2nd Generation Residents: Life So Good For Their Parents, They Moved Here, Too

For many people, choosing a retirement community starts with research: comparing amenities, checking reviews, and taking tours. But at Freedom Village of Bradenton, some of our happiest residents didn’t discover us through brochures or online searches. They discovered us through family. 

These second-generation residents spent years visiting their parents here. They saw the friendships, the security, activities, and confidence that comes from living in a Life Plan Community like Freedom Village. And eventually, they reached a point where the choice became clear: If Freedom Village made life that good for Mom and Dad… why not me, too? 

Adult children who once visited their parents here are now walking the same hallways, enjoying the same friendships, and experiencing the same peace of mind. Their journeys show how deeply this community becomes part of a family’s story. 

“I left thinking that this is the way to retire.” — Debbie McKee

Debbie first experienced Freedom Village when her parents, George and Naomi, moved here in 2015. Every visit left an impression – not just because she loved the resort-style feel, but because she noticed how supported her parents were. 

She loved that her parents’ home felt warm and vibrant. When the time came to make her own senior living decision in 2021, she chose to move Freedom Village because it meant peace of mind for herself and her whole family.  

Today, her parents still live in the Concord Building – and Debbie loves that she can visit them easily without traveling far. 

“My mother was here for 21 years… she was so happy here.” — Carol Sanner

Carol visited about a dozen communities with her mother and her stepfather across the Gulf Coast of Florida. They ultimately chose Freedom Village – and Carol quickly saw why. 

“What I remember most is how involved my mom felt here,” Carol recalls. Her mother enjoyed 21 full years in the community, forming deep friendships and staying active. 

When Carol reached retirement, she didn’t hesitate. The continuity of staff, the activities her mom loved, and the profound sense of belonging made the choice easy. “It’s a testament to what Freedom Village offers throughout every stage of life.”   

“My parents were very happy here — and now I feel connected to them.” — Barbara Knode

Barbara’s connection to Freedom Village spans decades. Her parents moved into the Concord Building in 1986 – among the first residents. She remembers how happy they were here, and how supported they felt. 

Nine years ago, Barbara followed in their footsteps. What she enjoys most now mirrors what her parents loved then: the activities and camaraderie. She particularly loves Bridge, which she learned to play with her parents and now plays regularly with new friends.  

For Barbara, being a second-generation resident means feeling connected — a living continuation of her parents’ story at Freedom Village. 

“It’s been a great decision for all of us.” — Sue & Bill Jacobs 

Few families have as deep a legacy at Freedom Village as Sue and Bill. Both of their parents lived here, and both had overwhelmingly positive experiences – from watercolor painting on the lanai to enjoying uplifting social connections with neighbors. 

Bill remembers how much his parents loved their top-floor Concord Building apartment. Sue remembers the smiles – everywhere. 

Their parents’ experience wasn’t the only factor, though. They looked at other communities in Sarasota and Tampa Bay area, but ultimately came back to what they already knew firsthand: “Freedom Village of Bradenton offers the best combination of familiarity, cost, and value.”  

Eight years later, they’re still certain they made the right choice. “We appreciate the full range of services that make life so easy,” shared Bill. 

And one memory stands out most: Sue’s father, after settling in, looked at her and said, “Why did I wait so long?!”  

“I’m happy I made the right decision — just like my parents did.” — Marilyn Cieslik 

Marilyn’s family spent years vacationing in on the Gulf Coast before her parents eventually moved into Freedom Village. She remembers how smoothly they transitioned into the community. 

Now a ten-year resident herself, Marilyn loves many of the same things they did: the pool, the friendliness, and the convenience of the Freedom Village lifestyle. She never even considered another community, “and I’m happy to have made the right decision.”   

Come see why generations continue to choose Freedom Village of Bradenton

Two generations have fallen in love with Freedom Village of Bradenton, and we think you will, too. Schedule a visit and experience the warmth, the connection, and the peace of mind our residents — and their families — cherish.