Overall sentiment across the reviews for Chestnut Square at The Glen is strongly positive, with repeated emphasis on the warmth and attentiveness of staff, the quality and cleanliness of the facility, and a robust social and activity program. Many reviewers describe the staff as friendly, compassionate, and proactive — going "above and beyond," recognizing residents by name, and providing helpful coordination during hospitalizations and medical needs. Administration receives praise for thoughtful, vigilant leadership and a strong pandemic response; multiple reviews specifically note that the community kept residents safe and largely COVID-free during the height of the pandemic.
Care quality and staff performance are consistent themes. Reviewers highlight competent caregivers, a caring front desk/concierge, responsive maintenance, and coordination with on-site care providers (Partners in Healthcare). Families appreciated the team’s responsiveness during crises and hospital transitions. Chaplain-led activities, 24/7 staff availability mentioned by some, and on-site access to services such as podiatry and a beauty salon contribute to a sense of comprehensive support. The aging-in-place model and on-site care options were reported as reassuring for residents and families who want to remain in the community as health needs change.
Facilities and apartments receive high marks for being clean, well maintained, and attractively decorated. Apartments are described as modern and customizable — residents can choose paint and carpet colors, configure closet systems, and many units include in-unit washer/dryer, generous storage, and comfortable layouts (one- and two-bedrooms). Accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers, handheld shower heads, benches and grab bars are repeatedly mentioned. The campus itself is characterized as secure and quiet, with pleasant landscaping, gazebo and veranda views, and a compact design that avoids long, impersonal corridors. Some reviewers note the building is relatively new (about nine years old), while a few characterize parts as older or less updated.
Dining is a standout positive: reviewers frequently describe the meals as delicious, varied, nutritious and restaurant-style — complete with white tablecloth service and themed menus. Multiple mentions of generous portions, accommodating dining staff, daily breakfast and dinner offerings, and special meals (Sunday brunch, holiday celebrations) indicate dining is a central element of resident satisfaction. Reviewers also note that dining flexibility (comfortable attire, accommodating service) enhances the homelike feel.
The community’s programming is broad and active. Reviews list discussion groups, card games, lectures, films, exercise and fitness classes (including a full-service fitness center and trainers nearby), arts and crafts, music and entertainment, spiritual programming, and frequent outings to restaurants, shopping and cultural events. Transportation options are robust: scheduled shuttles for shopping, a driver for medical appointments, and easy sign-up for rides are repeatedly cited. The moderate size of the community and long-tenured residents foster a strong social fabric — people form close friendships, celebrate birthdays and events together, and many reviewers describe the community as feeling like family.
Location and convenience are additional positives: Chestnut Square is often praised for its proximity to Glenview Town Center amenities, shops, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, walking paths and medical centers. Reviewers appreciate being walkable to Starbucks and nearby dining, with field trips and daily transportation to local stores like Jewel. The combination of an attractive setting and convenient services supports residents’ independence.
Management, operations, and safety show mostly favorable commentary. Staff attentiveness, a welcoming move-in experience, concierge service, prompt maintenance, and an organized activity calendar are consistently highlighted. Several reviewers praised the nonprofit affiliation and thoughtful administration. However, there are notable caveats that appear across a minority of reviews and merit attention: a few reviewers expressed concern about the entrance fee refund policy — specifically long repayment waits and perceived financial risk (including mention of potential legal complications). Cost is a concern for some prospects who found Chestnut Square expensive compared with other options. A handful of reviewers reported the community did not feel like a good fit for them or worried about resident isolation and participation levels. A small number described parts of the facility as having an older or nursing-home feel, or that amenities were not as extensive as at other communities they considered.
In sum, Chestnut Square at The Glen is portrayed by most reviewers as a well-run, clean, and community-oriented independent living community with excellent staff, great dining, strong programming, convenient location and reliable transportation and services. The dominant experience is one of safety, warmth, and active social engagement with aging-in-place support. Prospective residents and families should weigh these strong operational and social positives against financial considerations related to entrance fee terms and confirm personal fit (activity participation and amenity expectations) during tours and contract review to ensure alignment with individual priorities.
