Highland Springs Provides a Worry-Free Lifestyle

When Anne and Jim Hester retired, they wanted to return to their hometown of Dallas, Tex.

"That's where our three daughters and four grandchildren lived," says Anne. "But we ended up renting in West Plano for a year, and then we bought a house in Heritage Ranch after visiting longtime friends there."

Although the 55-plus community had nice homes and a golf course, the couple was missing what they were originally looking for--time with family.

Family time

"We started to feel isolated from family members," she recalls. "Plus, after nine years, Jim had experienced some health problems. Although he would recover fully, we were feeling vulnerable."

Not familiar with Highland Springs, the Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., the Hesters were surprised to learn of two Heritage Ranch couples who moved to the community.

"I visited them at Highland Springs and was highly impressed by what I saw," says Anne, drawn to the community's convenient location and continuing care. "Jim and I met with the sales staff, and we quickly decided that moving to Highland Springs was a great opportunity for us!"

Like Anne and Jim, many retirees are moving to Highland Springs, eager to take advantage of the worry-free lifestyle.

'Best of both worlds'

"We have welcomed more than 75 former Heritage Ranch residents to Highland Springs, and there are more on the way," says Christina Christie, sales director. "People from Robson Ranch and Frisco Lakes--two other active, 55-plus communities in the area--have also moved here."

This is due in part to the hassles and expense of home maintenance.

"Often, those who move here from a 55-plus community no longer want to deal with the headaches of home ownership," adds Christie.

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

"When they discover that we have an array of amenities and activities on campus too, they realize they found the best of both worlds!" says Christie. "And because we are a continuing care retirement community, we also have different levels of care available for residents--if and when needed. You can't find that at a 55-plus community."

Amenities galore

Like Christie noted, Anne and Jim now have the best of both worlds since moving into their two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home at Highland Springs.

"We moved into our apartment home in March 2022," Anne says. "It didn't take us long to realize the many advantages to moving to Highland Springs. Except for golf, all the activities offered at Heritage Ranch--and more--are available here. There's more than 90 activities!"

Highland Springs' 89-acre campus boasts a pickleball court; a fitness and aquatics center, where fitness classes and personal training are offered; a putting green; bocce court; and disc golf course.  

"One of our favorite features about Highland Springs is that every building is connected via climate-controlled walkways," says Anne, who appreciates being able to get anywhere she pleases without having to step outside in the Texas heat.

Worry-free living

For Nancy Toppan, Robson Ranch was a perfect fit when she found herself a widow at 55.

"I lived on a horse ranch with my husband," says Nancy. "When he passed away, I knew it was time to downsize to the safety of a gated community with amenities, activities, and peers that shared similar interests."

After settling into a routine at Robson Ranch, Nancy met Pete, her current husband.

"We enjoyed fifteen frolicking years at Robson Ranch! But we knew we had to plan for the future," says Nancy, who discovered that a friend from Robson Ranch had moved to Highland Springs.

She continues, "Since it was near where my oldest son lived, we decided to drive over and have lunch. We found ourselves falling in love with apartment homes."

Now, the couple enjoys the same active lifestyle without the burden of home maintenance.

"We are relieved of the responsibility of keeping up a single-family house. Pete no longer risks his life climbing on the roof to check for hail damage," Nancy says. "All building maintenance and groundskeeping is included, and I don't have to cook because we have eight restaurants to choose from."

Neighbors once again

"Ranchers" like Anne, Jim, Nancy, and Pete have taken Highland Springs by storm.

"Now that we have so many who have moved from Heritage Ranch and Robson Ranch, new residents are welcomed by former neighbors and familiar faces," says Christie.

In fact, former Heritage Ranch residents have formed a Ranchers Social Club, which meets three times a year for cocktails, dinner, and a short program.

"We have more than 60 in our group, and it's growing. Many of them are new friends, but we share a common bond," says Anne. "Our advice to anyone considering a move to Highland Springs is don't wait!"

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