Stoneridge Creek

I have lived in Stoneridge Creek (SRC) for over a year now and feel that now I'm able to write an informed review of the community. I live in a villa, which is a standalone duplex, that is part of the independent living segment. This segment is by far the largest group living at SRC. A co-located facility, Creekview Health Center, is where assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing units are housed. SRC provides a sweeping range of living units ranging from a studio in an apartment building to a large standalone villa with a 3-car garage. There are 5 large four floor apartment buildings that have the most units available. This is followed by Garden Terrace units which resemble condos in a small structure, and finally duplex villas. Usually, you need to get on a wait list to become eligible for any unit, but the apartments become available much more frequently. The prime motivator for moving here is the continuous range of services as you age. You don't need to worry about finding the next level of care as you grow older and have to relocate. Most of the residents here state that they desire not to impose a burden on their children to care for them. However, the biggest benefit of moving here is the robust community along with a plethora of activities. Previously, we lived in a big house in an East Bay suburb. But a big house ultimately becomes just a big burden with few benefits, to say nothing of having to navigate stairs. I think we had just 5 neighbors that we communicated with frequency. Here at SRC we already have over 50 people we see and communicate with frequently. We see the same people in group exercise classes, cultural excursions, dining, and a bunch of other activities. It's super easy to develop new friendships. Everybody is friendly because there's no reason not to be. I'll just gloss over the other aspects of SRC. The food is good. There are three restaurants. Even though you only get one meal a day, we almost never cook and are inundated with food. The facilities are beautiful and resemble a Marriott resort. For example, there is no need to leave the campus for an invigorating walk. The place is expensive and that rules out a lot of people being able to live here. You are basically a renter of your unit. You pay a hefty entrance fee that is 75% refundable if you leave. You get no interest on the entrance fee money you put in. So, that's an opportunity cost of maybe 8%-10% you might have gotten in the stock market. On the other hand, you are now unburdened with the cost of property taxes, home maintenance, and basic utilities. Check out your alternatives. You may just want independent living such as Rossmoor. However, for a full service "the rest of your life" type of living accommodations, SRC will be hard to beat.

Visited Stoneridge Creek recently for a friend who is considering a move there. I toured with Dave and had an in-depth conversation with him. I was impressed with his knowledge and compassion. He was generous with his time and took me to see the great facilities there. Residents were friendly and engaging. All in all my impression was very positive.

My wife and I have been on the future residents list for a few years now (we are not ready yet). We have dealt mainly with Nancy Gibbs, who has been a great facilitator. She has given us updated tours of the facilities, invited us to resident activities, and answer questions we occasionally have. The overall feeling we get is one of a true residence as opposed to an institution.

We have been residents of SRC for 6 months and are very impressed and pleased with all aspects of our residency here. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming to us as newcomers. There is a wonderful selection of activities, and importantly great meals from three different restaurants. It has to be experienced to be appreciated. Kathy & Bill Garcia