David and Anne Strand’s story began at Michigan State University. Anne was completing her master’s degree in education, while David just received a National Science Foundation scholarship. A chance meeting became a lifelong partnership.
The couple built fulfilling lives in the Marietta area, including years of volunteer work at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, where they trained trail ambassadors and secured grants for educational programs for thousands of visitors.
When construction began on Sterling Estates of West Cobb, just four miles from their home, David and Anne saw an opportunity to begin a new chapter with fewer household responsibilities and more time for health, happiness, and community. Among the first residents at Sterling Estates, they downsized from their 5,500-square-foot home to a spacious cottage with a two-car garage, garden, and plenty of room for their beloved Siberian Husky.
Sterling Estates of West Cobb, along with its sister community, Sterling Estates of East Cobb, is locally owned and managed by a group of partners who have been in the senior living industry since 1988. The philosophy at Sterling Estates is simple. “We build and operate our communities to what we or our parents would want,” Mike Brown, partner, explains.
At Sterling, David and Anne discovered a vibrant lifestyle, playing bocce ball and joining different men’s and women’s clubs. The pair even created an independent resident directory to help new neighbors connect. The Wellness Center also became central to their routine, helping Anne improve her mobility through a tailored fitness program and supporting David’s recovery after knee surgery.
They’ve been deeply involved in the community throughout the years. David teaches a 20th-century U.S. History course to fellow residents, and Anne writes a column for the community’s monthly independent residents’ newsletter, The Siren.
They’ve even helped form a partnership between Sterling Estates and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, where veterans from Sterling share their stories as part of the park’s educational program.
For David and Anne, Sterling Estates isn’t just where they live. It’s where they belong. “We say prayers every day, thankful that we made this move. It’s the best thing we’ve ever done,” David and Anne share.
The grounds at Sterling Estates are picturesque, including spacious sidewalks, green spaces, patios, and courtyards. The West Cobb location spans more than 28 acres and includes 61 independent cottages, 50 independent apartments, and 90 apartments offering various levels of assistance. The property also includes a 44-unit standalone memory care residence, The Grande at Sterling Estates. Because life at Sterling Estates is about staying active, amenities include a 7,500-square-foot wellness center with an indoor heated saltwater pool, exercise facilities, and a calendar of fun activities for residents.
Resident happiness is part of what keeps Mike Brown and the rest of the Sterling Estates team working on the mission, and Cobb County has taken notice. Sterling Estates has received numerous accolades, including the coveted Best of Cobb Awards seven years in a row from 2019 to 2025.
“We are extremely proud and thankful for this achievement,” Brown says. “We believe this recognition is a testament to the quality of our staff and to their dedication to our residents, as they deliver superior care and services to our residents at both communities, living a ‘Sterling Life.’”
Visit sterlingestates.com to learn more.
For David and Anne, Sterling Estates isn’t just where they live. It’s where they belong.