The Grand Living

Pros

• The Waterford is a very welcoming independent living community.
• The staff is great and genuinely cares about the residents.
• Lisa is the manager who truly loves the residents.
• Carrie handles sales and helps match residents to the exact apartment they need.
• Residents feel safe and comfortable, and the staff truly care about them.
• Assisted services are available, or families can arrange their own help.
• Ernesto is quick to address repairs and issues.
• The building is older but well maintained.
• The food is overall good with several daily options.
• The Waterford offers many onsite resources and activities for residents.
• The front desk staff are friendly and welcoming.
• The Waterford supports transitions from home to senior living.

Cons

• The elevator to the third floor is broken again, a health hazard for those who can't walk up and down the stairs and totally unacceptable.
• There is only one washer and dryer working on the first floor west; carpets need cleaning; signs on stairwells say not to be used for storage per fire marshal, but they are used as storage.
• The elevator is out of order frequently, causing third-floor residents to be trapped if they cannot navigate stairs.
• The dining program runs out of the main course before it reaches her dining group; that is described as a typical month.
• The invitation offered a gift for a five-star rating; this facility is nowhere near five stars.
• Some reviewers describe activities as boring - "bored individuals doing arts and crafts" - and note a lack of engaging field trips or live music.
• Very nice but expensive.
• Some reviews mention awful food and poor cleaning; staff did the bare minimum, and residents pay a ridiculous amount and do not feel they are getting value.

Review

The Waterford at Mesquite presents itself as a very welcoming independent living community, and that warmth comes through in the experiences shared by residents and their families. People describe the atmosphere as beautiful, inviting, and comfortable - a place where aging parents and loved ones can settle into routines that feel like home. Across the board, there's a strong sense that living here means being treated with kindness, respect, and plenty of opportunities to stay engaged through daily activities, social events, and community connections.

A standout thread in the feedback is the people who run and staff the community. The management and front-line team are frequently highlighted for their genuine care. Lisa, the manager, is described as someone who truly loves the residents, while Carrie handles sales with a focus on matching each person with the right apartment. Families repeatedly note that staff members - such as Carrie, Mary, Bethany, and Lisa - feel like family, and they appreciate how approachable and attentive the team is. The sentiment is reinforced by examples of individual staff members going above and beyond, from caring housekeepers to friendly front-desk staff who make check-ins smooth and welcoming, to Ernesto who is quick to address repairs or any issues that arise.

The community also emphasizes flexibility and safety when it comes to care options. Residents can enjoy independent living with the option to bring in assisted services if needed, or use on-site home health services. This layered approach helps families feel confident that their loved ones can stay in place as needs evolve. The sense of safety is reinforced by visible procedures, such as a front-desk check-in, and by the solid reputation of staff who keep families informed - especially during a loved one's recovery from surgery - so that caregivers feel connected and supported.

The physical facility is described as well maintained, if a bit aged in comparison to newer developments. Reviewers note that it is clean, well-kept, and aesthetically pleasing, with open, attractive decor and a sense of spaciousness in common areas. While some comments point out that the building is older, the general consensus is that it's clean, smelling good, and well cared for. There are, however, concrete reminders of age and wear: a limited number of working washers and dryers (only one on the first-floor west), carpets that could use a cleaning, and some storage being repurposed in stairwells. Most notably, there are occasional operational hiccups like an elevator to the third floor being out of service, which residents with mobility concerns find frustrating and hazardous when stairs become the only option.

Food and dining are a highlight for many, with three meals a day and a dining experience that emphasizes variety and quality. The dining room is described as clean and welcoming, with friendly staff and a menu that offers choices each day. Reviewers consistently say the food is good, and there are multiple alternate options if the main choice isn't appealing. That said, there are a few persistent issues noted by certain residents: occasionally the main course runs out for a dining group, and the salad bar can run low before the next seating. Despite these occasional shortages, the overall dining experience is regarded as positive, with some guests reporting consistently good meals and others noting that staff work to accommodate preferences and dietary needs.

Activities and on-site resources also receive high praise for contributing to a vibrant community life. Residents can participate in a broad array of activities, crafts, games, and presentations from local musicians or chefs, all organized around a monthly calendar that helps families plan visits. The presence of on-site resources and health services adds another layer of support, making The Waterford a practical, engaging place to live. The environment fosters belonging and connection, with personal stories from families about how the community supports transitions - such as moving from a home to assisted living or returning home after surgery - while keeping families informed and involved.

Taken together, the reviews paint a picture of The Waterford at Mesquite as a well-loved community that excels in warmth, staff dedication, and resident satisfaction, while also navigating the practical realities of an older building. Most guests and residents would readily recommend the community, attracted by the friendly staff, the sense of belonging, and the wealth of activities and services available. A few negative notes are acknowledged - elevator reliability, occasional dining shortages, and maintenance challenges - but even these concerns are framed against a backdrop of care, safety, and ongoing improvement. For families seeking an independent living option with strong community ties, compassionate staff, and a supportive environment, The Waterford at Mesquite presents a compelling choice worth exploring through a tour and conversation with the team.

This part of Mesquite, Texas offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, physicians' offices, theaters, parks, places of worship, transportation options, and even a hospital within reasonable driving distances, residents have access to essential services and entertainment options. The proximity to major retail chains like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens as well as popular dining spots such as McDonald's and Whataburger make it easy for seniors to fulfill their daily needs. Additionally, the presence of healthcare facilities like the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center ensures that quality medical care is easily accessible. Overall, this area provides a balance of convenience and community resources that can enhance the senior living experience.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Mequite Care Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Whataburger (2.5 miles)
• Bull's Pen Cafe (2.6 miles)
• Mardi Gras Daiquiri (3.2 miles)
• Mesquite Championship Rodeo (3.5 miles)
• La Madeleine French Bakery & Café (3.6 miles)
• Mesquite Diner II (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Pediatric Clinic (2.9 miles)
• Touchstone Imaging Mesquite (4.4 miles)
• Texas Digestive Disease Consultants: Mesquite (4.6 miles)
• Women's Health Alliance (6.7 miles)
• Lake Point Women's Center (6.8 miles)
• Sandknop Family Practice (6.8 miles)
• Rockwall Pediactrics (6.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Mesquite 3 (4.6 miles)
• AMC CLASSIC Forney 12 (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)
• Urban Vines Wine Bistro (10 miles)

Parks

• Travis Ranch Park (6.6 miles)
• Tenison Park (10.3 miles)
• Lochwood Park (10.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Casa View Baptist Church (7 miles)
• Community Life Church (7.2 miles)
• Ridge Pointe Fellowship (8.9 miles)
• Immanuel One Accord Ministries (10.2 miles)
• First Christian Church (10.8 miles)
• Redeemer Bible Church (10.8 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (10.1 miles)