Highlands Retirement Village in Abingdon, VA

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Pros

• The facility is consistently clean inside and out and always smells amazing.
• The nursing leadership team is top-notch with organization and attention to detail.
• All facility staff are friendly and genuinely display compassion for the residents.
• The atmosphere is fun and energetic, especially during hosted events.
• English Meadows is the best assisted living community in the area.
• The campus is wonderful—clean, with friendly staff and excellent resident care.
• The campus is a gem of Abingdon.
• The facility is gorgeous, with a great location and dedicated staff who go the extra mile.
• The meals are exceptionally good and residents are treated with respect and care.
• The staff are warm and welcoming, creating a loving environment for residents.

Cons

• A reviewer described the on-site air freshener as a noxious chemical cocktail that burned the nose and lungs.
• They feared the masking chemicals could cause serious health effects over time for elderly residents.
• They reported a roommate’s room reeking of old urine for over a week, with pervasive odor and damp surroundings.
• They criticized staffing levels as insufficient, noting only one or two attendants for about 100 residents, leaving staff overworked.
• They expressed that caregiver coverage on weekends was inadequate.
• They felt management dismissed concerns about chemical use and did not involve residents’ families in decisions.

Review

This Highlands Retirement Village campus in Abingdon, VA is best suited for families seeking a clean, vibrant assisted living environment where nursing leadership is organized and visibly involved, and where residents benefit from engaging programming and a welcoming, compassionate staff. The reviews consistently describe a facility that feels orderly and well-kept, with a reputation for a positive atmosphere and a resident-first approach. For families prioritizing a bright campus with good food, responsive administration, and staff who treat residents with genuine kindness, Highlands stands out as a dependable option.

Those who should consider alternatives are the families with hard-edged staffing concerns or highly specific environmental sensitivities. Several reviewers note that caregiver coverage, especially in memory-care settings and on weekends, can be uneven, and staff may be underappreciated. This signals a need for careful due-diligence: inquire about exact ratios on peak weekend shifts, how many caregivers are assigned per shift, and what contingency plans exist during staff shortages. Another non-negotiable for some families is the use of strong air fresheners; at least one family reported troubling respiratory reactions to pervasive scents, a factor that cannot be dismissed for residents with lung or chemical sensitivities. If fragrance-free living or airtight staffing guarantees are essential, this is a critical area to verify.

The primary strengths, the high level of cleanliness, the warmth of the staff, and the visible nursing leadership, tend to offset most logistical concerns for many families. Across multiple testimonials, the administration is praised for accessibility and proactive problem-solving, and the campus is described as exceptionally well maintained and inviting. The combination of a beautiful setting, reliable housekeeping, and staff who consistently express care creates a foundation in which residents can settle in with confidence. In practical terms, this means families often gain peace of mind about daily life: meals prepared with attention, regular laundry and room upkeep, and timely responses to questions or worries.

Equally important is the resident experience: the atmosphere is repeatedly described as energetic and social, with events that keep residents engaged. Families praise the attention given to individual needs, and residents appear to enjoy not just the services but the culture surrounding them, from kind, approachable caregivers to the sense that staff will go the extra mile. The logistical advantages are also notable: proximity to hospital and medical resources is frequently cited as a convenience, reducing the stress of coordinating care across multiple providers. For seniors who value independence balanced with accessible, personable care, these practical strengths translate into real-day advantages.

There are concrete questions that should guide the tour and decision process. Prospective families should request a clear picture of staffing patterns, especially on weekends and in memory-care zones, and ask for a recent staffing roster or a tour of different shifts to assess consistency. It’s essential to probe how concerns are escalated and resolved, and to verify that administration remains approachable and responsive under pressure. Another critical line of inquiry concerns environment: confirm whether fragrance policies can accommodate residents with sensitivities and whether odor issues or ongoing housekeeping challenges are being actively addressed. Hearing candid stories from current residents and families during a visit provides invaluable context beyond what brochures convey.

Bottom line: Highlands Retirement Village in Abingdon offers a compelling combination of cleanliness, compassionate staff, accessible leadership, and a lively, engaging environment that many families will find hard to beat. It excels for those who prioritize a strong, resident-first culture, reliable daily care, and a campus atmosphere that supports social connection and well-being. However, the community is not without legitimate caveats: staffing consistency, especially on weekends and in memory care, and the possibility of fragrance-related sensitivities require careful verification. For families confronting these trade-offs, a disciplined visit, asking pointed questions, meeting direct caregivers, and observing shifts, will determine whether Highlands delivers the right balance of safety, warmth, and reliability. If those assurances align, Highlands Retirement Village stands out as a sturdy, hands-on choice for sustained peace of mind.

This area of Abingdon, Virginia, offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors considering relocating to the area. With several restaurants nearby offering a range of dining options, including fast food, comfort food, and seafood, residents can enjoy convenient dining options. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies within a short distance for easy access to medications and healthcare needs. The proximity to Johnston Memorial Hospital provides peace of mind in case of medical emergencies. For recreation, several parks offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. There are also several places of worship in the area for spiritual fulfillment. Various physicians' offices are close by for healthcare needs and transportation services are available for easy travel to appointments or errands. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of conveniences and services that make it an attractive option for seniors looking for a comfortable and well-equipped community.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (0.1 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (0.4 miles)
• Burger King (0.5 miles)
• Puerto Nuevo (0.5 miles)
• The Tavern (2.1 miles)
• 128 Pecan (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Highland Community Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Healthplus & Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Northgate Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Food City Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Va Lottery Food City 8 (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Johnston Memorial Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Johnston Memorial Hospital (1.3 miles)

Parks

• Backbone Rock, Cherokee National Forest (0.4 miles)
• Damascus Town Park (9.3 miles)
• Sugar Hollow Playground (11.4 miles)
• Sugar Hollow Park (11.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ the King Catholic Church (0.9 miles)
• Abingdon United Pentecostal Church (1.4 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (2 miles)
• King's Chapel Church (2.1 miles)
• Gospel Tabernacle (2.6 miles)
• Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd (3.3 miles)
• Damascus Road Baptist Church (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Johnston Memorial Cancer Center (1.2 miles)
• Blue Ridge Orthopedics (1.3 miles)
• Abingdon Healthcare For Women (1.3 miles)
• Cody, John Blue Ridge Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (1.3 miles)
• Armstrong Paul C MD - Mountain States Medical Group (1.3 miles)
• Ear Nose Throat and Allergy Consultant (1.5 miles)
• Highlands Pediatrics (1.5 miles)

Transportation

• Noonkester Freeze Dry (1.5 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (4.3 miles)
• Sportsman's Choice Taxidermy (8.9 miles)

Cafes

• The Girl & The Raven (1.9 miles)
• The Spring House (2.2 miles)
• Camella's Remember When (2.3 miles)