How Can It Be Any Better?

(AS SEEN IN “MOUNTAIN HOMES” MAGAZINE)

Elizabeth and Larry S. say the old real estate mantra “location, location, location” was a driving force in their choice of Shenandoah, an active adult community that surrounds 120-acre Lake Frederick near Winchester, Virginia. Elizabeth loves mountains. Larry loves jumping onto a nearby Interstate without waiting in urban-area ramp lines.  Shenandoah not only answered these requirements, but added some wonderful surprises.

What made you decide on a home in Shenandoah?

Elizabeth – I had to have mountains. And we love Virginia, love the Shenandoah Valley. I visited this area with some girlfriends, went home and really gushed about it to Larry and he wanted to see it immediately. So the next day I was again making the four hour trip from our home in Northern Suffolk.  

Larry – We chatted with other people who were looking to buy here. All of us were in love with the lake and the mountains. Elizabeth and I hadn’t planned to move for a few years, but this site is compelling, too good to wait for.  

How much of a lifestyle change was this move?

Elizabeth – We had lived a long time in the Tidewater region, so we love being around water as well, but we were tired of flat land and knew we’d enjoy a lakeside development more if we could see water along with trees and hills and mountains.

Is the community just for retirees?

Larry – Not all of us are retired. I’m a financial analyst, and Elizabeth is a teacher. We find it easy to pursue our professions from here. It’s just a short hop for her to the schools in Winchester, and the community is Verizon FiOS wired, making my computer-based work pretty much a snap.

Describe some of the activities.

Elizabeth – Most of the residents are retired, but all of us participate in activities. There’s something for everyone — stretch and tone classes, crafts, line dancing, poker, theater nights. Grill Night is really popular. We have a terrific “grill team” and just about everyone turns out.  

Larry – We came here in March of 2007. Those of us who settled on our homes before mid-2007 are called Pioneers, and we have an annual Founders Day. There’s a Friends and Family event as well, and we have a Civil War re-enactment right here on our campus.  I belong to a Seniors golf group. About 18 of us play local courses. You wouldn’t believe the superior quality of the golf courses in this area – there are at least 15 excellent courses, some only ten or so minutes from here.

Was it easy to make friends?

Elizabeth – It’s not possible to like a place, no matter how beautiful it is, if you don’t have great neighbors. Ours are extraordinary. We help each other with pets and plants when we go on vacation, and we’re there with meals and moral support if people become ill. How can it be any better than that?

Larry – If you want a quiet morning walk, we joke that you have to go out really early. Otherwise, you’ll meet someone, chat for hours, and never finish the walk.

How about the home designs?

Elizabeth — What we like is the design variety. The public spaces have Adirondack architecture, and the homes compliment that theme. But there are dozens of floor plans. It’s not a cookie cutter community. 

Are there any special secrets you’d like to share?

Larry – We’ve found some hidden blackberry and raspberry patches. We’re not telling anyone where they are.