In 2005, my husband and I sold our home in Texas and bought a condo in Miami. Seven years ago, we sold that and moved into two different rental apartments in Fort Lauderdale. It was now time to get out of Florida for a calmer, cleaner, and quieter life. We never lived in North Carolina, but it seemed like the correct next move for us as we enjoy southern living and, since we travel extensively, having access to a great airport was an important consideration. We didn’t want a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) but maybe somewhere in a 55+ home? Okay, we’ll go that way! We found Connery online, called in, and then applied for a 2 + den apartment having never seen the property, the people nor the city. A risk? Sure, but what’s life without some challenges?! Fast forward. A few trips up to make arrangements and we moved here.
We knew we were in the correct demographics, but not so sure about anything else. Since I work full time in digital marketing and my husband still has one consulting client, I expected to spend most of my time in our apartment, and have some limited contact with others. We thought it would be a typical senior place with lots of older people with reduced mobility and boring conversations. Nothing could be further from the truth. WOW! What a shock!! Most of the residents are active — both physically and intellectually.
From the start, management created an environment where community activities were frequent, open and welcoming, where we met and enjoyed time with other residents. From Wine Down Wednesday to pickleball lessons, exercise classes, and game nights, there are many activities to do or not. Additionally, we have resident organized activities including Friday BYOB happy hour, holiday celebrations, book clubs, lunch groups, and more.
The gym has state-of-the-art equipment, and the complex backs up to the McAlpine Creek Greenway, which is great since I like to power walk. For mornings when it’s too dark or cold to make it over to the Greenway, I can lap around Connery, which is paved and well-lit.
Connery is a community, with people helping people. We have fantastic interactions with so many of our neighbors and truly feel part of our community. And we’ve made really good friends in just a few months. Amazingly, as new people move in, they quickly become part of the Connery family.
Maybe there’s someplace better for those of us well over 55, but I’d be hard pressed to find it. And, even if there is, we’re not going anywhere else. After all, this is now truly our home.
