We are excited to share some upcoming changes to our Future Resident Program, designed to strengthen your connection to our community and create more opportunities for those who are ready to make their move.
Introducing the Heron’s Circle
Our Future Resident Program is getting a new name: The Heron’s Circle!
The Heron’s Circle represents more than a place on a waitlist. It reflects the sense of community and belonging that begins long before you move in.
We love seeing our future residents become increasingly involved in community life, whether by participating in resident committees, joining a Lifelong Learning event or supporting the Benevolence Brew or attending special marketing events.
Later this winter, you will receive a welcome packet with more information about the Heron’s Circle and opportunities to stay connected.
Ready to Move In List
Over the past several years, demand for senior living has continued to grow, resulting in longer waitlists. Some communities have responded by offering higher-priority placement in exchange for additional deposits or fees.
At Heron’s Key and Emerald Heights, we believe readiness to move, rather than the ability to pay more, should help guide this process.
Earlier this year, we tested a Ready to Move In List at our sister community, Emerald Heights. We surveyed approximately 305 waitlisted households about their preferred moving timeline. Only about 20 indicated they were ready to move within the next year. At this community, we have about 50 total move ins each year.
This helped us recognize an opportunity to better match available residential homes with future residents who are actively preparing to move.
Beginning in January 2027, both communities will introduce a formal Ready to Move In List, with the following guidelines:
- Annual Readiness Survey: In December, we will send a survey asking about your anticipated moving timeline. Households indicating they hope to move within the next 12–24 months may join the Ready to Move In List.
- Three Opportunities to Respond: If you are notified of three available residential homes that meet your preferences and do not express an intention to move forward by the third opportunity, you will be removed from the Ready to Move In List. You will retain your original position on the regular waitlist.
- Your Deposit Date Still Matters: Placement within the Ready to Move In List will continue to be determined by your original waitlist deposit date. Joining this list does not guarantee an immediate offer or a specific residential home.
- No Additional Deposit Required: There is no additional fee to participate in the Ready to Move In List.
Updated Waitlist Priority
Effective January 1, 2027, available residential homes will be offered according to the following priority order:
- Current Residents and Offsite Residents (OSRs): Individuals who have held resident status for a minimum of 12 months.
- 10% Depositors of Phase II: Depositors of Phase II that have placed a 10% of an Entrance Fee for an apartment home or 5% of a cottage home.
- Ready to Move In List: Eligible households, prioritized by their original waitlist deposit date.
- Home-Specific Waitlist Depositors: Households waiting for a particular residential home type as indicated when they joined the waitlist.
- General Waitlist Depositors: Households who have indicated flexibility in their residential home preferences.
What Does This Mean for You?
We recognize that planning a move is a personal decision and that everyone’s timeline is different. You do not need to be ready to move today to remain a valued member of the Heron’s Circle.
Our goal is to create a more responsive and transparent process that respects your original deposit date while recognizing those who are actively preparing for their next chapter.
With approximately 15-25 residential homes becoming available each year, this approach will help us better connect available homes with households who are ready to make Heron’s Key their home.
Most importantly, we hope the Heron’s Circle will encourage you to continue building relationships, participating in community life, and enjoying the benefits of belonging, even before your move. Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We look forward to sharing more details with
