The Springs at The Waterfront

    1015 W Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA, 98660
    4.0 · 8 reviews
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care
    AnonymousCurrent/former resident
    2.0

    Gorgeous views but management cover-up

    I live here - the Columbia River views are gorgeous and the amenities are top-notch, and most staff are friendly and helpful. I'm furious after a hostile run-in with an employee, then watching staff openly smoke by entrances in direct violation of city rules while management pretends nothing's wrong - it smells like a cover-up with officials. They do accommodate younger adults with disabilities, but proceed with caution; I'm angry and wary.

    Pricing

    Schedule a Tour

    Amenities

    4.00 · 8 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      5.0
    • Staff

      4.2
    • Meals

      5.0
    • Amenities

      5.0
    • Value

      4.0

    Pros

    • Professional, attentive staff
    • Quick issue resolution
    • Welcoming and accommodating atmosphere
    • Abundant activities and programs
    • Wide range of amenities (pool, spa, gym, theater, art studio, wine bar)
    • Brand-new building on Vancouver waterfront
    • Prime Columbia River views/location
    • Lively social scene (happy hours, seasonal parties, music nights)
    • Comprehensive services (concierge, food & beverage, wellness & fitness, maintenance, housekeeping)
    • Delicious food
    • Transportation to church
    • Residents well cared for and highly recommended
    • Friendly, well-trained supportive staff

    Cons

    • Isolated negative staff interaction (hostile/angry tone)
    • Staff smoking on property / smoking policy enforcement issues
    • One review lacks specific details on meals, activities, facilities, or care quality
    • Mention of disability accommodation for younger adults (not enough context; potential mixed perceptions)
    • One review includes anti-government/conspiracy content (outlier, not service-related)

    Summary review

    Overall sentiment: The reviews of The Springs at The Waterfront are overwhelmingly positive. Multiple reviewers highlight a high-quality, full-service retirement community experience with exceptional amenities, an active social calendar, and a generally warm, welcoming environment. The property’s new construction and prime waterfront location on the Columbia River are repeatedly cited as major strengths, and reviewers frequently recommend the community based on the combination of location, services, and social life.

    Staff and care quality: Staff are the most consistently praised aspect across reviews. Descriptions include professional, attentive, well-trained, friendly, and supportive personnel who resolve issues quickly and make residents and visitors feel welcome. Several reviewers explicitly state that residents appear well cared for and that staff service is thorough. That said, there are isolated negative reports: one review describes a hostile or angry interaction with staff and uses extreme, politically-charged language — this appears to be an outlier and provides no specifics about care or services. Management should note this lone negative interaction as something to investigate for potential training or remediation, but it does not reflect the broader pattern in the other summaries.

    Facilities and location: The Springs at The Waterfront is described as a brand-new building with scenic Columbia River views and a prime Vancouver waterfront location. Amenities receive strong praise and are numerous: indoor pool and spa, fitness/gym facilities, theater, art studio, and a wine bar are specifically mentioned. Reviewers consider the amenities top-notch and appropriate for a full-service retirement community, contributing to an upscale, resort-like feel.

    Activities and social life: A lively social calendar is a recurring theme. Reviews mention abundant activities and programs, including gym classes, art activities, Friday night music performances, happy hours, and seasonal parties. The community is portrayed as socially active and engaging, which is a significant draw for prospective residents looking for social opportunities and events. Transportation options such as rides to church were also noted, indicating attention to residents’ mobility and community participation.

    Dining and services: Food and dining receive positive comments — reviewers call the food delicious and note robust food & beverage services. Beyond dining, reviewers highlight comprehensive on-site services such as concierge, wellness & fitness programming, maintenance, and housekeeping. These services reinforce the community’s positioning as a full-service environment where residents’ daily needs are attended to.

    Notable concerns and recommendations: Two concrete concerns recur and merit management attention. First, at least one reviewer observed staff smoking on the property and cited a violation of the smoking policy; enforcement of no-smoking rules near entrances and on property (especially given local ordinances) should be re-emphasized to staff and residents to prevent health and compliance issues. Second, while most staff-related comments are positive, the isolated report of a hostile staff interaction (and the related review that includes anti-government/conspiracy content) should be evaluated by management. That particular review lacks detail about the specific service deficiency and therefore is best treated as an outlier, though follow-up to ensure no pattern exists is advisable. There is also a mention of disability accommodation for younger adults; reviews do not provide enough context to tell whether this was a concern or a neutral factual note, so management may want to clarify policies and communications regarding age and disability accommodations for prospective residents.

    Overall assessment: Reviews portray The Springs at The Waterfront as a high-quality, full-service retirement community with excellent amenities, a strong social program, good food, and generally exceptional staff. The waterfront location and new construction are key attractions. Management should continue to highlight strengths around staff training, activities programming, and amenities while addressing the smoking-policy enforcement and reviewing the isolated negative staff interaction to ensure consistent resident experience. Based on the balance of comments, the community appears well-regarded and frequently recommended by reviewers.

    Location

    Map showing location of The Springs at The Waterfront

    About The Springs at The Waterfront

    The Springs at The Waterfront is a large 12-story community at 1015 W. Columbia Way in Vancouver, WA, right by the Columbia River. The building can serve over 300 residents, with about 250 units, and has 68 licensed beds for assisted living. About half of the units are already reserved, so there aren't as many spots available now. The staff focuses on care and tries new ways to support residents, with Drew Shaffer as the executive director. The building uses natural materials like wood and stone and follows LEED Gold and Fitwel Certification standards, which means it cares for both health and the environment. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care, and there's also respite care for short stays when caregivers need a break. The idea is to help people age in place, letting them adjust care as their needs change.

    There's a secure underground parking area, and the property looks out over the Columbia River and the nearby mountains, so there are plenty of nice views, especially from the ninth-floor roof terrace and wine bar. People can walk along a half-mile path by the water and use the outdoor terrace with raised gardens, a putting green, a dog run, and places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Residents can join art workshops, fitness classes, scheduled outings to museums or theaters, and other group events. The Three Sisters activity room and other community spaces encourage people to socialize and learn new things.

    Dining is a big part of life here, too, with several venues including the Pacific Ridge Dining Room for seasonal meals and Fancho's Public House, where you can get casual food and a full bar overlooking the park and river. There are private wine lockers for those who want them. The indoor pool, heated spa, fitness studio, and wellness center help residents stay active and relax, while a hair salon and spa with massage complete the personal care options. Medical providers, therapy services, and home care are available onsite for those who need extra support with medication, daily activities, or health issues.

    The building's design brings in natural light and uses a lot of glass, dark bronze, and wood, making it feel open and welcoming. Residents can garden, relax on the rooftop, play a few rounds of putting, or gather for workshops and social events, while still having support for changing health or mobility needs. The Springs at The Waterfront doesn't feel crowded, thanks to its size and open spaces, and while the amenities are quite modern, there's still a focus on comfort and creating a community where people can live well as they age.

    People often ask...

    Nearby Communities

    • Exterior view of a modern multi-story residential building with balconies, large windows, and a mix of white, black, and brick facade under a clear blue sky.
      $6,589 – $8,565+4.9 (35)
      Semi-private • 1 Bedroom • Studio
      independent living, assisted living

      Merrill Gardens at Hillsboro

      146 NE 4th Ave, Hillsboro, OR, 97124
    • Aerial view of a cityscape at sunset featuring a large multi-story residential building next to a historic church with a red-tiled roof and a distinctive dome. The scene includes surrounding streets, parked cars, trees, and a body of water in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
      $3,195+4.9 (33)
      1 Bedroom
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Merrill Gardens at Wright Park

      5 S G St, Tacoma, WA, 98405
    • Architectural rendering of a multi-story senior living facility building with multiple windows, landscaped greenery, and sidewalks surrounding the structure.
      $4,200+4.4 (65)
      1 Bedroom
      continuing care retirement community

      Merrill Gardens at Auburn

      18 1st St SE, Auburn, WA, 98002
    • Front entrance of a multi-story building with a wooden gabled porte-cochère, hanging flower baskets, and surrounding landscaping.
      $4,140 – $5,400+4.8 (37)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom
      assisted living, memory care

      Aegis Living Marymoor

      4585 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA, 98052
    • Entrance driveway to a senior living facility with a covered drop-off area, surrounded by trees, shrubs, and landscaped flower beds under a clear blue sky.
      $2,800 – $5,000+4.4 (174)
      Semi-private • 1 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Truewood By Merrill, Boise

      2600 North Milwaukee Street, Boise, ID, 83704
    • Exterior view of Oakmont of Westpark senior living facility at dusk, showing a two-story building with illuminated windows, stone and stucco facade, landscaped greenery, and a covered entrance with a clearance sign.
      $3,595 – $4,995+4.3 (86)
      Studio • Semi-private
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Oakmont of Westpark

      2400 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA, 95747

    Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

    1. 202 facilities$7,038/mo
    2. 140 facilities$7,385/mo
    3. 95 facilities$7,364/mo
    4. 115 facilities$7,584/mo
    5. 67 facilities$8,169/mo
    6. 220 facilities$6,138/mo
    7. 199 facilities$7,061/mo
    8. 153 facilities$7,343/mo
    9. 320 facilities$6,172/mo
    10. 114 facilities$7,525/mo
    11. 187 facilities$6,043/mo
    12. 217 facilities$6,037/mo
    © 2025 Mirador Living