Why did you choose a retirement community lifestyle?
Judy’s parents moved to a retirement community in 1969. It was a completely foreign concept to us then, but we could see how happy they were. Other family members and friends have also made similar moves. Without exception, all wondered why they hadn’t done so sooner. Fred’s parents chose to remain in their home. We clearly saw how difficult life became for them, and for their children, as they aged. It was very comfortable for us to explore a retirement community for ourselves. We wanted to make the decision ourselves - sooner, rather than later - before we were forced into something else.

How did you choose Landis Homes?
In addition to conversations with the family members and friends mentioned above, we did a lot of online research and prioritized retirement community attributes. Christian, non-profit and continuing-care were our top three requirements. We focused on this area because we wanted to be closer to our only daughter and her family, who live in Wilmington DE. Last summer, we visited eight or nine communities that fit the bill, one of which was Landis Homes. Of particular appeal here was the “green-ness” of the expansion project. 

How was selling your property in the current economy?
It was an adventure much more enjoyable in hindsight than in reality. It also entailed a lot of hard work. Our son is a Realtor, so we knew that the market in our area had been decent in 2010. In January, when we were offered a Phase II cottage - at least a year sooner than expected - we decided to go for it, a decision greatly encouraged by the snow last winter. But almost exactly when our house was listed, the market in Southbury CT came to a screeching halt. We asked everyone we knew, or even met, to pray about the sale of our house. We prayed for whoever the buyer would be, too. I’d like to say we had perfect peace throughout the process, but that would be dishonest. What we did have was faith that God was in control, more a mental than emotional thing. At one point, I said to Fred, “It is going to take a miracle to sell this house now”, and we both believe that is exactly what happened. The person who bought our house had been looking for more than a year and decided on ours the day she saw it. (That very day, we were on the way home from Lititz, after signing for Cottage 1644.)

How is life now that you are here?  
Borrowing a phrase from Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way! Because of the timing and circumstances of our move, we felt led every step of the way from CT to PA. We did not expect an earthquake, a hurricane and flooding the first month we were here, so our move has been considerably more dramatic than anticipated. We are enjoying meeting new people (even if we have trouble keeping their names straight) and exploring this lovely area. I have a cousin in Lancaster. Fred has a brother in Narvon. It’s nice to have kin nearby, but we miss the family, friends and church we left behind.

What advice would you have for others considering a move to a retirement community? 
Do your homework. Decide what matters most to you. Talk with people who have already made the move. Take the advice of professionals, such as Realtors. Above all, PRAY!