Brooksby Village Priority List Members Plan with Confidence

You've earned your retirement! Whether you want to relax with a good book or pick up a new hobby, it's important to find an environment that will best support your goals for retirement. 

For Marilyn and Harry Simmons, the hunt for the perfect retirement community started at Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass.--and they didn't have to look further. 

"We had very good friends who moved to Brooksby; we often came for dinner," Marilyn recalls. "I thought we weren't ready to make the move, but my friend's key advice was, ‘Come while you are still independent and young enough to enjoy all Brooksby offers.'"

Inspired by this advice, Marilyn and Harry joined the Priority List, which granted them right of first refusal on desired floor plans and exclusive access to amenities, so they could explore the campus beyond the restaurants.

"If you're on the Priority List, you're ahead of the game!" adds Marilyn, who is now enjoying the Brooksby lifestyle as a resident herself.   

Living the life

After joining the Priority List, Marilyn and Harry started receiving invitations to informational and social events happening on campus. 

"Harry and I came to a number of the lunch invitations and tours," Marilyn says. "We walked everywhere. We wanted to get a real feel for the grounds, so we drove every place we could go. I was impressed with the spring flowers, bushes, and all the trees. That was a big attraction to me, how well the grounds were kept."

Priority List members also have the unique opportunity to participate in the community's Live the Life program--a three-day, two-night stay in a furnished residence with an open invitation to enjoy meals at the restaurants and participate in clubs and activities that interest them. 

"Access to the community through our Live the Life program is really beneficial for Priority List members," says Sales Director Gina Fernandez. "Ultimately, prospective residents want to know that there are other people like them living here. This program helps demonstrate that, giving them a taste of what life is like here on our campus."

The perfect fit

By making the most of their Priority List membership, Marilyn and Harry received all the information they needed to confirm that Brooksby was the perfect retirement community for them. So, they turned their attention to finding the perfect residence. 

After touring several units, the couple chose The Kingston, a two-bedroom, two-bath floor plan with a balcony. 

"Our unit overlooks a ridge. When I sit in my chair in the living room, I look across the balcony and all I see is trees," Marilyn says. 

Thanks to their Priority List status, the Simmons were able to reserve their ideal floor plan before members of the public--a huge advantage, given that Brooksby is on pace to sell out. 

"Brooksby is usually pretty full, so you want to be able to secure the floor plan you want," explains Marilyn.

A smooth move

Already envisioning their new life at Brooksby, Marilyn and Harry were ready to put their house on the market. 

"We had lived in our house for 50 years, but we decided, ‘Let's go for it,'" Marilyn recalls. "We started getting rid of stuff and put our house on the market. It sold quickly."

To streamline their move, the Simmons used another Priority List perk: complimentary support from planning and moving professionals. 

"Planning and Moving Consultant Laurie Phillips came to our house and went over all our furniture--what to keep and what would fit, which was very helpful," she says. 

Phillips works closely with future residents every step of the way, from downsizing to move-in day. She can also provide a list of resources, like preferred real estate agents and moving companies. 

Engaging activities

The Simmons couldn't be happier with their decision to join the Priority List, which helped create a smooth transition to their new home in August 2021. 

"I love that in the winter, we do all our walking using the enclosed walkways linking the buildings," says Marilyn. "You don't have to worry about going out or cleaning off cars."

She continues, "After we moved in, I started getting active with some interest groups pretty quickly. I joined Brooksby Singers, the photography group, and I have a garden plot. We are busy! We've met a lot of people and made great friends."

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