Melody Greene (pictured right) with her daughter, Lexi.
I don’t know if many people actually retire from California to the Seattle area, but my husband and I decided to do just that when he retired nearly three years ago from the California State University system. Our four children were young adults, and we were ready for a change and to experience a new environment. At first, we didn’t quite know where we wanted to settle down, but our real estate agent, who we had met through a friend of our daughter’s, introduced us to the Issaquah Highlands, and we knew immediately that this would be our new home.
I have worked in finance for non-profits for most of my professional career, and have participated in my own community through my children’s schools, so I really wanted to find a way to become involved in the Highlands. I had never been part of a homeowner’s association before, so when there was an opening on the IHCA Finance Committee, I realized that this was an area in which I could utilize my knowledge and experience. I applied and was accepted, and I have now been on the committee for a little over one year. I feel very fortunate to serve with other residents, as well as IHCA staff, who are committed to assisting the Board with ensuring the financial stability of our community.
We love living in the Pacific Northwest and in the Issaquah Highlands. It really is the best of two worlds – having shopping and transportation nearby, while also having access to trails and a wide range of outdoor activities. Our children love to come visit us here, and in fact our two sons decided to move up here this past year, so they too are settling in to a new life here. Living in California seems like a lifetime ago, and we are thrilled to call Issaquah Highlands our new home.