Waverly Heights in Benton, AR

Pros

• The community has a great family atmosphere and a wonderful sense of belonging.
• There are lots of opportunities to visit neighbors and be part of a wonderful community.
• Visitors are impressed by the safety, cleanliness, and strong community atmosphere.
• The owners live on site, contributing to a sense of stability and involvement.
• On-site managers and 24/7 maintenance demonstrate reliable, round-the-clock care.
• The village offers comfortable, quiet homes and a variety of activities for residents.
• Tammy and James are dedicated to residents' safety and well-being, investing time and resources to support everyone.

Cons

• The mother-in-law was turned down after nearly a year on the waiting list due to an eviction on her record.
• It was claimed the eviction needed to be off her record for three years.
• This information was not disclosed when she joined the waiting list a year ago.
• They were aware of the eviction at the time.
• The reviewer warns others to beware of this issue.

Review

Waverly Heights Retirement Village in Benton, AR is best suited for seniors who want a small, close-knit, family-like setting where neighbors feel like extended family and the owners are visibly invested in daily life. This is the option for those who prioritize safety, a calm and comfortable home environment, and a vibrant, community-driven calendar of activities. It isn't the right match for anyone whose admission depends on a broader, less filtering screening process or for residents who require intensive medical or memory-care services beyond what a smaller, more intimate campus typically provides. Families with past housing issues should know that eviction histories can block entry, even after a lengthy wait, so alternatives with more flexible admission criteria deserve consideration.

The strongest appeal here is the sense of community. Reviews consistently describe a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere where residents can easily visit neighbors and participate in shared experiences. Toured visitors emerge impressed by the safety and cleanliness of the grounds, and by the impression that the village was built around long-term relationships rather than turnover. The owners' presence - Tammy and James - offers a tangible signal that the community's governance is active, personal, and invested in residents' welfare. For families seeking a warm, low-estrangement setting where neighbors look out for one another, Waverly Heights satisfies that need with clear intention.

Operational reliability stands out as a practical strength. The property is described as well-maintained with on-site managers available around the clock and maintenance staff ready to respond promptly. The on-site management culture translates into real-world comfort: problems are attended to quickly, and the daily rhythm - meals, activities, and social opportunities - appears consistently organized. Residents emphasize comfortable, quiet homes that support independent living while offering convenient access to a wide range of outside activities. In short, the infrastructure supports predictable routines, which matters for aging in place with dignity.

Yet the dominant liability remains admissions-related: an eviction on record can derail entry after a long wait. The friction between a strong, people-first campus and an admission gate that can shut out qualified applicants is significant. The 3-year clearance window cited in one review is a hard barrier for some families, and the lack of upfront clarity about how such histories are weighed creates real planning risk. This is not a place for those who need ultra-flexible entry or who anticipate a fast-track decision; it is a community that, in practice, protects its resident profile through careful screening, sometimes at the cost of turning away otherwise compatible seniors.

When the positives align with the right applicant, the payoff is meaningful. The combination of on-site ownership, sustained personal attention from staff, and a lively, neighbor-led culture translates into a practical quality-of-life advantage: safety, social connectedness, predictable routines, and a meal-and-activities program that emphasizes fullness of life as much as independence. The tight-knit environment can reduce isolation and support meaningful engagement, which is particularly valuable for those who want to stay active and connected without navigating a larger, more impersonal campus.

For families weighing options, the decision hinges on admission feasibility and the value placed on community intensity versus scale. Waverly Heights delivers a credible, dependable option for seniors who want a warm, well-managed setting and can pass the screening hurdles without recent housing blemishes. Those who require more expansive medical oversight, memory-care specialization, or more flexible entry policies should compare with larger facilities or communities known for broader eligibility criteria. In the end, this village stands out as a practical, experienced choice for the right fit - one where the benefits of belonging and attentive management are real, but where a past eviction record can decisively steer toward alternatives.

This area of Benton, Arkansas offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking to retire in a comfortable and convenient location. There are several restaurants nearby such as Sonic Drive-In, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Applebee's for dining out options. Additionally, there are multiple places of worship including Spring Creek Baptist Church and Park Place Baptist Church for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. For medical needs, there are several physician offices in the area such as Family Practice Associates and Saline Med-Peds Group, as well as Saline Memorial Hospital for more serious healthcare needs. Transportation is easily accessible with Saline County Regional Airport nearby. Parks like Riverside Park Complex Center provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, this part of Benton offers a mix of conveniences that would make it an ideal location for senior living.

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (1.6 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.6 miles)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Applebee's (2 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (2.2 miles)
• Tacos 4 Life (2.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Spring Creek Baptist Church (1.6 miles)
• Park Place Baptist Church (3.5 miles)
• Salem United Methodist Church (3.7 miles)
• Glen Rose Missionary Baptist Parsonage (12.6 miles)
• Church At Rock Creek (13.1 miles)
• Covenant Presbyterian Church (13.8 miles)
• Corinth Church (13.9 miles)

Physicians

• Family Practice Associates (1.9 miles)
• Central Arkansas Cardiology Associates (2.3 miles)
• Benton Dental Center (2.3 miles)
• Saline Med-Peds Group (2.3 miles)
• Baptist Health Imaging Center-Saline County (2.5 miles)
• Benton Family Clinic (2.5 miles)
• Baptist Health Heart Institute Satellite Clinic-Benton Family Clinic (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• Tinseltown USA (2.2 miles)
• Royal Players (2.6 miles)
• Cinemark Colonel Glenn 18 And Xd (12.1 miles)
• AMC Chenal 9 (14.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Saline Memorial Hospital (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Smith Caldwell Drug Store (2.4 miles)
• Smith Caldwell Long Term Care (2.5 miles)
• West Side Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (9.8 miles)

Transportation

• Saline County Regional Airport (SUZ) (3.7 miles)

Parks

• Riverside Park Complex Center (3.7 miles)
• Otter Creek Park (8.2 miles)
• Woodlands Edge Park (12.9 miles)
• Hounds Lounge Pet Reso (13.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (13.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (14.4 miles)