Overall sentiment across the reviews for Norris Square I is strongly positive, with consistent praise focused on staff, cleanliness, amenities, and the breadth of activities. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the friendliness, attentiveness, and compassion of both care and front-line staff; many comment that staff know residents by name, offer personal attention, and maintain good communication with families. Nursing staff are described as knowledgeable and not neglectful, and reviewers note smooth processes for move-in and for transitions such as hospice, emphasizing respectful and seamless care.
The physical facility and amenities receive frequent commendation. Multiple reviewers describe the apartments as clean, modern, spacious, and comfortable (including one-bedroom options). Shared spaces are praised: a large, restaurant-style dining room, movie theater, library, chapel, hairdresser on-site, and updated common areas. Outdoor amenities such as a pleasant patio and walking path, along with transportation to stores, contribute to convenience and quality of life. Security features like 24-hour security and a secure memory care neighborhood are called out positively.
Dining and activities are prominent strengths. Many reviews note restaurant-style meals, flexible dining options, and a generally varied menu. The activity program is frequently described as engaging and robust — reviewers mention yoga, exercise classes, movie showings, cards, pool, Ping-Pong, bingo, trivia, day trips, church services, and birthday celebrations. Several people explicitly praise the activity director as "amazing," and there are regular entertainment events and outings that enhance community life. Memory care areas are viewed as clean, modern, and secure, with activities appropriate to residents there.
There are some recurring limitations and mixed experiences worth noting. While many praise the food, a number of reviews indicate meals can be bland for residents with specific dietary needs or that meal quality/variety is "mixed" at times. Outings and field trips have been reduced since COVID, which some families and residents would like restored. Financial accessibility is a notable concern: at least one reviewer states that the facility does not accept an elderly waiver for the first year, which can create affordability challenges. Another operational gap raised is a desire for more in-home medical visits, indicating some families would prefer enhanced on-site medical services.
A small number of reviewers expressed that Norris Square I did not feel like a "community-type" setup, suggesting that while many experience a welcoming, communal atmosphere, this is not universal. This contrasts with the majority who report a strong sense of community. Taken together, the reviews present Norris Square I as a clean, well-appointed senior living option with compassionate staff, robust activities, and useful amenities, but with some practical concerns around dietary accommodations for special needs, post-COVID reductions in outings, and affordability/coverage issues that prospective residents and families should clarify during touring and contracting.
