When folks move to a senior living community like Blue Skies of Texas in San Antonio, they begin a vibrant life that’s free from chores like dusting the furniture and seeding the lawn. But you may be wondering how long it takes to really start feeling at home.
To find out, we talked to Sam and Mary H., two of the newest members of our Blue Skies family. Even before they finished unpacking, they knew that their transition would be a smooth one. “One lady I met in the elevator told me that Blue Skies was ‘simply an easy place to live,’” Mary says. “That’s a good thing to hear when you’ve just arrived.”
Let’s check in with this dynamic couple and see how they’re settling into life at Blue Skies.
Making Their New Residence Feel Like “Home”
For this next chapter of their lives, Sam and Mary chose The Towers, which are senior living homes on our West Campus. “We’re on the top floor, so it’s almost like a penthouse,” Mary, a former Department of Defense employee, laughs. “And you can’t beat the view.”
“I love that everything’s right here,” adds Sam, a Navy veteran. “The gym, the indoor pool, and the main dining room are all just steps away.”
So, what was it like to downsize? Mary says the journey was natural—even therapeutic. “We all have way too much stuff, and it was nice to get rid of items we haven’t used in years. Plus, our two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan is perfect. I was able to fit my entire dining room set, so there’s plenty of space to entertain friends and family members. We also converted the second bedroom into a nice, cozy den, which is ideal for reading and relaxing.”
Another way that Sam and Mary made their apartment home feel comfortable and familiar is by decorating it with treasured photos and artwork. “Our pictures and paintings are arranged just like they were in our previous house, so we really felt settled into the community from day one,” Sam says.
They also made sure to bring a few mementos from three years of living in the United Kingdom. “I have a darling little CD holder that looks like an old-fashioned British telephone booth,” Mary says. “There’s also a beautiful washstand with a marble top, which we now use as a minibar. Every time I look at it, I think of England.”
Carving Out Time for Fitness … and Walking the Dog
One of the first things Sam and Mary noticed about our retirement community in San Antonio is that so many people were out socializing, playing sports, or engaging in an ever-growing list of enriching activities for seniors. “People have the misconception that a community like Blue Skies is an ‘old age home,’ but nothing could be further from the truth,” Sam says, “It’s a very vibrant community.”
Sam stays in shape by playing golf with friends from both Blue Skies and Del Webb, where the couple used to live. He’s also a big fan of the Strength and Balance class offered at our fitness center. “Preventing falls is so important at this stage of the game,” he stresses. But perhaps Sam’s favorite physical activity is walking their rescue dog Edith, who’s become the hit of the neighborhood. “It didn’t take her long to settle into the community,” Sam says. “She’s even gotten used to the elevators!”
As for Mary, she’s a bit more old-school when it comes to staying fit. “I go to the gym and lift weights or hit the treadmill,” she explains. “I’ve also started taking Chair Yoga, which is great for flexibility and balance.”
“We’re both blessed with such good health,” Mary adds, “but if anything changes, we have access to all levels of care right here. And they’re all top notch.”
Building Connections with Neighbors and Friends
Settling in becomes even more fun as folks meet their new neighbors, who soon turn into friends. For Sam and Mary, even meals are now daily social events. “When we moved in, I was showing a neighbor my dining room set and telling her how excited I was that I could still host dinners,” Mary explains. “She told me ‘You’ll get over that fast!’ And she was right. While I still enjoy cooking, it’s such a treat to have a lovely dinner with friends and not have to wash dishes or scrub the sink.”
“The Lakeview Dining Room is our favorite restaurant at Blue Skies, and it’s also the closest,” Sam says. “And when we’re in the mood for something less formal, you can’t beat the soups, salads, and sandwiches at the Bistro. They make a fabulous pizza, too.”
Since Mary still loves to cook, it’s no surprise that one of the first activities she pursued was the Dining Room Advisory Council. “It’s been quite a learning experience,” she says. “I had no idea how much planning and preparation went into providing tasty, nutritious meals to hundreds of people every day.”
Now that they’re all settled in, the pair can’t wait to explore the many other engaging activities for seniors at Blue Skies. “Living here is like being on vacation every day,” Sam says. “Every morning, we check the in-house app to see what events are going on and where they’re located.”
Mary adds: “It’s easy to meet people here. There are so many clubs and things to do, and people are always reaching out. If you’re bored at Blue Skies, it’s your own fault.”
See Why Blue Skies in San Antonio Really Is an Easy Place to Live
Even the most positive life change, like moving to a senior living community, requires a period of adjustment and settling in. But at Blue Skies, most folks find the journey simple, stress-free, and even fun. Maybe that’s why we’re ranked #1 in Texas and #7 in the country in Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
Want to learn more? Schedule a tour and experience our spacious homes, gracious amenities, and engaging activities for yourself. Call 866-553-5389.
