The Smiths make new friends and pursue their many hobbies at Cedar Crest

After downsizing, Ken and Linda Smith were happy to find their new home at Cedar Crest was so spacious

Linda and Ken Smith knew friends who lived at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Living-managed community in Pequannock, New Jersey, and they were impressed with the community when they visited. Although they were not yet ready to sell their home and retire, they decided to put down the $1,000 refundable entrance fee to join Cedar Crest’s priority list to ensure their spot was available when the time came.

They moved from a large home in Westport, Conn., and had a lot of downsizing to do. Over a six-month period, they donated many of their belongings away and had an auction, as well. While they weren’t sure how they’d feel about living in a smaller space, they now find their apartment home to have plenty of room, and they feel lighter knowing they won’t burden their children with unneeded clutter.

“It gives me so much joy, and I’m so glad we did this,” says Linda. She credits Personal Moving Consultant Anne Connor with helping them make the important decisions about what to keep and what to bring with them to their new home. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Ramapo Mountains, Cedar Crest offers independent living in beautiful surroundings, which was a selling point for the Smiths.

“When Sales Counselor Kate Tanis showed us the Washington [apartment home design], and we saw the views on three sides of the mountain and this fabulous rock wall and across to Village Square, we were sold,” says Linda.

Thanks to the suggestion of Project Manager Rich Ferguson, the Smiths were able to customize the floor plan to their needs, forgoing a guest room closet for a French door leading to the sunroom and kitchen. “I love being able to go in a complete circle around our home so I never feel boxed in,” says Linda.

A warm welcome

The Smiths moved into Cedar Crest during a snowstorm in 2017, and they got an immediate taste of the community’s signature service and hospitality. “We found out right away how they take care of us during bad weather!” says Linda. When they got a flat tire just 15 minutes away from Cedar Crest, staff was able to arrange for movers to get into their apartment and set up their furniture in the appropriate spots prior to their arrival. A neighbor even stopped by to let them know how they could get a bite to eat and warm up on the very cold night.

A full life

Nearly four years later, the Smiths couldn’t be happier with their choice. “We feel this was the best decision we’ve ever made to move here, and we’ve been happy, stimulated, and have made many fabulous new friends.”

While Linda initially worried it may be difficult to get to know her fellow residents, she found quite the opposite was true, and felt instantly welcomed by the community. Ken enjoys singing in the chorale, and Linda is now wrapping up a three-year term as a member of the Resident Advisory Council, which serves as a liaison between residents and staff.

As a member of the marketing committee, Linda is proud of her accomplishments with the council, including giving presentations to residents and family members and working on a diversity initiative on campus.

Now that she has a little more free time, she’s spending it on painting watercolors, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, and crosswords. Linda and Ken both enjoy circuit training at the fitness center a few times a week, and Ken is also singing alongside a guitar class.

Great value

In addition to an active lifestyle, Linda appreciates that they’re able to enjoy all Cedar Crest has to offer at an affordable price.

“I would recommend that anyone considering Cedar Crest compare its prices and all the amenities that are included to any other community, and that you’ll find that it’s an excellent value,” says Linda.

After some quick calculations, she found out the cost of the monthly service package was actually a better value compared to what she would spend for the same expenses on their home, especially when factoring in unexpected costs, like a roof replacement or a broken furnace.

“I look at our assets each month and see that they are about the same as when we moved in nearly four years ago,” says Linda. “So, that gives me reassurance and means that I can give more to charity, which makes me feel good about myself. It’s such a win-win situation!”

To learn more about Cedar Crest, visit CedarCrestCommunity.com.

About Cedar Crest: Cedar Crest, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,800 residents and 1,000 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, Inc., who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.