Staying in New England for a Fulfilling Retirement

Many retirees are choosing to remain in New England rather than traveling south, drawn by a desire to stay close to places filled with decades of memories as well as access to high-quality healthcare and the region’s rich cultural offerings.

The Browns: Staying Connected

For Bill and Margaret Brown, the decision to stay in New England and to choose Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Redding, was deeply personal.

After moving to Redding in 1981, Bill spent more than 40 years involved with civic life, church leadership, local schools and youth sports. Margaret has also been active locally, including a longtime involvement with the League of Women Voters.

Earlier in their lives, the Browns spent two years in Florida for work but ultimately felt at home in the North. “We missed the seasons and honestly, we didn’t miss the humidity,” Bill said.

In 2020, they moved to Meadow Ridge, which they describe as “a community within a community.” The transition allowed them to remain active and involved while simplifying daily life and staying connected to their local network.

Margaret quickly became an active presence, co-chairing the Meadow Ridge Library Committee and serving on the Board of Trustees for the Mark Twain Library, which partners with Meadow Ridge to expand access to books and resources.

Bill was recognized for his contributions, receiving the Heart of the Community Award from Meadow Ridge for his longstanding involvement in both the town and the community.

The Browns are happy they can witness their family’s growth, living nearby. Their daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters live only eight miles away.

“We’ve been able to see our granddaughters since they were crawling,” they shared. “It’s been incredibly special to be there for their milestones.”

The Brautigams: Familiarity Meets New Opportunities

That sense of connection is echoed by Meadow Ridge residents Bill and Nancy Brautigam, who lived in nearby Wilton for 33 years. Like the Browns, they built a strong network through their church, volunteer work and local organizations and wanted to remain close to the life they had created. “We never envisioned ourselves as snowbirds,” said Bill.

At Meadow Ridge, they’ve found a balance of familiarity and new opportunities. “One of the biggest perks has been meeting new people,” Nancy said. The couple, longtime members of a local curling club, enjoy introducing others to the sport, often taking Meadow Ridge friends to the club.

Meadow Ridge offers a dynamic range of opportunities to keep residents active, engaged and connected. From energizing fitness classes like Aquafit and Wii Zumba, to strength and balance options such as Core Fitness, Chair Pilates and Seated Tai Chi, there is something for every routine. Residents also enjoy social and intellectual activities, such as current events discussions, as well as creative outlets, including the Meadowlarks, a resident-led singing group.

Off campus, residents continue to take full advantage of the region’s cultural offerings. The Brautigams recently attended a concert at the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, one of many experiences just a short trip away.

Finding Peace of Mind

High-quality healthcare is just a short drive away from Meadow Ridge, including Yale New Haven Health and major medical centers in New York City. This is an advantage many retirees weigh when deciding where to settle.

Life at Meadow Ridge also brings a sense of ease. Daily responsibilities are handled by a supportive team of associates and even winter’s challenges are minimized. After a winter storm dropped nearly 18 inches of snow, the grounds were promptly cleared, allowing residents to move about freely. “We feel so fortunate, they take care of everything,” Margaret said.

Retirement as a Continuation of Life

The experiences of the Browns and Brautigams reflect a broader shift in how people are thinking about retirement. It’s not a departure from the things and people they love—it’s a continuation. Living at Meadow Ridge means staying connected to community, having opportunities to make a difference and being surrounded by the places and people that matter most.