College Square

Pros

• The retirement community is described as wonderful, providing three meals six days a week and weekly housekeeping.
• The staff are described as very friendly and helpful, easing daily burdens for residents and their families.
• The atmosphere is described as wonderful, quiet, and inviting.
• The facility offers broad services, including doctor visits by van, shopping trips, and on-site pedicures, contributing to resident satisfaction.
• Ms. Keith is noted for having a standout reputation as the best helper among the staff.
• The place is praised as clean, upscale, and beautifully decorated, with elements like a baby grand piano and thick carpets.
• The rooftop garden on the third floor is highlighted as a beautiful feature.
• Reviewers consistently express high satisfaction, often rating the community five stars.

Cons

• The air freshener in the main entryway smelled like the chemicals used in a port-a-pot/outhouse.

Review

College Square Retirement Community stands out in the memories of those who visit or live there for its warm, supportive, and vibrant atmosphere. Families describe it as a place that truly lifts the burden of daily home upkeep while offering a thriving social environment. With three meals a day on six days a week, a weekly housekeeping schedule, and a strong sense of community, it feels less like a facility and more like a well-organized, caring home. The daily rhythm is complemented by attentive care - if a resident isn't feeling up to dining in the main room, a staff member can bring a hot meal right up to their door, underscoring the focus on comfort and convenience.

The layout of the building helps create inviting, accessible spaces. There are two outside decks on the third floor that provide outdoor relaxation and views, a fitness room on the second floor to support staying active, and a library along with the dining room on the first floor for easy socializing and intellectual engagement. A resident-friendly feature is the piano - a baby grand - that adds a touch of elegance and entertainment to the environment. The hallways and rooms are described as thick with carpet, which contributes to a quiet, warm ambiance that many residents and visitors appreciate.

Staff members consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and professionalism. One standout reputation that recurs in conversations is Ms. Keith, who is often singled out as the best helper, a reflection of the exceptional level of care and support she and others provide. The kindness of the team extends beyond basic care to the everyday well-being and happiness of residents, with many residents expressing their happiness to staff and even to doctors' offices. The overall mood is described as calm and uplifting, a place where residents feel valued and looked after.

Beyond daily meals and housekeeping, College Square offers practical support that makes aging-in-place easier. The facility arranges transportation to medical appointments via a resident van and organizes shopping trips, ensuring residents can attend important appointments and run errands without stress. For grooming and pampering, residents can even get pedicures on-site, which adds to the sense of being cared for in a comprehensive, respectful way. The combination of transportation, personal services, and social opportunities creates a well-rounded living environment.

Many reviews emphasize the overall quality of life and the sense that this is the best retirement community they've experienced. Phrases like "BY FAR the best retirement community," "awesome food, awesome people," and "a wonderful retirement community" convey a strong, positive consensus. The atmosphere is repeatedly described as quiet enough to reflect a peaceful setting, yet lively enough to support social interaction and enjoyment. The food earns particular praise for being tasty and satisfying, contributing to the overall sense of contentment and well-being.

In addition to the core amenities, reviewers highlight the thoughtful design elements that contribute to a high-end feel. There are community rooms on every floor, and the third floor features a rooftop garden space that offers residents a lovely place to relax, reflect, or socialize outdoors. Several reviews describe College Square as a clean, upscale facility with decor that feels both tasteful and inviting. One visitor who regularly delivers flowers for holidays notes that this is among the cleanest and nicest retirement settings they've ever encountered, further underscoring the positive impression of the place.

Like any community, there are small quibbles noted by a few. One reviewer mentioned the air freshener in the main entryway as smelling somewhat chemical, reminiscent of a port-a-pot/outhouse, which stands out as a rare sensory caveat in an otherwise uniformly favorable portrait. It's worth noting as a minor caution, but it does not overshadow the many strengths highlighted by other residents and visitors.

Ultimately, the experience at College Square appears to resonate deeply with families and residents alike. A sense of personal connection is reinforced by stories of family members feeling happy and well taken care of after moving from another state. One account mentions a relative living there for over a year and thriving, moving up from Florida into a living arrangement that brings substantial peace of mind to loved ones. In sum, the community is remembered as welcoming, well-run, and capable of simplifying the complexities of aging with grace, care, and a strong emphasis on dignity and enjoyment.

This part of Conway, Arkansas is a convenient and well-equipped area for senior living. With several physicians and medical facilities within a short distance, including Conway Children's Clinic and Conway Hematology Oncology, seniors can easily access healthcare services. There are also pharmacies nearby such as US Compounding and Good Neighbor Pharmacy for medication needs. For leisure activities, there are parks like Estes Stadium and Laurel Park for outdoor relaxation. Additionally, there are various dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants like Stoby's Restaurant. Places of worship like First Presbyterian Church and New Life Church provide spiritual support for residents, while cafes such as Starbucks offer a cozy spot for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities suitable for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment with necessary services in close proximity.

Physicians

• Conway Children's Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Conway OB GYN (0.2 miles)
• Conway Hematology Oncology (0.2 miles)
• Arkansas Neurology (0.3 miles)
• Central Arkansas Ear Nose & Throat Clinic (0.4 miles)
• Hilman Family Clinic (0.4 miles)
• Conway Pain Clinic (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• US Compounding (0.1 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe (0.4 miles)
• Park Place Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Fred's Pharmacy (0.7 miles)

Parks

• Estes Stadium (0.3 miles)
• Laurel Park (0.3 miles)
• Ellen Smith Elementary Playground (2 miles)
• Fifth Avenue Park (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
• Don Pepe's (0.5 miles)
• Stoby's Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Slim Chickens (0.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.6 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.6 miles)
• Moe's Southwest Grill (0.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Presbyterian Church (0.6 miles)
• New Life Church (1.4 miles)
• Woodland Heights Baptist Church (2.1 miles)
• Grace United Methodist Church (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Think Coffee (1.1 miles)
• Hole In The Wall Cafe (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Conway Outpatient Surgery Center (2.1 miles)