When Mel and Phyllis Citrin moved into Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments, Mel says it was like falling into a pot of gold. Originally from the East Coast, Mel and Phyllis recently made a cross-country move to Washington state to be closer to family, and Harbor Heights has been an ideal home base for Mel and Phyllis to spend time with their children and grandchildren, explore Olympia and connect with neighbors.
Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments Offers Opportunity for Social Connection and Active Living
Mel and Phyllis are originally from Suffern, New York, and have been married for six decades. Phyllis had a 45-year career as a high school teacher, specializing in advanced placement biology, genetics and science research, while Mel was a longtime orthodontist. Living about 45 minutes from Manhattan, Mel and Phyllis were able to enjoy live theater and Broadway shows. Mel and Phyllis would also make regular visits to their children and grandchildren who live in Olympia and Portland, Oregon.
In recent years, Phyllis has experienced a series of health struggles, which has required time for continued recuperation and physical therapy. To recover closer to family, Mel and Phyllis’ daughter suggested the couple make a permanent move to the Pacific Northwest, recommending Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments as a potential new home in Olympia.
Mel and Phyllis were open to the idea of a fresh start and moved to Harbor Heights in December 2024. Soon, Mel and Phyllis found how much they enjoyed the region’s natural beauty, and the sense of community they felt from nearby family and fellow Harbor Heights residents. After a brief return to New York to begin the downsizing process and put their home up for sale, Mel and Phyllis decided to officially make Harbor Heights their long-term home in May of this year.
“After a few days, we looked at each other and said, we like it here. We really, really like it here,” says Mel.
Active Living Is a Core Value at Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments With Activities, Clubs and Social Events
Living closer to family has allowed Mel and Phyllis to be present for important milestones, including their granddaughter’s recent high school graduation and violin recital, as well as holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Mel and Phyllis have also noticed the helpful nature of Harbor Heights team members. After many years of home ownership, it has been a welcome change for Mel and Phyllis to have a friendly maintenance team that has helped the couple to feel settled in their apartment. Mel and Phyllis have also noticed how their new neighbors have demonstrated great care, especially as generous cooks who bring meals to residents who are feeling sick.
There has been ample opportunity for Mel and Phyllis to make new friends through activities like Mahjong, resident potlucks, Wine Wednesdays and movie nights that take place at Harbor Heights’ in-house movie theater. Mel has taken up hiking with a fellow resident hiking enthusiast who is familiar with local trails, and is part of the men’s breakfast group which meets every other Friday.
And with Harbor Heights located near the waterfront and local parks in Olympia, Phyllis has continued to rehabilitate while surrounded by nature. Mel and Phyllis take in a gorgeous view of Budd Inlet and the Olympic Mountain Range each day, and from her window, Phyllis has been able to observe blue herons as they grew from nestlings, to their first flights near the water. Phyllis has also nurtured an interest in poetry and has joined a book club, where she has shared some of her original poetry about blue herons and seagulls.
“I was a biology teacher, so I really appreciate nature, and this is the place to really appreciate and enjoy nature, and it’s a way to heal, is being in nature,” explains Phyllis.
At times, living at Harbor Heights can feel like being on vacation for Mel and Phyllis as they enjoy the surrounding views from Harbor Heights’ Sky Terrace, or as they sit near the water while at a restaurant. The couple participates in in-house Pilates classes that are available to Harbor Heights residents, and are beginning to get massages at a nearby massage parlor. Mel and Phyllis also enjoy active living through walks along the Percival Landing Boardwalk, taking in the sights of Budd Inlet, and look forward to the steady stream of street fairs and seasonal events available downtown, including Capital Lakefair and Olympia Harbor Days.
Mel and Phyllis have also taken advantage of the activities available in the greater region. For their 60th wedding anniversary, they attended a production of “Bye Bye Birdie” at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle with their family. Mel and Phyllis have also started to attend local stage productions and are planning to become subscribers to a few of the nearby theaters.
The central location of Harbor Heights allows Phyllis to walk to the Olympia Farmers Market, the hair salon and her physical therapy appointments. And for lunch with friends, Phylils says there are many good restaurants available within walking distance. Mel and Phyllis have also noticed the friendliness and special care from the Olympia community, whether a stranger holds the door open, or provides Phyllis a more accessible theater seat.
“It’s always difficult to make a life change, but this one was the right one for us,” says Phyllis.
To learn more about the floorplans and amenities available at Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments, visit the Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments website.
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