The Commons at Churchland in Chesapeake, VA

Pros

• The community is described as nice, quiet, and well maintained.
• Theresa and James are praised for going above and beyond to keep things running smoothly.
• The management and maintenance teams are outstanding and care about residents' needs.
• The grounds are well kept, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Residents feel safe and happy thanks to Theresa's kindness and professionalism.
• Theresa and the staff are respectful, friendly, and compassionate toward residents.
• The property is a wonderful place for seniors, with engaging activities and a welcoming atmosphere.

Cons

• A reviewer notes they are unhappy with the changes that occurred over the past six years.
• A reviewer reports there is no regular parking - only handicap spaces near the dumpster, with 14 spots total and 10 handicap spots.
• A reviewer states the elevator is non-working and the stairs are broken, creating a safety hazard in emergencies.
• A reviewer describes the community as the worst they've seen, citing false promises, unprofessional management, constant flooding, and unsafe conditions.
• A reviewer claims management lies about maintenance and neglects snow removal, sidewalk shoveling, and overall safety.
• A reviewer says the staff do not care about residents and that security is lacking, with a sense that money is prioritized.
• A reviewer says the property manager is hard to reach and unresponsive, and maintenance is slow or ineffective.
• A reviewer notes the complex has flooded, causing anxiety and fear, with residents considering leaving.
• A reviewer warns others not to move in and to find somewhere else.

Review

The Commons at Churchland is best suited for older adults who prize a quiet, well-kept, age-restricted setting with genuinely attentive on-site management. The property is repeatedly described as safe, clean, and serene, with grounds that are nicely maintained and an environment that feels predictable and calm. Residents who value a visible, caring manager and maintenance team - someone like Theresa, who consistently earns praise for kindness, responsiveness, and going above and beyond - will likely find comfort here. The presence of active social programming and neighborly routines adds a practical layer of belonging for those who want companionship without the bustle of a larger, more chaotic community.

That said, families should explicitly consider alternatives if reliability and predictable operations are non-negotiables. Several comments point to recurring operational challenges: difficulties reaching the office, inconsistencies in maintenance responsiveness, and safety concerns tied to facilities that are not consistently up to modern expectations. Potential residents should weigh whether a community with frequently mentioned safety hazards - such as non-working elevators or stairs in need of attention - meets their risk tolerance. The mix of long-tenured residents praising the staff alongside others warning about management gaps creates a clear signal: the experience hinges heavily on current leadership and day-to-day execution.

The strongest positives here revolve around people and atmosphere. Theresa and the maintenance staff emerge as the steady heartbeat of the community, delivering timely repairs, courtesy, and a personal touch that makes residents feel seen and cared for. The setting's quietness, cleanliness, and the sense of security that comes from consistent, friendly interactions with staff offset a good portion of daily friction for many residents. On-site activities and frequent communal gestures - cookouts, lemonade days, and informal gatherings - enhance social connectivity in a way that can stave off loneliness for independent seniors who do not require intensive supervision.

Yet the cons are not easily dismissed. Repeated complaints cite a non-responsive or hard-to-reach property manager, reported maintenance delays, and safety hazards that feel endemic to the building's infrastructure. A non-working elevator and aging stairs raise legitimate concerns for mobility-limited residents, especially when emergencies occur. Flooding and water damage have been highlighted by multiple families as ongoing problems without timely, definitive fixes. Parking logistics, including limited spaces and confusing decals, contribute to daily friction and stress for residents when access and convenience are at stake. These issues collectively temper the warmth of the community with a palpable sense that some fundamentals are not consistently managed.

From a practical decision-making standpoint, the balance of pros and cons hinges on priorities. For a family that values a warm, courteous staff, a tranquil campus feel, and social engagement, The Commons at Churchland delivers where it counts: genuine care from leadership, reliable maintenance when it's promptly available, and a safe-feeling environment that many residents cherish. For those who must have guaranteed safety protocols, unfailingly proactive maintenance, and flawless accessibility - especially for residents who rely on elevators or require rapid responses to emergencies - the noticeable gaps in infrastructure and management responsiveness suggest looking at alternatives.

In summary, this community serves a specific niche well: seniors who want a quiet, well-kept home with a demonstrated commitment from a compassionate management team, and who can navigate occasional service lag or infrastructure limitations. Families should plan a detailed, candid visit - observe how staff handle a normal day, test the ease of reaching the manager, inquire about elevator reliability, and inspect snow or flood preparedness and parking procedures. If those evaluations align with expectations, The Commons at Churchland can be a strong, low-stress option. If not, consider other Chesapeake options where maintenance reliability, safety infrastructure, and accessibility are clearly prioritized and consistently executed.

This part of Chesapeake, Virginia offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With several fast-food options such as Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Chick-Fil-A nearby, dining out is easily accessible. Medical services are also within close proximity, including endocrinology centers, eye care facilities, and spine clinics. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks in the area like Dunedin Park and Crossings Park for leisurely walks or picnics. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS provide easy access to medications and healthcare supplies. Places of worship such as Westhaven Baptist Church are available for spiritual fulfillment. In the event of emergencies or medical needs, hospitals like Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth are within a short distance. Public transportation options are also available with The Tide MacArthur Square Station located approximately 6.7 miles away for added convenience in getting around the city.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Hardee's (0.8 miles)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (1 miles)
• Arby's (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.4 miles)
• Spaghetti Eddie's Pizza Cafe (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• Endocrinology & Diabetes Center (0.2 miles)
• Southside Eye Care (0.2 miles)
• Mast One Spine Center (0.6 miles)
• Lakeview Medical Center (0.7 miles)
• Tidewater Neurologists (0.7 miles)
• Chesapeake Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery (1.8 miles)
• Gastrointestinal & Liver Specialists of Tidewater (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Dunedin Park (0.4 miles)
• Crossings Park (1.2 miles)
• FunVille Playground and Cafe Chesapeake (2.7 miles)
• Portsmouth City Park (3.7 miles)
• Bennetts Creek Park (4 miles)
• The Pagoda & Oriental Garden (6.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Bj's Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Drug Center Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.3 miles)
• Cafe Stella (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westhaven Baptist Church (3.6 miles)
• Twine Memorial Holy Temple (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Maryview Medical Ambulatory Surgery Recovery (3.9 miles)
• Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (3.9 miles)
• Portsmouth General Hospital (5.9 miles)
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (5.9 miles)
• Chkd (6.8 miles)

Transportation

• The Tide MacArthur Square Station (6.7 miles)