essentials
m HOME a I The Heisers
By Mary Jane Bogle
Longtime Pennsylvania residents find a new home in the heart of Fort Wayne. Imagine spending most of your adult life in one place, only to move halfway across the country in early retirement. Imagine further that this move isn’t to sunny Florida or arid Arizona. Instead, the trek lands you squarely in Fort Wayne, Midwest winters and all. That’s exactly what Rich and Judy Heiser did when they relocated to Fort Wayne in 2016. “We wanted to be pro-active with a move while we were still younger senior citizens,” said Judy. Desiring to live closer to family, they could have chosen New York City or Philadelphia, where their two older children, respectively, reside. They opted for Fort Wayne instead, not just to be closer to their youngest daughter and her son, but Rich and Judy Heiser because Fort Wayne offered multiple benefits over the two larger metropolitan choices. In many ways, however, the move has given the Heisers an opporOne primary reason for the Midwest move was cost. “Fort Wayne tunity to learn more about themselves, as well. For example, they was attractive from a cost-of-living standpoint,” said Rich. “We enjoy purchased bikes and have enjoyed cycling adventures throughout their visiting New York and Philadelphia,” he continued, “but we didn’t neighborhood and along the many parks and trails throughout the city. want to retire there.” “Considering we were moving from mountainous Pennsylvania Judy agreed “Fort Wayne is really an affordable town.” to relatively flat Indiana,” said Judy, “biking is much more appealing Convenience was another factor. “You can literally get to anywhere here.” Rich has also developed new talents, participating in various in the city within 15-20 minutes,” said Rich. theater and video productions. And with all the wonderful parks and festivals to explore, easy In fact, exploration is a great way to describe the Heisers’ last five travel was a big bonus — especially with so many smaller towns years. Even purchasing their home in Blackhawk Forest was somearound Fort Wayne just waiting to be discovered. “It’s the best of both thing of an adventure, since they bought it sight unseen. worlds,” said Judy. “We looked at several different places,” said Rich, “but none of them Perhaps the primary reason the Heisers chose to relocate to Fort hit what we were looking for.” So when a home that seemed to fit their Wayne was the people. They loved the diversity of the city during their criteria came available, they were quick to take the plunge. “We put in periodic visits to see daughter Courtney and her young son, and the an offer long distance,” he said. “Four months later, we moved in.” Heisers continued to develop rich relationships after their move. Whether they’re enjoying time with family, developing new talents “We’ve met so many supportive and wonderful people,” Judy said. and opportunities or exploring parks, trails and festivals, the Heisers Certainly, they’ve enjoyed seeing their grandson’s music recitals and are loving all that Fort Wayne has to offer. participating in special days at school. A Marine Corp. veteran, Rich “We love it here,” said Judy. “It really is home.” especially enjoyed the school’s special Veterans Day presentation.
14 Home Living | November 2021
