Charlestown Residents Look Forward to A New Year of Worry-Free Living

After thirteen years of living in a 55-plus community, Elaine and Jim Evenson started to worry how they would continue to be independent if, down the road, they could no longer drive

"So, we started looking at retirement communities. A neighbor from our 55-plus community had moved to Charlestown and invited us to visit," says Elaine of the Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md.

When Elaine and Jim learned about all the amenities and activities connected via climate-controlled walkways on campus, they were sold. 

"It was an eye-opener for us. We had no idea that this kind of place even existed!" she recalls. 

Thanks to the abundance and convenience of Charlestown's amenities, residents like Elaine and Jim are poised to make the most of their worry-free lifestyle in 2024.

Under one roof

Since moving to Charlestown five years ago, the couple has been able to walk comfortably indoors everywhere they want to go--including visits to their doctor and the hair salon.

"We want to be independent for as long as possible," explains Elaine. "Instead of hopping in the car, meeting friends for dinner or attending a concert is just a short walk down the hall."

While the peace of mind they gained from the amenity-rich community was a huge draw, seeing residents enjoying vibrant social lives really piqued their interest. 

"We looked at nine different places, but we kept coming back to Charlestown," she says. "We realized it was the benchmark by which we were judging all the other communities. There was a friendly atmosphere here, and we didn't feel that at other communities."

Now, Elaine and Jim are living life to the fullest and confidently looking toward the future. 

"I'm so glad we moved to Charlestown when we did," says Elaine. "There is always something to do here, from morning to night."

Worry-free living

For the last four decades, Charlestown has provided thousands of retirees--just like the Evensons--with a maintenance-free lifestyle. 

The predictable monthly service package, which covers everything from appliance repairs and utilities to a meal plan at on-site restaurants, creates more time for residents to pursue their hobbies and interests.

Tom and Jeanne Alizio happily waved goodbye to maintenance when they moved from Columbia, Md., to an apartment home at Charlestown in 2022. 

"You don't have to worry about upkeep on your house. I did a lot of things myself, but as you get older, it's harder to do those things," notes Tom. "We loved our house dearly, but after being here about a week, I turned to Jeanne while we were sitting in our screened porch and said, 'I don't think I miss our house at all.'"

"We also enjoy not having to cook if we don't want to. There is such a wide selection of menu items to choose from at the restaurants here," says Jeanne. 

Now, instead of dealing with snow or ice, the couple spends their days singing with a karaoke group, attending on-campus classes with Elderhostel's Lifelong Learning Institute, participating in the genealogy and jazz clubs, and performing with Charlestown's Little Theatre group. 

Jeanne also teaches mah-jongg, sings with the Harmonizers, and paints watercolors.

"We are very active and involved in a lot of things, which enables us to meet new people all the time," she says.

A positive outlook

Inspired by the start of a new year, Charlestown--bolstered by the financial strength and expertise of Erickson Senior Living--continues its plans to meet the evolving needs of today's seniors and offer current residents the industry's best amenities and services.

"We are optimistic about the future here at Charlestown, starting with enhancements to our very first neighborhood," says Executive Director Don Grove.

These updates will include two new restaurants; outdoor dining options; and a refreshed, multifunctional gathering space, perfect for activities like indoor pickleball. 

"We are also working on enhancing our outdoor amenities with a focus on accessibility," adds Grove. "These changes will start in 2024, but our residents will reap the benefits for years to come."

Residents like the Evensons and the Alizios cite these improvements as reasons why they are so optimistic about 2024. 

"It's been terrific! It's extremely easy to meet people here," says Tom, who looks forward to taking advantage of his worry-free lifestyle and all the new amenities to come.

Invest in your future self at Charlestown. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!