Highland Springs Attracts 55-Plus Community Residents

Residents from 55-plus communities are increasingly choosing Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., for its maintenance-free homes, engaging activities, on-site care, and abundance of amenities.

Just ask Marianne and Gerald Burton, who moved to Highland Springs after living at Frisco Lakes, a 55-plus golf community in Frisco, Tex., for 12 years. They began exploring alternatives to their single-family house in Frisco Lakes when some friends started experiencing health issues.

"We thought we should investigate [continuing care retirement communities] before we had to make a decision," Marianne recalls. "That way, when the time came to make a move, we would already know where we wanted to live."

She continues, "We visited a lot of places, but nothing interested us until we came to Highland Springs. The more we visited, the more we decided this was the place!"

Since their move in October 2024, Marianne and Gerald have participated in activities such as mah-jongg and line dancing, visited the fitness center, and strolled along the beautifully landscaped grounds. They also appreciate meeting new people over meals at the on-site restaurants.

And every other month, they get together with more than 30 former Frisco "Lakers." "We're having so much fun!" Marianne says.

Close to family

Philadelphia, Pa., natives Ray and Cathie Rod had "good memories" of their nine years at Robson Ranch, a 55-plus community in Denton, Tex., but they were looking to leave the worries of home maintenance behind.

Being closer to family and having convenient access to health care were also on their wish list for their next home.

With maintenance-free residences, proximity to family, and an on-site medical center and continuing care neighborhood, Highland Springs checked all their boxes.

"Our two sons and their families live within 15 minutes of Highland Springs," Ray says. "We were looking for a community that would give us more options as we age, and Highland Springs has all that--and more."

An easy lifestyle

Since moving to Highland Springs in 2023, the Rods have enjoyed a simpler lifestyle. "We liked the idea of simplified finances and daily life where all meals, household repairs, and utilities were folded into one monthly payment," Ray explains.

Although Ray and Cathie hope they won't need the continuing care options, they are comforted knowing they are available. "What made Highland Springs the clear choice was the on-site medical center with a staff of doctors," notes Ray.

They also appreciate the on-site bank, pharmacy, and seven varied dining venues. Cathie even started the Robson "Ranchers" group, which now draws about 16 people to the bimonthly dinners.

More time for activities

In 2003, Charlie and Luanne Henkle moved from Colorado to Heritage Ranch, a 55-plus golf community in Fairview, Tex., to be closer to their son, who lives in Plano, Tex.

"We lived in a house at Heritage Ranch for about 18 years. Then, the house and yard needed more and more maintenance and became a hassle. Luanne was getting tired of cooking meals, going to the grocery store, and of me asking, 'What's for dinner tonight?'" recalls Charlie, with a laugh.

Drawn to Highland Springs' long list of clubs and activities, Charlie and Luanne knew that the community would allow them to pursue the vibrant lifestyle they were looking for in retirement.

Now, Luanne runs several bridge groups, attends lifelong learning classes, and is a member of a book club. "I'm more active here than I was at Heritage Ranch," she says.

Together, they lead the Heritage "Ranchers" group, which is 84 members strong. The group meets three times a year for dinner, entertainment, and camaraderie.

A range of benefits

Sales Director Christina Christie notes that Highland Springs maintains partnerships with nearby 55-plus communities, offering residents an inside look at Highland Springs' lifestyle and plenty of support when deciding to make the move.

"We host seminars, luncheons, and other events to introduce their residents to Highland Springs," says Christie. "We are also a sponsor for Heritage Ranch's Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show in October. It's a lot of fun and great to have rapport with the communities."

Moving to Highland Springs allows 55-plus residents to continue their active lifestyles with peace of mind and no maintenance responsibilities--creating less stress and more time to pursue interests.

"Highland Springs is larger than any continuing care retirement community in Dallas, but it feels more like a small town--with all the benefits of a large community!" Christie says.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Highland Springs, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Susan Ingram