Harbor's Edge Independent Living

Pros

• Residents describe Harbor's Edge as a terrific place to live, filled with safety, well-being, and opportunities for new friendships.
• The staff is extraordinary, the food is exceptional, and the community is friendly and caring.
• The views from the apartments are spectacular, featuring the Elizabeth River and the city of Norfolk.
• Transportation is provided to cultural activities such as theater, the symphony, opera, and museums.
• The calendar is packed with fitness classes, lectures, and day trips.
• It is easy to make friends at happy hours, dinners, and community events.
• Living at Harbor's Edge feels like being on vacation, with outstanding services and amenities.
• The people - residents and staff - are amazing and caring, making life at the Edge a delight.
• Harbor's Edge is a "forever home" for many residents, offering a sense of extended family.
• The physical therapy and occupational therapy at Harbor's Edge exceed expectations.

Cons

• One reviewer said Harbor's Edge is one of the worst choices for a loved one, describing the staff as rude, disingenuous, and awful to residents.
• They claimed the staff rarely check on residents who need more help and fire staff at the slightest inconvenience.
• They alleged several staff members were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, noting a noticeable smell.
• They described the front desk treatment as deplorable and the parking as horrible, and said they would not recommend Harbor's Edge.
• They criticized the concierge as rude and condescending and urged hiring someone with a more positive attitude.
• They stated the parking was deplorable and there was no one available to direct or assist, making them consider other communities.
• They asserted that Neil Volder was a nasty, vile man who was rude, lied about them, and had a toxic attitude.

Review

Harbor's Edge presents itself in these accounts as more than a retirement community; it's described as a thoughtful, livable place where safety, connection, and purpose feel close at hand. Several residents speak with warmth about long-tenured relationships and a sense that the campus is a smart, compassionate choice for aging well. The memory of a loved one's passing, tended to with dignity by the health care staff, stands out as a defining moment for one pair of residents, underscoring the genuine care that staff can extend in difficult times.

For some residents, the appeal starts with day-to-day quality of life. A resident who has lived there for five years writes with particular enthusiasm about extraordinary staff, exceptional food, and a friendly, caring community. The housing itself is described as offering interesting views from every apartment, and the property's transportation program is highlighted for enabling easy participation in a wide range of cultural activities - the theater, the symphony, opera, and museums are all accessible. A well-rounded calendar of fitness classes, lectures, and day trips helps keep life busy, and social opportunities - whether at happy hour, dinner, or community events - make making friends feel natural. In short, the place is painted as terrific in almost every factual detail of daily life.

Another consistent thread is the sense that Harbor's Edge has become a home that feels more like a vacation than a permanent residence. A resident who has lived there for four years emphasizes the beauty of the building and river views (the Elizabeth River and the city of Norfolk are celebrated backdrops), along with the high quality of services and food. But again and again the reviews pivot from amenities to people: residents and staff are described as amazing, caring individuals who make life at "the Edge" a delight. The overriding sentiment is one of appreciation and gratitude, with the phrase "feel fortunate" repeated in several entries.

Some residents evoke Harbor's Edge as a kind of family compound, a place where the staff are almost extended family, and where the decision to move there becomes a deeply felt, almost inexorable choice. A review noting that Harbor's Edge is now a "forever home" frames life there as surrounded by wonderful neighbors and staff who function like a close-knit, supportive network. The author recalls moving in with a spouse in 2022, reflects on the subsequent loss, and expresses gratitude for the safety, comfort, and responsive care that followed. The tone is intimate and affirming: needs are met, and there is reassurance in knowing the community has one's back.

Not every voice is unreservedly glowing, however. A minority of reviews express significant concerns about the community's leadership and some aspects of operations. One reviewer charges that Harbor's Edge can be rude and disingenuous, and alleges a lack of accommodation for residents in need, occasional staff turnover, and even issues with staff behavior. The same critique asserts that residents needing more help may not receive timely attention, and that some interactions at the front desk or with parking and logistics could be improved. In this account, the criticisms are pointed and persistent enough to suggest that it would be prudent for prospective residents to conduct their own visits and assess fit carefully.

Even amid critiques, there are many defenses and counterbalances. Several residents frame Harbor's Edge as the best decision they've ever made, applauding the facilities, the neighbors, and the staff, along with the overall quality of life. The menu is described as varied and tasty, with staff willing to accommodate special requests. The community's proximity to hospitals, light rail, museums, walking and biking trails, and downtown Norfolk is repeatedly noted as a practical and lifestyle-enhancing asset. One couple even highlights parking availability and the convenience of walking to doctor appointments, underscoring that some logistical concerns can be managed effectively in practice.

The social fabric of Harbor's Edge is repeatedly praised. Dog lovers celebrate a dog park on-site, and a resident recounts how a pet-friendly environment becomes a social bridge, helping newcomers integrate more quickly. The marketing team, including a named staff member who helped launch connections among new residents, is credited with fostering meaningful friendships - such as the "Great Eight" circle formed by four couples who remain close. The views from the units, the chef-level food, the attention to nutrition, and especially the richness of social opportunities - lectures, outdoor team games on terraces, and easy conversations - are all cited as standout strengths.

Finally, a few reviewers reflect on Harbor's Edge as a place they actively chose after investigating other CCRCs. They describe visiting multiple communities, then selecting Harbor's Edge for its beauty, the warmth and diversity of the resident body, and the breadth of services that align with their needs. The overall portrait is that Harbor's Edge is a luxurious, vibrant community with much to offer in terms of care, culture, and comfort. Still, readers are reminded that experiences can vary - the same strong points that attract people to Harbor's Edge can be tempered for others by concerns about parking, front-desk interactions, or leadership dynamics. In the end, the consensus is that Harbor's Edge paints a compelling picture of senior living in which exceptional staff, robust amenities, and an engaged community can create a true sense of home.

This part of Norfolk, Virginia offers a mix of healthcare facilities, dining options, recreational areas, and amenities that cater to the needs of seniors. With close proximity to physicians such as Neurosurgical Associates and hospitals like Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, residents have easy access to quality medical care. The area also features a variety of parks like The Pagoda & Oriental Garden for leisurely walks and relaxation. Additionally, there are numerous dining establishments ranging from Orapax Restaurant and Bar to Panera Bread for convenient meal options. Pharmacies such as Rite Aid and Walgreens are nearby for medication needs, and cafes like Starbucks provide opportunities for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Public transportation options like The Tide MacArthur Square Station offer convenience for getting around the city. Places of worship such as Twine Memorial Holy Temple cater to spiritual needs within the community. Overall, this part of Norfolk provides a well-rounded environment with essential services and amenities for seniors looking for a comfortable living experience.

Physicians

• Neurosurgical Associates, PC (0.2 miles)
• The King's Daughters Milk Bank at CHKD (0.3 miles)
• Collins Jay N MD-Eastern VA Medical School Department (0.3 miles)
• Duncan Yoder M.D. (0.4 miles)
• Dr Robert F. Castle, MD (0.4 miles)
• Ivor Barry Kaplan (0.5 miles)
• Galan-Dejesus Mariam Np (1.1 miles)

Parks

• The Pagoda & Oriental Garden (0.7 miles)
• Portsmouth City Park (4.7 miles)
• Dunedin Park (6 miles)

Restaurants

• Orapax Restaurant and Bar (0.8 miles)
• Brick Anchor Brew House (0.9 miles)
• Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint (0.9 miles)
• Sanctuary (1 miles)
• Waterside District (1.1 miles)
• Blue Moon Taphouse (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (0.9 miles)
• Portsmouth General Hospital (1 miles)
• Chkd (1.3 miles)
• Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• Maryview Medical Ambulatory Surgery Recovery (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Mac Arthur Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Drug Center Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Cafe Stella (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.1 miles)
• Coalescence Coffee (1.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)

Transportation

• The Tide MacArthur Square Station (1 miles)
• The Tide-Newtown Road Station (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Twine Memorial Holy Temple (1.7 miles)
• Westhaven Baptist Church (3.3 miles)
• Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk (3.7 miles)
• Third Presbyterian Church (5.7 miles)