The Glens at Birkdale Commons in Huntersville, NC

Pros

• Residents' families report that The Glens is a very nice place with lots of activities and that their loved ones love living there.
• The staff are described as very friendly.
• The Glens provides fully equipped kitchens in each home, supporting independent living.
• The community offers exercise equipment and regular fitness classes, including Tai Chi.
• There are many activities for residents to enjoy with peers, such as cooking and socializing.
• The Glens offers plenty of choices for residents.

Cons

• The agent was not very friendly and seemed to discourage the applicant from joining the waiting list or moving there.
• The reviewer is mistaken about life in this community.
• The independent living facility did not provide any food.
• The staff asked the reviewer to prepare a cover dish they had never learned to cook.
• The reviewer had to eat at hamburger restaurants, which was not good for their health.
• There was no exercise equipment, and walking outside in winter was not pleasant.

Review

The Glens at Birkdale Commons is best suited for independent seniors who prize genuine autonomy, a home-like atmosphere, and a robust menu of social and wellness activities. Residents who want the flexibility to cook in a full kitchen, cultivate personal routines, and connect with peers through regular classes and group programs will feel the fit. This community works best for those who view independent living as the core need, not a bridge to assisted living or memory care, and who are comfortable with paying a premium for a highly active lifestyle in exchange for a high degree of self-sufficiency.

That said, several readers should consider alternatives. Prospective movers who require meal plans or on-site dining as part of the daily routine will want to look elsewhere, since independent living here emphasizes resident-prepared meals. Those who anticipate needing regular assistance with activities of daily living or memory-care services will likely find the level of support insufficient. Affordability is another consideration; the sentiment from some inquiries hints at cost being a barrier for some would-be residents, so budget-conscious families may want to contrast options. Finally, anyone who places a premium on uniformly warm, consistent customer-service interactions should check firsthand, because a few reports describe inconsistent front-desk communications and shifting management impressions.

On the positive side, the core appeal hinges on true independence paired with an in-unit kitchen - an arrangement that empowers residents to dine and entertain on their own terms. The community boasts a lively slate of activities and ample peer interaction, which translates into meaningful daily engagement rather than passive supervision. Multiple residents praise the social fabric - neighbors cooking together, sharing stories, and participating in ongoing exercise options. The wellness component is tangible: there are exercise facilities, regular classes, and even Tai Chi, which establishments of this type often struggle to sustain. In short, the environment supports a self-directed, socially engaged senior lifestyle with predictable opportunities to stay active.

However, the review tapestry also signals notable drawbacks that cannot be ignored. A subset of comments questions the consistency of service and communication, including a recent impression that staff could be unfriendly or discouraging during inquiries. There is also talk of management shifts or ownership questions, which can create uncertainty about long-term policies or pricing. The most pointed omissions cited by unhappy voices revolve around meals and equipment - one account insists there is no food provided and even hints at inadequate exercise gear, a stark contrast to other residents' experiences. While these negative threads are not the majority, they are persistent enough to merit scrutiny before committing.

Ultimately, the strongest pros - autonomy, full kitchens, an active social calendar, and access to wellness programming - are tangible offsets for many families, particularly those prioritizing independent living and community connectivity. The real risk lies in misalignment with expectations around dining, level of care, and consistency of service. For some, the lifestyle advantages will eclipse the staffing and policy caveats; for others, especially those seeking meal-inclusive options or steadier front-desk warmth, the drawbacks could be a decisive turnoff. The Glens can deliver a vibrant, neighborly home for the right resident, but it requires clarity about personal care needs and financial feasibility upfront.

Actionable guidance for families evaluating this community is clear. Verify the current stance on meals and whether any dining conveniences exist, and confirm what level of daily assistance is realistically available on site. Speak with multiple residents about their day-to-day experiences with staff interactions and responsiveness, not just a single tour guide. Delve into pricing, deposits, and any waiting lists to determine true affordability relative to budget. Finally, visit with questions in hand: how active is the calendar for the specific season, what equipment is readily available in the fitness area, and how stable is leadership? If independence, social vitality, and kitchen-based living align with goals, The Glens can be a strong match; if those elements are secondary to on-site dining or guaranteed care, it may be prudent to consider alternatives before deciding.

Located in Huntersville, North Carolina, this area offers a variety of amenities that would be appealing for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful community. With several parks nearby such as Blythe Landing Park and Glen Oak Green Park, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. In terms of healthcare services, there are multiple pharmacies and physicians' offices within close proximity, ensuring easy access to medical care. Additionally, the Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center is just a short drive away for any emergency needs. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy dining at popular restaurants like Midwood Smokehouse and Bonefish Grill or catching a movie at the nearby AMC theaters. Overall, this area provides a convenient and comfortable living environment for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Parks

• Blythe Landing Park (0.7 miles)
• Glen Oak Green Park (2.9 miles)
• Richard Barry Park (4.1 miles)
• Overlook Neighborhood (6.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Midwood Smokehouse (1 miles)
• Bonefish Grill (1.2 miles)
• eeZ Fusion & Sushi (1.3 miles)
• Bob Evans (1.3 miles)
• Spare Time at Lake Norman (1.6 miles)
• Duckworth's Grill & Taphouse Huntersville (1.6 miles)
• Showmars (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Riva Dermatology (1 miles)
• Northcross Medical Spa & Laser Center (1.3 miles)
• Endoscopy Services Center (1.6 miles)
• Justin Brown, MD - Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (1.7 miles)
• Lakeside Family Physicians (1.7 miles)
• Northlake Dermatology (1.8 miles)
• Growing Up Pediatrics (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center (2.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Northlake 14 (6.1 miles)
• AMC Concord Mills 24 (10.5 miles)
• AmStar 14 - Mooresville Theatre (10.8 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (8.3 miles)
• Starbucks (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Cove Church (7.2 miles)
• Liberty Baptist Church (8.7 miles)
• St Therese Catholic Church (10.2 miles)

Transportation

• Concord Regional Airport (JQF) (USA) (10.8 miles)