Avery Heights: A Comprehensive Review of Hartford’s Premier Senior Living Community

• Executive summary

• Types of care services offered
  • Memory care excellence
• Amenities and living experience
  • Common areas and recreational spaces
  • Dining experience
  • Activities and community engagement
• Resident and family experiences
  • Testimonials from residents
  • Family member perspectives
• Pricing and financial considerations
  • Cost structure
  • Regional comparison
• Management and staff quality
• Awards and recognition
• Unique differentiators
• Location and accessibility
• Choosing a senior living community takes real thought. You need to look at care levels, what the place is actually like day-to-day, costs, and whether it fits what your loved one needs. This guide walks you through those decisions step-by-step.
  • 1. Schedule a structured visit
  • 2. Create a comprehensive cost analysis
  • 3. Assess care needs alignment
  • Look beyond the brochure. Pay attention to how residents interact with each other and staff. A strong community feels welcoming—not forced. It should offer activities that match what your loved one actually enjoys, from fitness classes to book clubs to spiritual services. Watch how staff treat residents. Do they know people by name? Do they stop and chat, or just rush through tasks? And pay attention to the physical space itself. Are common areas busy or empty? Is the place clean? Does it feel like home, or like an institution? These details matter more than any marketing pitch.
• Conclusion

Executive summary

Avery Heights, at 705 New Britain Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut, has served the Greater Hartford area for over 50 years. It's a not-for-profit community run by Church Homes, Inc., and it doesn't require buy-in fees—a significant advantage compared to many competing facilities in the region.

This review covers Avery Heights' care options, amenities, resident experiences, pricing, and what sets it apart. It's meant to help families figure out whether this community is right for them.

Types of care services offered

Avery Heights offers a full range of care levels, so residents can stay in the same community as their needs change:

Service level

Key features

Independent living

• Variety of apartments and cottages
• Active lifestyle focus
• Access to wellness center

Assisted living

• 24-hour supervision
• Personalized care plans
• Help with daily tasks

Memory care

• Specialized programs
• Secure environment
• Cognitive stimulation activities

Additional services

• Short-term rehabilitation
• Home health care
• Long-term care

"Aging in place" means residents can move between different care levels without leaving the community.

Memory care excellence

Avery Heights' memory care program includes:

• Care plans tailored to each resident's stage of cognitive decline
• Cognitive stimulation through therapeutic activities
• Music therapy and art classes
• Reminiscence activities to preserve long-term memories
• Family involvement in the care process

The memory care unit is secure enough to prevent wandering but still allows residents freedom of movement within safe boundaries.

Amenities and living experience

Common areas and recreational spaces

The community offers these amenities:

• Professional dining with chef-prepared meals
• Wellness center with fitness and health monitoring
• Walking trails through maintained grounds
• Game room for socializing
• Library with computer access
• Fitness room with senior-friendly equipment
• Wellness spa with therapeutic services

Dining experience

Avery Heights won a "Best Meals and Dining" award. Residents consistently praise the food, saying it's "excellent" with plenty of choices for different dietary needs.

Dining services include:

• Restaurant-style meals prepared by a chef
• Special dietary options (low-sodium, vegetarian, etc.)
• Flexible meal times
• Private dining for family gatherings

Activities and community engagement

The community offers activities that support physical, mental, and social well-being:

• Social activities and events
• Fitness classes for different ability levels
• Educational programs and lectures
• Support groups for residents facing similar challenges
• Spiritual services through an on-site chapel
• Community-sponsored events
• Movie nights and entertainment
• Resident-run committees to help improve facilities, food, and operations

One resident noted that the community genuinely values resident input: "Folks are invited to serve on committees to help improve facilities, food and administration."

Resident and family experiences

Avery Heights has an 8.6 out of 10 rating based on 18 reviews. Seventy-eight percent are 5-star ratings, 22% are 4-star ratings, and all reviews are 3 stars or higher.

Testimonials from residents

One resident said: "All are at least a 4.5. Some may not be quite a 5 because the facility is getting old and they are trying to keep everything up. This is a great place to live. The staff goes above and beyond and the food is excellent. Folks are invited to serve on committees to help improve facilities, food and administration."

Another resident, who moved in July 2022, added: "I have been a resident since [date] and am very pleased with the Avery community, especially the staff. I have received immediate response to any questions and a very professional attitude throughout this beautiful campus. I would recommend Avery Heights to all caring families."

Family member perspectives

Family members report similar satisfaction:

"We are very lucky to have found a place that works well for our father. The staff is fantastic and helpful. Our father appears to be well taken care of. He has a lot of activities available to him and he loves the food." – Katie J., Family Member

"My mom is a resident at Avery Heights and the experience has been great. Mom says most of the food is very good. They were giving her two big meals a day. At our family meeting we asked if she could have a sandwich for dinner and that has worked better for her, along with some fruits. There are many activities to participate in, but my mom doesn't participate unless she goes to mass. I visit her nearly every day and I know that she is being cared for." – Anonymous Family Member

These comments show that the community listens to individual needs and provides quality care.

Pricing and financial considerations

Cost structure

Avery Heights uses a rental model without buy-in fees. This makes it more accessible than communities that charge large entrance fees.

Living option

Avery Heights cost

Hartford area average

Studio starting cost

$2,840–$4,330

$5,248

1-bedroom

Starting at $4,740

N/A

Average monthly cost

$5,225

$5,799

Studio apartments at Avery Heights ($2,840–$4,330) cost less than the Hartford area average of $5,248.

Regional comparison

Other senior living communities in the Hartford area range from $3,900 to $4,520 per month. The average cost in Hartford is $3,956 per month, compared to Connecticut's state average of $6,952 and the national average of $4,126. This puts Avery Heights in line with local pricing.

• Anthology of Simsbury: $4,349/month
• Brookdale South Windsor: $4,520/month
• Farmington Station: $3,900/month

Management and staff quality

Residents and families praise the staff for being responsive and caring. The team provides:

• 24-hour supervision with emergency response
• Personalized care plans for each resident
• Medication management
• Coordination with outside healthcare providers
• Staff trained in memory care techniques

One family member said: "The staff are all very friendly. The facility is large and offers multiple levels of care, which is why we chose Avery Heights over others."

A resident added: "I have received immediate response to any questions and a very professional attitude throughout this beautiful campus."

Awards and recognition

Avery Heights has received these recognitions:

• "Best Meals and Dining" award for nutritious meals with quality ingredients
• "Best of Senior Living" recognition, based on resident and family feedback
• "Best of Senior Living All Star" award for communities receiving 25+ reviews in 2024

These awards reflect the community's commitment to quality care.

Unique differentiators

Several features distinguish Avery Heights in the Hartford area:

1. No buy-in fees: Unlike many senior communities, Avery Heights charges rental-only fees, which is more accessible.
2. Veteran support programs: Special programs and potential financial benefits for veterans.
3. Resident committees: Residents actively participate in committees that improve the community.
4. Full continuum of care: Residents can transition between care levels within the same community.
5. Not-for-profit status: Owned by Church Homes, Inc., the focus is on resident care, not shareholder returns.

Location and accessibility

Avery Heights benefits from its Hartford location:

• Close to West Hartford's shops and restaurants
• Easy access to shopping and dining
• Near cultural attractions and community resources
• Well-maintained, secure grounds
• Convenient access to medical facilities

The campus is peaceful while still offering access to urban amenities.

Recommendations for prospective residents and families

If you're considering Avery Heights, here's how to evaluate whether it's right for you:

1. Schedule a structured visit

Use this checklist to evaluate Avery Heights during your visit:

Area to evaluate

Questions to ask / things to observe

Notes

Staff interactions

• How do staff address residents?
• Do they know residents by name?
• How quickly do they respond to requests?
• Do they appear rushed or attentive?

Living spaces

• Are apartments clean and well-maintained?
• How spacious are the rooms?
• What safety features are installed?
• Are personal items and decorations encouraged?

Dining experience

• Sample a meal during your visit
• Observe food quality, variety, and presentation
• Ask about accommodation for dietary restrictions
• Observe staff-resident interactions during meals

Activities

• Request to see the activity calendar
• Ask about participation rates
• Observe an activity in progress if possible
• Ask about transportation for outside activities

Memory care

• What specialized training do staff receive?
• How is the area secured against wandering?
• What cognitive enhancement programs are offered?
• How are families involved in care planning?

Resident feedback

• Ask to speak with current residents
• Observe general mood and engagement levels
• Ask about resident committees and how feedback is incorporated

2. Create a comprehensive cost analysis

Use this worksheet to understand your full costs at Avery Heights:

Expense category

Monthly cost at Avery Heights

Comparable cost at home

Notes

Base housing

Studio: $2,840–$4,330
1-Bedroom: $4,740+

Current mortgage/rent: $_____

Consider all housing-related costs you currently pay

Meals

Included in monthly fee

Groceries: $_____
Dining out: $_____

Avery Heights won a "Best Meals and Dining" award

Utilities

Most included

Current utilities: $_____

Ask which utilities are included

Housekeeping

Included

Current service cost: $_____

If you currently clean your home, consider the time involved. Two hours weekly adds up to 104 hours per year. At $25/hour, that's $2,600 annually. Professional cleaning frees up time for activities you enjoy.

Maintenance

Included

Current costs: $_____

Include regular and unexpected home repairs

Transportation

Transportation services available

Current costs: $_____

Include car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance

Activities/Entertainment

Most included

Current costs: $_____

Consider memberships, classes, events you currently pay for

Healthcare services

Basic: included
Additional: $_____

Current costs: $_____

Senior care costs vary widely based on specific needs. Assisted living offers daily support in a community setting. Memory care provides specialized programs for cognitive decline. In-home care delivers personalized help at home. Each has different pricing depending on the level of medical attention, frequency of personal care, and amenities chosen. When asking for detailed pricing, describe your loved one's specific needs so you get an accurate estimate.

Total monthly cost

$_________

$_________

Compare total costs to evaluate value

3. Assess care needs alignment

Use this tool to determine which care level at Avery Heights fits best:

Care need

Independent living

Assisted living

Memory care

Your situation

Medication management

Self-managed

Supervision available

Full management

□ Self-sufficient
□ Needs reminders
□ Needs full assistance

Bathing/Dressing

Independent

Assistance available

Full assistance

□ Independent
□ Occasional help
□ Daily assistance

Meal preparation

Community dining available

Community dining with assistance

Specialized dining support

□ Can prepare meals
□ Prefers prepared meals
□ Needs assistance eating

Mobility

Fully mobile

Some assistance

Full assistance

□ Fully mobile
□ Uses mobility aids
□ Requires transfer assistance

Memory/Cognition

No concerns

Minor concerns

Significant concerns

□ No memory issues
□ Occasional forgetfulness
□ Significant memory loss

Social engagement

Self-directed

Encouraged participation

Structured programs

□ Highly social
□ Needs encouragement
□ Requires structured interaction

4. Evaluate community fit and social engagement

Part of choosing a senior living community is understanding whether it matches your loved one's personality. A good community welcomes residents and offers activities suited to different interests: fitness classes, art workshops, book clubs, spiritual services, group outings. Look at the activity calendar. Talk to current residents and families. Watch how people interact. Does the place feel warm and genuine, or scripted? These details matter more than any amenity list.

Consider these aspects to see if Avery Heights is right for you:

Aspect to consider

Questions to ask

Your preferences

Notes on Avery Heights

Activity types

What types of activities do you enjoy? (Physical, intellectual, creative, social, spiritual)

□ Physical exercise
□ Educational programs
□ Arts and crafts
□ Social gatherings
□ Spiritual services

• Diverse social activities
• Fitness classes
• Educational programs
• Spiritual care services

Engagement level

How much structured activity do you prefer?

• Highly structured day
• Balance of activity and independence
• Mostly independent with optional activities

Reviews mention various activity levels with resident choice

Resident input

How important is having input in community decisions?

□ Very important
□ Somewhat important
□ Not important

Resident committees allow active participation

Peer community

What types of people do you enjoy socializing with?

• Similar backgrounds
• Diverse perspectives
• Shared interests

Ask to meet current residents during your visit

Family involvement

How often do you want family to participate? Family involvement matters for a resident's emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Good senior living communities encourage families to attend care meetings, join activities, and offer support. This partnership benefits the resident.

□ Frequent family events
□ Occasional family involvement
□ Primarily resident-focused

Ask about family events and visitor policies for meals

Conclusion

Avery Heights is a well-established senior living option in the Hartford area with a strong track record. It offers a full range of care, competitive pricing, no buy-in fees, and high resident satisfaction across all levels of care.

The community's not-for-profit structure, resident involvement in decision-making, and consistent positive feedback suggest a genuine focus on resident needs. Its pricing is competitive for studio apartments in particular.

Avery Heights has served Hartford for 50 years and maintains an 8.6/10 satisfaction rating, which reflects consistent quality. Any senior living choice requires personal evaluation, but the evidence here is solid.

Use the evaluation strategies above to determine whether Avery Heights fits your needs, care requirements, and budget.