Soon after construction came to an end earlier this spring, excited residents began moving into The Woodlands, a new independent living neighborhood for seniors at Salemtowne. The Woodlands officially opened with a celebration on Friday, March 6. Since then, more than 70 residents have moved into The Woodlands, and more moves are scheduled in the fall.

As part of its protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic, Salemtowne put strict safeguards in place during the move-in phase to assure the health and safety of residents. Since moving into The Woodlands during a time when many seniors remained indoors, residents especially have enjoyed Salemtowne’s wide range of outdoor spaces, including The Plaza (a beautifully appointed center courtyard) at The Woodlands and the trails system surrounding the entire 120+ acre campus.

“Salemtowne has the levels of care so that we are good should a need arise.

Our children don’t have to worry about us. It’s kind of a gift to them,” Judy Owen, a new resident of The Woodlands, said. “Keep an open mind about the possibility of a completely different lifestyle. This new lifestyle is very appealing to us.”

Judy’s husband, Sam, shared similar thoughts: “When you’re ‘ready,’ it may be too late. We wanted to come while we felt good while we could enjoy the many activities that are available, and so far, we have not been disappointed.”

The Woodlands consists of two four-floor buildings that feature a total of 56 one- and two-bedroom villas ranging from 1,215 to 1,875 square feet. Each building has seven residences per floor and underbuilding parking. The Woodlands residents are sure to find many campus amenities to enhance their new lifestyle, some new, and some favorite pastimes.

The Woodlands features six open concept floor plans, breakfast bars and pantries in kitchens, large utility closets, and walk-in showers with glass shower doors. All units have either a patio or balcony and walk-in closets in master bedrooms. Other amenities in each building include a large common area for residents who wish to host parties and get-togethers and a satellite fitness area. The flourishing courtyard, which residents have named The Plaza, spills over two levels, featuring multiple sitting areas, a fireplace, grills, water feature, and fire pit. Residents find this a comfortable place to socialize safely or to be completely immersed in nature.

“The open concept floor plan at The Woodlands was carefully designed to maximize light from two or three sides,” Salemtowne President and CEO Mark Steele said. “In addition, the underbuilding parking will allow residents to come and go with ease, regardless of weather conditions. The Woodlands offers living choices and amenities that seniors desire in a beautifully wooded setting.”

“We decided that if we were going to be anywhere during the pandemic, we couldn’t think of a safer place to be than in the facilities here at Salemtowne,” new Woodlands resident Ben Floyd said. “For people who haven’t lived here, you can’t imagine the care and the planning and the adjustments that the staff has undertaken to make sure that everybody stays healthy.”

“I’ve been surprised by the number of people who have seen what we’re doing and have said, ‘You know, we’ve thought about that, but we just haven’t done anything about it,’” Ben added. “Start the process. It’s like anything else until you begin, you’re pretty much making a decision not to decide.”

If you know of someone considering a move to Salemtowne, a limited number of residences in several of the six-floor plans at The Woodlands remain available. Salemtowne will be offering socially distanced tours on Wednesday, September 23, by appointment only. Call 336-714-2157 or email marketing@salemtowne.org to make an appointment.

About Salemtowne

Salemtowne, located near the original home of North Carolina’s Moravian settlers, is a nonprofit, continuing care retirement community founded in 1972 and renowned for providing the highest standards and options for seniors.

It is a community that embraces a deep Moravian heritage where residents enjoy life to its fullest and where every life shines. Salemtowne is situated on 120-acres and provides care for approximately 450 residents.