Church Square

Pros

• Cornerstone Homes has a solid reputation for building homes and communities for 55+ buyers.
• The Cornerstone team was responsive to questions and committed to addressing concerns.
• Interactions with Cornerstone were pleasant and professional, with clear processes to handle issues.
• The couple feels well taken care of and is happy in their new villa home in Church Square.
• They are glad they decided to buy from Cornerstone Homes.

Cons

• The residents are extremely unfriendly and rude to anyone passing through this neighborhood.
• They caution against purchasing in this development if buyers are expecting small-town hospitality.
• The reviewer was not impressed, describing the homes as low quality and noting driveways are too short to park in and the garage alley is narrow, making parking difficult.
• They question how pleasant the area would be with a perimeter veterinary office kenneling dogs overnight.

Review

Church Square in Smithfield presents a mixed picture to those who pass through and those who decide to call it home. One observer, who doesn't live in the neighborhood but spends time nearby, notes a palpable mood among residents: it's not the kind of small-town hospitality you might expect. The takeaway is clear to this traveler - if you're hoping for a wave and a friendly greeting from neighbors, you may be disappointed. The impression stems not from the homes themselves but from the social atmosphere of the community, which can feel unusually unfriendly to outsiders. This sentiment sets the stage for a broader discussion about what it's like to live in a place that's clearly designed to attract a specific crowd.

For a couple in their mid-50s who had spent a decade investing in an older home, the decision to move was born out of necessity as much as aspiration. High interest rates and a challenging market meant that finding a newer, low-maintenance living situation felt almost out of reach. They spent months touring resale homes, attending open houses, and meeting with the major builders in the area. It was during this exhaustive search that information about Church Square captured their interest. The idea of a 55-and-up community, with a focus on less yard work and more leisure, aligned with their goal of a smart, long-term purchase that could serve them well for years to come.

The builder behind Church Square - Cornerstone Homes, based in Richmond - emerged as the pivotal factor in their decision. Cornerstone's reputation for specializing exclusively in homes and communities for people aged 55 and up resonated with them, and their experience seemed to match what they were seeking. The couple found the move-in-ready villa appealing, and their conversations with Cornerstone's team helped them feel confident about the long-term value of their purchase. They were not shy about asking for fixes and adjustments before committing, but they appreciated the process. They describe Cornerstone as responsive and committed to addressing concerns, a relationship that became a cornerstone of their overall satisfaction.

What stood out most in their experience was the sense that the entire organization - from the president of the company downward - was accessible and engaged. They emphasize that every interaction was pleasant and professional, and that Cornerstone maintains clear, organized processes to handle issues as they arise. The couple specifically names several team members - Frank, Janet, Gene, Mike, Dominic, Daniel, Jonathan, Troy - along with others who contributed to making the transition smooth. Their gratitude is unmistakable: they feel well cared for, they are happy in their new villa, and they are glad they chose Cornerstone Homes. The narrative is one of a well-executed buyer journey, culminating in a confident sense that they made a smart, long-term purchase.

In contrast to this glowing portrayal, another voice weighs in with practical criticisms that temper the overall impression of the development. This reviewer questions the quality and layout, describing what they perceive as a lower-end build that doesn't quite meet expectations for value. The complaints center on design elements that affect daily living: driveways that are too short for convenient parking, and alleys near the garages that are narrow, making it difficult to access and park in the garages themselves. These points highlight a tangible tension between the ideals of a low-maintenance, age-targeted community and the realities of how a home's layout translates into everyday practicality.

Adding to the concern is the presence of a veterinary office on the perimeter of the development. The reviewer wonders how this proximity might affect daily life, particularly if dogs are kennelled overnight. The implication is that such a neighboring business could introduce noise, odors, or other disruptions that detract from the peaceful atmosphere some buyers expect in a 55-and-up community. Taken together, these concerns paint a more nuanced picture of living in Church Square: even within a development marketed to ease and comfort, real-world design decisions and peripheral businesses can shape residents' satisfaction in meaningful ways.

Taken as a whole, the two sets of reviews illustrate the spectrum of experiences possible in a place like Church Square. On one hand, there are residents who praise Cornerstone Homes for its dedicated, responsive approach and for delivering a product that aligns with their long-term needs. They emphasize a strong, customer-focused culture, transparent processes, and a sense of security in their investment. On the other hand, there are potential buyers or current residents who encounter practical drawbacks - narrow parking options, limited driveway space, and nearby perimeter businesses - that can temper enthusiasm and raise questions about daily livability. This dynamic is a reminder that even well-regarded builders and well-planned communities can yield mixed experiences depending on individual expectations, situations, and day-to-day circumstances.

Located in Smithfield, Virginia, this area offers a variety of dining options including Anna's Ristorante Pasta Vino and Captain Chuck-a-Mucks Sandbar & Grill for those who enjoy seafood. There are several pharmacies nearby such as Rite Aid and Walgreens for convenient access to medications. For medical needs, there are physicians like Riverside Internal Medicine and Riverside Cardiology Specialists within a short distance. Cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks provide cozy spots to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. In case of emergencies, Riverside Regional Medical Center is just a few miles away. For entertainment, there is AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 for movie lovers. Places of worship such as Warwick United Church of Christ cater to spiritual needs, while Victory Park offers a peaceful outdoor space for recreation. With transportation options like Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport nearby, this area provides convenience and amenities suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• Anna's Ristorante Pasta Vino (1.3 miles)
• Captain Chuck-a-Mucks Sandbar & Grill (2.9 miles)
• A J Gators (4.9 miles)
• Vintage Tavern (8.6 miles)
• Warwick Restaurant (8.9 miles)
• Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant (8.9 miles)
• Plaza Azteca (9.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (4.9 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (9 miles)
• Walgreens (9.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (9.7 miles)
• Walgreens (10 miles)
• Walgreens (10.1 miles)

Physicians

• Moukalled Darine Dr Riverside Partners In Womens Health Warwick Newport News (8.9 miles)
• Hampton Roads Eye Associates (9 miles)
• Putland Kenneth Dr Riverside Primary Care Hidenwood Newport News (9 miles)
• Riverside Internal Medicine (9 miles)
• Riverside Cardiology Specialists (9.2 miles)
• Cardiovascular Center of Hampton Roads (9.2 miles)
• Commonwealth Family Practice (9.6 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (8.9 miles)
• Starbucks (11 miles)
• Panera Bread (11.6 miles)
• Starbucks (12 miles)
• Starbucks (12.1 miles)
• Starbucks (12.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Riverside Regional Medical Center (9.1 miles)
• Riverside Regional Medical Center Employee Health (9.2 miles)

Parks

• Victory Park (9.8 miles)
• Bennetts Creek Park (11.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Warwick United Church of Christ (9.9 miles)
• Mill Swamp Baptist Church (11.1 miles)
• Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple (11.4 miles)

Transportation

• Old Point Junction (10.1 miles)
• Felker Army Air Field (FAF) (10.7 miles)
• Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) (12 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 (11.8 miles)