Meet John and Melissa Hassen, who moved from Michigan four years ago after a recommendation from a friend already residing in Fairfield Glade. A desire for tranquility fueled their decision after a lifetime of city hustle.
“It’s quiet here,” John said. “After working all my life, I was ready to escape the city.”
“Living here, we are central to almost every place we visit. Only eight hours in any direction, and we can be at our destination,” Melissa said.
Delving into what attracted them to Fairfield, both Hassens agreed that low taxes were a significant deciding factor.
“It’s so expensive in Michigan. By lowering our taxes, our dollar goes farther. We can do more of the things we want to do, such as travel and take cruises,” Melissa said.
The beauty of the area was a standout feature for them both.
“It’s the nature of this place,” Melissa said. “I enjoy being in my home, looking out the window and seeing deer meandering around. It’s great.”
“We have a plaited woodpecker that is beautiful but can be a nuisance,” she laughed. “And we often see a bald eagle flying around, lighting in one of the trees.”
Reflecting on the unexpected challenges they faced when moving here, the Hassens shared their adjustment to the unhurried pace of life — a notable departure from Michigan’s fast-paced lifestyle.
“The first time I went to the supermarket deli for sliced salami, the lady working behind the counter was in no hurry to fill my order. Instead, she wanted to strike up a conversation.” Melissa chuckled.
“I wasn’t used to that.”
“The people here are just so nice,” John said. “Everybody speaks to you, and they seem genuinely interested when they ask how you are doing.”
Melissa is a self-proclaimed introvert who relishes home life but enjoys the swimming pools.
John, the more outgoing one, has tackled pickleball.
Both of them commented on how much they enjoy the outdoor music events at the Grove and Mirror Lake.
“There’s nothing like it. We do love it here,” John said.
“We used to go out and eat several times a week, but here … well, let’s just say we’ve honed our cooking skills.”
So, if you meet the Hassens while you’re out and about, do say hello.
The Hassens view Fairfield Glade as not “just a location, but their community” and choose to make Fair-field Glade their permanent home.
The Glade Sun will be reaching out to new Glade residents to discover and share their stories of how they found Fairfield Glade.