Finding the right retirement community in Dallas can feel overwhelming, especially when you want a place that balances independence, care, and genuine community. Highland Springs Retirement Center in Dallas stands out as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) operated by Erickson Senior Living, one of the largest senior living providers in the United States. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, Dallas County's 65-and-older population has grown steadily over the past decade, driving increased demand for quality senior living options. Many families struggle to compare communities because pricing structures, care levels, and contract types vary widely.
This article breaks down five practical things you need to know about Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas — from costs and amenities to care services and what current residents say — so you can make a confident, informed decision.
1. Understanding the Community Model and Campus
Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas operates as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which means residents can access independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care all on one campus. This model matters because it allows you to age in place without relocating if your health needs change.
The campus sits on approximately 89 acres in North Dallas, near the intersection of major highways, giving residents convenient access to medical centers, shopping, and cultural attractions. Erickson Senior Living, the parent organization, manages communities across multiple states and reports that its CCRCs typically maintain high occupancy rates due to their bundled service model.
What makes this model distinct is the entrance deposit structure. Residents pay a refundable entrance fee that secures their place and contributes to the community's long-term financial stability. Monthly fees then cover maintenance, utilities, dining, transportation, and access to amenities.
How to apply this: Request a copy of the community's residency agreement and ask specifically how the entrance deposit refund works — whether it returns to you, your estate, or is amortized over time.
2. Cost Structure and What You Actually Pay
Pricing at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas varies significantly based on apartment size, location within the campus, and the number of occupants. Industry data from senior living market reports indicates that CCRC entrance fees in the Dallas metro area typically range from the low six figures to over half a million dollars, with monthly fees adding several thousand dollars more.
A common scenario: a two-bedroom independent living apartment might require an entrance deposit in the $200,000 to $400,000 range, with monthly service fees between $3,000 and $5,000. These figures shift based on contract type — some agreements offer a refundable entrance fee (often 50% or 90% refundable), while others offer declining-balance options that reduce upfront costs but return less later.
The monthly fee at Highland Springs typically includes one meal per day, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, utilities excluding phone, and access to fitness and social programming. Additional meals, second-person fees, and higher-level care services cost extra.
| Cost Component | What It Covers | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance deposit | Secures residence; partially or fully refundable | Ask about refund percentage and timeline |
| Monthly service fee | Housing, utilities, dining, transportation | Request a fee schedule for the past 3 years |
| Second-person fee | Additional resident in same unit | Confirm the exact monthly add-on amount |
| Care level fees | Assisted living or skilled nursing add-ons | Ask how care cost increases are calculated |
| Amenity fees | Fitness, salon, guest meals, events | Identify which amenities are included vs. extra |
How to apply this: Ask the sales team for a written breakdown of entrance fee options and a three-year history of monthly fee increases so you can project long-term affordability.
3. Amenities, Dining, and Daily Life
Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas offers a broad range of on-site amenities designed to keep residents active and engaged. The community features multiple dining venues, a fitness center with senior-focused equipment, an indoor pool, a library, art studios, woodworking shops, and walking trails.
Dining is a central part of daily life. The community employs professional chefs and offers flexible meal plans rather than fixed seating times. Residents can choose from casual cafes, formal dining rooms, and grab-and-go options. Erickson Senior Living states on its official website that its communities emphasize "restaurant-style dining with seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients where possible."
Social programming includes clubs, lifelong learning classes, volunteer opportunities, and scheduled outings to Dallas cultural venues. Many residents report that the sense of community — not just the physical amenities — is what keeps them satisfied long-term.
The on-site medical center is another key feature. Highland Springs typically staffs a full-time medical director, nurses, and visiting specialists, which reduces the need for off-campus appointments.
How to apply this: Schedule a lunch visit and a tour during an active programming hour — observe how residents interact and whether the dining quality matches your expectations.
4. Care Services and Health Support
One of the biggest reasons families choose Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas is the continuum of care. The community provides on-site assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services, and skilled nursing, all within the same campus.
The assisted living neighborhood offers personalized support with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, medication management — while preserving as much independence as possible. Memory care programming often follows evidence-based approaches like structured routines and sensory engagement.
The on-site clinic typically includes primary care physicians, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. According to the National Institute on Aging, access to on-site preventive care and rehabilitation services is associated with better health outcomes for older adults, particularly those managing chronic conditions.
For residents who need short-term rehabilitation after surgery or hospitalization, the skilled nursing and rehab center provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy with the goal of returning residents to independent living.
How to apply this: Ask for the community's most recent state inspection report and staffing ratios for the skilled nursing and assisted living units — this data is publicly available through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
5. Reputation, Reviews, and What Residents Say
Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas generally receives positive feedback from residents and families, though experiences vary. Online reviews on platforms like Caring.com and SeniorAdvisor frequently highlight the quality of dining, the friendliness of staff, and the breadth of activities.
Common themes in positive reviews include the maintenance-free lifestyle, the welcoming social environment, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing higher levels of care are available on-site. Negative reviews occasionally mention waitlists for popular apartment styles, the complexity of contract terms, or adjustments during management transitions.
The community is accredited by CARF International, an independent accreditor of aging services organizations. CARF accreditation signals that the community meets established standards for quality, safety, and resident satisfaction. Erickson Senior Living's official website notes that its communities "consistently earn high resident satisfaction scores in independent third-party surveys."
One consideration: waitlists. Popular floor plans can have waitlists extending months or longer, so early planning is essential.
How to apply this: Read at least 20 recent reviews across multiple platforms, then ask the community to connect you with two or three current residents who can share unfiltered perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About highland springs retirement center dallas
What is the minimum age to live at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas?
The minimum age for independent living at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas is typically 62, though younger spouses or partners may qualify under specific provisions. In some cases, individuals as young as 55 may be considered if they meet health and financial criteria.
The age requirement applies to the primary resident; a younger spouse can usually move in as a second person. Always confirm the current age policy directly with the admissions team, as exceptions and updates occur.
Does Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas does not accept Medicaid for entrance into independent living or assisted living, as it operates on a private-pay model. Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation stays following a qualifying hospital admission, but it does not cover long-term custodial care. Some residents use long-term care insurance to offset costs.
If you rely on public benefits, explore other Dallas-area communities that participate in Medicaid waiver programs.
How long is the waitlist at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas?
Waitlist times at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas vary by apartment size and floor plan. Popular two-bedroom units with desirable views or locations can have waitlists stretching six months to over a year. Smaller one-bedroom apartments sometimes become available sooner. The community maintains a priority list based on deposit date.
Joining the waitlist early — even before you are ready to move — can secure your preferred unit and lock in current entrance fee pricing.
Can couples with different care needs live together at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas?
Yes, couples with different care needs can often remain on the same campus, though they may need to live in separate apartments if one requires assisted living or memory care. Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas prioritizes keeping couples connected through proximity, shared dining, and coordinated care plans.
In some cases, a spouse in independent living can visit a partner in the care neighborhood daily. Discuss your specific situation with the care team to understand available options.
What happens if I run out of money while living at Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas?
Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas, like many CCRCs, has a benevolent care fund supported by resident contributions and the parent organization. This fund may assist residents who outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own. Eligibility is not guaranteed and requires financial disclosure. The community's residency agreement outlines the specific terms.
Ask about the benevolent care policy and the application process before signing any contract.
Conclusion
Choosing Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas requires careful evaluation of costs, care options, and community fit.
- The CCRC model offers aging-in-place security, but entrance fees and monthly costs demand thorough financial planning
- Amenities and dining are strong selling points, yet you should verify quality through an in-person visit and resident conversations
- The continuum of care — from independent living to skilled nursing — provides peace of mind for families
- Reputation is generally positive, but waitlists and contract complexity require early action and careful review
Your next step is to contact the Highland Springs Retirement Center Dallas admissions team, request a residency agreement and fee schedule, and schedule an on-site tour that includes a meal and a conversation with current residents. The earlier you start, the more options you will have.
