Wishing Well Retirement Inn

Pros

• They were impressed by how smooth and stress-free the application process was.
• The staff were responsive, kind, and genuinely invested in helping them find the right fit.
• They would highly recommend Convivial for its transparency, warmth, and personalized attention.
• They appreciated the no-risk deposit option, including the money-back guarantee if they changed their minds.
• They enjoyed attending events, meeting nice people, and getting to know the helpful staff, increasing their comfort with living there.
• They are extremely excited to move to Convivial Saint Petersburg and look forward to the grand opening.
• They chose Convivial after visiting multiple CCRCs, valuing the new coastal contemporary facility and the ability to select finishes for their unit.
• They value a self-contained facility with all amenities under one roof (dining, fitness, auditorium, pool, health care).
• They consider the health care units at Convivial to be top draw.
• They have met many great, friendly people who will be future residents, reinforcing their decision.
• They found Gerry Harris to be knowledgeable, patient, and professional, and appreciated her extra effort, including meeting on Sunday mornings.
• They feel peace of mind knowing the next phase of retirement will take place at Convivial.
• They describe Convivial St Pete as a beautiful new community to call home.

Cons

• They approached Convivial with much doubt about living there.
• No one wants to end up running out of money, hoping to depend on family or somewhere you don't want to be.

Review

Saint Petersburg is welcoming a new kind of retirement living with Convivial, a coastal contemporary Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that many residents describe as the ideal blend of independence, convenience, and security. The testimonials paint a picture of a place designed for those who want to enjoy life now while having a well-structured plan for care should their needs evolve. Several residents emphasize that they chose Convivial not just for the amenities but for the sense of community and the peace of mind that comes with knowing neighbors are close by and care is available without having to move again or burden family members.

Joann and Ed share a story that resonates with many prospective residents: they were drawn to the idea of living among people their own age in a vibrant, sophisticated setting where everything is close at hand. As someone who has worked as an Occupational Therapist across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing environments, Joann values preparation and the opportunity to know her neighbors in a true community. They highlight the ability to personalize their new home, including finishes and views, as a major plus, and they emphasize a worry-free lifestyle that allows them to consider the future without financial stress or dependance on family.

Another strong theme is the application process itself. One reviewer recently completed an application to Convivial and found the experience to be smooth, thoughtful, and stress-free from inquiry to final paperwork. The process is described as clearly explained and professionally handled, with responsive, kind staff who demonstrate genuine investment in helping applicants find the right fit. This emphasis on transparency, warmth, and personalized attention seems to be a recurring thread that makes the journey toward residency feel approachable rather than overwhelming.

Several residents recount how they moved from doubt to confidence through personal interactions with the Convivial team. A couple who approached the community with some skepticism eventually deposited after meeting with staff and learning about the process. They appreciated that money could be returned if they changed their minds, framing the decision as low-risk. Since then, they have attended multiple events, met many nice people, and found the staff to be consistently helpful and welcoming. The evolving comfort with the idea of living at Convivial is a common refrain among those who have seen the community firsthand.

The sense of personal excitement about moving into Convivial is palpable. One resident proclaims, "My new home! I am extremely excited to be moving to Convivial Saint Petersburg," underscoring the early alignment they felt from the first visit and the anticipation of being part of a brand-new community. This enthusiasm is echoed by others who describe the experience as a perfect fit, with a clear readiness to join neighbors they have begun to get to know and to participate in the grand opening and subsequent life at Convivial.

A recurring narrative among the reviews is the thorough, multi-site comparison that led many to Convivial. A couple who visited nine CCRCs ultimately visited Convivial in St. Petersburg and, without hesitation, knew this was where they wanted to live. Their emphasis on a self-contained campus - where dining, fitness, an auditorium, pool, and healthcare all reside under one roof - highlights a practical preference for a location where everything is accessible without crossing between separate buildings. This holistic design, paired with the appeal of the area - rich with restaurants, museums, beaches, and cultural attractions - helps explain why several prospective residents feel they have not only found a residence but a lifestyle fit.

From the perspective of a professional with deep healthcare experience, the reasons to choose Convivial St. Petersburg are concrete and well-considered. A reviewer with a Masters in Physical Therapy and a background as a naval officer who has looked at many CCRCs explains the appeal in five main points: the new coastal contemporary facility offers water views and the option to personally select finishes such as flooring and cabinets; the self-contained nature of the building means residents can enjoy dining, fitness, an auditorium, a pool, and health care in one place; the health care units are described as top-tier; the proximity to a VA regional hospital adds a strategic healthcare advantage; and the vibrant local setting - St. Petersburg with its restaurants, museums, beaches, and professional sports - enhances daily life. Above all, this reviewer notes the warmth and friendliness of the people they've met, reinforcing the idea that Convivial is as much about community as it is about care.

In closing, several testimonials honor specific individuals who have contributed to a welcoming, transparent, and supportive atmosphere. One notable acknowledgment is of Gerry Harris, whose leadership and care for prospective residents left a lasting impression. The sentiments express gratitude for the guidance, with well-wishes for Gerry's retirement and recognition that his presence will be missed. Beyond the staff, the overarching message from these reviews is clear: Convivial St. Petersburg aims to be more than a place to live; it seeks to be a community that supports residents through meaningful relationships, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a readiness to adapt to changing needs - all while offering the reassurance that life can continue to be active, engaging, and financially sensible.

Overall, these reviews present Convivial St. Petersburg as a forward-thinking, welcoming, and well-orchestrated option for retirement living. Prospective residents see not only modern, wellness-oriented amenities and the convenience of everything under one roof but also a genuine community where neighbors get to know one another, events are plentiful, and staff are attentive and caring. For many, the decision to join Convivial feels less like choosing a place to live and more like choosing a lifestyle that emphasizes independence, security, and the opportunity to enjoy each stage of retirement without financial worry or undue stress.

This part of St. Petersburg, Florida offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. There are multiple pharmacies nearby, making it convenient for residents to access their medications. In terms of healthcare, there are several hospitals and medical practices within a short distance, ensuring that medical care is easily accessible. Additionally, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the area, providing opportunities for socialization and dining out. Parks and theaters offer recreational activities for residents to enjoy, while places of worship provide spiritual support and community connection. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment for senior living with a range of options for leisure, healthcare, and daily necessities.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish (2.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.4 miles)
• Rum Runners (2.4 miles)
• Bongos Beach Bar and Grille (2.5 miles)
• Dead Bob's (2.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• All Children's Obgyn Specialists (2.1 miles)
• Bayfront Health St. Petersburg (4.3 miles)
• St Anthony's Hospital (4.3 miles)
• All Children's Hospital (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Retina Vitreous Associates (2.2 miles)
• Bay Area Family Practice (2.3 miles)
• Allergy Associates (2.3 miles)
• Pasadena Eye Center (2.6 miles)
• Pediatric Health Care Alliance (3.3 miles)
• Central Neurology Sleep Disorders Center (3.4 miles)
• Price Hoffman Stone & Associates: Goodrum Aaron MD (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Bandit Coffee Co. (3.1 miles)
• Bula Kafe (3.5 miles)
• Mazzaro's Italian Market (4.1 miles)
• Kristina's Cafe (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Kahwa Coffee (5 miles)

Parks

• Azalea Park (3.5 miles)
• Northwest Park (3.6 miles)
• Roser Park (4.3 miles)
• Treasure Island Beach (4.6 miles)
• Forrest Bluff Park (4.7 miles)
• Bay Vista Park (4.8 miles)
• Crescent Lake Park (5.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Sundial 12 (5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Allendale United Methodist Church (5.7 miles)
• Christ The Cornerstone (6.1 miles)