The Retreat at Barbers Hill

Pros

• The Retreat is described as a wonderful place full of community and care.
• Staff members Alecia, Janie, and Javier are praised for going above and beyond to welcome and engage residents.
• The management team is praised for planning activities that keep residents active and connected.
• The community is friendly and feels like a family, with residents and staff caring for one another.
• Alecia is repeatedly highlighted for kindness, dedication, and responsiveness.
• New staff, such as Jesse, are noted for proactive and helpful service.
• The onboarding process and paperwork are described as smooth and professional.
• Residents appreciate a rich calendar of activities, transportation via shuttle, and social events.
• Living spaces, including cottages, are described as clean, well-kept, and comfortable, with appealing views like deer from the balcony.
• The environment is safe, welcoming, and pleasant.

Cons

• Residents had to climb four flights of stairs with a mop and bucket because the elevators were down again.
• A former resident warned potential renters that their security deposit had not been returned after moving out.
• The rent was described as too expensive for an apartment, with more than $2,800 per month cited as not worth it.

Review

Over the course of more than two years and seven different residents' experiences, The Retreat consistently emerges as a place that blends genuine care with an active, inviting sense of community. Across stories, residents repeatedly highlight the warmth of the staff and the feeling that this isn't just a building with apartments, but a welcoming home. In particular, the attention and kindness shown by staff members such as Alecia (also spelled Alicia in some reviews), Janie, and Javier stand out; they're described as going above and beyond to make residents feel welcome, cared for, and connected. The management team earns high marks for planning engaging activities and events that help keep residents active, social, and engaged with one another.

Several firsthand anecdotes underline the depth of the staff's commitment. One reviewer noted a newer staff member, Jesse, who noticed a resident taking out the trash and took care of it, a small act that spoke volumes about the level of attentiveness here. Another reviewer praised Alecia's consistent kindness, noting she greets everyone with a smile and is always ready to help, to the point that residents feel she puts in "150%" in everything she does. The sense is that The Retreat's staff are not just performing duties; they're building relationships and a supportive environment for both residents and their families, including furry companions they love and care for.

The community atmosphere at The Retreat is repeatedly described as warm, familial, and inclusive. Residents talk about a calendar filled with activities - Bingo, movie days with popcorn and snacks, live entertainment, and regular exercise programs - that create opportunities to connect and stay active. Transportation is another valued amenity, with shuttle services to stores and organized outings to restaurants, ensuring residents maintain independence and social engagement. The consensus is that the residents and staff form a large, caring family, where neighbors look out for one another and new arrivals quickly feel at home.

Beyond routine activities, many residents praise the physical environment and ongoing improvements. Several reviews mention pristine cleanliness, safety, and welcoming common areas, as well as attractive amenities such as a beautiful pool, pool table, and shuffleboard. Views also come up fondly - deer visible from balconies and the overall scenery contributing to a tranquil, enjoyable living experience. Several residents have settled into cottage-style living and appreciate the private spaces as well as the sense of community that surrounds them. A few reviews point to the newer ownership and attentive management as a positive development, with staff like Janie and Alisha (and the wider team) continuing to provide reliable, friendly service.

Personal stories add depth to the overall impression. One reviewer notes moving in after years of wanting to be part of The Retreat, highlighting the smoothness of the move and the professional, well-prepared office staff that made paperwork easy. Another resident expresses gratitude for the supportive, family-like environment after nearly a year, emphasizing how the staff and residents alike look out for one another. A review from a longstanding resident's family underscores how the community can feel like home for decades, with monthly activities, a strong social calendar, and ongoing care from the staff, reinforcing the sense of belonging and continuity.

Of course, no community is without its drawbacks, and a few candid notes appear alongside the praise. One reviewer mentioned a regrettable delay: a deposit not returned after moving out, despite the apartment being in good order, which stands in contrast to the otherwise overwhelmingly positive experiences. There's also a practical, safety-related concern raised when elevators were down, forcing someone to climb two flights of stairs with a mop and bucket - an unfortunate reminder that even excellent communities face occasional equipment challenges. A few comments touch on cost, with some residents feeling the rent is expensive relative to comparable housing, noting that the monthly price can be difficult to justify when weighed against a mortgage on a large home. These points provide a balanced view and reflect that while The Retreat is cherished by many, prospective entrants may want to consider all aspects carefully.

Overall, the The Retreat experience described across these reviews is one of care, community, and consistent staff excellence. Residents repeatedly describe it as a wonderful place to live - clean, welcoming, and full of friendly neighbors - where the staff's dedication makes daily life smoother and more enjoyable. From the heartfelt attention of Alecia, Janie, and Javier to the thoughtful planning of activities and events, the community cultivates a sense of belonging that many believe would make it their preferred place when it's time to consider senior living for themselves or loved ones. The Retreat of Barbers Hill, with its evolving management and committed team, stands out as a remarkable option in senior living, celebrated for its warmth, activity, safety, and the genuine care that residents say makes it feel like family.

This part of Mont Belvieu, Texas offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With several restaurants nearby such as Sonic Drive-In, Whataburger, and Olive Garden, seniors can enjoy convenient dining options. Additionally, there are parks like Mont Belvieu City Park and Jenkins Park for outdoor recreational activities. Places of worship such as Old River Assembly and churches like First United Methodist Chr-Dayton provide spiritual support within the community. For medical needs, there are multiple physician offices including Shaw Kelvin Dr Allergy And Ent Associates Baytown and Texas Children's Pediatrics Baytown, as well as hospitals like San Jacinto Methodist Hospital-Alexander Campus and Houston Methodist Hospital in close proximity. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and Walmart Pharmacy are available for medication needs. Overall, this area offers a mix of conveniences that make it a suitable choice for seniors looking to settle in a peaceful neighborhood with essential services nearby.

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.1 miles)
• Whataburger (3.3 miles)
• A M Donut's (7.9 miles)
• MOD Pizza (8 miles)
• Olive Garden (8 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (8 miles)
• First Watch (8.1 miles)

Parks

• Mont Belvieu City Park (0.2 miles)
• Jenkins Park (6.9 miles)
• Baytown Nature Center (12.4 miles)
• Dayton Stadium (13.2 miles)
• Newport M.U.D Port O Call Park (14 miles)

Places of Worship

• Old River Assembly (3.9 miles)
• Turkey Creek Church (12.6 miles)
• Churches United In Caring (12.8 miles)
• First United Methodist Chr-Dayton (13.1 miles)
• Dayton Cowboy Church (13.6 miles)
• Whispering Meadows Baptist Church (13.6 miles)
• Godfrey Chapel (14.6 miles)

Physicians

• Shaw Kelvin Dr Allergy And Ent Associates Baytown (7.8 miles)
• Texas Children's Pediatrics Baytown (7.8 miles)
• Vision Source Baytown (7.9 miles)
• Pars Open MRI (8.8 miles)
• Kvf Eye Center (8.9 miles)
• Methodist San Jacinto Hospital Independence Plaza 2 (9.1 miles)
• Amir A Rasheed MD (9.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (7.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (8.8 miles)
• Walgreens (9.1 miles)
• Walgreens (9.5 miles)
• Southside Pharmacy 10 (9.8 miles)
• Walgreens (10 miles)

Hospitals

• Kindred Hospital-East Houston (8.7 miles)
• San Jacinto Methodist Hospital-Alexander Campus (8.8 miles)
• Houston Methodist Hospital (9.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (8.8 miles)
• Krull's Cafe & Bakery (13.6 miles)
• Opry Cafe (14.8 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (14.1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (15.2 miles)