Several years after Don DuBois moved from Chicago to the Phoenix area for work, he knew he would never move back to Chicago because of the nice, warm climate in Arizona.
Originally published on Clayton Studio, read the original post here.
After retirement, he lived in a house for years with his second wife, but when she passed away, Don decided it was time for a fresh start. He learned about the Oakwood Homes neighborhood in Surprise, AZ through friends who were in the process of purchasing their own homes in the neighborhood.
This is a paid testimonial. The homeowner was compensated for their honest story.
“I wanted to be closer to friends,” Don said.
The idea of living close to friends was something he knew he wanted for his next chapter in life. And that decision changed everything.
The Perfect Home and Community That Feels Like Family
Don shares his home with Munkee, his small people-loving, sweet-tempered dog who keeps him moving every day.
“I walk him multiple times a day,” Don said. For Don, one of the most appealing amenities in the Oakwood Homes neighborhood is the large dog park right behind his home. Their daily tradition is walking and balancing on the concrete edge in the dog park, and it was because of this particular homesite that Don decided this would be his new home.
“When I was first looking to buy a home, I wanted this specific lot because the backyard backs up to the dog park,” he said. He had to wait a bit longer for it, about two months, but once it was finally available, he jumped right in.
He started the buying process in December 2023, working with his home counselor, Blair Beresford, who he met through mutual friends and has become friends with since. Don was moved in by May 2024.
“I love that it’s all brand new,” he said. His new home features three bedrooms, plenty of sunlight, and open space with some personal touches. His backyard came together as he envisioned it, with a spacious patio for grilling out with friends and neighbors, plus a view of the park and the colorful hot air balloons that float across the sky almost every day.
Don even designed a makeshift ramp so Munkee can keep an eye on the playground and any dog park activities.
“Because we have the dog park right here, I meet so many new people,” Don said. It’s become a natural way for him to build relationships and get to know his neighbors better. His friends in the neighborhood say Don knows practically everyone. His next-door neighbors have become especially close. They spend time together outside, and since Don attends almost every Arizona Diamondbacks game as a season ticket holder, their home has become a second home for Munkee.
“I couldn’t ask for better neighbors,” Don said.
Retirement the Way It Was Meant to Be
Beyond the friendships he’s built within the neighborhood, Don loves living near his adult children and seven grandchildren. He’s able to show up for their soccer games, karate classes, and baseball practices now that he’s retired. He’s also embraced the freedom and simplicity that retirement has to offer. Since moving in, he’s picked up pickleball and plays every chance he gets since the court is right behind his home. If you don’t see him on the pickleball court, he’s probably riding his bike and exploring neighborhood trails. Whether it’s a long ride or just a quick loop around the neighborhood, it has become a part of his routine. And less than 30 minutes away, Don enjoys visiting Lake Pleasant for some fishing and jet-skiing.
Between friendly neighbors and relaxing on his patio with Munkee, retirement has suited Don perfectly. More importantly, he’s surrounded by community. He didn’t just buy a house at Oakwood Homes. He found a home.
