In a recent conversation with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Dave and Yuri Kerrins shared why they left 40+ years in busy Northern Virginia for a proactive, peaceful Retirement at Williamsburg Landing.
After Dave’s 30-year Army career and work at CACI, and Yuri’s successful career in government contracting, the couple began seriously exploring retirement communities three or four years ago. Dave, who is 10 years older than Yuri, was ready to escape the frantic traffic and pace. Yuri saw the move as a loving gift for their future.
Yuri had visited many senior communities through her part-time job driving seniors to appointments, but none compared to Williamsburg Landing — a CARF-accredited, nonprofit Life Plan Community on a beautiful 153-acre arboretum campus in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Why They Chose Williamsburg Landing
Familiarity played a big role. Yuri attended William & Mary, and the couple had visited Williamsburg for years. A seminar in Arlington led by realtor Dick Nathan (who had already moved there himself) sparked their interest. They toured the brand-new Anchor Cove neighborhood in October 2023 and put Money down the same day!
They Love their spacious triplex home with a two-car garage and sunroom, plus the brand-new 23,000 sq ft community center featuring a 300-seat theater, art studios, music room, and more.
The Move & Settling In
Downsizing after 40 years wasn’t easy, but Williamsburg Landing made it smoother with downsizing seminars, monthly new-resident meetups, happy hours, and a resident-run flea market. The couple sold their Northern Virginia home quickly and fully embraced the change.
Life at Williamsburg Landing: Cruise Ship Meets College — Without Homework… and Better Food!
Dave and Yuri describe it as “a cruise ship on land” combined with going back to college without homework. The community offers water aerobics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pickleball, walking trails, pottery, botanical drawing, Mahjong, and an active Osher Lifelong Learning program with William & Mary.
Social life is easy and natural — open dining tables, Friday happy hours, and great food make building friendships simple. “It feels like we’ve been here for years with how many people we know,” says Dave.
True Peace of Mind
What sold them most was the full continuum of care on one campus: independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehab, and Nursing. As Yuri says, “We’re healthy now, but you never know what the future holds.” Their realtor’s advice was perfect: “Better to move five years too early than five minutes too late.”
Residents here are active and engaged — many look and act much younger than their age. Studies show people in communities like this live about nine years longer on average.
Final Thoughts
Dave and Yuri’s move has been everything they hoped for — relaxed, social, engaging, and secure. Williamsburg Landing is seeing more Northern Virginia transplants than ever.
If you’re thinking about your own retirement future, their story is powerful proof that planning ahead opens the door to a much richer chapter.
Want to learn more?
Come for a tour and meet residents like Dave and Yuri. Williamsburg Landing offers special group tours for Northern Virginia visitors.
👉 Visit WilliamsburgLanding.org or call them directly to schedule your visit.
