5 Freeman Woods, Essex Junction, VT 05452
To contact a resident: (802) 861-1131
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
The Residences at the Essex Costs & Pricing
The Residences at the Essex offers a competitive pricing structure for its accommodations when compared to both Chittenden County and the wider Vermont region. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can enjoy a monthly cost of $2,650, which is significantly lower than the county average of $4,688 and the state average of $4,901. This provides an attractive option for individuals seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Similarly, the two-bedroom units are available at $4,000 per month, again presenting a more budget-friendly alternative compared to Chittenden County's average of $5,799 and Vermont's average of $5,322. Overall, The Residences at the Essex stands out as a financially savvy choice for those looking to reside in this desirable area while benefiting from substantial savings.
| Floor plans | The Residences at the Essex | Chittenden County | Vermont |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,650 | $4,688 | $4,901 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,000 | $5,799 | $5,322 |
Senior living communities with a similar price nearby
-
from +$128 / mo
Riverglen House Of Littleton
$2,778 to $6,845 / month18.6 miles away -
About the same
Laflamme's Retirement Home
$2,714 / month18.7 miles away
Overall Review of The Residences at the Essex
Pros
The building is new and looks nice.- The building and the community are new, having opened in 2020.
- The parents loved the space and their neighbors.
- It feels like a real community.
- The amenities are wonderful.
- It is really like resort living.
- The staff is super helpful.
- There are fun activities and a welcoming community.
- The mother is in heaven.
Cons
The building uses cheap materials and things break often.- The staff are overwhelmed, leading to disorganization and unfulfilled promises.
- The staff did not consistently wear masks in 2020, unless reminded.
- The visitors policy was inconsistent.
- It is advertised as a 55+ community, but most outdoor areas are not accessible.
- There are many tripping hazards, such as throw rugs in front of doorways.
- There is no privacy; the director shares information about residents.
- Events are poorly organized and infrequent.
- Getting the deposit back took six weeks and required multiple phone calls.
Review
The Residences at the Essex is best suited for active seniors who want a brand-new, resort-like living experience and who place a premium on social connection and modern amenities, even if that means accepting some ongoing service and maintenance variability. The building opened in 2020 and presents a bright, contemporary aesthetic with a palpable sense of community in the right moments. In practice, residents often love the space, the neighbors, and the overall feel, but the day-to-day reality includes hiccups: components can fail sooner than expected and operations don’t always keep pace with promises. For families seeking a gleaming, walkable campus with engaging programming, the upside is real, though it does not promise flawless execution.
Those who should consider alternatives are families prioritizing reliability, privacy, safety, and consistently well-run operations. The reviews point to overwhelmed staff, disorganization, and notable gaps between what is promised and what is delivered. Outdoor areas advertised as accessible to a 55+ population may not be fully usable, and tripping hazards plus a sense of limited privacy erode trust. Deposit refunds can take weeks, and events are described as infrequent or poorly organized. If predictable management, strong privacy protections, and straightforward outdoor access are non-negotiable, a more established or better‑structured community may be a wiser choice.
On the upside, the new construction and resort-like amenities deliver a compelling first impression and genuine livability for residents who fully engage with the social fabric. When staff are responsive and the community rallies, there is a clear sense of hospitality: helpful interactions, well‑curated common spaces, and engaging activities that foster a real sense of belonging. Positive assessments emphasize a bright, modern environment and a neighborly cast, making it attractive for couples or individuals who value a robust social calendar and convenient on-site services. In those moments, the experience feels premium and worth pursuing.
The flip side is substantial. Material quality can feel budget-minded in the long run, and ongoing maintenance issues create recurring frustrations. Staffing across shifts can be stretched thin, leading to delays, miscommunications, and broken commitments. Promises may not consistently come to fruition, and operational gaps extend to events and resident engagement. Privacy concerns, where information about residents is treated as widely known by leadership, undercut confidence for families seeking discretion. Inconsistent visitor policies, infrequent programming, and slower financial housekeeping (such as deposits) add up to real friction when evaluating the overall value proposition.
Balance comes down to what matters most. For residents who prize a fresh, resort-like environment and a lively social landscape, the strengths can offset rough edges: a modern building, attractive amenities, and genuine warmth from staff when available. However, the enduring issues, maintenance hassles, staffing strain, safety concerns from apparent hazards, and the troubling privacy dynamic, can overshadow the positives and erode trust over time. When weighed against alternatives that offer steadier operations and clearer governance, the decision hinges on tolerance for irregular service versus the appeal of newness and social life. In the right circumstances, it can be a fit; in others, more reliable options will provide greater long‑term peace of mind.
Active Adult Communities (55+)
Top Cars for Senior Drivers and Essential Safety Innovations
A Closer Look at Private Pay Home Care
Comprehensive Approaches for Arthritis: A Detailed Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Care