Many people who are thinking of moving into a senior living community say they’re looking to “downsize.” When you speak with residents of John Knox Village of Central Florida, the conversation is quite different—it’s not about living smaller but living larger.
We were able to grab some time with two residents of our modern apartment homes in between card games, cornhole tournaments and trips to the ice cream shop. Hear what they have to say about their unique experiences.
Everything She Dreamed of
Jean C. always knew she wanted to live at John Knox Village, a senior living community her parents called home for several years. Before moving to Florida, she lived in Washington, DC, Maryland and Maine. After losing her husband 16 years ago, she was ready to stop dealing with the cold weather—and all the responsibilities that come with home ownership—by moving to a maintenance-free retirement community.
“As a single woman, it’s tough. I used to have to find a repairperson, then call to schedule an appointment and wait forever for them to come out,” Jean says. “Here, the maintenance team does it all for you—whether you need help changing a lightbulb or your phone or Internet goes down, they take care of it right away. I don’t even have to change my sheets; they send someone out every other week to do it for me.”
The community’s security features are another big selling point for Jean. “You don’t have to worry about someone strange knocking on your door or walking down the hallways,” she explains. “Sometimes buzzing folks in can be a bit repetitive, but the security here really is top-notch. I never have to worry.”
A Change of Heart and Address
Unlike Jean, Barbara B.’s entry into John Knox Village wasn’t planned. In fact, she was adamant she didn’t want to move into a senior living community. While Barbara insisted she was very happy in the home she owned, a friend who moved to John Knox Village kept hounding her to check out the community, so Barbara finally agreed just so she would stop asking. She took a tour and immediately fell in love with the campus.
“I knew right away,” Barbara recalls. “As we were driving into the Village, it was just beautiful with winding streets instead of squares like an ice cube tray. There was moss hanging off the trees, paved walkways, folks riding bikes and a lot of people walking. I remember thinking this didn’t feel like any other senior living community I had ever seen. It was more of a social community. And my sales guy, who was wonderful, was waving to everyone. I found out that’s quite a tradition here in the Village—to wave at everyone coming and going. It just struck me as a welcoming community I’d like to live in.”
Although Jean and Barbara took different paths to get here, there’s one thing they both agree on—there’s nowhere else they’d rather be. This sentiment is echoed throughout our community.
Less Really Is More
Jean and Barbara lived in single-family homes before moving to their cottages and, eventually, the apartments they now call home. When asked about any challenges of having to downsize, both women say it was a breeze.
“A John Knox consultant came to my home after I had chosen my floor plan and gave me a lot of advice about what would fit, what wouldn’t fit and how the space could be used,” Barbara says. “So, it was very smooth, and to tell you the truth, it feels better to have less stuff. Each time you get rid of something, it gets easier.”
Jean couldn’t agree more. “There’s no reason to keep anything you don’t need. It makes your home look better and feel better when you don’t have too much stuff.”
At John Knox Village, we have an excellent system of helping residents part with items they no longer want or need, with funds going to good causes. Clothing, jewelry and small household items can be donated to our Gift Shop, with proceeds from sales going to the Medical Auxiliary. Furniture and other large items that are donated are displayed and sold in an empty residence once a month with proceeds going to our Employee Appreciation Fund.
At the Centre of it All
After settling into their cottages at John Knox Village, meeting new friends, joining clubs and living their best lives, both women knew this was the perfect community for them. But each had their eyes on their own dream apartment within the community, so they put their names on the waiting list.
Barbara knew exactly which apartment floor plan she wanted and that she wanted to be on the first floor facing the water. She got what she was looking for—and more. “I have a wonderful floor plan that flows from the entry to the dining room to the living room with no walls. I also have a huge kitchen, a very large bedroom and a perfect view of the big lake,” Barbara says.
The view and being able to watch the birds are the biggest reasons she moved to that particular apartment. But she has to admit, the convenience of everything is also pretty great. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is; I don’t have to go outside or get in my car if I don’t want to,” Barbara says.
Barbara worked with the staff at John Knox Village to customize the two-bedroom, two-full-bath apartment floor plan she chose into the open concept she envisioned. “By knocking out walls and removing the one smaller bedroom, we were able to really open things up for her,” Marketing Communications Specialist Shannon Finley added. “We’re now incorporating several of those changes into future renovations for other residents.”
Jean also chose an apartment that overlooks the water. Hers is a one-bedroom, one-bath with a screened-in balcony. “The balcony is so peaceful, sometimes I’ll sleep out there,” she says. “I can even see the rockets and shuttles launch from my balcony. It’s the perfect apartment for me.”
Like Barbara, Jean loves the convenience of everything. Three of the four dining venues are right in The Centre, although she admits the ice cream and coffee shop are her favorites. “I always like to start with dessert. I’m 88 years old; I can do whatever I want,” she laughs. “The Scoop has something like 27 different kinds of ice cream, and it’s a three-minute walk right inside my building.” Also housed within The Centre are our fitness center, Treetop Lounge, pool area, bank, salon, barbershop, resale shop and more.
Ready to Live Large in One of Our Independent Living Apartments?
John Knox Village offers several apartment options ranging from modern studios to spacious two-bedroom, two-full-bath floor plans. Regardless of the specific layout or square footage of the apartment you choose, you’ll have access to more than 200 acres of “living” space throughout our beautiful, sprawling community. Call 386-775-0788 to schedule a tour and see for yourself what makes John Knox Village of Central Florida one of the region’s most sought-after senior living communities. And while you’re there, be sure to wave to everyone.