Overall sentiment across the reviews is largely positive: reviewers repeatedly praise Hickory Glen for its warm, home-like atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, active social environment, and the breadth of on-site amenities. Many families reported that residents were happy living there and that staff ‘‘go out of their way’’ to meet needs. Specific strengths mentioned frequently include private rooms and personal space, weekly housekeeping, on-site salon and rehabilitation services (OT/PT), kitchenettes in some apartments, a workout room, movie theater, swimming pool, and good security and pandemic protocols. Several reviewers explicitly described the staff as excellent, knowledgeable during tours, and respectful toward residents; the activities director and programming also receive strong praise for keeping residents engaged.
Dining and social programming emerge as central positive themes. Multiple reviewers call the food ‘‘good’’ or ‘‘excellent,’’ and many note that meals and transportation are included in the price, which contributes to perceived value. The community hosts many activities (crafts, games, holiday parties, church outings) and maintains a daily bulletin of events, which reviewers say creates lots of opportunities to meet people and be socially active. Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as warm, friendly, and close-knit — staff know residents by name, invite potential residents and families to events, and create a welcoming environment. Several accounts mention that families would recommend Hickory Glen and that loved ones were comfortable and content there.
However, there are important and recurring concerns that prospective residents and families should weigh. Physical apartment limitations are a common drawback: rooms are described as smaller than some expect, with limited closet and hanging space, poor lighting in certain units, and the expectation that residents must supply their own furniture. Bathroom accessibility is another specific issue called out — several reviews mention no shower seat and no low-entry showers, which is a practical concern for residents with mobility limitations. While many reviewers praise the food, multiple comments indicate the quality declined after the pandemic, so dining consistency may be variable. There are also mixed perceptions on cost: while many feel the community offers good value (meals and transportation included), at least one reviewer characterized pricing as expensive, suggesting that perceived value may vary by payer and unit type.
Operational and management issues appear in the reviews and should not be overlooked. While tours are often described as knowledgeable and welcoming, one reviewer reported an unprepared receptionist. More seriously, multiple reviewers reported long-standing elevator failures — one comment states elevators were broken and not fixed for two years — which raises safety and accessibility concerns for residents, visitors, and staff. Other maintenance and responsiveness concerns are implied by comments about timing of activities and occasional administrative shortcomings. Parking logistics are somewhat mixed in the reviews: valet parking is available, but some reviewers noted parking is not covered, which could be confusing or inconvenient depending on expectations.
In summary, Hickory Glen presents as a largely well-run, friendly senior living community with many desirable amenities, strong staff engagement, and active programming that fosters social connections. Its clear advantages are the caring staff, breadth of on-site services (rehab, salon, fitness, theater, pool), included meals and transportation, and generally clean, welcoming environment. Prospective residents should, however, pay careful attention to unit-specific factors (apartment size, closet space, lighting, whether furniture is required) and accessibility features (shower configuration, elevator reliability). They should also inquire directly about current dining quality trends, precise parking arrangements and costs, and recent maintenance or repair issues (especially elevators) to confirm management’s responsiveness. Visiting multiple times, asking about recent elevator repair history, inspecting a specific apartment’s storage and bathroom accommodations, and sampling current meals will help families determine whether Hickory Glen’s many positives align with their practical needs and expectations.
