WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MOUNTAINBROOK

Names: Karla Mattson

Moved to MBV: January 2018

Originally from: Bottineau, North Dakota

Why MBV: As a new empty nester, I was looking for a safe and active place to live that was somewhat close to my children.

Love most about MBV: As a rural North Dakota gal, I love looking out my windows and seeing nature: mountains, wildlife and sunsets. I enjoy living close to the city amenities, but still in a safe “small town” community. The people are the biggest reason I love MBV. I can be as active as I choose with friends, who have common interests and genuinely care for me.I have been involved in MountainBrook in various ways. I serve on the library committee processing and shelving books. I have served the PUG (Pool Users Group), which is an ad hoc committee to address the needs of our pool. I am also one of the instructors for the Power Hour water aerobics class. This is a coed high-energy class where I am lovingly referred to as the “drill sergeant.”

WHY WE LOVE MOUNTAINBROOK

Names: Wade and Kristi Wassenaar

Moved to MBV: October 2020

Originally from: We are from Sheldon, Iowa, where we farmed, raised cattle and hogs, and brought up our three boys. Wade owned a construction company, and Kristi worked in a facility that served people with disabilities. Before moving to MBV, we were seasonal residents in Dewey-Humbold, AZ for 12 years.

Why MBV: We enjoy the dry, warm climate and the very mild winters compared to Iowa’s freezing cold. We picked MountainBrook for the desert view, 55+ community, swimming pools, and well-kept campus. We like being closer to the airport, too.

Love most about MBV: The friendly neighborhood and the bocce ball community are the best. We enjoy the activities, hiking, and bicycling on the rocky trails or well-paved streets. Wade enjoys shooting pool in MBV’s Billiard Room and Kristi likes the new art classes. We love stargazing on the dark streets and enjoying the moon and sunrises over Dinosaur Mountain.

WE LOVE MOUNTAINBROOK

Tom and Diana Knutson

Moved to MBV: May 2019

Originally from: Dickinson, North Dakota

Why MBV? it was love at first sight when we arrived in Arizona. Neither of us had ever been here before. When we came to visit our son and daughter-in-law, who had just moved to Scottsdale, we knew we wanted to call this breathtaking place our winter home.

Tom and I bought our first house in northeast Mesa in 2012. We kept saying this experience was a “pinch me moment.” We couldn’t believe how fortunate we were. After seven wonderful years exploring the area and hosting visiting family and friends, we decided it was time to investigate something new called, a 55+ community.

We spent months looking at various communities in the East Valley with no success. However, once we stumbled upon MountainBrook Village, we fell in love at first sight all over again. We were struck by the majestic mountain views and the active and positive energy displayed in the people we met. We were also impressed with the spirit of volunteerism and the countless ways to get involved. We were uplifted and greeted with open arms. Here was a place where people were actively pursuing their best lives with smiles, waves, and hugs for all.

Love Most About MBV? We are particularly fortunate to share our home and community with our children and their families who live in the East Valley. Our three grandsons get to spend lots of time at Papa and Grandma’s! Family gatherings are always a highlight for us. While there are more events and activities than we can possibly all do, these are some of the reasons we are loving life at MBV: poker, golf, dances, concerts, swimming pool/hot tub, veterans club, bible study group, glass work classes, painting classes, impromptu gatherings, plenty of occasions to entertain, the fitness center, wildlife, backyard sunsets with a glass of wine, living in a “dark” community, and spending time with wonderful friends and special neighbors. As seasonal residents, it is a privilege to call this place home, and our hearts are filled with gratitude and appreciation.

December 2025

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT MOUNTAINBROOK

Diana & Jim Hager Date moved to MBV: December 2004.

Originally from: Jim (Iowa) and Diana (Minnesota). They have blended their families and been married for 35 years. Have lived in Crystal, Golden Valley, Longville, Owatonna – all in Minnesota.

Why MBV: Their journey for a retirement location began in 1998. It took them six years to find the right location. They looked at New Mexico, California, Arizona, Florida and even Mexico over those years. Diana happened to meet up with a former co-worker, Gloria Peters (she's the reason they're here), and she showed them her MBV home they recently purchased. It was exactly what they were looking for. They flew to AZ, drove into MBV in February 2004 and said this is where they belong. They put an offer on a home that weekend and never looked back. Living at their first home on Birdie Lane, they met so many people who would stop and welcome them, so they continue that tradition.

What they love most: The views and all the amenities and activities that are offered just amaze them. Diana is involved in tennis & Village Voices, and Jim is in pickleball & golf, fitness center, dances and any tickets they can get for events/entertainment at MBV. Diana won the 'Senior' version of Dancing with our Stars in 2016, despite the tough competition! Most mornings, they walk and enjoy that they are blessed with living in MBV instead of the snow!

WHY WE LOVE MOUNTAINBROOK

Ron and Nat Baron

Funny how the dimension of time can make seven years seem so long ago and yet just yesterday. Seven years ago, Nat and I needed to waste a couple of hours before our flight back to Yakima, Washington, departed Mesa Gateway. We went for a drive. The distant mountains pulled us in that direction, and soon we were meandering the shadows of the Superstitions.

A chance meeting with a real estate agent flying a drone at a condo open house led us to look at other locations. Perhaps sensing we really didn’t know what we were looking for, he started singing this song as if inspired by an old TV sitcom.

"MBV is the place to be. Superstition is what you’ll see. A house on Creosote is nearly free! A community choir! Oh harmony."

We loaded up at American Furniture and Decor and More and moved to MBV. Part time that is winter only.

In nearly every small Dutch village, you’ll find a great sense of community. They'll have a community band, choir, and thespians. They'll throw periodic community feasts to share in the community spirit. All these groups and activities give the residents a sense that they belong to something greater than themselves. For many, it gives them a sense of pride. The young look forward to joining the band. The old delight in making the young laugh at the play they’re performing at the community center. Volunteers drape the community in Christmas decorations every year. When a neighbor needs a ride, another neighbor offers. When an aid car shows up next door, there is genuine concern.

If you take out the 'Dutch Village' and replace it with 'MBV,' you'll understand why we love living here. We are a mosaic of experiences from many places now sharing perhaps the best years of our life. MBV offers a great sense of community.

Like any community, there can be quarrels. Neighbors don't always vote for the same politician. We can disagree on what's important for our community and what isn't. Improvements can appear to be slow. Some call for change, others suggest the status quo is what is best. Like families, we don't always agree.

If that sounds like MBV, then it’s just another reason we love living here. MBV is not a little utopian burg. Thank God. MBV is a wonderful collection of people, most of whom are just trying to be their best.

Ron and Nat Baron