Emerson Lakes Residents Will Have Easy Access to Lakewood Ranch

Barb Zdziarski has called Lakewood Ranch, Fla., home for many years. With easy access to entertainment, shopping, dining, and beaches, the 35,000-acre master planned community is the ideal oasis for retirement.

So, when Barb learned that Erickson Senior Living had purchased land for a new community called Emerson Lakes in Lakewood Ranch, she started her research. "I was absolutely blown away by what I learned about Erickson," she recalls.

Shortly after Emerson Lakes' Sales and Information Center opened, Barb joined the Priority List. "I couldn't be more excited for Emerson Lakes to open!" says Barb, who has since reserved a home at the community.

Sales Counselor Mike Fletcher notes that many retirees who have joined the Priority List or reserved a home have lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for several years.

"Many people I meet with know the area well," says Fletcher. "Each person has their favorite grocery store and restaurant. And then, of course, they have their existing doctors and network of friends. With a move to Emerson Lakes, they're not giving any of that up."

Thinking ahead

Although she was born in New Jersey, Barb lived in Massachusetts for several years. In 1999, after one too many winter storms, she and her late husband headed south to enjoy the sun and find new golf courses in retirement.

Now, Barb takes full advantage of all the activities and offerings in Lakewood Ranch, including theater performances, cultural events, shopping, and dining out.

Even though her medical providers are nearby, she found herself wanting to have a plan in case she ever needed additional care. That's when she decided to research Erickson Senior Living and its plans for Emerson Lakes.

Erickson Senior Living communities are continuing care retirement communities, meaning that a range of health care services--such as assisted living, memory care, and long-term care--are provided on-site for residents who need additional support.

During her research, she also learned that a cousin lived at an Erickson Senior Living community in Maryland and a friend's father-in-law lived in another in Massachusetts. Both of them were more than pleased with their lifestyle and the offerings at each community.

The right fit

Most importantly, Barb learned that she could maintain the same vibrant, social lifestyle she's enjoyed for years in Lakewood Ranch right at the community.

When Emerson Lakes opens in early 2027, residents will have access to a fitness center with an outdoor terrace and meditation garden, bocce court, swimming pool, walking paths, waterfront restaurants with outdoor dining areas, and more.

"It's the best of both worlds!" she says.

Sold on the active lifestyle and peace of mind that Emerson Lakes offers, Barb reserved a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home with a den and screened lanai in the community's first residence building, Sandhill Point.

An active lifestyle

Barb says she spends little time at home, and she expects the same will be true once she's settled in at Emerson Lakes.

She plans on participating in many fitness classes, such as yoga and cardio dance; joining card and board games, including mah-jongg; dining at the on-site restaurants; and strolling along the beautifully landscaped walking paths.

As a "pioneer" resident, one of the first retirees to move to the community, Barb will help establish the clubs and activities that her neighbors will take part in.

"Pioneer residents will meet with the Resident Life team to share their hobbies and interests," notes Fletcher. "Then, the team will work to create groups and clubs that reflect those hobbies and interests so residents have plenty of opportunities to socialize and connect with others."

Barb is also excited about living in a maintenance-free home, which will provide even more free time for her to take advantage of these clubs and activities.

Peace of mind

Once Barb is settled in, she'll still be close to her longtime friends.

"I'll still have my friends in the area, but I'll also make new ones at Emerson Lakes," she says, with a smile. "I love this kind of living. I am so looking forward to this next chapter."

"Prospective residents living in Lakewood Ranch really appreciate that they'll still have access to the entertainment, shops, and restaurants in the area they know and love," explains Fletcher. "But with a move to Emerson Lakes, there's an added level of peace of mind for the future. That's priceless."

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

By Linda Esterson