Choosing a retirement community is one of the most significant decisions you or your family will make. Highland Springs retirement center, an Erickson Senior Living community located in North Dallas, Texas, serves hundreds of residents across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
A surprising fact many people discover is that the community spans over 80 acres and operates like a small town, with its own medical center, multiple restaurants, and even a TV studio. The problem most families face is that marketing materials look similar across communities, making it hard to compare actual value.
This guide breaks down what you need to know before touring, how costs actually work, and what current residents say about daily life at highland springs retirement center.
Understanding the Highland Springs Model
Highland springs retirement center operates on a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) model, also called a Life Plan Community. This means residents can move through increasing levels of care without relocating to a different campus. The entrance fee structure typically ranges widely depending on apartment size and refund option selected, with monthly service packages covering dining, utilities, transportation, and maintenance.
Erickson Senior Living, the parent organization, manages over 20 communities across the United States. According to Erickson Senior Living's official materials, their communities emphasize predictable monthly costs and on-site healthcare access. That predictability matters because many standalone assisted living facilities raise rates annually by varying amounts. Families researching highland springs retirement center often cite this stability as a deciding factor.
One thing to understand: the entrance fee is partially refundable depending on the plan you choose. Erickson communities generally offer declining refund schedules or higher upfront deposits with greater refund percentages. Ask the sales team for the current fee schedule in writing before comparing with other Dallas-area CCRCs.
How to apply this: Request the current entrance fee and monthly fee schedule from the residency counselor, then compare it against at least two competing communities like The Legacy Willow Bend or Edgemere.
Cost Structure and What You Actually Pay
The financial commitment at highland springs retirement center includes two components: a one-time entrance deposit and a recurring monthly service package. The entrance deposit for a one-bedroom apartment typically falls in the six-figure range, though exact figures change annually and vary by floor plan and refund option.
Monthly fees cover property taxes, utilities, one meal per day (or more depending on plan), scheduled transportation, fitness center access, and basic cable. Additional costs apply for second-person fees, extra meals, housekeeping upgrades, and higher levels of care.
Industry data from senior living cost surveys consistently show that CCRCs in the Dallas metro area range widely, with entrance fees spanning from roughly $100,000 to over $500,000 depending on size and contract type.
A common scenario families encounter: the base monthly fee looks manageable, but adding a second resident, parking, and upgraded dining pushes the total significantly higher. Prospective residents of highland springs retirement center should ask for an itemized breakdown of what the base fee excludes before making any commitment.
How to apply this: Build a realistic monthly budget using the community's own fee schedule, adding 10-15% for optional services and inflation.
Healthcare Services and Continuum of Care
Highland springs retirement center houses an on-site medical center staffed by physicians who treat residents exclusively. This is a differentiator because most standalone independent living communities require residents to arrange their own medical transportation. The community offers assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services on the same campus.
The Erickson Health medical model includes full-time doctors, specialists who visit on rotation, and an electronic health records system shared across the campus. That means a resident moving from independent living to skilled nursing keeps the same medical team and records. This integrated approach is one reason families choose highland springs retirement center over fragmented care arrangements.
Medicare covers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at highland springs retirement center just as it would at any Medicare-certified facility. However, assisted living and long-term care are not covered by Medicare. Long-term care insurance policies may reimburse some costs depending on the policy terms.
How to apply this: Verify that the on-site medical center accepts your current insurance and Medicare Advantage plan before signing any residency agreement.
Daily Life, Amenities, and Resident Experience
Residents at highland springs retirement center describe the lifestyle as closer to a resort than a traditional nursing home. The campus includes multiple dining venues ranging from casual cafes to formal dining rooms, a fitness center with a pool, woodworking shop, art studio, and over 100 resident-run clubs.
Erickson Senior Living communities consistently receive high marks in resident satisfaction surveys, though independent third-party reviews on platforms like Caring.com show mixed experiences depending on individual expectations. Some residents praise the social environment and dining variety at highland springs retirement center. Others note that waitlists for popular apartment styles can extend months or years.
Transportation is a practical consideration. The community provides scheduled shuttle service to shopping, medical appointments, and cultural events in the Dallas area. However, if you want spontaneous outings, having a personal vehicle or relying on family is more practical for residents of highland springs retirement center.
How to apply this: Schedule a tour during meal service hours and ask to join a resident for lunch. Firsthand conversations reveal more than any brochure.
Comparing Highland Springs to Other Dallas Communities
| Community | Care Levels Offered | Entrance Fee Range | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Springs | IL, AL, MC, SNF | Mid-to-high six figures | On-site medical center |
| The Legacy Willow Bend | IL, AL, MC, SNF | High six figures | Luxury high-rise setting |
| Edgemere | IL, AL, MC, SNF | High six figures | Prime Preston Hollow location |
| Presbyterian Village North | IL, AL, MC, SNF | Mid six figures | Faith-based nonprofit |
Highland springs retirement center competes most directly with other Erickson communities and large Dallas CCRCs. The main tradeoff is location: the campus sits in far North Dallas near the Collin County line, which means longer drives to downtown Dallas cultural attractions. Residents who prioritize on-site healthcare and predictable costs often choose highland springs retirement center over more urban competitors.
How to apply this: Visit at least three communities within a two-week window so comparisons stay fresh in your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About highland springs retirement center
What is the waitlist situation at Highland Springs?
The waitlist varies significantly by apartment size and care level. Independent living apartments with desirable views or corner locations often have waitlists extending several months to over a year. Assisted living and memory care suites typically have shorter waits.
If you need immediate placement at highland springs retirement center, ask the residency counselor about currently available units rather than joining a waitlist for a specific floor plan.
Does Highland Springs allow pets?
Yes, pets are permitted in independent living apartments with restrictions on breed, size, and number. A one-time pet deposit typically applies, and residents must demonstrate they can care for the animal independently. Service animals are exempt from restrictions under federal law. In assisted living and memory care, pet policies are stricter and evaluated case by case.
Can couples stay together if one needs higher care?
Highland springs retirement center accommodates couples where one spouse needs assisted living or skilled nursing while the other remains in independent living. The healthier spouse stays in the apartment while the other receives care in the appropriate on-site setting. This is a key advantage of the CCRC model compared to separate facilities.
Ask about the specific visitation and care coordination policies.
What happens if I run out of money while living there?
Erickson Senior Living has a financial assistance program called the Resident Care Fund for residents who outlive their resources through no fault of their own. Eligibility requires a financial review and documentation. This is not a guarantee, but it is a stated policy of the organization.
Discuss this during your initial financial assessment with highland springs retirement center rather than waiting until a crisis occurs.
How does Highland Springs compare to renting an apartment plus home care?
For many residents, the CCRC model proves more cost-effective when long-term care needs emerge. Renting an apartment plus hiring 20-30 hours of weekly home care can exceed the monthly fee at highland springs retirement center. However, if you remain healthy for many years, the entrance fee represents a significant upfront opportunity cost.
Run the numbers with a financial advisor who understands senior living contracts.
Conclusion
- Highland springs retirement center offers a full continuum of care with predictable monthly costs and an on-site medical team
- The entrance fee structure requires careful review of refund options and what monthly fees exclude
- Healthcare integration is the strongest differentiator compared to standalone senior apartments
- Touring during meal times and speaking with current residents provides the most honest assessment of highland springs retirement center
Your next step is to contact the Highland Springs residency office and request the current fee schedule, then schedule a tour that includes a meal and a visit to the on-site medical center. Bring a list of questions about waitlists, pet policies, and financial assistance so you can compare this community against others with confidence.
