‘A new life for me’ at Highland Springs

Sandra Kinas' career has taken the Missouri native from the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive to the rugged beauty of the Arizona desert. Now, she's adding another chapter to her story at Highland Springs, the Erickson Senior Living-managed community in North Dallas.

“I'm ready to retire,” says Sandra, who has three daughters and six grandchildren in Dallas. “I want to sleep in, meet my daughters for lunch, play Mahjongg, go to the theater. My kids can't believe it. They ask, ‘Is this our mother talking?'”

Sandra's go-getter nature will find plenty to do at Highland Springs. She'll be in good company with others moving to Edgewater Place, the community's newest residence building, now in the final stages of construction and scheduled to open this summer.

Edgewater Place brings 107 new apartment homes to Highland Springs and additional amenities including the community's sixth restaurant, Table Eighty-Ninety, and a new classroom for clubs and activities. All residence buildings at Highland Springs are connected by climate-controlled walkways and provide easy access to community amenities, including restaurants, fitness center, swimming pool, medical center, libraries, bank, neighborhood store, Arts and Enrichment Center, and crafts studio.

“I want to get settled and never move again,” says Sandra, who is in the process of selling her townhouse in Tucson's Saddle Brooke active adult community. “This is my 34th residence since I was born, so I've moved a lot.”

Planning for retirement? Start early

Sandra's 37-year career in real estate gives her a unique perspective on her upcoming move. “When it comes to moving to an active adult community, I've worked with clients who should have moved five years earlier,” says Sandra. “They wait until they can't enjoy all the community has to offer. I want the clubs and activities. I don't want a house.”

Sandra's work experience has also given her a few tips when it comes to downsizing. “It's important to start early when you're paring down,” she says. “Clean out the garage, sell what you can on community websites like Nextdoor, detach emotionally from items you don't plan to bring with you.”

Sandra has reserved a large one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath Hopewell-style apartment in Edgewater Place. Community amenities are just a short walk away and bring new opportunities for social engagement and health and wellness activities.

“I tell my clients that if you want to get involved in the community, partake in the activities,” says Sandra. “That's how you develop your sphere of friends. That's one of the reasons I chose Highland Springs. If you don't have activities, you don't nurture your interests and expand your circle.”

Many roads lead to Highland Springs retirement community

Sandra isn't the only new community member moving from Tucson, Ariz. On a recent Zoom call for those who have reserved apartments in Edgewater Place, she learned of another couple moving to Highland Springs who currently live one street over from her in Tucson.

“Maybe we can share a moving truck,” she jokes.

Edgewater Place is drawing interest from across the country, as reservists are currently planning their moves from California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, and more.

“We're excited to welcome such a diverse group to Edgewater Place,” says Sales Director Christina Christie. “Many choose North Texas for retirement because their children live here. Others lived in the area at one point in their careers and want to return. Highland Springs offers the opportunity to maintain an active lifestyle and spend time with friends and family without all the responsibilities of keeping up a house.”

Everyone at Highland Springs has a story

No matter the route that leads them to Highland Springs, one thing is true: everyone has a story.

Sandra's story, while not rooted in the Lone Star State, features names that will be familiar to many Texans. Before earning her real estate license, Sandra worked for Getty Oil Company, then a majority owner of ESPN. Sandra was promoted to secretary to the chairman of the board of ESPN. When Getty Oil was sold to Texaco, Sandra went to work for businessman Sam Wyly, a friend of Ross Perot.

“Sam Wyly had just married [fashion icon] Torie Steele, who opened six stores on Rodeo Drive under her name, and I worked for them. We had Valentino and Gianfranco Ferrè, and I stayed there until I realized I didn't want my kids to think that was the real world, with people coming in and spending $10,000 or $15,000 at a time. That's when I got my real estate license.”

Now Sandra is ready to leave the workforce behind and forge new friendships and interests at Highland Springs. “This is a new life for me,” she says. “I can't wait.”

Rendering: A new residence building, Edgewater Place, is now in the final stages of construction and scheduled to open this summer at Highland Springs

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Are you ready to make the move to an independent living community?

If you're like Sandra and are looking to settle down in retirement, Highland Springs could be just the place for you. Request a brochure for more information or schedule a visit today!