Sharon and Sonny Hedgren are a delightful couple who, after fifty-eight years of marriage and a lifetime in Burbank, IL, have chosen to make Fairfield Glade their new home.
With a laugh, Sharon describes them as “Sonny and Cher,” highlighting their easygoing and loving partnership.
“We started coming here on vacation five years ago,” Sharon recalls. “That first year, we attended the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church. Everyone was so welcoming — it felt like home.”
After one of their visits, Sharon listed the pros and cons, weighing the idea of relocating.
“Then one day, I heard Sonny on the phone with his sister, and he just said, ‘We’re thinking about moving to Tennessee,’” said Sharon. “I was shocked; we hadn’t discussed it, but it felt right.”
Leaving family in Illinois wasn’t easy, but the timing felt natural with their grandchildren in college and everyone busy with their own lives. They connected with Ronnie Wyatt Builders, discussing their vision for a new home, but quickly realized building in Fairfield Glade might not fit their budget.
They returned to Chicago, but a week later, Ronnie called with news of a house he’d built for a couple who were now selling. They came and checked it out and were delighted to find it was both beautiful and within their means.
“As we walked through, I envisioned our furniture in each room. Within a couple of hours, we were at the bank signing papers. It felt like it was meant to be,” Sharon says with a smile. “Not to mention, it was my birthday!”
Understandably their family was shocked by the news but the Hedgrens moved forward and hosted a garage sale in Illinois to prepare for their move. A young couple inquired about their house and, after a quick tour, made an offer that same day.
“Everything just fell into place,” Sharon reflects. “We believe God has a plan and a purpose in everything, and we felt God’s hand in every part of this move.”
Now, they’re embracing the unique pace of life in Fairfield Glade.
“It’s beautiful here,” Sonny says, taking in the lakes, hills and lush trees that differ significantly from their flat hometown. “And we certainly don’t miss the overhead airplane traffic we’re used to from Chicago’s O’Hare airport. And the community — people aren’t so friendly where we’re from. And one huge difference; if you’re 85 in Chicago, you’re old. But not here!”
The Hedgrens are amazed by how many couples their age remain healthy and active in Fairfield Glade. They’re out playing golf or tennis or pickleball. Whatever the thing is, they’re out doing stuff, and they’re doing it together.
“Being here shows us we can live a long, active life together. People are happy here, and vibrant — it gives us motivation and encourages us to keep going!” Sonny adds, “And we love exploring new things together.”
Although neither of the Hedgrens plays golf, Sonny is an avid woodworker with a dedicated shop beneath their sunroom. Sharon shares how life here in Fairfield Glade seems like an adventure.
They love exploring and discovering local gems like Brambleberry Café, whose “Back of the Yard” sandwich transports the meat from Chicago. It brings a taste of back home to their new Southern location.
“I know some people miss having big-name restaurants or shopping malls close by, but for us, moving here wasn’t about recreating our old life in Chicago. We’ve had all that,” Sharon explains. “Now, we want to enjoy our surroundings and connect with people. We don’t mind driving a bit to shop — we like the slower pace of life here.”
Reflecting on the differences, the Hedgrens say one surprise was the lower cost of living.
“When we went to pay our taxes, the lady told us the amount, and we asked, ‘When’s the next installment due?’ She replied, ‘That’s for the whole year.’ We couldn’t believe it! In Illinois, we’d pay at least triple that.”
When you meet someone here, they engage in real conversation. It feels like they truly want to get to know you,” Sonny commented.
The Hedgrens love their new neighborhood — just last week, they joined a neighborhood bonfire.
“A new neighbor, who’s just building a house, came over and introduced herself,” Sharon says. “Everyone here is so genuinely friendly.”
The Hedgrens’ three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Dixie Lee, whom they rescued, also loves her new surroundings. And if she has her way, she’ll be the first to greet you when you visit the Hedgren home.
“We’ve had family and friends come to visit us here and our son is planning to move to Lenoir City in a couple of years,” Sharon shares. “It’ll be nice to have him so close.”
“Of course we go back to Illinois for special events, graduations, and weddings, and such but we know we’ve found our place,” Sharon says with a peaceful smile. “We’ve even arranged to be buried here — so this is it for us. No more moving.” Sharon says with a chuckle. “Our next destination is heaven!”