Fairway, KS – Gayle Maurin, a 75‑year‑old Kansas native who spent decades working for PBS stations on the East Coast, has returned to her hometown and settled into The Fieldston of Fairway, a 55‑plus active‑living community.
From Coast to Kansas: a homecoming
Maurin left Kansas after college and built a career in Washington, D.C., and New York, where she said she “did pretty well financially.” A diagnosis of Stage 3 endometrial cancer forced her to reassess her plans. “They (doctors) saved my life, but they really threw the book at me with all that they did. It was tiring,” she recalled, adding that she could no longer work full‑time.
Facing mounting medical costs and the high cost of living in New York, Maurin decided to move back to Kansas in 2020. According to Rent Café, Kansas City’s cost of living is roughly nine percent lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking affordability.
Finding community during the pandemic
The COVID‑19 pandemic further limited Maurin’s mobility, keeping her largely confined to her apartment. Concerned for her wellbeing, her sister and brother‑in‑law encouraged her to consider an active‑adult community where she would have companionship and structured activities.
In November 2025, Maurin moved into The Fieldston of Fairway, a 209‑unit complex located at 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, just eight miles from downtown Kansas City and within walking distance of the Fairway Shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and coffee shops.
Life at The Fieldston
The Fieldston offers one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments with stainless‑steel appliances, kitchen islands, in‑unit washers and dryers, and private balconies or patios. Maurin chose a one‑bedroom unit on the fourth floor, noting, “My balcony overlooks the dog park and I have treetops and sunsets to look at. It’s wonderful.”
Residents enjoy a heated pool, a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center, a yoga studio, a pub, a golf simulator, a spa, sauna, hot tub, and an upscale lounge. Daily exercise classes, clubs, and social events keep the community vibrant. Maurin has joined the grilling club, plays Mahjong and bridge, and participates in crafts. “I go to every party,” she said, “I go to at least one thing a week. It’s nice to have activities available that are so organized.”
Building new friendships
Beyond the amenities, Maurin emphasizes the friendships she has formed. “I have made a lot of friends at the community. Friends I hope to have for years to come,” she shared.
The Fieldston’s management highlights its maintenance‑free living model, allowing residents to focus on health, hobbies, and social connections rather than upkeep. For those interested, more information is available at the community’s website.
Why active‑adult living matters
National data from MakeMyMove.com shows that 51 percent of people who moved away from their hometowns eventually return, a trend that reflects a growing desire for familiar surroundings, family support, and affordable living in later years. Maurin’s story exemplifies how seniors can thrive when they choose environments that blend affordability, convenience, and a robust social calendar.
As Kansas communities continue to attract retirees seeking a high quality of life, The Fieldston of Fairway stands out as a model of senior‑focused development that supports health, fellowship, and a sense of belonging.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
