George Simpson And Craig Ellis Find the Perfect Home at Charlestown

George Simpson and Craig Ellis knew they wanted to move to Charlestown, the Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., but they didn't know which apartment home they would choose. 

They were looking for a ground-level apartment home with a patio near the community's pool, dog run, and gardens. Luckily, Charlestown's Chapel Court neighborhood had just what they were looking for, but it wasn't in the form of one apartment home--it was actually two homes being made into a new, larger one. 

"When the call came that there were two apartments being combined into one that fit our criteria, we came to take a look at it," recalls George. 

"It was in the perfect location--larger than we had hoped too," he adds. "And we were able to secure a parking space right outside our patio. It exceeded our expectations! We were thrilled."

Since moving to Charlestown a year ago, George and Craig have enjoyed their new home and the convenience, amenities, and worry-free lifestyle it affords them.

Personalize your space

After reserving the units, the couple kept tabs on the progress of their soon-to-be 1,400-square-foot apartment home from their house in York, Pa. 

"We had a list of things we wanted. Molly [Fricker] in sales worked with us and took copious notes. She was sensitive, listened to our needs, and didn't miss a nuance," says George. 

Because George and Craig showed interest in the apartment home early on, they were able to design the space to suit their needs and tastes. To achieve the floor plan they wanted, both units were stripped down to the cement floor and studs. 

The couple made the space their own, from the flooring and kitchen cabinetry to the light fixtures and paint colors.

"We brought our dining room light fixture from our house in York, and we purchased pendant lights for over the bar," notes George. "We had crown molding with lighting installed. I love to cook, so we had the oven upgraded." 

By eliminating one of the two kitchens, they created a laundry room and gained a bonus room that George uses as a workshop for his hobby. 

"I make magnetic stickers," he says. "It's nice to have a space to continue to do that. I have a workbench, my cutter, and laminator in there."

In addition, George and Craig turned the second bedroom into a home office. 

Priority List perks

"Combination apartment homes are just one way Charlestown works with new residents to personalize their space to perfectly suit their lifestyle," says Fricker, a sales counselor at Charlestown. 

Other changes may include adding ceiling fans, window treatments, crown molding, or a tile backsplash. The community offers a Custom Interiors showroom--filled with samples of flooring, cabinets, pendant lights, paint swatches, and more--to provide inspiration.

She continues, "I advise folks considering a move to Charlestown to join our Priority List. This gives you the best opportunity to get the apartment home you want, when you want it. If you're looking for a combination apartment home, which is usually reserved before completion, being on the Priority List has a significant advantage." 

A welcoming environment

Although finding the perfect apartment home and customizing their new space was a big draw for George and Craig, a welcoming and LGBTQ+-friendly environment was essential in their search for a continuing care retirement community. 

Initially, they had planned to stay in York near family, friends, and their church. However, after an exhaustive search that left them feeling unwelcome and unsure, they decided to expand their radius to Maryland.

"We spoke with friends who had family here at Charlestown. We decided to attend presentations and events hosted by the sales office. Each time we introduced ourselves as a married gay couple, we took note of how people reacted," recalls George, who felt welcome after each interaction and noticed a Pride flag displayed right at the community's entrance. 

Finding a home for life also factored heavily into their decision to choose Charlestown. As a podiatrist, Craig saw the pitfalls of inadequate retirement planning--especially when there was a need for higher levels of care. 

"We like the peace of mind that our health care and long-term care are right here, if needed," says Craig.

'Right at home'

Celebrating their first year at Charlestown, the couple couldn't be happier with their decision. 

"We tell our friends that it's like living on a cruise ship and a college campus at the same time! There are great educational and social activities," says Craig. "We feel right at home."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Charlestown, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.