Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX is one of the largest continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Located on an 89-acre campus in north Dallas, this Erickson Senior Living community houses over 1,000 residents.
Choosing a retirement community is a major financial and lifestyle decision, and many prospective residents struggle to separate marketing claims from daily reality.
This guide covers five practical things you need to know before scheduling a tour: the real cost structure, what the entrance fee actually buys, healthcare access on campus, dining and amenities quality, and how Highland Springs compares to nearby alternatives. By the end, you will know exactly what questions to ask during your visit.
1. Understand the Real Cost Structure Before You Tour
Highland Springs uses a refundable entrance deposit model, not a traditional real estate purchase. The entrance fee typically ranges from the low six figures to over $500,000 depending on the floor plan and square footage. You also pay a monthly service package that covers most utilities, one meal per day, scheduled transportation, and access to fitness facilities.
Many families researching highland springs retirement community in dallas tx discover that the pricing structure differs significantly from a standard apartment lease.
The entrance fee is largely refundable — a key point many families miss. Erickson Senior Living communities generally offer a declining-balance refund over the first several years, after which the refund amount locks at a stated percentage, often around 50% or 90% depending on the contract option you select.
Ask specifically about the refund schedule and how it applies if you leave in year one, year five, or year ten.
The monthly fee also increases annually. Industry data from senior living cost surveys consistently show annual fee increases in the 3% to 5% range across CCRCs nationally, though exact figures vary by operator and region. Budget for this escalation rather than assuming a flat monthly cost.
When comparing highland springs retirement community in dallas tx to other CCRCs, be sure to request historical fee increase data for the past five years.
How to apply this: Request the current fee schedule in writing and ask the sales counselor to model your total five-year and ten-year cost under both refund options before you commit.
2. Know What the Entrance Fee Actually Covers
The entrance deposit at Highland Springs does more than secure a residence. It funds a portion of the community's Resident Care Fund, which supports long-term stability for the campus and partially covers future healthcare access. According to Erickson Senior Living's published resident materials, the entrance fee also supports the ongoing maintenance of common areas, the medical center, and campus infrastructure.
Prospective residents evaluating highland springs retirement community in dallas tx often ask detailed questions about how these funds are allocated.
Your monthly service package typically covers property taxes, building insurance, interior and exterior maintenance, lawn care, security staffing, and scheduled shuttle service to shopping and medical appointments. It does not cover phone, internet, cable upgrades, or your personal groceries beyond the included meal.
One commonly misunderstood point: the entrance fee is not equity. You do not own the apartment. You hold a residency contract that gives you the right to occupy the unit for as long as you meet the community's health and conduct standards.
This distinction matters for estate planning and for how the contract is treated if you move to a higher level of care. Financial advisors who work with highland springs retirement community in dallas tx residents recommend reviewing the residency agreement with an attorney before signing.
How to apply this: Bring your estate attorney or financial advisor a copy of the residency agreement before signing, and ask them to flag any clauses about fee refunds, transfer rights, and what happens if you outlive your assets.
3. Evaluate On-Site Healthcare Access and Wait Times
Highland Springs operates an on-site medical center staffed with primary care physicians, specialists, and a full rehabilitation suite. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing — a full continuum of care without leaving the campus. This is a significant advantage for couples with different care needs.
The healthcare infrastructure at highland springs retirement community in dallas tx is frequently cited as a primary reason residents choose this community.
However, access to higher levels of care depends on apartment availability and your contract type. Some residents report wait times for assisted living apartments during periods of high demand.
A common scenario involves a couple in independent living where one spouse needs skilled nursing after a fall — the skilled nursing wing usually has capacity, but transitioning to assisted living may require patience.
The medical center accepts Medicare, which matters if you plan to use on-site physicians as your primary care providers. You are not required to use the on-site medical team; many residents keep their existing doctors and use the on-site clinic for convenience.
Families touring highland springs retirement community in dallas tx should inquire about physician credentialing and specialist availability during their visit.
How to apply this: During your tour, ask the wellness director for current occupancy rates in assisted living and skilled nursing, and request the written policy on how quickly residents can transfer between care levels when a need arises.
4. Compare Dining Quality, Amenities, and Daily Life Realistically
Highland Springs offers multiple dining venues including a formal dining room, a casual bistro, and a grab-and-go café. The monthly package includes one meal per day, with options to add more. Resident satisfaction surveys from senior living review platforms generally rate the food quality as above average for a CCRC, though tastes vary widely.
Current residents of highland springs retirement community in dallas tx frequently mention dining variety as a highlight of daily life.
The amenities are extensive: an indoor pool, fitness center, art studio, woodworking shop, library, and over 100 resident-run clubs. The 89-acre campus includes walking trails and a dog park. These features are real and well-maintained, but they only matter if you use them.
A practical consideration: the campus is large. If you choose an apartment at the far end of a residential wing, your walk to the dining room could be several minutes each way. For residents with mobility concerns, this distance becomes meaningful. Ask about apartment location relative to the dining venues and medical center, not just square footage and view.
When evaluating highland springs retirement community in dallas tx, consider requesting a campus map to understand walking distances before selecting a unit.
How to apply this: Request a meal during your tour and ask to sit with current residents — not staff — to hear unfiltered feedback about food consistency, maintenance responsiveness, and what they wish they had known before moving in.
| Evaluation Area | What to Check | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance fee refund | Contract refund schedule | Ask for 5-year and 10-year projections |
| Monthly fee history | Past 3 years of increases | Budget 3-5% annual escalation |
| Care level wait times | Assisted living occupancy | Ask wellness director for current data |
| Apartment location | Distance to dining and medical | Walk the route before choosing |
| Dining quality | Resident satisfaction | Eat a meal with current residents |
5. Compare Highland Springs to Nearby Dallas Alternatives
Highland Springs is not your only option in the Dallas area. Nearby CCRCs include The Legacy Willow Bend in Plano, Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, and Edgemere in the Park Cities. Each has a different pricing model and cultural feel. When comparing highland springs retirement community in dallas tx to these alternatives, consider your priorities around campus size and programming.
The Legacy Willow Bend tends to appeal to residents wanting a more intimate campus with strong wellness programming. Presbyterian Village North is a faith-based nonprofit with a long local history. Edgemere positions itself as a luxury option with higher entrance fees and more formal dining.
Highland Springs stands out for its scale — over 1,000 residents create a town-like atmosphere with more clubs and activities than smaller communities can sustain.
Cost comparisons from published CCRC pricing data show Highland Springs entrance fees are generally competitive with, and often lower than, Edgemere but higher than some nonprofit options that offer lower upfront costs in exchange for reduced refund guarantees. The right choice depends on whether you value scale and activity variety over smaller, quieter settings.
Many families find that touring highland springs retirement community in dallas tx alongside at least one smaller CCRC clarifies their preferences quickly.
How to apply this: Schedule tours at two competitors in the same week as your Highland Springs visit, and use the table above to take structured notes at each location so you can compare apples to apples.
Frequently Asked Questions About highland springs retirement community in dallas tx
What is the minimum age to live at Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX?
The minimum age for independent living residents is typically 62. For couples, one spouse must meet the age requirement while the other can be younger — often as young as 55 depending on the specific contract terms. Younger spouses with significant health needs may need a health assessment before approval.
Prospective residents of highland springs retirement community in dallas tx should verify current age requirements directly with the sales office.
Can you bring a pet to Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX?
Yes. Highland Springs allows small dogs and cats in independent living apartments, with a limit of one or two pets depending on unit size. There is usually a non-refundable pet deposit and an annual pet fee. Service animals are exempt from pet fees under federal law.
Weight limits for dogs commonly apply, so ask for the current pet policy before bringing a large breed. Pet-friendly policies at highland springs retirement community in dallas tx make it a popular choice for animal lovers.
What happens if you run out of money while living at Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX?
Highland Springs, like most Erickson communities, has a benevolent care fund that supports residents who outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own. This is not guaranteed in writing the same way across all contract types, so you should ask for the specific financial assistance policy that applies to your residency agreement before signing.
Understanding the benevolent care provisions at highland springs retirement community in dallas tx is essential for long-term financial planning.
Is Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX a nonprofit or for-profit community?
Highland Springs is managed by Erickson Senior Living, a for-profit company headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. This differs from faith-based nonprofits like Presbyterian Village North. The for-profit status affects how entrance fees are structured and how aggressively the community markets new units, but does not inherently affect care quality.
Families researching highland springs retirement community in dallas tx often weigh this factor alongside other considerations.
How long is the waitlist for Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX?
Wait times vary significantly by apartment size and floor level. Larger two-bedroom units with desirable views can have waitlists of six months to two years, while smaller one-bedroom apartments may be available within weeks. The sales office maintains a priority list, and residents who want to transfer within the community typically receive priority over new applicants.
If you are considering highland springs retirement community in dallas tx, contacting the sales office early can help you secure your preferred floor plan.
Conclusion
- Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas TX offers a full continuum of care on an 89-acre campus, but the entrance fee is a refundable deposit, not real estate ownership.
- Monthly fees increase annually — plan for 3% to 5% escalation in your long-term budget.
- On-site healthcare is a major advantage, but verify current wait times for assisted living and skilled nursing transfers.
- The community's scale creates a vibrant social environment, yet apartment location within the large campus matters more than many prospective residents realize.
Your next step is to schedule a tour and bring the structured comparison table from this article with you. Ask for the written fee schedule, refund policy, and current care-level occupancy data. Sit with residents over a meal. Doing this groundwork before you commit will help you decide whether Highland Springs is the right fit for your retirement years.
A thorough evaluation of highland springs retirement community in dallas tx will give you confidence in your decision and clarity about what to expect in the years ahead.
