Rolling Hills in Storrs, CT

Pros

• Ellen provided outstanding, professional service and made the buyer feel at home before moving in.
• The new modular units are well made.
• People are very friendly.
• The community is well run.
• Long-time residents describe the community as the best.

Cons

• Sun is only motivated by money.
• Many people miss Jensen's; it used to be more family- and people-oriented.
• It is no longer the friendly park it used to be.
• The reviewer would give 0 stars if possible; the office was closed and there was no follow-up.
• There are increasing negative reports about this place, described as a blessing in disguise.
• It is sad that a family-run operation is selling out to a large corporation.

Review

Rolling Hills in Storrs, CT is best suited for 55-plus buyers who want a practical, low-maintenance home base with newer modular options and a resident-driven social environment. The community has been modernizing its offerings, replacing older units with well-made modular homes, and maintaining a tidy, well-kept site with ongoing improvements. For buyers who value independence within a clearly age-restricted setting, Rolling Hills provides straightforward ownership: a newer home, a predictable lot rent (about $480 per month), and the freedom that comes with a single-family-like neighborhood atmosphere. It is not a care-focused facility; it is a neighborhood where residents manage daily life with a sense of shared purpose and continuity, albeit under corporate ownership.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are primarily prospective buyers seeking a more intimate, family-run feel or a highly responsive buyer experience. Several reviews signal a shift away from the old family-operated culture toward a large corporate owner, with lingering concerns that profit motives could overshadow resident-centered service. Prospective purchasers who require prompt, face-to-face engagement, immediate showings, or a consistently hands-on sales process may encounter uneven communication, an office occasionally appearing inaccessible and delayed callbacks. For families who still yearn for the Jensen’s-era warmth and personal touch, this shift can be a decisive dealbreaker.

On balance, the pros at Rolling Hills are tangible and meaningful. The site’s maintenance is steady, and the upgrades underway translate into a more comfortable living environment with reduced maintenance hassles. The new modular homes are presented as well-constructed and modern, offering a noticeable upgrade over older stock. The community benefits from a collegial, friendly resident base, and competent staff who can help during the transition into a new home. Ellen, in particular, emerges as a standout in the sales office, delivering a level of professional, supportive service that helps families feel at home before they move in.

The main drawbacks center on ownership and culture. The transition from a family-run operation to a large corporate owner has bred concerns about whether the focus remains on resident welfare or on bottom-line performance. Several reviewers describe the current climate as more money-driven, with a sense that cash sales and rapid expansion can overshadow individualized attention. Communication gaps, especially for prospective buyers seeking timely information and access to interior showings, reinforce a perception of transactional rather than relational service. The price point, new units around $200k and row-rent in the mid-range, poses a hurdle for some, and the nostalgia for Jensen’s underscores a deeper unease about the community’s changing heart.

Where Rolling Hills earns its keep is in how the positives intersect with real buyer needs. The refreshed physical environment, modern homes, well-maintained grounds, and visible upgrades, delivers clear, long-term value. The 55-plus framework remains a strong guarantee of social structure, safety, and predictable programming, which can offset concerns about corporate governance for residents who prioritize stability and camaraderie over handholding. A capable sales experience, demonstrated by Ellen’s performance, shows that attentive, personalized service can still shine amid broader organizational shifts. For buyers who value a practical, sociable, and relatively affordable setting, these elements often outweigh the drawbacks.

In the end, Rolling Hills represents a practical, solid option for seniors who want a newer home, a well-run site, and a welcoming, neighborly community, and who can tolerate some cultural and procedural shifts that accompany corporate ownership. It may be less suitable for those who prize a strongly hands-on, family-led atmosphere, or who require exceptionally rapid, highly responsive customer care and a consistently lower price point. For such buyers, alternatives, particularly Jensen’s legacy communities or other 55-plus neighborhoods with more transparent ownership and a more resident-centered service ethos, are worth exploring. The decision hinges on whether modernization and sociability outweigh a softer, more personal ownership culture.

The Storrs, Connecticut area offers a variety of amenities for senior living. There are several physicians and pharmacies within close proximity, providing easy access to medical care. The local restaurants offer a range of dining options, including Red Rock Pizza & Cafe, UConn Dairy Bar, and Dog Lane Cafe. Places of worship such as Hope Lutheran Church and Second Congregational Church are nearby for spiritual support. For recreation, there are several parks in the area such as River Road Athletic Complex and Mansfield Hollow State Park, as well as theaters like Mansfield Drive-In Theatre and Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 + Imax for entertainment. Hospitals like Windham Hospital and Johnson Memorial Hospital are available for any medical emergencies. Overall, the Storrs area provides a convenient and vibrant community for senior living.

Physicians

• Mansfield Family Practice (0.2 miles)
• Hilda May Williams Student Health Services (1.4 miles)
• Lin, Hsung Uconn Health Dental (2.1 miles)
• Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network (2.2 miles)
• Fieldstone Family Medicine of Tolland (5 miles)
• Windham Eye Group PC (7.5 miles)
• Stephen Scarangella MD - Orthopedic Surgical Partners (7.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Red Rock Pizza & Cafe (0.3 miles)
• UConn Dairy Bar (1.5 miles)
• Dog Lane Cafe (2.1 miles)
• Moe's Southwest Grill (2.1 miles)
• Hilltop Restaurant, Bar & Banquet (3.8 miles)
• Oyama Japanese & Thai (4.8 miles)
• Dimitri's Pizza Restaurant (5.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.3 miles)
• Big Y Tolland World Class Market (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (7.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Hope Lutheran Church (2.1 miles)
• Second Congregational Church (5.5 miles)
• Congregational Church of Eastford (11.1 miles)
• The Worship Center (12.3 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (5.3 miles)

Parks

• River Road Athletic Complex (5.4 miles)
• Mansfield Hollow State Park (6.4 miles)
• Rec Park (8.5 miles)
• Gay City State Park (11.2 miles)
• Bigelow Hollow State Park (14.1 miles)

Theaters

• Mansfield Drive-In Theatre (5.8 miles)
• Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 + Imax (14.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Windham Hospital (7.8 miles)
• Johnson Memorial Hospital (12.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (11.4 miles)
• The Flour Girl Cafe (12.3 miles)
• Starbucks (13 miles)