A Second Generation at The Hill

When Mathew Meltzer’s parents first moved to The Hill at Whitemarsh in 2014, he felt relieved. Not only did their move spare him from making the drive to and from Westchester, New York to check in on them regularly, but it also allowed his parents to thrive in a whole new way.

“Convincing them to move wasn’t much of a challenge,” said Mathew. “I got to see them more since I lived close by in Lafayette Hill, and I also got to witness all the amenities of living at The Hill. It was attractive to me for their benefit, and eventually for my benefit as well.”

Mathew watched his parents enjoy their lives at The Hill for nearly a decade. After they both passed away in 2022 and 2023, he found himself thinking about making his own move to The Hill.

“When I started thinking about moving to a retirement community, I didn’t even consider any properties other than The Hill because it’s so exceptional,” he said. “The surroundings are so bucolic yet conveniently close to the city; the food is remarkable, and the menus are so varied. There’s nowhere else I would have considered going.”

“When I started thinking about moving to a retirement community, I didn’t even consider any properties other than The Hill because it’s so exceptional.”

– Mathew Meltzer

So when a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the third floor—with a great view of Erdenheim Farm and Dixon Meadow Preserve—became available in late 2024, Mathew didn’t hesitate to take it. After a brief renovation, he finally made his move to The Hill official in January 2025.

“I was able to customize the design to my specifications— I upgraded the lighting, added instant hot water in the kitchen, chose all new tile and cabinetry in the bathroom and was able to make it a space that really feels like home,” Mathew said. “I’m extremely happy with it.”

At 71-years-old, Mathew is retired; he left the financial services industry eight years ago, and has largely used his time to explore the craft of woodworking. He spends a few hours in a workshop each day, five days a week, creating various pieces of art.

“My woodwork is mostly cutting boards and bowls, and for the last two years I’ve donated some of the bowls to the Treasure Chest at The Hill or have given them away to friends and family,” said Mathew. “It’s been a terrific retirement activity and I enjoy the camaraderie of my workshop buddies.”

When he’s not in his workshop, Mathew enjoys spending time in his new apartment with his dog, Cosmo. As an animal-friendly community, Mathew reports that the transition to an apartment has been pretty seamless for Cosmo.

“It helped that Cosmo spent a lot of time here with my parents— many of the staff and residents recognize him and shower him with love,” Mathew said. “And there’s so much open space for him to explore here–I love taking him out for walks every day.”

Although he’s a relatively new resident to The Hill, Mathew has a high level of comfort and familiarity with the community as a result of the legacy his parents have left behind.

“Everyone here is extremely friendly and welcoming,” he said. “There is a waiting list here for a reason! People should really think about making a move like this before there’s a real need so that you can enjoy your time here to the fullest.”