Based on insights from “Ideal Living and Private Resort Living” magazines, Susan and Greg Holder were initially attracted to Fairfield Glade, TN. Their exploration of retirement areas in Hendersonville, Brevard, N.C., and Tellico Village in TN revealed a distinct lack of the ‘community feel’ they found in Fairfield Glade.
Greg emphasized, “None of them had the ‘community feel’ Fairfield Glade has.”
In November 2021, they made Fairfield Glade their home and purchased a residence.
While Susan appreciates the changing seasons, Greg, originally from Hagerstown, MD, finds the winter chill too much. They both are still working.
Greg owns and operates H3 Photography, a commercial photography business, with Susan as his background person.
Jokingly, Susan remarks, “I’m his equipment manager,” as Greg rolls his eyes.
Their light and lively personalities have facilitated their integration into the Fairfield Glade community.
Greg notes, “We travel a lot with my business, so finding a built-in community made relocating easier.”
The Fairfield Glade golf courses particularly enthuse Greg, who has participated in some leagues.
“It’s like you have this set of built-in friends,” he said. “Everyone here is easy to get along with, and we love the social atmosphere.”
The Holders support local businesses and have visited Bunkers and other downtown establishments.
Their shared love for the outdoors led them to complete the hiking marathon this year.
“Driving to the different trails took us to parts of Fairfield Glade and Crossville that we otherwise would not have known about,” Susan said. “We especially liked the Lake Alice trail.”
“Whether driving or walking, we are surprised by the hills here,” Greg said, commenting on the area’s topography. “And the traffic here is nothing compared to Charleston’s. It’s a delightful change. However, with the widening of Peavine Rd., I’m anxious to see what businesses will come into the area and what that’ll do to the traffic in the future.”
Despite missing the culture and nightlife of their previous location, the Holders acknowledge the benefits of the low cost of living in Fairfield Glade.
“Adjusting to being in the central time zone has taken some getting used to,” Susan stated. “In the winter months, it seems like it starts getting dark right after lunch.”
“While we haven’t explored everything Fairfield Glade offers, we’re looking forward to discovering what’s here,” Greg remarked, smiling, with Susan nodding in agreement. “It’s been a while since I’ve been fishing, and being so close to the assortment of lakes, I’m looking forward to it in the spring.”
Susan has found herself immersed in Bunko, yoga, a book club and trying her hand at crafts, while Greg has found companionship through the folks he’s met on the golf course and at the Sportsman Club, where the emphasis is on hunting and shooting sports.
“I never owned a gun before,” Greg said. “So, I’m enjoying being a part of this club.”
Regarding their plans, Susan expresses uncertainty, stating, “As to whether we’ll stay here, we’re not sure. We’re considering our long-term plans.”
Greg interjects with a tilt of his head, “Even though this is a retirement community, we aren’t quite ready to retire. But this will be a great place for us when the time does come. We think perhaps we’re here 10 years too soon,” he remarked.
“We’d like to keep our foot in Tennessee, so we’re considering having two homes,” Susan said, shrugging her shoulders.
“But the longer we stay here and the more involved we get, leaving even for half the year will be hard,” Greg said. “The welcoming community and the friendliness of the people here is definitely a very positive attribute. I don’t think you find that everywhere.”
The Glade Sun will be reaching out to new Glade residents to discover and share their stories of how they found Fairfield Glade. Look for the next residents chosen in next month’s issue of the Glade Sun.