Masonic Village at Dallas

Pros

• The common areas are clean and very beautiful.
• The retirement community offers wonderful amenities and spectacular views.
• The staff, including Angela and Noah, are informative and attentive.
• Masonic Village at Dallas is a wonderful place to live with modern, beautiful facilities.
• The villas and apartments provide low-maintenance living and are highly recommended.
• Interiors are bright with ample natural light and balconies.
• On-site restaurant and golf course with a free pool membership add great amenities.
• Active social groups and a variety of activities keep residents engaged.
• The property is neat, clean, and well maintained, with accommodating staff.
• Staff have worked through the pandemic, providing services such as meal delivery.
• Landscaping is professionally maintained and snow is promptly removed.
• Renting a unit there is seamless, with a patient, thorough move-in process.

Cons

• One reviewer notes that the kitchen is small in the unit they saw.
• A reviewer complains there is only one on-site restaurant and meals cost more than at other retirement communities.
• One reviewer mentions there are no steps, calling it a safety issue.

Review

Masonic Village at Dallas is best suited for active, independent seniors who want a true maintenance-free lifestyle with abundant social opportunities, on-site dining, and easy access to upscale amenities. The community accommodates both apartment living and villa options, offering a seamless blend of privacy and companionship. A standout draw is the setting - beautiful, well-kept grounds with a clubhouse atmosphere, plus convenient perks like an on-site restaurant, a golf course adjacent to the property, and a nearby pool facility that members can enjoy. For someone prioritizing a turn-key, community-forward lifestyle with predictable maintenance and a built-in social calendar, this is a strong fit.

Those weighing alternatives should consider a few realities. The independent-living emphasis means this is not a destination for those who need extensive assisted living or memory-care services. Prospective residents who require 24/7 medical supervision, more comprehensive on-site care, or a broader continuum of care should explore communities that specialize in higher-acuity support. Price sensitivity is another factor: while the clubhouse dining is convenient and high-quality, several reviewers note that meals at the on-site restaurant can carry a premium versus other retirement options. If the monthly cost must be aggressively constrained, or if on-site medical proximity is a priority, alternatives may be more suitable.

The biggest positives here are substantial and well aligned with the pricing of an upscale independent living environment. The property is consistently described as neat, clean, and beautifully appointed, with common areas and furnishings that feel inviting and well cared-for. The villas offer true ease of living - no stairs, with front porches and options for outdoor space - while apartments provide balcony access and a well-maintained interior. Residents benefit from a proactive, responsive staff culture, with long-tenured leaders and a reliable maintenance team that keeps landscaping, snow removal, and day-to-day issues promptly addressed. The social fabric is strong: varied activities, clubs, and events, plus the on-site restaurant and nearby theater opportunities create a lively, less isolated retirement experience.

A few trade-offs are worth weighing. The on-site dining arrangement, described as a clubhouse that serves residents and the public alike, can translate into higher meal prices than expected at some peers. Some units have smaller kitchens, which matters for residents who enjoy frequent cooking or entertaining at home. While the restaurant and golf options provide substantial lifestyle value, they may not substitute for the broader medical or daily living supports found in other communities. For households evaluating long-term needs, it's important to clarify what is included in monthly fees and how dining, transportation, and activity costs accumulate over time.

Despite these trade-offs, the pros often offset the cons in practical, tangible ways. The maintenance-free promise means residents avoid yard work, snow shoveling, and major repairs, which translates into genuine day-to-day peace of mind. A strong sense of security and belonging emerges from consistent staff attention, transparent communications, and a culture that treats residents more like family than tenants. The on-campus restaurant, social programming, and the golf/pool ecosystem expand opportunities for meaningful activity, exercise, and social bonding, which are critical for sustaining independence and quality of life over the long haul. The villa option, with its no-step design and generous living space, offers an especially compelling balance of comfort and safety.

In practical terms, this community is a sound recommendation for someone who wants an elegant, well-supported independent-living environment and values social connection, culinary options, and an active campus vibe. Prospects who should think twice are those prioritizing the lowest possible monthly cost, are seeking extensive on-site medical services, or require ongoing, hands-on care with little to no transition time as needs evolve. A disciplined due-diligence step is to tour both villa and apartment layouts, confirm current dining pricing and meal flexibility, and verify the continuum of services or nearby partnerships for future care needs. In short, Masonic Village at Dallas delivers a confident, comfort-first lifestyle with a clearly defined audience: independent seniors who want beauty, buzz, and dependable support, without sacrificing the freedom that makes retirement truly fulfilling.

This part of Dallas, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. There are several physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals within close proximity, ensuring access to healthcare when needed. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby for dining options and socializing with friends. The parks in the area provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Places of worship are also easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of Dallas provides a well-rounded community with essential services and resources for senior living.

Physicians

• Shelly Levulis DPM - Dallas Office (0.4 miles)
• Northeastern Eye Institute (1.7 miles)
• Geisinger Medical Group (2 miles)
• Devin Carey, MD (3 miles)
• Intermountain Medical Group (3 miles)
• Early Psychiatric and Counseling Services (3 miles)
• Arthur - Arthur B Mitchell Mitchell MD (7.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Leggio's Italian Ristorante (1.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.7 miles)
• Shady Side Tavern (2 miles)
• Grotto Pizza (2.2 miles)
• Damien's On The Lake (2.2 miles)
• Jones' Potato Pancakes (2.2 miles)
• Lakeside Skillet (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Fino's Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Caresite Pharmacies (2.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.9 miles)
• Hope Center Of Wyoming Valley (6.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (6.5 miles)

Parks

• Transportation Pavilion (1.7 miles)
• Frances Slocum State Park (5.2 miles)
• Luzerne County Recreational Complex (7.6 miles)
• Barney Farms Park (8 miles)
• Kirby Park (8.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (1.7 miles)
• First Hospital Wyoming Vly Nesbitt Memorl Health Center (7.4 miles)
• First Hospital (7.4 miles)
• NEPA Breastfeeding Center (8.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Fellowship Church (2.1 miles)
• Saint Thereses Catholic Church (3.5 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley (5.3 miles)
• Noxen Bible Baptist Church (6.3 miles)
• Luzerne United Methodist Church (6.7 miles)
• Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church (7.1 miles)
• St Peter & Paul Ukranian Catholic Church (7.5 miles)

Cafes

• Mattern's Floral and Furnishings (7.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.9 miles)