Silver Hill Apartments, located at 101 Arboretum Way in Newport News, VA, is an affordable senior apartment community with the official name Silver Hill at The Arboretum and a group called the "55 plus club," and you'll find that they have their own names for things, like their business center and entertainment room, which you might not see everywhere else, and people come here for independent living, assisted living, nursing and rehab, adult day care, memory care, home care, and special senior services, with things set up to fit apartment living for older adults who want things simple but comfortable. Rent is either fixed at rates much lower than other places nearby or based around 30% of monthly income, which helps low-income households, since Silver Hill Apartments carries the Low Income Housing Tax Credit status, and there's a long list of requirements you'll need before moving in-application fees range between $25 and $50 and aren't returned, there's a process involving credit checks and background checks, and anyone applying needs documents like a license or government ID, social security card, proof of income, bank statements, plus both credit and personal references, and sometimes they'll offer move-in specials like $400 off the first month's rent for some units.
The community has studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, but there are no units with dishwashers, air conditioning, or in-unit washers and dryers, and you also won't find resident parking spaces, even though there's complimentary transportation for residents. Kitchens offer white appliances, wood cabinets, and light countertops, with carpeting in the units, microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, and rangetops, and bathrooms include grab bars, vanity sinks, and medicine cabinets for safety. Shared spaces open to all residents include a library, community and shared living rooms, a cozy sitting area with plush seating and a big TV, a gym with a treadmill, recumbent bike, and other cardio machines, and a swimming pool, plus there's an entertainment room, a business center, a club house, an elevator, internet café, on-site laundry, 24-hour maintenance, and indoor and outdoor common areas for social gatherings or relaxation. There's also an on-site salon for independent living residents, which comes with styling chairs, hair dryers, and a floral mural; residents can enjoy amenities like pet-friendly policies for both cats and dogs, though aggressive breeds or dogs with biting histories aren't allowed and there are size limits.
The grounds are lush, clean, and very well kept, with outdoor stroll areas, mature trees, and landscaping, creating very pleasant spots for spending time outside, and the neighborhood itself puts you close to museums, schools, parks, and local shopping or dining, with everything in walking distance for those who like to get out. Residents often talk about the strong sense of community and how everyone's welcoming, and staff are known for being dedicated and focused on keeping things running smoothly, and there are special programs for social gatherings, such as social worker and case manager appreciation luncheons, an educational webinar series, and resources for healthcare professionals. Memory care services are part of what's offered, along with specialized and personalized care plans for those who need them, and safety and security features help everyone feel at ease. While Silver Hill Apartments doesn't offer every modern convenience, it's designed to give seniors an affordable, safe, and active environment with simple amenities and support, and it offers a wide range of care types in a low-frills, no-nonsense setting.