We estimate that the average renter chooses to live at one community for about two years. Whether our customers decide to stay for two years or a quarter of a century, Camden’s priority is making their experience a great one. At Camden, our legacy is quality over quantity – a merging of the experiences from every resident and our Camden team members. As Camden turns 25 in 2018, we began to hear about residents all around the country celebrating 10, 15, even 25 years with us. We ventured out to see our legacy in action – how the quality of our work and our people has led to residents sharing a quarter of a century with us. Below, we look back on a part of our legacy and look into the future – we meet a Camden resident who has lived with us for over 25 years!

He can tell you where all the best neighborhood hangouts are, where to get the best Italian food (New York Pizza & Pasta, if you’re wondering), where to find the best spot by the pool and has lived with us at Camden Cimarron for 25 years (and counting!); he’s Big Jim. To celebrate a quarter of a century at Camden Cimarron, all of his extended Camden family hosted a party for Big Jim with good food, good music and plenty of reminiscing on all the good times.

Below Big Jim shares his answers to the question, Why Camden Cimarron for 25 years?

Image courtesy of Camden Property Trust 

The People at Camden

When it comes to Big Jim, our Camden family in Dallas has really enjoyed getting to know him, one in particular is Rhonda Bryant (pictured above). When asked to describe what it’s like having Big Jim as a resident at Camden Cimarron, she says “After getting to know Big Jim through his 25 years at Camden Cimarron, I can tell you that he is one of a kind. I know if he sees my car in the parking lot I’m going to get a visit and a big Italian hug. He is one of the nicest people you will ever meet!”

On what makes Camden so special, Big Jim didn’t hesitate to say: “The people from top to bottom. They’re friendly but also attentive. I’ve talked to Rhonda a few times about promoting some people too. It’s the fact that I get to talk to her and have her card if I need it. It’s the people and accessibility.”

“I was in the hospital for two & a half months. When I came home my apartment was all upgraded. It says it all right there. It’s a perfect example. The first three or four months were the toughest for me – I just didn’t know how to get around living in a wheel chair. That’s a perfect example that proved how Camden went above & beyond for me.”

Image courtesy of Camden Property Trust

The Value

For Jim, one of the biggest reasons he stays at Camden Cimarron is the outstanding service by the Maintenance team! “Maintenance and everything is great. If I need something done, it’s done within 24 hours. It makes a big difference. I was just talking to my sister about that – why would I want to move away now? If there’s a problem, I make one phone call and that’s it.”

“I use the work out facility 3 times a week. I’ve told many people that I have everything I need right here so why should I go pay for a gym membership? It’s always clean and put together, all the weights are there too.”

“This isn’t always the cheapest apartment and I’ve had other friends that live in the area say their apartments are cheaper. But then I say, well, how much do you pay for your attached garage, the washer & dryer, and that free cable? When you start adding all of that up, they each said ‘oh yeah, you’re right’.”

Image Courtesy of Camden Property Trust

The Pool (Jim’s favorite!)

Before Jim could answer the question about his favorite amenity, his Camden family chimed in excitedly shouting out, ‘THE POOL!’ He agreed. “Probably the pool, but the attached garages are a nice plus. Ok, I’d say the pool with the volleyball net and the fitness center being a close second.”

On his favorite memory:  “There was a group that lived here initially, all about the same age. There were about 10 of us and we used to have fun pool parties at night or after work. On Saturdays, if you didn’t have a spot by 11:30 AM, you wouldn’t get one. That’s how busy it was. It’s really the people and the comradery. We just always had fun.”

The Neighbors

On his experience at Camden: “It’s all been positive. People are all friendly here. With certain neighbors, we really look out for each other.”  

“I try to be involved, especially with pool parties. I like to be present for things like the resident breakfasts too. If I have to come grab you and bring you down here on a Saturday, I will because it’s a lot of fun by the pool.”

Image Courtesy of Camden Property Trust

Cheers to another 25 years with Big Jim and Phil the cat!

From the Camden Cimarron team, a huge thank you to Big Jim for choosing Camden Cimarron for the past 25 years. We hope you enjoy your new neighbor, Alexa!  If you need any help installing your Echo show - just let us know.  :)

Image Courtesy of Camden Property Trust

Visit www.CamdenCimarron.com to see for yourself why Big Jim has lived with us for over 25 years! Looking to live in a different area? Find your perfect fit for the next few months or the next 25 years with us at Camden by visiting www.CamdenLiving.com.

Photo courtesy of *This blog is based off of an interview with Jim conducted by Camden’s Regional Marketing Director for Dallas and Austin, Kristen Armstrong.