The Independence of Charlottesville

I love this community and I think it is perfect. I love most about the community most is the whole atmosphere. They offer a lot of programs so you could stay busy all day if you wanted to. There is such a wonderful attitude here.

Shelby and I have considered moving into The Independence for several years. This year (2015) we sold our property and realized that goal. We have been pleased with the way we have been accepted as part of the community. The Independence allows a freedom of participation in activities as we see fit. No one is required to be part of event they are uncomfortable doing. The staff is a joy to be around and are helpful in everyday events. We recommend The Independence to anyone who is fortunate enough to live here.

Now that we have entered the time in our life we thought we better prepare ourselves for a move to a retirement home. After several serious excursions to a number of places we discovered that might fit our needs. After a first visit followed a second visit and finally a third. This time we were even offered to stay a night in their guest suite in order to have the opportunity to meet some of their residents. Now, a month and a half later we enjoy the benefits of a well-run home, a comfortable (quiet) apartment which is important and a lovingly maintained facility where broken things are repaired promptly. It has allowed us to get acquainted with the residents rather quickly by attending in-house social gatherings. For us The Independence is a complete winner! Would love to meet you as a new resident and be your personal tour guide. Hope to see you soon.

I looked at several apartment complexes when I decided to sell my house and downsize to an apartment. The staff at The Independence really impressed me with their efforts to make me feel comfortable and to find the right apartment for me. In addition to age-in-place features, all of the apartments have high ceilings and plenty of natural light. These features made the transition to smaller living quarters much easier. The entire staff at The Independence in welcome and caring and very professional. They foster a community feeling that is obvious in the friendliness of the residents. I do feel like The Independence is my home now.

This community is difficult to find, though it lends to the privacy. The building is spacious and the grounds beautiful, but it is NOT all-inclusive. We prefer utilities/meals included with rent. Diedre is an outstanding marketing director. We are still considering.

Coming to The Independence has been a joy and a blessing – my decision to come was based on the video and the magazine I saw with a group which had persons that looked like me – persons of color. The entrance was just beautiful and looked like home – bright and inviting. I have not been disappointed – especially as a traveler who has been many places and seen people from all walks of life. The social activities are many – something for everyone at all times. I love flowers and to see “fresh” flowers in the clubhouse on all of the tables – and to know that the residents are part of this project. So I began to take part in this phase of my new life. However, life does have its ups and downs. As you have made many friends, you lose some of those friends. Some m0ove back to their original homes – some die due to illness – and you stop to honor their lives and your memories – you realize as my grandmother would say “Life is short at its longest.” I came on November 1st, 2014 but here at The Independence there has been many happy moments and days. The jazz band on Thursday evenings, church on Sundays, happy hours, picnics, pot luck suppers – I could go on and on. There is a Council to inform the residents of all changes and administrative issues from and about management. Life is great here at The Independence. Bright colors – beautiful apartments and happiness for me and new friends.

I have lived at The Independence over a year now and I must say it is my home in every way. I have fixed up my apartment to make it “all” mine. I have developed lasting friendships and have been able to visit many places I would not have seen on my own. I hope I will be continuing to enjoy my life here for many years.

Downsizing my living accommodations had become necessary due to health concerns. I still enjoy being self-sufficient but cannot take care of a large house. Searching for comfortable accommodations led me (and my daughter) to The Independence. What a great reception we received when we looked at the available apartments! Favorable enough to quickly convince me that The Independence would suit me very well. An the rental process was not difficult. Perhaps, however, the most favorable and welcoming feeling came as I met a few residents which I was viewing the facility and they were so warm and friendly. This continued after I moved in and has enhanced my feeling that I have made a very good relocation. I must add that the staff are warm and helpful in addition to being cheerful and friendly. The facilities are very compatible with my needs and there are great activities and interests for those who wish to participate. I suggest that The Independence be considered when looking for relocation.

After 40 years in New York City, I came to Charlottesville to be near my family. The Independence was the perfect place to land and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a permanent place to live, or for a transition between life chapters. It is beautiful and comfortable. The staff is amazing - fun, kind, helpful, and patient. A sweet community - and varied and interesting activities to participate in - or not - its an easy restful place to be too. My little dogs and I like it very much!

I have lived at The Independence 3 1/2 months now and I must say I am very much at home here. The staff are all very friendly and I have made some wonderful friends. I enjoy many of the activities. I lived in my house in South Carolina for 21 years and was worried before I made the move as to how I would do, but that was uncalled for. I have found a home. Thanks to the staff and good neighbors!

In the two years that my husband, Bill, and I have lived here, we have seen the Independence grow, not only in the number of residents, but also in the spirit of community. This is due in large part to our manager and her staff. Ashley has created a warm atmosphere and has succeeded in making the Independence our home. We have daily exercise classed which now include Yoga and Qi Gong as well as core and strength. We have a myriad of activities as well e.g. Bridge, Bingo, crafts, etc. In addition to the regular van runs, we also have scheduled outings to museums, performances, etc. Charlottesville is an ideal retirement community. Residents also have the opportunity to enjoy each other's company at a weekly Happy Hour in addition to our frequent potluck suppers. We would not have considered moving here if we had not been able to have our pets. So many residents have pets that a playground, the "Bark Park," was built just for them. Our two mini dachshunds love the agility course. This past year we established a Resident Council with elected officers to give all the residents a voice in making The Independence even better.

I have not been here long enough to much about The Independence. I still have a lot to learn. There are so many residents I have yet to meet, but everyone I have met has been very welcoming. The staff provides answers for questions on the spot or quickly finds the answer. There are activities for all and suggestions for new activities are readily accepted. It's a good place to live.

There is a wonderful sense of community, caring & fun from residents & Management alike without ever compromising one's privacy. Living at the Independence has become a new &.stimulating way of life for me. P.S I have renewed my lease two times since becoming a "temporary" resident!!

"Welcome Home." This tag line is really true here at THE INDEPENDENCE. The atmosphere here is very comfortable and inviting. The facilities are excellent with a staff that have the attitude of “What can we do to help.” There are plenty of activities if you are so inclined. You can be as active as you want to be - your choice. The residents, too, are friendly and are good neighbors. I am thankful that I found THE INDEPENDENCE.

We can heartily endorse The Independence. We can't imagine a better, more helpful and kind management and support team. They have reacted positively to our needs and have provided meaningful, pleasant opportunities for interaction between residents here. Activities and facilities to promote health, education, and fun have been made available and are made use of by residents. A bus is available for appointments by individuals and for pleasure trips for small groups. There are so many wonderful destinations in Charlottesville that we are able to take advantage of. While food service and medical/nursing care is not part of the "package," assistance can be given to anyone who finds that they are in need of services. The Independence subscribes to the "aging in place" philosophy. Ruffie, our golden doodle, asks me to mention that she is so happy that she has been welcomed here. She quickly became used to coming and going by elevator or staircase. She loves the view out her window and is trying to learn not to greet the residents quite so joyously as she comes and goes! She rates this a 5-star hotel. As do we! Come visit...

We had high hopes when we moved into this beautiful facility. The decorating was exquisite, the apartments were modern and spacious, and the staff and residents were friendly. After a year our hopes have been exceeded. The staff is accommodating, competent and friendly. Our apartment has been decorated (thanks Srdan for the painting job) and is homey and comfortable. We participate in the activities in which we are interested and there is a wide variety to choose from. We love "maintenance free" living. We are hopeful year two and beyond will be even better.

I am 67 years old and have never lived alone. When my husband of 42 years divorced me three months ago, I was in a word "lost". We had lived in a 10,000 square foot home which we now have to divide. I must give my children all the credit for discovering The Independence. They did not want me to live alone in a rented house somewhere for safety concerns. They also felt that the wonderful, warm, social atmosphere here would be therapeutic for me. I must say that they were right on every point. From the first moment I entered the door, I was met by fabulous people who remembered my name from that moment! There is always something going on and you can participate or not. Everyone here is so friendly and eager to become acquainted. I rate The Independence with 5 stars on every level.

Several months ago, I had a friend tell me to check out The Independence again. My first time I felt as if it was too far from places I usually go to for banking, groceries, church, etc. She suggested I look again. I am so glad she did because my second look gave me the idea that this is the place for me. I had not realized how much I missed community. Where I used to live there were neighbors who went to work and had children. We waved at each other, but I went out to find community. So glad I did! I now have community. I have started a meditation group and have had jazz musicians come in and share music. I am now working on a buddy system so we all can look out for each other. As an elder, it is nice to know that you have neighbors whom you can call during the week. We all can look out for each other and not feel alone. I now have community and I had no idea how much I had missed it the last few years.

Since moving into The Independence three weeks ago, I have found the experience better than I expected. The staff, both efficient and responsive, are caring and supportive of my needs and concerns. Each staff member is friendly, approachable, and ready and able to assist with even the smallest of requests. The amenities and activities that are provided are on par with a "resort class" experience. There are many outings both personal and with a group in which you can participate in or curl up alone with a good book in the library. Anyone making the choice to live here will be well pleased to have made their home at The Independence.

Initially, it was a difficult transition to sell my home, simply because of all the things I cherished about my home, from family memories, milestones, events, and celebrations; my beautiful gardens; and all my wonderful neighbors. However, the maintenance of 2 acres of lawn, leaves, snow, and the ongoing upkeep of major equipment and appliances became a burden. However, once I saw The Independence and met so many energetic and friendly seniors like me who had a similar transition, the decision to transition become increasingly easier. I love my extended new family at The Independence. I have lived here for over a year and it was the best decision I could've made. Ultimately, I didn't give up my independence when I sold my home. I embarked on a new journey to enjoy my life and do all the things I want to do instead of because I have to do them.