Lantern Hill Ensures New Residents Have a Smooth Move

After maintaining their Westfield, N.J., house for 43 years, Bill and Arlene Piegari began to envision a more carefree lifestyle--and a home with no stairs to navigate. 

So, when they received an invitation to visit Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., they decided to take a look.

The couple was impressed by the community's maintenance-free, one-level apartment homes, as well as the stunning campus.

"Immediately I thought everything was so beautiful, including the grounds," recalls Arlene, "and everyone was so friendly and welcoming."

Sold on Lantern Hill's vibrant, worry-free lifestyle, Bill and Arlene moved into their own spacious 1,800-square-foot apartment home last July.

Helping hands

When the Piegaris started planning their next chapter at Lantern Hill, they were unsure of where to start. 

"We had a nine-room house, plus a basement with a freezer, refrigerator, storage, and my workshop," says Bill. 

Luckily, Senior Sales Associate Carlos Aguilera connected them with A Simpler Life Now, which helps homeowners with downsizing, organizing, and packing. Aguilera also recommended they contact preferred real estate agent Michelle Pais, founder and CEO of Signature Realty.

"Michelle and her team were wonderful," Arlene says. "They came in and talked to us for two hours to discuss not only selling the house, but also to answer any questions we had about the move."

She adds, "Best of all, Michelle sold our house in a blink!"

A stress-free sale

Pais, a longtime New Jersey resident who has been in the real estate industry for over 20 years, notes that now is the perfect time to sell. 

"We are in a very hot seller's market," says Pais. "Homes are selling for a lot more than they ever have. We are still experiencing a lack of inventory, so there is a lot more demand." 

She continues, "Buyers are looking for homes in the right neighborhood, and many of them are willing to do upgrades themselves. As a result, sellers looking to move to Lantern Hill will sell their homes quickly for a great price--without having to do much, if any, work before listing."

Pais and her team strive to create a seamless, stress-free move for future Lantern Hill residents. 

"I often tell clients, 'I'll handle it all and get you to the closing table,'" she says. "We just make the process very seamless and easy for them." 

Arlene agrees. "She took care of everything!"

Plus, those who list and sell their house using one of Lantern Hill's preferred real estate professionals can receive a credit of up to $2,000 in approved moving expenses.

Amenities galore 

Bill and Arlene, now settled in their apartment home, have plenty of activities and amenities to enjoy, including cultural events, a world-class fitness center, saltwater pool, salon, library, and a movie theater. Not to mention the array of clubs they can join!

"There are so many activities to take part in," says Arlene. "I like walking around Bell Pavilion, where we live, to meet new people." 

They also appreciate having three restaurants right on campus--one of which is just a short stroll from their apartment home. 

"Our favorite restaurant is Bistro 1720, which is located in Bell Pavilion," she notes. "They have a wonderful selection, and the menu changes each week. We love the crabcakes, hamburgers, and especially the linguini and clams. The chef is great, as is the staff." 

"We are both 100% Italian, so we can be a little fussy when it comes to food. So, if Arlene says the food is great, you know it is," Bill says, with a laugh. "Everything is always cooked perfectly." 

Unbeatable lifestyle

While the couple still visits their second house in North Carolina from time to time, nothing beats the maintenance-free lifestyle and convenient amenities that Lantern Hill offers. 

"Life here is so easy!" says Arlene. "There is a shuttle to take you to the grocery store, doctor's office, or shopping."

 "And the on-site medical center is very convenient," adds Bill. 

True maintenance-free living

Finance Director Joe Pisano points out that Lantern Hill's carefree lifestyle and variety of amenities is what allows residents to make the most of their retirement years. 

"We offer true maintenance-free living--our staff members take care of anything you need, and there are no surprise expenses," he says. "Plus, you can't beat the wealth of amenities, activities, and clubs to choose from!"

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