Senior citizens living at the new Casey Estates at McClellan said they are making friends and loving life.

"I love it here," said Pearlie Bush, 72. "It's nice and quiet and the people are friendly."

Bush moved into the low-cost senior apartment building the first week in December, she said. An Anniston native, Bush had spent the past eight years in North Carolina with her daughter. But when she saw the new development, she said she wanted to move in.

Pearlie Bush dusts her living room in Casey States. Photo: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star

Bush's one-bedroom apartment is lavishly furnished with red couches, gold-framed mirrors and a dining room table set with fine china.

"My daughters decorated all of this for me," she said. "They did a good job."

Sherrie Cline, manager of the building, said its 30 residents started moving in in December, but its grand opening would not be until the end of April.

The building has 49 units, all of which are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, she said.

Those who want to live at Casey Estates must be at least 62 years old and make $17,350 or less for one person or $19,800 for two people. Rent is based on 30 percent of the applicant's gross income, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is backing the project, pays the rest, Cline said.

She said all utilities are furnished, except for cable and telephone.

The senior apartment building has a basement with a recreation area and a large kitchen where residents can gather.

Sally Jordan, 68, said she always knew she would live in a place like Casey Estates, but was never ready until she visited the development.

"When I saw it, I decided I was ready," she said. "I love the people."

For more information, call Cline at 820-3008.

• Casey Estates to Open Soon 9/5/2007

• Broadway Towers soon to be housing for elderly 8/31/2006

3/28/2008