By Carolyn Crist
For the AJC
Nancy Cuthbert thought about downsizing for a decade. This year, she took the step and moved into a two-bedroom townhome in an active adult community. The Johns Creek neighborhood is just four miles from the Prestwick neighborhood, where she and her late husband raised their two children.
Cuthbert, 70, a former teacher, talked about her moving experience and active lifestyle in Brookhaven at Johns Creek, which has new homes by Jim Chapman Communities.
Q: Why did you decide to move?
A: I’ve wanted to downsize for 10 years since my husband died because we lived in a big five-bedroom home. While hosting a family reunion this summer at my house, the air conditioner went out and I knew I needed to get out. I came here to look at the community and signed the papers that weekend.
Q: How did you start looking?
A: I first looked at this neighborhood when it was being built but didn’t want to move in during the economic downturn and be in a unit off by myself if the community was at a standstill. The community is really taking off now, even some of my friends are moving here.
Q: What were your priorities?
A: I wanted to be close to the Atlanta Athletic Club and my old neighborhood. I also wanted to downsize. I like to travel and being able to close the door with the comfort that I can leave it. Plus, I wanted to stay close to my son who lives in Oakwood (about 40 minutes away) and have a place that is big enough for the kids to come visit.
Q: What do you love about the house?
A: I love my sunroom with the screened porch. At my old house, I had a front porch where I sat all the time. I like having a place where I can look out, see the people and be outside. My granddaughter also likes to use the bonus room upstairs for a getaway to play on the computer and watch TV.
Q: How was this different from previous purchases?
A: It was a piece of cake before because my husband did most of the work. This was the first time I bought anything huge like this on my own, and it was stressful. When I was younger, moving was fun. This time, it was tougher to determine what to move and what would fit. I sold and got rid of so much. I’ve become a minimalist now — it’s very freeing.
Q: What advice do you have for senior buyers?
A: You’ll know you should move when the time comes. Try not to stress out about it. You’ll find the right place at the right time.
At a Glance
Nancy Cuthbert’s new home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,000 square feet. Homes in Brookhaven at Johns Creek range from the low $300,000s to low $500,000s.
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