'Why I Chose a Vibrant Retirement at Cedar Crest'

There are many reasons why thousands of retirees have said 'yes' to a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle at Cedar Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J.

For some, it is the stunning campus with views of the Ramapo Mountains. Others love the variety of made-to-order meals served at on-site restaurants. And who doesn't want a stylish, maintenance-free apartment home suited to entertaining friends and pursuing hobbies?

Resident Stu Lisbe is enjoying all of the above, but what first caught his eye were some mysterious lights on a hill near his former house--the beginning stages of Cedar Crest coming to life. Like Stu, everyone who lives at Cedar Crest has a story. 

Recently, the Tribune sat down with Stu to learn more about what motivated him to make the move to the "community on the hill" and how his life has changed for the better. 

Tribune: What led you to consider Cedar Crest?

Stu: About 24 years ago, I was at the end of my driveway one night, and I saw construction lights on top of a hill a mile away. The next day, I went over to see what was going on, and I discovered that they were building Cedar Crest. I told myself, "I guess that's my next stop!" 

I knew that senior living was on the horizon, but up until that point, I didn't know where. With Cedar Crest being so close and having so many friends nearby, I realized that I didn't want to move out of the area. 

Later on, I learned that a good friend of mine--the president of William Paterson, the university I taught at for 42 years as a public health professor--was the chairman of the board of directors for Cedar Crest. He spoke very highly of it. I also had a few former colleagues who moved there. Everything added up, and everybody had only good things to say!

Tribune: What prompted you to make the move?

Stu: When I contacted the sales team to learn more, they showed me a comparison of what I was spending in my house versus what I would be spending at Cedar Crest. There wasn't that big of a difference, and at Cedar Crest, I'd have access to lots more amenities and social activities. That definitely moved the needle. 

Then, sometime in August 2021, one of my former colleagues emailed me and encouraged me to make the move as soon as possible--so I could enjoy everything Cedar Crest has to offer. I couldn't argue with that! 

I moved earlier than I was planning, but it turned out to be a good thing. My family was happy that I moved when I did, too. I selected a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath apartment home.

Tribune: Did you take advantage of Cedar Crest's realty and moving services? 

Stu: For sure. The moving service was really helpful. I still remember the crew leader saying I wouldn't need so many pots and pans because most residents don't do a lot of cooking. Boy, were they right! The restaurants here are outstanding--it's no wonder why no one wants to cook.

Before move-in day, the community's planning and moving consultant visited my house with a scale model of the Hastings floor plan. I collect antique oak furniture, so we worked out a way to fit in everything I wanted. I was already set on Cedar Crest, but that sealed the deal for me--being able to bring all of the things that I felt comfortable having around me.

Tribune: Now that you're here, how are you enjoying everything?

Stu: Before moving here, I spent a lot of time alone in my house. Living by myself probably wasn't the best thing. I wasn't interacting with other people that often. That was another reason why I wanted to move--I missed socializing and trying new things. 

Little by little, I got involved here. I recently joined the bocce league and a couple of the Resident Advisory Council's subcommittees. Then some friends convinced me to run for a leadership position, so now I'm a full-fledged member of the Resident Advisory Council! I was appointed chair of the dining services committee. 

When I'm not grabbing dinner with my new neighbors, I go out to dinner and see a movie with old friends. Living at Cedar Crest is the best of both worlds!

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