1301 Fulton Street, Newberg, OR 97132
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Friendsview Retirement Community
Pros
Friendsview offers a wide range of educational and art programs, with residents forming more than thirty special-interest groups.- Staff and residents are described as super nice, highlighting a friendly, caring community.
- The facility is very large with very good management and a care team delivering high-quality care.
- Most residents find Friendsview to be a good place to live and enjoy the opportunities available.
- The grounds are well maintained: the lawn is manicured, the entrance is welcoming, and the entire property is clean.
- Families report peace of mind knowing loved ones are cared for by a loving community.
- The community provides a robust calendar of activities, trips, and events that keep residents engaged.
Cons
The facility failed to respond to a resident's panic button for twelve hours, leaving her on the floor.- The reviewers claim staff do not care about residents and are focused on the bottom line.
- The food is described as god-awful, even in the new buildings and on holidays.
- The facility will not answer the phone nor return calls.
- The entrance fee is non-refundable and monthly costs keep increasing, draining finances.
- There have been prior falls with residents left on the floor for an hour awaiting help.
- The room is not very spacious.
- Prospective residents are advised to look elsewhere for the care their loved ones deserve.
Review
Friendsview Retirement Community is best suited for active seniors who want a faith-forward, socially vibrant campus where independence is respected but a continuum of on-site care is available as needs evolve. The Newberg setting is practical for those who value walkable streets, nearby amenities, and easy campus access to a broad slate of programs, from educational courses and art projects to one-day trips and hobby groups. For residents who enjoy organized activities, volunteer opportunities, and peer networks, Friendsview can feel like a self-contained town where lifelong learning and shared interests keep life engaging. The community also works well for couples or solo residents who prefer a campus with diverse housing options, including duplex homes that feel more like a standalone residence while still staying connected to the broader community.
That said, potential residents should consider alternatives if reliability and cost stability are non-negotiables. A recurring concern in the reviews is that emergency call systems and staff responsiveness can lag, sometimes with serious consequences. One family’s experience described a fall in the middle of the night with no immediate help for many hours, underscoring a risk that cannot be dismissed. Additionally, the financial structure is significant: a substantial entrance fee with non-refundable terms after a year, followed by ongoing monthly charges that have been noted to increase over time. For families prioritizing predictability, transparency about costs, and a consistent, urgent-response culture, these factors justify exploring other options.
The strongest pros, rich programming, a broad social fabric, and a genuine sense of community, often offset many common drawbacks, but not all. Residents praise the wide range of activities, from walking clubs and exercise classes to art and craft groups, with dozens of self-organized groups giving everyday life texture and purpose. The campus appears to support a deep sense of belonging, with opportunities to interact across generations (including partnerships with nearby colleges) and to move fluidly between independent living and health-center options as needs evolve. Several reviews spotlight dedicated staff and a caring atmosphere, which helps counterbalance the drawbacks inherent in a large, multi-building operation. Yet, the same reports also reveal inconsistencies, varied dining experiences and occasional communication gaps, so the quality of daily life can feel uneven across buildings and shifts.
Finances and care structure are central to any decision here. Friendsview operates as a continuing care community with an on-site Health Center, and residents note the appeal of moving within the same campus as care needs grow. The flooring is practical: some residents live in high-rise apartments with meals included in the main building, while duplex homes provide private living with separate utility responsibilities and the option to join the dining plan or pay per meal. The non-refundable entrance fee after a period, plus rising monthly costs, is a real consideration. For families budgeting toward long-term care, this model is appealing if stability and a built-in care pathway are priorities; it is less appealing if financial certainty is the primary concern or if liquidity is a constraint.
In practical terms, families weighing Friendsview should verify staffing levels and call-system reliability firsthand, ideally by speaking with current residents across independent and assisted living, and by requesting candid timelines for response to emergencies. A thorough dining room trial can illuminate consistency in meals, since reputational comments range from “delicious” to “the food is not great.” It is essential to map the total cost of ownership over the first five to ten years, including potential increases in fees, the non-refundable entrance payment, and how duplex and high-rise options alter the meal plan and utility costs. Finally, gather questions for the administration about how transitions between living options are handled, what guarantees exist for future care placement, and how residents’ voice is reflected in governance.
The bottom line is practical and clear: Friendsview delivers a robust, community-centered lifestyle with meaningful opportunities for social engagement, education, and a responsive care pathway on campus. It is a compelling fit for financially secure seniors who prize a spiritually oriented, active environment and who value the prospect of aging in place without moving far from familiar friends and routines. It is less suited for those who require lightning-fast emergency response at all hours, or who cannot tolerate a significant upfront financial commitment and ongoing premium costs. For families who want a well-rounded, socially rich setting and are comfortable navigating the financial structure, Friendsview stands out as a serious, capable option worth serious consideration.
155 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Independent Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Community operated transportation
24-hour call system
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Medication management
Special dietary restrictions
Concierge services
Planned day trips
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