“I Wouldn’t Want to Live Anywhere Else”

Why a lifelong Baton Rougean chose St. James Place 

For resident and lifelong Baton Rougean Margaret Hart, moving to St. James Place was all about timing. At first, her husband Butch wanted to move to the community, but she didn’t feel ready. Then when she was ready, he wasn’t.  

Eventually, they agreed and attended a luncheon that changed their perspectives forever.

Choosing St. James Place 

Margaret’s roots in the city run deep—her parents originated from Baton Rouge, and her grandparents originally came from Thibodaux before settling in the area. Looking back on her time in the capital city, Margaret shares how she grew up along with Baton Rouge at a time when about 35,000 people lived here.  

“My husband and I know the [greater Baton Rouge] community very well,” Margaret says. “And we’ve known about St. James Place. It’s been a great addition to a city that’s already a great place to live. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”  

Although Baton Rouge holds a dear place in her heart, Margaret explains familiarity with the community was only one part of the equation.  

“The convincing argument was when the folks at St. James Place said, ‘It’s the best gift you could give to your children,’” she says. “And it is. We come from a rather large home, and when we really thought about it—because my husband and I have a blended family—it would’ve been just a mess.” 

For them, knowing they didn’t want to place that burden on their children was enough to start the transition, but another factor came into play: the part about “easy living.”  

“I’m a good cook, but I don’t care to cook or clean or do any of those things because I have so many other interests,” she says. “They just make it so easy here. You don’t even have to change the light bulb.”

Did You Know?  

Margaret and her husband Butch were crowned king and queen of Mardi Gras at SJP’s 40th-anniversary celebration in March. She also travels several times a year to play in bridge tournaments.  

The Vibrant Social Scene 

Being from the area, they were surprised when they realized they knew even more people than they initially thought.  

“We knew people that already lived here, but I just couldn’t believe how many more people [we knew] called St. James Place home,” Margaret says with a smile. “So, we just go to happy hour three or four times a week and have parties at our homes. And it’s just a great social life, you know?” 

Margaret adds that she and her husband felt isolated before moving to St. James Place. But thanks to their local connections, they became more engaged with residents and the community at large.  

“Living at St. James Place makes life a lot more fulfilling for us,” she says. “I started a garden, and I play bridge; I get to see people. It’s just another great, wide adventure.” 

St. James Place Is THE Place 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lifelong Baton Rougean; St. James Place can help you redefine retirement because living well is well within reach. Our amenity-packed Life Plan Community is located on a beautifully landscaped 52-acre campus, offering the serenity of nature, the convenience of state-of-the-art facilities and a maintenance-free lifestyle designed for comfort.  

See why Margaret and her husband chose St. James Place by calling (225) 215-4510 to schedule a visit or learn more.