A Perfect Opportunity to Find Their Ideal Life

“This was, next to marrying Elaine, the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I have never been as blessed with friends and people who are so open-minded,” gushed Kirk McGowan who relocated to Woodside, in Aiken, SC, a little over a year ago.

Before selling their home and financial planning business in Tyler, TX, the McGowan’s knew they wanted to relocate, so they started traveling to different locations and taking advantage of Discovery Travel packages along the way. They wanted somewhere in the southeastern conference near a college, and healthcare was very important. They toured communities in Athens, GA, Oviedo, FL, Auburn, AL, and more. Elaine said, “It was always a feel for us. We always left knowing it wasn’t a fit for us. Then, we drove into Aiken and fell in love with Woodside.” And, they bought a homesite the next day.

“When we toured Woodside, everything went perfectly. They arranged for us to stay in a B&B. We could see the quality first-hand. The other places just didn’t compare. We went to the ‘pub club’ on Friday night and got to meet a lot of the residents. Then on Saturday, we picked out our homesite,” said Kirk. “There is a point when you can research something to death, and you can always find fault. But, when you find something that fits and it answers all you need, then you say, it’s not going to get much better.”

“We made a laundry list of what we really wanted. It came down to healthcare, demographic location, neighborhood, and management. We probably could have looked further, but I am totally satisfied with the decision. We’ve never questioned it,” Elaine added.

Kirk says the Discovery Travel gave them the opportunity to do due diligence, “kick the tires,” and ask the hard questions. As Kirk was a financial advisor, the details really mattered to him. He wanted to make sure that the community was finan- cially sound as he knew it will eventually be turned over to the property owner’s association (POA). “The POA is wonderful. It is extremely well-organized and managed. The POA is active, fair, and has great communication.”

That was three years ago, then they moved into their new home on February 14, 2019, and they haven’t looked back. Both Elaine and Kirk are golfers and love the new Hollow Creek Course designed by Clyde Johnston.

“We are blessed with so many wonderful people from different places. Our neighbors are from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. It’s been refreshing for us. There is a diverse population with lots of engineers, IT professionals, academics, and prior military. Everyone here sort of assumes you were successful in your former life. What you did before isn’t really going to impress anyone. It’s what you do now that matters.”

Elaine and Kirk both volunteer their time. Kirk has been asked to join a Board of Directors and Elaine is active in the Women of Woodside, a philanthropic group that helps with organizations such as meals on wheels. They are also members at The Reserve Club.

The McGowans are simply glowing about their new life in Woodside, and it all started with a three-day/two-night Discovery Package.

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