Make Your Dream Retirement A Reality at Avery Point

When Steve and Sharon Ezzell were exploring their senior living options, they toured a number of continuing care retirement communities. Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., stood above the rest.

"It immediately spoke to us," says Sharon. "We didn't want to go anyplace else after we came here."

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"What surprised us about Avery Point, and what distinguishes it from other communities, is that it's so vibrant," adds Steve.

"Residents are able to maintain such vibrant, active lifestyles thanks to their maintenance-free homes," explains Sales Director Kailey Viray. "Without the hassles of homeownership, they have more free time to pursue hobbies, make new friends, and enjoy amenities."

Community of friends

Prior to moving to Avery Point, Steve and Sharon owned a house, but they spent 75% of their time on the road in their RV. The experiences they shared with RV club friends were fun, but they found themselves missing a larger community that felt like home.

"We really wanted to have lots of friends again," recalls Sharon, who thought it would be difficult to foster a new social circle in retirement--until they toured Avery Point.

With more than 70 groups on campus, it's easy for residents to meet neighbors with similar interests and form lasting friendships. And, if you can't find a club you really like, you can start your own with help from staff members.

"Here, it's so easy to make friends," says Sharon. "People here want to get to know you. We share stories and have fun finding out about the variety of backgrounds people have."

"It was engaging from the get-go," adds Steve.

Activities for every interest

While attending Virginia Ukapalooza, a ukulele festival, Steve discovered that Avery Point has a ukulele group called Unstrung.

Now, Steve practices weekly with the group, and they play on campus together whenever they can. "It's so much more satisfying being among people strumming away with you," he says.

He also appreciates that Avery Point has a woodshop, where he crafts handmade ukuleles. "[Prior to our move], I began building ukuleles, and I wanted to continue," says Steve. He loves discussing parts, pieces, and techniques with other woodworkers.

Sharon enjoys crocheting with the fiber arts group, working on projects with the quilting group, and playing Chinese and American mah-jongg with neighbors in their residence building.

Together, they participate in exercise classes at the fitness center, such as "Fit and Function" and "Stretch Yoga." Sharon often joins in the water aerobics class in the pool.

Social dining

The Ezzells have also found that dining at Avery Point's restaurants is a great way to meet new people.

"Our restaurants are very social places," says Viray. "Residents often invite friends and new neighbors to dinner. It's a great opportunity to get to know someone over a quality meal."

Thanks to the community's Signature Dining program, residents enjoy made-to-order dishes created by professional chefs.

Steve and Sharon were pleasantly surprised by the different places to eat on campus, including fast-casual and full-service venues.

"The food is amazing. It's like 'going out' to a restaurant every single night. You pick where you want to go and what you want to eat. It's excellent," says Sharon, who says she'll never cook again!

Steve agrees, saying, "I've been blown away."

Spreading the word

Steve and Sharon are not the only ones who have been happily surprised by everything Avery Point has to offer. That's why the sales team shares as much information as possible, so prospective residents can envision their next chapter.

"We love letting people know about the vibrant lifestyle here," says Viray. "We send out brochures, offer personalized one-on-one visits, and hold monthly informational lunches, where you can tour the community and talk with current residents."

Priority List members can also sign up for an overnight Live the Life stay in a furnished guest suite. "That's a really great way to experience what it's really like to be a resident," notes Viray.

Reflecting on their journey to Avery Point, Steve and Sharon can confirm that community life is everything they imagined--and more.

"This community is just amazing. We're going to be happy here forever!" Sharon says.

Request more information today to learn more about the benefits of pursuing a carefree retirement lifestyle.

By Michele Wojciechowski