Kendal at Lexington

Pros

• The food is absolutely amazing.
• Kendal is a gem in Lexington.
• Kevan is a pleasure to work with and exceeds Kendal's vision for senior care and comfort.
• Families describe Kendal as the best retirement ever.
• Kendal is a beautiful place in the mountains with an engaging community, good food, and interesting residents in an active environment.
• It is a very beautiful place with an on-site doctor’s office and a home that smells awesome.
• It is a gorgeous place to live and work.
• The sense of community at Kendal is unparalleled.
• The surroundings are beautiful and the well-maintained facilities enhance the overall experience, with peaceful walks on the scenic grounds.
• Kendal at Lexington is a place where residents can truly thrive in retirement, a warm, caring community with opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment.
• Prospective residents look forward to moving there, appreciating the facilities and grounds as awesome.
• At Borden Center, residents receive wonderful, compassionate care and the staff is superb.

Cons

• They found it expensive.
• They gave it only one star because management did not care about employees or residents, and there was a CNA with pending charges of malicious wounding; they would not recommend the place.
• They described a very scary experience when their husband was given too much medication, which set back his rehab, and he complained that the food was always cold and of poor quality.

Review

Kendal at Lexington is best suited for seniors who want a vibrant, socially engaged retirement on a scenic campus that blends refined surroundings with a strong sense of community. It suits those who prize high-quality dining, well-maintained grounds, and a lifestyle that emphasizes personal growth alongside care. The Kendal model resonates with residents who enjoy an active, walkable environment, plentiful programs, and opportunities to contribute to a welcoming, intimate campus culture. For retirees who want to thrive within a warm, connected village atmosphere rather than a bare-bones facility, Kendal provides a compelling home base.

Those weighing Kendal should also consider who may want alternatives. A premium price tag is a recurring theme in several reviews, so budget sensitivity matters here. Additionally, a few accounts flag governance and safety concerns, including a staff member with pending charges and a medication-related setback for a resident. While the bulk of experiences are positive, these signals mean that families requiring absolute consistency in safety, staffing, and food service should examine other options to avoid surprises.

On the upside, the strongest pros are transformative. Food receives unanimous praise, described as absolutely amazing, a rare standout that elevates daily life. The setting, mountain views, well-kept grounds, and a peaceful, walkable campus, regularly inspires residents to stay active and engaged. The sense of community is repeatedly labeled unparalleled, with residents and staff alike contributing to a warm, supportive atmosphere. Leadership and staff, exemplified by credible, energetic managers who are seen as advancing the Kendal vision, help turn ordinary days into meaningful experiences filled with personal growth and opportunity.

Yet the main cons cannot be dismissed. Cost remains a significant consideration for many families, and a subset of reviews raises alarms about safety and reliability in day-to-day operations, including concerns about medication handling and food quality in some instances. These issues are not ubiquitous, but they are sufficiently serious to warrant careful due diligence. Any practical decision should weigh the expense against the repeated, strong endorsements of atmosphere, care philosophy, and community life, while recognizing that operational hiccups can disrupt otherwise positive experiences.

For decision-making, pursue a disciplined site visit with a focused checklist: talk to current residents and family members about everyday dining, dining service consistency, and responsiveness to needs; inquire about med administration protocols, error rates, and staff training; review the most recent incident reports and how management addresses concerns. Ask for detailed contracts that spell out what is included in monthly fees, what services incur extra charges, and how long-term cost escalations are handled. Seek references beyond marketing materials, including families whose loved ones have lived there for several years. This diligence will reveal whether Kendal’s strongest strengths align with the family’s expectations and comfort level regarding safety and cost.

Bottom line: Kendal at Lexington delivers a compelling, high-touch retirement environment for those who value a thriving, connected community, superb dining, and scenic, well-maintained surroundings, and who can justify the investment. It’s a place where warmth, engagement, and growth opportunities are palpable, and where a leadership team is seen driving meaningful care improvements. For families prioritizing budget sensitivity or seeking near flawless operational consistency, alternatives deserve serious consideration. A thoughtful, comparative visit will determine whether Kendal’s exceptional qualities outweigh the notable caveats and align with long-term goals.

Parks

• Lexington Recreation & Parks (0.6 miles)
• Hopkins Green (0.9 miles)
• Davidson Park (1.1 miles)
• Lexington Historic District (1.2 miles)
• Jordan's Point (1.8 miles)
• Rockbridge Parks & Rec Department (2.5 miles)
• Ben Salem Wayside (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church (0.6 miles)
• Church of Christ (0.7 miles)
• Grace Presbyterian Church (0.7 miles)
• Manly Memorial Baptist Church (0.9 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (0.9 miles)
• Ebenezer Arp Church (0.9 miles)
• R E Lee Memorial Episcopal Church (1 miles)

Physicians

• Rockbridge Pediatrics (0.8 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Cardiology - Lexington (0.9 miles)
• Blue Ridge Cancer Care - Lexington (0.9 miles)
• Lexington Family Practice (0.9 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Aortic Center (1 miles)
• Carilion Clinic General Surgery - Lexington (1.1 miles)
• Blue Ridge Dermatology PC (1.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Niko's Grille (0.9 miles)
• Subway (0.9 miles)
• The Palms (0.9 miles)
• Kenney's (0.9 miles)
• Globowl Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (0.9 miles)
• Metta Meals (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rockbridge Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Bierer's Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Lex Care Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Lexington Prescription Center (0.9 miles)
• Lexington Prescription Center (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.1 miles)

Theaters

• R/C State Cinema 3 (0.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital (1 miles)

Cafes

• The Lexington Pancake House (1.2 miles)
• Lexington Coffee Roasters (5.4 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1.6 miles)