Westminster Village of Memphis

Pros

• Residents love Westminster Village.
• Staff at Westminster Village are the best.
• A resident's five-year experience at Westminster Village was excellent.
• Repairs are completed in the same week.
• Lawn care is provided, saving residents from buying expensive equipment.
• A security guard provides 24/7 presence.
• Office personnel are professional and helpful.
• The village is pretty, with rabbits in gardens and birds in the morning.
• The streets are kept clean.
• Monthly payments are reasonable and include services without extra costs.
• There is an amazing dog park for pets to walk and play.
• Bus access is convenient, with bus stops in front of the houses.

Cons

• The area is described as sketchy, with a woman walking around with a hatchet in broad daylight, implying security concerns.
• Westminster Village is said to need new management.
• There are wide open doors and windows in abandoned houses nearby, raising safety concerns for seniors, children, and families.
• The lawn crew reportedly cuts and weed- eats whatever they feel like, leaving what actually needs to be cut or removed and damaging residents' plants.
• The senior-only section is described as too tight to hire workers during events, with seniors pressured to make donations to cover running costs.

Review

Westminister Village presents itself as a place with a real sense of community and a surprising mix of experiences from residents and visitors. For some, it feels like a welcoming home base where neighbors know each other, and everyday life comes with a comfortable rhythm: friendly staff, well-maintained common areas, and convenient amenities that make life easy. Others, however, raise concerns that point to serious safety and management questions. Taken together, the collection of notes paints a picture of a community that many value highly, even as it grapples with significant challenges in certain areas.

A thread that runs strongly through several accounts is warmth and reliability from the people who work there. One resident repeatedly praises the staff, calling them the best, and specifically highlights Sandra Ashby as a CNA transporter and housekeeper who stands out in her role. Another voice notes that all staff at Westminister are excellent, while the office personnel are described as professional and consistently helpful. The presence of a security guard around the clock is mentioned positively as well, suggesting a sense of safety and vigilance that residents appreciate. Inside the homes themselves, many reviews speak highly of the living conditions: houses come with all the necessary appliances, and when something breaks, repairs are completed within a week or so. Lawn care is also a plus for some, as the grounds are kept neat and easy to maintain - no need for residents to invest in costly equipment. The broader community benefits from features like a neighborly vibe, clean streets, and a tranquil atmosphere where wildlife such as rabbits and birds appear, creating a pleasant street-level ambience.

Beyond the interior and staff, several reviewers foreground the practical advantages and conveniences that make life smoother. The village is described as having a reasonable monthly payment structure with services bundled in, eliminating surprise costs. It is located in a bus zone near Gosnell elementary, middle, and high schools, with bus passes in front of the houses, which is a meaningful convenience for families. A dedicated dog park offers a space for pets to walk and play, and the overall streetscape is noted as pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with low traffic that adds to the calm, suburban feel. The ability to enjoy outdoor routines like cycling and backyard bird-watching further amplifies the sense of a peaceful, family-friendly environment. For many, these elements coalesce into a strong, positive recollection of a place that once felt like home.

Yet the same collection of notes does not shy away from stark warnings and negative observations. A separate reviewer portrays Westminister Village as a place that needs new management, citing troubling conditions that go beyond ordinary wear and tear. The most alarming concern is the presence of wide-open doors and windows in abandoned houses in the surrounding area. This issue raises questions about safety for seniors, children, women, and families, and it starkly contrasts with the more tranquil image described in other reviews. The implication is that unsecured or neglected properties nearby could undermine the perceived security of the village itself, creating a sense of vulnerability for residents and visitors alike.

Another troubling detail concerns the lawn-care practices by the on-site crew. The reviewer claims that the lawn crew cuts and weed-eats "whatever they feel like," sometimes damaging or neglecting residents' planted features, and leaving untouched what actually needs maintenance. This suggests inconsistencies in maintenance standards and a susceptibility to frustrating outcomes for residents who have invested in plantings and landscaping. Taken together with the surrounding security concerns, these maintenance issues contribute to a broader impression of management that may not be consistently aligned with resident needs or expectations.

A further point of contention centers on the senior community's involvement in events and fundraising. The review alleging "new management" also argues that the senior-only portion of the village is too constrained to hire workers for events, instead relying on senior citizens to participate in tasks. The same account accuses the administration of pressuring seniors to donate to cover operating costs, portraying a culture of guilt rather than voluntary support. If accurate, these practices would undermine the autonomy and generosity of residents who want to help but feel compelled rather than invited to contribute.

Taken together, the reviews sketch a complex portrait: Westminister Village appears to offer many desirable attributes - strong staff, convenient amenities, safe-feeling environments in some areas, and a neighborly community that many people remember fondly. At the same time, serious concerns about security in nearby abandoned properties, apparent inconsistencies in lawn maintenance, and what some perceive as coercive fundraising practices by management cast a shadow over the overall experience. For anyone weighing a move to this village, the message is clear: there are notable strengths to celebrate, but equally significant issues that deserve closer scrutiny and transparent, proactive addressing by village leadership.

If you're considering Westminister Village, it might be wise to visit with a careful eye toward both the strengths and the gaps described here. Ask about security protocols for neighboring vacant properties and how the management plans to address any safety concerns for residents. Inquire about lawn maintenance practices and how resident landscaping plans are accommodated to prevent damage or neglect. And if there are events or fundraising drives, seek clarity on how participation is framed - whether as voluntary opportunities or essential duties - and what protections exist to ensure residents never feel pressured or measured by donations. With attention to these areas, the village's many positives could be preserved and amplified, while the legitimate concerns are addressed to create a safer, more transparent, and more resident-centered community.

This area of Memphis, Tennessee offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenient living options. With a range of restaurants nearby such as Elwood's Shack and Lucchesi's Beer Garden, residents can enjoy delicious meals without having to travel far. Additionally, there are several cafes like Starbucks and Otherlands Coffee Bar for those looking to socialize or unwind with a cup of coffee. The presence of multiple pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS provides easy access to medications and healthcare needs. For recreational activities, the neighborhood is surrounded by parks like Chickasaw Garden Park and Shelby Farms Park, offering opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Places of worship such as Holy Trinity Community and St John's United Methodist Church provide spiritual support within the community. In terms of healthcare, residents have access to various physicians' offices and hospitals including Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital for any medical needs that may arise. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living with its blend of amenities and services.

Restaurants

• Elwood's Shack (1.4 miles)
• El Porton Of Memphis (1.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.6 miles)
• Lucchesi's Beer Garden (1.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.7 miles)
• Wiseacre Brewing Company (2 miles)
• The Cove (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Otherlands Coffee Bar & Exotic Gifts (3.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• People's Custom Rx (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Chickasaw Garden Park (2.3 miles)
• Audubon Park (2.6 miles)
• Overton Square (3.3 miles)
• Sea Isle Neighborhood (4.7 miles)
• Freeman Park (4.7 miles)
• Shelby Farms Park (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Trinity Community (2.7 miles)
• Lindenwood Christian Church (2.9 miles)
• Second Chance Fellowship (3.5 miles)
• McLean Baptist Church (3.6 miles)
• White Station Church of Christ (3.8 miles)
• Grace-St Luke's Episcopal Church (4.2 miles)
• St John's United Methodist Church (5.1 miles)

Physicians

• Laurelwood Pediatrics (3.2 miles)
• Tristate Neurology (3.3 miles)
• JNT Natural Medicine (3.5 miles)
• Women's Physicians Group (4.4 miles)
• Midtown Internal Medicine (4.5 miles)
• Internal Medicine Associates of Memphis (4.5 miles)
• Adams Patterson Gynecology & Obstetrics (4.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Methodist Healthcare Employee Assistance Program (3.5 miles)
• Lebonheur Outpatient Center-East (4.3 miles)
• Memphis VA Medical Center (5.2 miles)
• Saint Francis Hospital (5.4 miles)
• Collins Chapel Health Center (5.4 miles)
• St Francis Hospital (5.5 miles)
• Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (5.5 miles)