Doris Schaefer moved from St. Petersburg, Fla., to Garden Plaza at Lawrenceville last October.

"My husband had died, and my daughter, who lives in Winder, suggested I make the move up here. I had looked at quite a few places when I came up to visit, but wasn't particularly pleased. Then my grandson saw this building under construction. When I saw it, I immediately placed my deposit. It's absolutely beautiful, just like a five-star hotel."

Christopher Oquendo/Special (ENLARGE)

Doris Schaefer enjoys meals, activities and transportation at Garden Plaza in Lawrenceville, where the residents have become like family.

Getting there Directions from downtown Atlanta: Take I-85 North to Ga. 316 East. Turn left onto Collins Hill Rd. Take the immediate left onto Collins Industrial Way. Go to 4 way stop. Go straight. Garden Plaza is last building on the right.

Her apartment: "I have a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony. I'm on the second floor on one of the courtyards."

Dining services: "We have kitchens, but they don't get much use. We have a full buffet breakfast, and a fine dining experience is offered in the evening in the elegant dining room. We also have a bistro on campus if we want to eat lunch."

Transportation, too: "Garden Plaza provides transportation to your doctor appointments on your schedule. There are organized shopping trips and excursions to events like shows at the Fox Theatre."

Making friends and staying busy: "When I arrived I didn't know anybody, but I was part of the first group that moved in, and we became a family. Now as more people move in, we just blend them in. We have exercise in the morning, swimming in the afternoons. We play bridge and socialize. On Sunday nights, there's a soup and dessert gathering, Friday nights there's a social hour. We have movies, just about everything you could need, want and enjoy!"

People are amazed: "Anybody who looks around here is amazed at what a beautiful place it is. There are little gathering rooms with fireplaces, lots of cozy places to sit."

AT A GLANCE

Garden Plaza at Lawrenceville

Address: 230 Collins Industrial Way, Lawrenceville

County: Gwinnett

Information: 770-236-8333, www.lawrencevilleretirement.com

Year built: 2007

Rent (subject to change): studio $2,495-$2,595; one-bedroom $2,895-$4,095; two-bedroom $3,795

Fees: $2,000 nonrefundable one-time security fee; $1,000 nonrefundable one-time pet fee

Pets: 25 pounds or less

Number of units: 150

Amenities: All meals and transportation included; landscaped courtyards with outdoor grill kitchen; theater-style media room; barber/beauty salon, Internet/business cafe; indoor pool/spa with fitness center; 24-hour concierge service, linen/laundry service provided as well as housekeeping and maintenance, two laundry rooms per floor with free washer and dryer.

Units for disabled: Yes