Living Well at Ashby Ponds

People who live in retirement communities are less lonely, more active, and more engaged than before they moved in, according to a June 2025 U.S. News & World Report survey.

There's no better example of this than Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., where residents have plenty of opportunities to socialize through clubs, volunteer efforts, creative pursuits, and shared meals with new friends.

"Residents are free to focus on the activities and friendships that bring them joy," says Resident Life Director Faith Edwards. "The worry-free lifestyle provides time to explore interests and build connections. When you're part of a vibrant, supportive community like Ashby Ponds, you naturally feel and live better."

A welcoming community

For Debra "Debbie" Stevenson, who moved from Purcellville, Va., to Ashby Ponds in August 2022, the community's welcoming, social atmosphere was evident from the beginning.

"Two couples from my church moved to Ashby Ponds. They told me their only regret was not moving ten years sooner," she recalls. "I looked at my house and thought, 'I don't want to keep investing time and money in maintaining it,' so I decided to make the move."

Debbie selected the Chadwick--a one-bedroom, one-bath floor plan--in the Red Robin residence building. Soon after settling in, Debbie's neighbors hosted a welcome party in her honor, which inspired her to join in the effort and help other newcomers feel at home.

Now, she serves as the welcome coordinator for her floor and assists the other floor coordinators in welcoming new residents and hosting monthly meetings. "We meet informally each month," she says. "It keeps everyone connected and engaged!"

This sense of connection extends across the entire campus. Since 2016, dozens of residents have volunteered to share meals and attend events with new neighbors as part of the Welcome Program, ensuring that every newcomer feels supported from the start.

Active and engaged

With more than 200 resident-led clubs and activities, Ashby Ponds offers a multitude of ways to stay involved.

Debbie's busy schedule includes attending lectures presented by fellow residents and playing bocce--one of the community's most popular activities.

"Ashby Ponds offers so many ways to stay active," says Debbie. "Bocce keeps me outdoors and connected. Everyone is so friendly. I appreciate the fun competition and camaraderie."

Other popular outdoor activities include cornhole, horseshoes, and the walking and garden clubs.

Even during the winter months, Debbie stays active by walking indoors through the community's interconnected buildings. "It's warm and social," she says. "I'm able to get some exercise while seeing familiar faces along the way."

Other ways to connect

Residents who volunteer within the community, such as lending a hand at Maple Grove--Ashby Ponds' continuing care neighborhood--or supporting the Treasure Chest thrift store, find that it's easy to foster meaningful connections.

Ashby Ponds' fun, social events, including the Summer Concert Series, Fall Festival, and Resident Olympics, encourage camaraderie and friendly competition. Food truck nights on the Great Oak Lawn and the annual tree-lighting celebration, complete with carolers, hot chocolate, and festive lights, offer even more opportunities to socialize with neighbors.

Yet another avenue for socialization is dining at Ashby Ponds' nine on-campus restaurants, where meals are prepared to order by skilled chefs.

"As a single woman, I enjoy dining with others. It's an easy, natural way to meet people," says Debbie.

Worry-free living

Residents like Debbie are able to maintain such busy, active calendars thanks to the community's worry-free lifestyle. Home maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement, is handled by the expert General Services team.

"When someone [on the team] replaces a filter or checks a smoke alarm, it reminds me that I don't have to worry about those details anymore," she says. "It's peace of mind."

Debbie also appreciates that she's able to maintain the relationships and ties she established outside of Ashby Ponds. While she sees her longtime physicians in the area for checkups, she visits Ashby Ponds' convenient on-site medical center for routine blood work.

She attends Sunday church services in Purcellville but always looks forward to returning home.

"Everything I need is close by. When I'm leaving, I tell friends, 'I'm heading back to the cruise ship,'" she says, with a laugh. "Life at Ashby Ponds is full, engaging, and exactly what I hoped it would be!"

Request more information today to learn more about the benefits of pursuing an engaging retirement lifestyle.

By Kelly Shue