When Wrynn Wilkins was exploring her upscale options, she wanted a family-friendly retirement community with a carefree lifestyle and multiple activities.
“I wanted to live near my kids and they were all in North Dallas,” she says.
Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., checked all his boxes.
“I feel very blessed here, humbled. “If you need maintenance or repairs in your apartment building, you just pick up the phone and schedule a job,” says Wrynn, who took care of her first home, garden and pool by herself.
Now, without the problem of time-consuming care, he has more time to make new friends and pursue his interests.
Morning movement
Before heading out for a full day of meetings and activities, Wrynn watches the sun rise with her cat Emma in her two-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
He says: “It was very important for me to have the morning sun, because I like to do my worship outside. “My corner with a wrap-around balcony on the fifth floor is fantastic!”
After sunrise, Wrynn opens the doors and windows around her house. “Meditation and coffee are next, then I’m off for the day.”
His first stop is usually the aquatic center on campus.
“I’m in the pool a lot. We have the most amazing pool!” Wrynn says. “I go back and forth between the pool and the hot tub with different exercises.”
After the water aerobics comes a nice long walk with the five girls, all of whom are always busy.
Wrynn says: “We’re all single—whether we’re widowed or divorced. “We’re going crazy inside. We meet people everywhere! I walk every day, once or twice a day.”
Then it goes to a Bible study, led by the Pastor’s community group.
To increase friendship
As Wrynn meets more neighbors through her morning chores, she says it’s time to move out for her growing friendships.
Wrynn moved to Highland Springs from Denison, Tex., in December 2023–when construction on Cypress Landing, her residence, was just completed.
“I took the time to move when Cypress Landing was completed,” he says. So, everyone in my building was new and everyone was going through the same things. That was very useful.”
Twice a month, she and more than a dozen women from the fifth floor of Cypress Landing — who call themselves “Five Friends” — meet in the building’s lounge. The group focuses on “building a foundation of friendship,” Wrynn says, as well as supporting each other in any way necessary.
And once a month, he goes to the Sunday Night Social, which is held in every neighborhood in Highland Springs.
“It’s a real community,” says Wrynn. “People are working hard to fight for rights and make things work. There is a lot of connection, camaraderie, and flow here. You feel important. ”
Wrynn also attends Citizens Advisory Council meetings; participates in Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging events; and joins a recycling group to meet new people.
Eating with friends
In the afternoon and evening, Wrynn and a group of her friends often head to one of Highland Springs’ seven restaurants—including the new Crescent Club, Lonestar Pub and Chisholm’s—for food and good conversation.
“Cresent Club has an outdoor area with tables and chairs,” he says. “And we love the pool. It’s great.”
He adds, “We also prepare food in each other’s room once a week. We like to cook different meals and enjoy each other’s homes.”
Director of Resident Life Kimberly Reed notes that one of the most common ways residents interact is in restaurants.
“Residents meet neighbors and make new friends at every meal!” he says. “It’s amazing, proving all the ways our citizens stay active, involved, and follow their passions.”
‘A beautiful place’
With family nearby, a care-free apartment, an array of things to choose from, and a supportive network of new friends, Wrynn couldn’t be happier.
“I feel completely safe and cared for,” she says. “Not having the responsibility of taking care of the property has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. Highland Springs is a great place to be!”
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Written by Susan Ingram
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