Marie Carreon couldn't be happier with her large one-bedroom, one-bath residence at Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va.
"As soon as I saw the home, I knew that this is where I was supposed to live," she says.
But Marie isn't the only one drawn to this floor plan. In fact, the Dover is one of the most popular one-bedroom designs at Greenspring.
"With extra-wide picture windows, a walk-in closet, an open living area, and a spacious kitchen, the Dover feels airy and bright," says Sales Director Kevin Patterson. "It's a great option for those looking to rightsize."
Setting the bar
Marie researched and visited several retirement communities in Virginia, including Greenspring.
"I had a few neighbors who moved to Greenspring and spoke very highly about it," she says. "That's what led me to check it out."
During her first visit, Marie toured the many on-site amenities, including a fitness center, library, woodshop, salon, medical center, restaurants, and more.
"Everywhere we stopped, people were so welcoming. It just felt right," she says. "The bar was high after my visit to Greenspring. Nothing else compared!"
Marie also notes how welcoming the sales team was. "They listened to my story and really wanted to see what would be good for me here," she recalls, which started her journey toward the Dover.
The perfect match
Marie was living in a single-family house in nearby Fairlington, Va., at the time. "It didn't make sense to live in--or pay for--more space than I needed," she says.
"No one wants the burden of increasing maintenance and upkeep, especially when children have grown and moved out. At the same time, people want to make financially sound decisions for their future," Patterson explains. "That's why many prospective residents are finding one-bedroom homes to be a good fit."
That was the case for Marie.
The Dover boasts an open living area that easily accommodates both living and dining room furniture. "The living room [also has] a door that leads to the balcony," Marie explains. "The extra living room space and balcony sold me."
The bedroom connects to a spacious walk-in closet and a full bath, while the linen closet and in-home washer and dryer add everyday convenience. The kitchen features stainless-steel appliances, including a dishwasher, and ample storage space.
While Marie appreciates the on-site restaurants, she loves being able to prepare some of her favorite dishes at home. "I'm Filipino. Sometimes I like to cook Asian flavors," she says. "The kitchen is perfect. Everything I need is right here in this lovely home."
A smooth move
Once she reserved the Dover, Marie reached out to Lauren Askey, Greenspring's planning and moving consultant, to start preparing for her move--a perk of her Priority List status.
"She came out to my house with a layout of my Dover floor plan," says Marie. "That was very helpful in planning for what I would take with me and how I would lay it all out."
Marie also chose to work with one of Greenspring's preferred real estate agents. "[My house] sold in just 11 days, and he did all the hard work! It was a wonderful experience," she recalls.
On move-in day, a team of preferred moving professionals carefully transferred all of Marie's belongings to her new home.
Out and about
Since her August 2025 move, Marie has enjoyed making new friends and joining a range of clubs and activities--just a short stroll from her front door.
"My first goal was to go to the restaurants and meet people. That plan worked," she says, with a smile. "Meeting people and making friends has been so easy."
Marie's busy calendar includes meeting other Filipino residents for breakfast, playing Rummikub, participating in sing-alongs, and attending Mass at the chapel across from her residence building. And, as a retired elementary school and ESOL teacher, she looks forward to supporting a new English as a Second Language program for staff members.
"It's important to me to participate in meaningful activities," she says. "I'm so happy that I can do that here at Greenspring."
Worry-free living
With a full schedule, having a maintenance-free home that fits her lifestyle makes a real difference. "I don't have to worry about appliances breaking or keeping up with my landscaping," Marie says.
She adds, "Moving to Greenspring was a wonderful decision. I love living here! The whole community is my home."
To learn more about independent senior living at Greenspring, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.
By Kelly Shue
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