Wait times, insider strategies, and new expansion homes available without joining the list.
Updated March 2026
Quick Summary
The Heron’s Key waitlist currently has about 75 households and has been active since fall 2023. Wait times range from 2–4 years for one-bedroom apartments to 10+ years for cottages. Flexibility is the single greatest factor in moving sooner — many families move into a smaller residence first and transfer to their preferred home within a couple of years. New Phase II expansion homes are also available to reserve now for a 2028 move-in date, with no waitlist required.
“How long will I wait?” — it’s the first question nearly every prospective resident asks when they discover Heron’s Key. And it’s a fair one. Life planning takes time, and the right answer depends on several factors, including the type of residence you want and how flexible you are willing to be.
Below is an honest, detailed look at how our waitlist works, what typical wait times look like by residence type, and — importantly — how thoughtful planning can move your timeline up considerably.
The Current State of the Waitlist
At any given time, Heron’s Key has approximately 75 households on the waitlist. The waitlist launched in fall 2023, so some households have been on the list for a couple of years and may still be in the early stages of planning — which is perfectly normal and expected for a life plan community.
Each year, we expect roughly 10% turnover in independent living, meaning about 19 residences become available annually. That said, availability can fluctuate: 2025 saw only 5% availability, while Q1 2026 opened with 6 apartments becoming available.
A low turnover rate reflects something meaningful — residents genuinely love their homes here. The average length of stay in independent living is approximately six years or even longer as we have seen residents move in younger in the recent years.
Typical Wait Times by Residence Type
Wait time varies significantly based on the size and type of home you’re hoping to move into. Below are typical ranges based on patterns seen across life plan communities like Heron’s Key:
Estimated Wait Times at Heron’s Key
| Residence Type | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | 2–4 years |
| Smaller 2 Bedroom | 3–5 years |
| Medium 2 Bedroom (1,100–1,300 sq ft) | 5–7 years |
| Large 2 Bedroom + Den | 5–10 years |
| Cottages | 10+ years |
Important: These are estimates. Someone waiting for one very specific floor plan — especially a larger one — may wait toward the longer end of the range or beyond. Those open to multiple options tend to move in significantly sooner.
Phase II Expansion · Available Now
Move In by Early 2028 — No Waitlist Required
Thanks to the Heron’s Key expansion, a select number of new homes are available to reserve today for move-in in early 2028. These are offered on a first-come, first-reserved basis and do not require joining the waitlist.
3 Available Cottages (2 Bedroom+) featuring 1,800 of sq. ft.
1 Available Juno Floor Plan, featuring 1,000 sq. ft.
1 Available Dauntless 2 (1 BD Deluxe), featuring 1,093 sq. ft.
Inquire About Phase II Homes →
Why Flexibility Is Your Biggest Advantage
The single most important factor in how quickly you move to Heron’s Key is flexibility.
Many families discover that a two-step strategy works beautifully:
- Move into a smaller one-bedroom or two-bedroom first
- Transfer to the preferred larger residence once it becomes available — often within the first couple of years
Because current residents receive priority for internal transfers, this approach often gets families into their ideal home faster than waiting from the outside. Once you’re part of the community, you’re first in line when what you want opens up.
In some cases, families even choose to reserve the first available residence while simultaneously waiting for a larger home — allowing them to transition into the community and its lifestyle without delay.
Availability of Larger Homes and Cottages
Cottages are among the most coveted homes at Heron’s Key, and their availability reflects how much residents treasure them. Many of the residents who moved into cottages when Heron’s Key opened in 2017 are likely still there — and with the Phase II expansion underway, reserving a new expansion cottage is the most realistic path to cottage living for those not already on the internal list.
Pond-facing apartments are similarly in high demand — not just from the external waitlist, but from an internal transfer list that typically has 15–20 households, each wanting different unit types. Timing and a willingness to act quickly when an opportunity arises can make all the difference.
How Waitlist Priority Works
When an apartment becomes available, it is offered according to a structured priority system designed to be fair to both current and future residents:
Apartment Offer Priority Order
- Current residents and off-site residents — those already part of the Heron’s Key community
- 10% depositors — those who have reserved a specific unit in Phase I or Phase II
- Waitlisted depositors — those waiting for a specific unit type
- Flexible waitlisted depositors — those open to any available unit
- Prospects — those in the broader database and market
This structure underlines the value of joining the waitlist and making a deposit early. The sooner you’re on the list, the stronger your position when the right home opens up.
Health and Financial Qualifications
Joining the waitlist requires financial qualification — a review that ensures prospective residents can comfortably support the Heron’s Key lifestyle and service model. This qualification is revisited when an apartment becomes available, since entrance fees and financial situations can change over time.
Before move-in, every incoming resident completes a health assessment that includes:
- A physical evaluation
- A brief cognitive screening
Heron’s Key is a life care community, which means monthly fees remain stable for residents who move in while still living independently. This is a meaningful advantage — and one reason we encourage prospective residents not to wait too long before making their move.
Key Takeaways for Future Residents
About 75 households are currently on the waitlist; approximately 19 apartments open each year.
Wait times range from 2–4 years (1-bedroom) to 10+ years (cottages).
Flexibility is the #1 factor in moving sooner — a two-step strategy often works best.
Phase II expansion homes are available to reserve now for early 2028 move-in — no waitlist required.
Current residents get priority for transfers — moving in sooner can help you secure your preferred home faster.
Life care pricing locks in when you move in as an independent living resident — don’t wait too long.
The Earlier You Start, the More Options You Have
For many families, joining the Heron’s Key waitlist is simply the first step in planning thoughtfully for the future. The earlier that process begins, the more choices will be available when the time comes.
Waitlists can feel daunting at first. But at Heron’s Key, they reflect something worth recognizing: people genuinely love living here, and they tend to stay. With thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility, many families find that the right opportunity arrives sooner than they ever expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waitlist at Heron’s Key?
Wait times vary by residence type. One-bedrooms average 2–4 years; smaller two-bedrooms run 3–5 years; medium two-bedrooms 5–7 years; large two-bedroom plus den homes 5–10 years; and cottages can exceed 10 years. Flexibility significantly shortens these timelines. New Phase II homes are also available for a 2028 move-in with no waitlist required. How many people are currently on the waitlist?
Approximately 75 households are on the waitlist at any given time. The list opened in fall 2023. About 19 apartments open each year on average — though availability can vary year to year. Can I move in sooner by being flexible about my residence choice?
Yes — flexibility is the single biggest factor in reducing your wait. Many families move into a smaller residence first and transfer to their preferred home once it becomes available, usually within the first couple of years. As a current resident, you receive priority for internal transfers. Are there any homes available without a long wait?
Yes. Three cottages (2 bedroom+), one Juno floor plan, and one Dauntless 2 (one-bedroom deluxe) are currently available to reserve as part of the Phase II expansion, for move-in in early 2028 — with no waitlist required. What is the priority order when a residence becomes available?
Priority follows this order: (1) current residents and off-site residents, (2) 10% depositors who reserved a specific unit, (3) waitlisted depositors for a specific unit, (4) waitlisted depositors open to any unit, and (5) broader market prospects. What are the qualifications to join the waitlist?
Joining the waitlist requires financial qualification. Before move-in, residents complete a health assessment including a physical evaluation and a brief cognitive screening. Heron’s Key encourages future residents not to wait too long, as life care pricing is locked in when you move in as an independent living resident.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Learn more about joining the waitlist or explore what Phase II expansion homes are available today.
