.

A familiar place

Marge was the first to move to Oak Crest in early 2025, followed by Janet and Richard in March and Howard and Lou Ann in June.

Marge, who grew up in the Parkville, Md., area, had family members who previously lived at Oak Crest. So, when she decided to trade her three-level townhouse for a one-level residence, she knew exactly where to start her search.

"I'm in good health, but you never know what tomorrow may bring," Marge notes. "My townhouse had lots of stairs, and the inside was becoming too much for me to manage. My in-laws and two aunts once lived at Oak Crest, so I was very familiar with the community and the many amenities it provided. It just felt like the logical choice."

Janet and Richard have a similar story. The couple grew up just a few miles from Oak Crest and graduated from Parkville High School together.

"When we started thinking about moving and planning for the future, there really weren't many options in Harford County," says Janet.

"We had friends who lived at Oak Crest, and we visited the community a number of times. We were impressed every time we came. It felt like coming back home."

"Visiting friends and family who live here helps prospective residents get to know the community in a really personal way," notes Plakatoris.

'Culture of caring'

For Lou Ann and Howard, the decision wasn't so much about where to move as about when.

"My parents lived [at Oak Crest] for 23 years, so we were very familiar with the community," says Lou Ann. "When we started thinking about moving, we came to several open houses. There are lots of other beautiful places to live, but none of them offer the Home for Life promise* or the culture of caring that stood out to us at Oak Crest."

She continues, "We created a five-year plan, but about a year and a half into that plan, we realized there was no reason to wait. So, we decided to move--and have never looked back!"

After moving into her one-bedroom residence, Marge quickly immersed herself in the vibrant community life at Oak Crest.

"It is exactly what I wanted. I have a large open kitchen, an oversized living and dining room, and a good view," says Marge. "I use the fitness center regularly, and I'm on a bocce team. I've just signed up for the welcoming committee, and I'm going to take on-site classes."

A warm welcome

The friendly atmosphere was the first thing that struck Janet and Rich about their new home.

"The people here couldn't be any more welcoming. We can't walk anywhere on campus without someone saying hello," says Rich. "On our first day, our neighbor brought us brownies."

"I love that I don't have to cook dinner," adds Janet. "We have a variety of dining options, and we take advantage of them every night. We have dinner with friends three or four times a week. It's a lot of fun and something we look forward to."

Lou Ann and Howard are still settling into their new home, but they are already enjoying many of the on-site amenities, such as the swimming pool and pickleball courts.

"You often hear people say, 'Don't wait too long to move here.' But until you are on this side, looking back, you can't really understand that," says Lou Ann. "Our thinking was, 'Why wouldn't we move when it has everything we need!'"

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

*Details and conditions are outlined in our Residence and Care Agreement, which we will be pleased to share with you.

By Danielle Rexrode