Acacia Creek Retirement Community

    34400 Mission Blvd, Union City, CA, 94587
    4.5 · 90 reviews
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care
    • Skilled nursing
    AnonymousCurrent/former resident
    5.0

    Resort style community, mostly perfect

    I toured and loved the resort-style, beautifully kept campus - spacious, bright apartments with full kitchens, in-unit laundry, underground parking, pool, gym and endless resident-led activities and councils. Staff are caring, professional and welcoming, the dining is essentially five-star, and the place feels safe, clean and social. It's upscale and expensive (waiting list/wealth required) and I noticed a few service hiccups at times, but overall I'd happily move in.

    Pricing

    Schedule a Tour

    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Coordination with health care providers
    • Hospice waiver
    • Medication management
    • Mental wellness program
    • Physical therapy
    • Preventative health screenings
    • Rehabilitation program

    Healthcare staffing

    • 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Restaurant-style dining
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Air-conditioning
    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Internet
    • Kitchenettes
    • Private bathrooms
    • Spa
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
    • Transportation to doctors appointments

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • Outdoor space
    • Pet friendly
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Family education and support services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination
    • Swimming pool

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Continuing learning programs
    • Planned day trips
    • Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    4.52 · 90 reviews

    Overall rating

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

      4.2
    • Staff

      4.7
    • Meals

      4.5
    • Amenities

      4.5
    • Value

      3.7

    Pros

    • Friendly, welcoming and dedicated staff
    • Exceptional dining (frequently described as five-star; good portions)
    • Extensive amenities (pool, gym, library, woodshop, sewing room, game rooms)
    • In-unit full kitchen and washer/dryer in most apartments
    • Beautiful, well-maintained grounds and scenic views
    • Robust health, wellness and on-site medical services
    • Professional aquatic and wellness center staffed with specialists
    • Wide variety of activities, classes and regular outings
    • Strong sense of community and resident involvement (resident councils)
    • Multiple floor plans including spacious one- and two-bedroom units
    • Transportation and driver services for appointments and trips
    • Move-in assistance and helpful onboarding (IT setup, tours)
    • Age-in-place options with assisted living and large memory care program
    • Underground/assigned parking and storage lockers
    • Proactive maintenance and high cleanliness standards
    • Live entertainment and cultural programming (e.g., Bay Philharmonic)
    • Flexible financial arrangements and add-on services for changing needs
    • Secure, gated campus with a safe physical environment
    • Resident-led programs and strong socialization opportunities
    • Positive long-term resident reports and high overall satisfaction

    Cons

    • High cost; perceived as expensive and requiring substantial savings
    • Only one meal included in base price; additional meals cost extra
    • Some promised services not consistently delivered or later cut
    • Inconsistent responsiveness from staff in some situations
    • Medication assistance and some care services reported as unreliable
    • Some apartments considered smaller than desired
    • Occasional dining service issues (order-taking, remembering orders)
    • Hillside location creates mobility challenges for some residents
    • Isolated location/“away from everything” for some reviewers
    • Operational hiccups reported (e.g., isolated reports of no water service)
    • Some reviewers found atmosphere formal or not homey
    • Not a good fit for those needing higher-touch care without reliable follow-through

    Summary review

    Overall sentiment across reviews for Acacia Creek Retirement Community is strongly positive, with repeated praise for staff, dining, amenities and the sense of community. Reviewers frequently highlight friendly, professional and dedicated employees, clean and well-maintained facilities, and top-tier dining. The campus is repeatedly described as beautiful—well landscaped with wide views and thoughtfully maintained common areas—and many residents emphasize that the property feels secure, resort-like and comfortable for social engagement.

    Care quality and staff: Many reviews emphasize competent care and a caring staff culture. Independent living residents praise the welcoming reception and move-in support, and multiple comments note helpful setup including IT and orientation. On-site nursing, quick medical response and on-call staff receive positive mentions, and the ability to age in place with assisted living and a large memory care program is seen as a major strength. At the same time, several reviews point to inconsistencies: a non-trivial number of residents reported promised services that were not delivered or later discontinued, occasional lack of staff response, and specific concerns around medication assistance. These critical notes appear less frequent than the compliments but are significant for prospective residents who require dependable, higher-touch care.

    Facilities and apartments: The physical plant is a standout. Apartments are described as modern, often brand-new, with full kitchens, in-unit washers and dryers, balconies or porches for plants, and multiple floor-plan options including roomy one- and two-bedroom units. Community facilities are extensive: a fitness and aquatic center staffed by professionals, pool, gym, wood shop, sewing room, library, game rooms, banquet and dance rooms, and underground assigned parking with lockers. Maintenance is described as proactive and the buildings as very clean. A recurring caveat is that some apartments could be larger and certain hillside-facing units lack sun or desirable views. The campus topology (hillside/gated) also raises mobility concerns for some residents.

    Dining and activities: Dining receives exceptionally strong endorsement; many reviewers call it five-star with generous portions and an engaging dining program. There are occasional service shortcomings (for example, order-taking or remembering special requests), but food quality itself is widely praised. Programming is broad and active—classes, fitness (Sit and Be Fit, Tai Chi), lectures, arts and crafts, jewelry making, movies, card games, live music and performances (including Philharmonic events), and frequent outings. Transportation services, drivers for appointments, and scheduled day trips are valued additions. Resident councils and resident-led initiatives reinforce a vibrant social life and high levels of engagement.

    Management, responsiveness and notable patterns: Management and staff receive many positive reviews for professionalism, helpfulness and proactive maintenance. Resident input is commonly noted as meaningful—resident councils, successful aging coaching and encouragement to share skills suggest an organizational culture that listens. However, there are persistent reports of uneven service delivery (promised services cut, inconsistent staffing response) and the occasional operational issue (one review referenced a water service problem). Several reviewers characterize the community as formal or institutional rather than “homey,” which can be a cultural fit issue for some prospective residents.

    Cost, fit and final assessment: Cost is a clear and recurring concern. Multiple reviewers state the community is expensive and suitable only for those with substantial savings; others counter that they find value for money given the amenities and services. The base price includes limited meals (commonly only one), with additional meals and certain services billed extra, so prospective residents should scrutinize the contract and what is included. The setting—gated hillside campus, somewhat removed from urban centers—is ideal for those seeking resort-style, secure living but may be less appealing to people who want immediate proximity to town activities or who have significant mobility limitations.

    In conclusion, Acacia Creek appears to offer a high-quality, well-appointed retirement lifestyle with exceptional dining, comprehensive amenities, strong social programming, proactive maintenance and generally caring staff. It is especially well-suited for independent seniors who want an active, community-oriented environment with the option to age in place. Prospective residents who require consistent high-touch medical/care services or who are budget-conscious should probe specific service guarantees, medication assistance protocols and total cost of care before committing. Overall, the balance of feedback indicates a highly recommended community with a few operational and fit-related caveats that merit direct discussion during tours and contract review.

    Location

    Map showing location of Acacia Creek Retirement Community

    About Acacia Creek Retirement Community

    Acacia Creek Retirement Community sits on a 305-acre campus next to the Masonic Home at Union City, where around 200 seniors live together in a setting filled with garden areas, lovely landscaping, and big, bright apartments as large as 1,630 square feet, each with high ceilings, granite counters, full kitchens, washers and dryers right inside, and private balconies or patios that look out across the gardens or the bay. Residents choose between independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, all within one community, so people can stay even if their health needs change, and the Pavilion building provides extra support with 24-hour staff who help with daily needs, secure memory care, and activities to help residents stay connected and active. The culture at Acacia Creek encourages friendships, daily purpose, and physical and mental wellness through resident-led wellness programs, staff and resident social events, and programs rooted in research on healthy aging, like Masterpiece Living and Certified Center for Successful Aging, which are unique to this place and have led to national awards and full accreditation as a "Masterpiece Living Community." The campus is pet-friendly for independent residents and features amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, parking garage, library, hair and nail salon, dance floor, lounge and bar, and chef-prepared fine dining with flexible options, while the community also offers weekly housekeeping, linen services, technology support, and 24-hour security for peace of mind. People here enjoy a safe, well-kept environment with helpful, kind staff and neighbors who look out for each other, and there's a strong Masonic culture for those interested, but membership isn't required. Acacia Creek supports successful aging with its "Lifestyles" program, joint staff and resident activities, and chances for residents to join in Masonic-related events or community volunteering, and when someone needs to move in, there's help with downsizing, estate support, and even customizing their new home, all while offering tours-both in-person and virtual-to get a feel for daily life, dining, and activities before moving.

    People often ask...

    State of California Inspection Reports

    20

    Inspections

    2

    Type A Citations

    1

    Type B Citations

    6

    Years of reports

    22 May 2025
    Found the allegation that staff kept a resident against their will unfounded; no deficiencies were observed.
    16 Apr 2025
    Determined that the allegation that staff did not refund the entrance fee as required by the continuing care contract was not applicable because the resident entered skilled nursing care, and refunds are not due in that circumstance.
    16 Apr 2025
    Found no deficiencies after an unannounced visit with an executive director, noting 171 residents all in assisted living, 6 rooms inspected, and a locked pool and beauty salon monitored by cameras with no lifeguard on duty. Reviewed 6 staff files (all had health clearances) and 10 resident files; residents used pendants or phones for assistance, safety systems were current—extinguishers serviced, fire alarms tested, drills conducted—and liability insurance was valid from 04/01/2025 to 04/01/2026; exit interview conducted.
    • § 9058
    07 Mar 2025
    Investigated the allegation that staff did not meet the resident's toileting needs and supervision; found the resident's toileting needs were met and assistance was provided only when the pendant was pressed. The resident sustained a minor eyebrow cut from a fall, and there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the claim of inadequate care or supervision.
    19 Mar 2025
    Reviewed records showed that one resident's care plan did not specify the services needed for 1:1 care; no deficiency was cited.
    05 Dec 2024
    Found no deficiencies during an unannounced health and safety check; residents appeared safe, comfortable, and relaxed in their apartments and common areas, with preparations underway for a tree-light event.
    29 May 2024
    Found no deficiencies or citations after reviewing six staff files and residents’ records; all health clearances were current and safety measures were in order. Found the pool and spa area locked and enclosed with cameras, with no lifeguard on duty.
    29 May 2024
    Found the facility inspected, condition overall safe and compliant, with well-maintained equipment, sufficient supplies, and no deficiencies identified during the visit.
    29 Aug 2023
    Found insufficient evidence to prove that staff did not safeguard residents' personal items.
    29 Aug 2023
    Found no evidence that staff smoked marijuana at the home.
    29 Aug 2023
    Found no evidence that staff smoked marijuana at the facility, as multiple residents and staff members reported not witnessing or smelling any marijuana, and an internal investigation concluded the allegation was unfounded.
    28 Jun 2023
    Found that the allegation that the individuals involved did not work or reside at this location is unfounded. No deficiencies were observed during the visit.
    28 Jun 2023
    Reviewed, the investigation determined that the individuals involved in the alleged incident did not work or reside at the location, rendering the claim unfounded. No deficiencies were observed during the visit.
    14 Apr 2023
    Identified safety and storage deficiencies, including housekeeping carts with chemicals left unlocked in hallways and freezer cleaner stored with non-perishable foods, and noted fire safety equipment not recently serviced.
    14 Apr 2023
    Found that the facility was clean and well-maintained but had unsecured housekeeping carts with chemicals left in hallways and improperly stored freezer cleaner in the food storage area. Identified violations of health and safety regulations during the inspection.
    23 May 2022
    Found that infection-control measures were in place, including universal screening, PPE use, and adequate supplies, with no deficiencies cited.
    23 May 2022
    Confirmed that appropriate infection control measures were in place, including screening stations, PPE supplies, and posted hygiene protocols, with no deficiencies observed during the visit.
    • § 87555(b)(25)
    • § 87309(a)
    30 Jun 2021
    Found comprehensive infection-control measures, including centralized screening for staff, residents, and visitors, visible hygiene signage, adequate PPE supplies, and routine screening records; no deficiencies cited.
    30 Jun 2021
    Confirmed that the facility maintained appropriate infection control measures, including proper PPE use, screening protocols, sanitation supplies, and posted health guidelines, with no deficiencies noted.
    18 Nov 2019
    Investigated the allegation that Resident 1 was present at the facility; confirmed the resident was actually at a different location, making the allegation unfounded.

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