These One-Bedroom Homes Offer Everything You Need

Leslie Nies spent her early years in New Jersey, but after high school, she moved to Massachusetts, where she lived for 45 years. 

"But in 2021, I realized that it was time to make the move to a continuing care retirement community [CCRC]," says Leslie, who knew that moving back to the Garden State to be closer to family--including her brother, nephew, and niece--would be the best decision. 

So, she toured a few different CCRCs and attended an informational luncheon at Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., with her sister-in-law.

"When I walked in, my first reaction was, ‘This is a really lovely place,'" she recalls. "After a delicious lunch, we took a tour of the entire campus. There were two apartment homes on the tour." 

One was a beautifully staged, one-bedroom plus den floor plan. "I liked it so much that I ended up deciding that was the one for me!" says Leslie, who has proudly called the community home since February 2024.

Something for everyone

Sales Director Kate Tanis notes that Lantern Hill's one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den floor plans range in size from 856 to 1,095 square feet, making it a great option for many prospective residents. 

"There are different floor plans for a range of needs and lifestyles. Some one-bedroom residences have bigger dens, while others have smaller dens and a larger living space," she explains. "The ones with a den offer flexibility for people looking to create an office space, spare bedroom, or even a separate dining space."

However, many residents find that they spend most of their time out and about in the community, eliminating the need for additional space. 

"Current residents look at the community as an extension of their residences," says Tanis, "as many of the amenities and activities on campus are just steps from their front doors."

Plus, Lantern Hill now has a guest suite that residents can rent for visiting out-of-town guests, rather than reserving a floor plan with a second bedroom that would sit empty for most of the year.

The perfect fit

When Leslie was touring her future residence, one feature in particular stood out.

"What immediately caught my attention was the transom of three interior windows from the den to the living room," she says. "I loved all the light that it allowed into the den, which I now use as my office space. It's a very bright space." 

She was also thrilled that every piece of furniture she wanted to bring with her would fit perfectly in her new home. 

"The detailed copies of floor plans provided by Lantern Hill made it convenient for me to gauge the space," she explains. "Not only did my furniture fit perfectly, but I also have lots of storage space. I have a large coat closet and a walk-in bedroom closet. I also added shelves in the laundry room for additional storage."

And when touring campus, two amenities caught her eye--the aquatics center and parking. 

"I had to have an indoor pool and underground parking, both of which Lantern Hill has," she says. "I enjoy water aerobics as well as the exercise classes offered at the fitness center. Also, there are interesting lectures and other programs. You can be as involved as you like here!" 

She adds, "Everyone at Lantern Hill is so friendly. I immediately had invitations to dinner--I could have dinner every night with different people if I wanted." 

‘Why wait?'

If you're interested in the same vibrant lifestyle, Tanis recommends looking at one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den floor plans. 

"We are on pace to sell out at Lantern Hill," she says, "and there is a longer wait list for the two-bedroom homes, so if you're ready to make the move, you will have more options in terms of location and floor plan if you choose a one-bedroom option."

In fact, Leslie often hears from neighbors that they wished they had moved to Lantern Hill earlier. 

"I thought of waiting another year myself, but then I thought, ‘Why wait?'" she says. "I am enjoying everything offered here. It was the best decision for me, and Lantern Hill is now my home."

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