Why I Made the Move: A Resident Story That Inspires

Nick & Janu’s Life at Encore

Nick and Janu left New York just before the cold set in. After decades of homeownership, they were ready for something new, something easier, warmer, and more joyful. What they found at Encore at Tradition wasn’t just a new address. As Nick puts it, “I feel like I’m in paradise, really. I feel like I don’t need to go on vacation, it’s seven days of vacation here. It’s a dream that just came true.”

The Decision to Move

After more than 40 years of maintaining their home, they were ready to let go of the constant to-do lists.

“We’ve been homeowners for over 40 years, and the maintenance here is just a plus,” Janu says. “It takes a load off... just to know that now you can sit back and relax and it’s being done for you.”

Nick doesn’t miss a thing about fixing leaky faucets or mowing the lawn. “I don’t have to pick up a hammer. I don’t have to fix anything. I don’t have to hear my wife say, ‘Honey, this broke.’ I just call up and it’s the most amazing feeling, especially for us guys.”

Moving to Florida came with other comforts too. “For me, I suffer from arthritis. We went to New York to see my daughter at Christmas my bones were hurting, my back went out,” Nick recalls. “We’re just relaxed here. It’s beautiful. I absolutely love it here, I really do. I’m very happy that we chose it.”

And financially, it was the right choice. “It’s very expensive in New York,” Nick says. In fact, the cost of living in Port St. Lucie is more than 40% less than in New York City. That difference means more freedom and more peace of mind.

Living the Encore Lifestyle

From the very beginning, the sense of community made a lasting impression. “When we first came here, we didn’t really know anyone,” Janu says. “But everyone is just so friendly, it just clicks.”

Now, they’re fully immersed in a lifestyle filled with activity, connection, and ease. “There’s so much to do,” she says. “There’s restaurants, there’s shopping... and you can just sit and relax by the pool all day if you want. It’s just free living. Free living to do what makes you happy.”

That change hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Even our friends, when we visit them, say that we look different and rejuvenated,” Janu adds. “It’s because we’re genuinely happy here, and it shows.”

Encore offers more than leisure, Encore is a place where relationships flourish. “We all know each other and make plans for each other,” says Janu. “Just last night, we all sat by the bonfire... we laughed, took pictures... we’re all there for each other.” The climate doesn’t hurt either. “We’re not used to that cold anymore,” Nick says. “This? This is fantastic.”

Encore at Tradition, a 55+ active adult community, is located in Port St. Lucie, a growing area with easy access to local dining and shopping. 

Even outside the gates, the friendships continue. “We go to dinners with some of the residents here, outside Encore,” says Nick. “We really, really are connected.”

Experience It for Yourself

Nick and Janu’s story is just one of many, but it shows what’s possible when you find the right place to call home. If you’re ready to explore what life at Encore could look like for you, schedule a personal tour or take advantage of our $99 Stay & Play Pass to experience the community’s amenities firsthand.

You might find that, like Nick and Janu, your next chapter begins with a single visit and a deep breath of warm Florida air.

‍Encore at Tradition is a vibrant 55+ active adult rental community located in the heart of Port St. Lucie, Florida. More than a place to call home, Encore is a community built for those who want to live fully and freely. Choose from modern apartments and spacious villas with attached garages, and enjoy resort-style amenities and maintenance-free living. Whether you're looking to relax, connect, thrive or explore, Encore is where active adults come to live life to the fullest. Your best years are ahead.