Second-Generation Residents Are Loving Life at Ann's Choice

For some people, moving to Ann's Choice was following a familiar path already taken by family members.

Ann's Choice, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa., is home to a growing number of "second-generation" residents. These retirees watched their parents move in, foster new friendships, and embrace a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle--and later decided to do the same.

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"We have about two dozen second-generation residents living here, and that number continues to grow," says Sales Director Ryan Doherty.

A familiar place

Terry and Patricia "Pat" Hill moved to Ann's Choice in October 2020, but their connection to the community stretches back decades. Terry's parents, Paul and Rose Hill, moved to Ann's Choice from nearby Southampton, Pa., in 2005 after carefully researching retirement communities in the area.

"They thought that, for the money, Ann's Choice had the best to offer," Terry says.

Pat, who grew up just one town away from Ann's Choice, notes that they were well acquainted with community life long before she and Terry considered moving themselves.

"We didn't look at anywhere else," she says. "His parents were here, and we had been here so many times. We had a pretty good feel for what it was like, so we just took the leap."

Their decision was driven by practicality as much as familiarity. Maintaining their house had become burdensome, and Ann's Choice offered a simpler way of life.

"I got tired of working around the house. Now, all the maintenance and landscaping are taken care of for us," says Terry, referring to the community's expert General Services team.

Pat enjoys not having to meal plan or cook, thanks to all the on-site restaurants. "I never really enjoyed cooking; I did it because I needed to," she says. "Now, I hardly ever cook anything."

"[Our move] was well worth it!" Terry says.

Watching parents thrive

Glenn Bittle has a similar story. His parents, Joseph and Elma Bittle, were among the first retirees to move to Ann's Choice when it opened. Glenn visited and shared meals with them many times, seeing firsthand how much they enjoyed their new lifestyle.

"They were very happy here," Glenn says. "They had moved from a townhouse and wanted an easier way of life."

When Glenn began thinking about his own next chapter, Ann's Choice felt like the clear choice.

"I was pretty familiar with Ann's Choice after visiting them, so I knew what to expect," he explains. "I thought, 'I've worked all my life, and it's getting to be the time where I should consider a retirement community.' It was an easy transition for me."

He adds, "Plus, Ann's Choice is considered top of the line!"

A social lifestyle

Terry, Pat, and Glenn all say that life at Ann's Choice has exceeded their expectations, especially when it comes to social connections.

"It's very easy to make friends," Glenn says. "Everybody greets everybody. I've met more people here than I've probably met in my lifetime."

"There are so many activities you can get involved in and so many chances to socialize," says Pat.

Terry belongs to the ROMEO men's group, the veterans group, and the Baby Boomers club, while Pat sings in the Ann's Choice chorus and participates in a quilting group.

And the Hills have an added advantage--many of their friends followed a similar timeline. "When we moved in, all our friends moved in too," says Terry, noting that they appreciate the opportunity to strengthen old connections as well as form new ones.

Enhanced independence

Glenn notes that he's gained more freedom than he thought possible.

"I don't believe I've lost any independence at all," Glenn says. "I still have a car; I just don't have to worry about shoveling snow or what's going to break next week. I'm free to do anything that I want. If I want to travel, I can."

He adds, "It frees up your time, and that's huge."

For second-generation residents like Terry, Pat, and Glenn, Ann's Choice represents more than just a place to live. It's a warm, vibrant community that symbolizes freedom--and family.

"It's been the best move we ever made," Terry says.

Glenn agrees, saying, "Moving to Ann's Choice is the best thing I could have done. I'm happy here."

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

By Julia Collins