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Business & Tech

Highland Springs' Newest Residences Boast Lots of Space and Easy Access to Amenities

Residents of Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas detail their first year of maintenance-free retirement

Lary and Carol Brown were among the first retirees to move into Uptown Park, the newest residence building at Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex.

As they approach their one-year anniversary at the community, the couple happily reflects on their seamless move, their worry-free lifestyle, and all the benefits Uptown Park has afforded them.

An impressive community

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When Lary and Carol decided to start exploring their senior living options, Highland Springs was already on Carol's radar, as her dad had moved there years ago.

"My sister and I used to spend time here with my dad," Carol recalls. "We came for lots of holidays and just to visit. So, we knew about Highland Springs and how it operated. We were impressed."

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But Lary wasn't as familiar, so the couple joined the Priority List to learn more about the community. They also researched other retirement communities for comparison.

"Lary was blown away by Highland Springs," Carol says, "and we were both excited about the new Uptown Park building."

Uptown Park, boasting 80 residences with one- and two-bedroom floor plans and convenient access to amenities, was under construction at the time--but they were eager to embrace the community's vibrant, worry-free lifestyle in a brand new environment.

The perfect fit

Set on Uptown Park, Carol, a retired teacher of 20 years, and Lary, who worked in the computer industry, began looking at two-bedroom floor plans, anticipating needing plenty of room for their furniture.

But, to their surprise, a one-bedroom was the perfect amount of space.

"The Denton, a one-bedroom with den floor plan, worked perfectly, accommodating all our living room and bedroom furniture. And we've got a beautiful view!" Carol says. "Having a choice of floor plans really helped."

In Uptown Park, all one-bedroom floor plan designs have a full bath and a half bath. Large picture windows, bright living areas, spacious bedrooms, and walk-in closets come standard, and kitchens include updated appliances and tons of storage. Large wrap-around porches are a popular feature on corner units.

A smooth move

To make the moving process as seamless and stress-free as possible, Carol and Lary reached out to Highland Springs' planning and moving consultant and a move-in coordinator--another exclusive perk of the Priority List.

"The whole process just amazed me. I could never find anything they hadn't thought about ahead of time and prepared for," Lary says. "It's the easiest move I've ever made in my life."

As soon as the Browns set foot into their new residence, they waved goodbye to maintenance and repairs.

"The part I like most is that I don't have to deal with home repairs, lawn maintenance, and other time- and resource-consuming projects," says Lary. "It's just nice that's no longer my responsibility."

"And what Carol likes most about this place is that she doesn't have to cook," he adds, citing Highland Springs' seven restaurants and cafes on campus.

Amenities and activities abound

After settling into their Uptown Park home, the Browns didn't waste any time taking advantage of the convenient amenities and participating in activities.

Inside Uptown Park, there is a classroom, media room, and common areas where the couple can meet up with friends or enjoy quiet time with a book. And if they wish to visit any other amenities, they can access them via climate-controlled walkways, which connect all buildings on campus.

"We're close to Cypress Landing and Eastside Village," Lary says. "There's a fitness center at Cypress Landing I use six days a week. We also walk over to Cypress Landing for dinner."

Other community amenities include a lounge, woodshop, pickleball court, and a reading room, plus the new Crescent Club restaurant, which features a bar and outdoor dining.

Lary and Carol are often busy with clubs and their favorite activities, including playing mah-jongg and card and domino games.

"The activity I've enjoyed most is men's Bible study every Saturday morning," Lary says. "It's resident-led by a retired Methodist minister. We have about 12 to 14 guys now."

"I tell friends who don't live here that it's like a cruise ship without any water!" adds Carol, who appreciates that there's so much to do at the community. "We've met a whole lot of people in a short period of time. We enjoy the friendships that have developed. It's been such a pleasant experience."

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

By Susan Ingram

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