Fairfax Couple Find a New Home at Woodleigh Chase, in the Area They Already Know and Love

When Walter and Caroline Szczypinski decided they were ready for a worry-free lifestyle, they started looking for a retirement community nearby where they could say goodbye to the hassles of home maintenance. 

"The Navy brought us to [Northern Virginia] in the early 1970s. Now, our children live nearby, so we wanted to stay in the area. We began exploring our options," Walter says.

Their timing was perfect, since Erickson Senior Living was preparing to break ground on Woodleigh Chase, a new community coming to Fairfax, Va., just seven miles from their house.

"When we heard that Woodleigh Chase was being built, we were very excited. The fact that the community was brand-new was appealing to us," recalls Caroline.

Walter adds, "We liked the fact that we knew the area and we wouldn't have to change where we like to shop, our doctors, and things of that nature."

Not only would Woodleigh Chase offer the worry-free lifestyle they were looking for in an ideal location, but also an array of industry-leading amenities, clubs and activities, and peace of mind for the future. 

The perfect fit 

In 2022, the couple began their search for a Woodleigh Chase apartment home that would meet their wants and needs. Caroline's wish list included outdoor space, one of her favorite features in their previous house. 

"I was surprised that every apartment featured a screened balcony or patio," says Caroline. "That opened up our options to focus on location, size, and other things."

Walter was especially interested in a spacious living area. 

"Our previous house was a three-bedroom, two-bath rambler with an open floor plan," he explains. "We wanted to maintain that same open feel."

The two-bedroom, two-bath Raleigh model, featuring over 1,300 square feet of living space, was the perfect fit. It also boasts a separate laundry room and a primary suite with a huge walk-in closet and an en suite bath.

"We have the open floor plan we wanted. It's plenty of space for us, and we really like the layout--with each bedroom separated by the living area," says Caroline. "We use our second bedroom as an office, den, and flex space."

From the moment they began their search until the moving van drove away, Walter and Caroline relied on the Woodleigh Chase sales team to help them through the moving process. 

"From the start, they were there to address any questions or concerns we had, making us feel at ease," says Caroline. "We can't speak highly enough of the entire staff, from sales to the move-in coordinator; they were all great! Now, we feel settled in. We are happy we made the move when we did."

After settling into their apartment home, the Szczypinskis wasted no time getting involved. 

"Walt has been using the fitness center regularly, and I have been attending the strength and balance classes twice a week, which I really enjoy," says Caroline. "There is also a women's wine group that meets on Monday evenings that I have been part of."

"I meet with a men's group on Wednesdays, and I am interested in building up some resources for a trading library," adds Walter. "We are longtime members of a local country club, so I play golf there as well. That was one of the factors that appealed to us about Woodleigh Chase. The location has allowed us to stay within the circle of friends we have become familiar with over the years."

Meals made just for you

After years of making nightly dinners, Caroline welcomed the idea of never having to cook, plan meals, or wash dishes again. As a resident of Woodleigh Chase, she doesn't have to.

"I have been the chief cook and bottle washer for many years, so when we closed the door of our previous house for the final time, I said, 'Amen!,'" she says, with a laugh.

Now, the couple can walk to the on-site restaurants, where they enjoy delectable meals cooked-to-order with fresh ingredients.

"They are doing a great job! The food is delicious and outstanding. It's really worked out well," says Walter. 

Looking ahead, the Szczypinskis are excited about the future and the opportunities their new home affords them. 

"It's been an absolutely positive experience living here. Knowing we are finally settled is freeing. It gives us an opportunity to go in different directions and form relationships that we would not have had otherwise if we stayed in our house," says Caroline.

Walter agrees. "Living here brings out the best in us. We have met so many people from all walks of life. We have already made friendships that will be around for life." 

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.