Beyond Memory Loss, with The Dementia Whisperer, October 22

Heron’s Key Earns Holleran Choice Community Award

At Heron’s Key, listening to residents is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re honored to receive the 2026 Choice Community Award from Holleran, a national award recognizing senior living communities with exceptional resident engagement and satisfaction.

 

This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices and experiences of the people who call Heron’s Key home. Every other year, residents are invited to participate in Holleran’s Resident Engagement and Satisfaction Survey, providing valuable feedback that helps shape the future of our community. The 2026 survey results placed Heron’s Key among the nation’s highest-performing Life Plan Communities for resident engagement and satisfaction.

 

“Receiving the Choice Community Award is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the voices of our residents,” said Chris Lucero, Executive Director of Heron’s Key. “This recognition reflects the strong sense of belonging, engagement, and purpose that defines life at Heron’s Key. Our residents inspire us every day, and our team is deeply committed to creating an environment where meaningful relationships flourish and people can thrive. We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s most engaging senior living communities.”

 

Life at Heron’s Key is defined by connection and community. From resident-led interest groups and lifelong learning opportunities to volunteer initiatives, waterfront adventures, and meaningful friendships, there are countless ways for residents to stay engaged and make the most of every day. It’s this welcoming spirit and vibrant lifestyle that make Heron’s Key such a special place to call home.

 

We’re grateful to our residents for sharing their feedback and helping us continue to build a community where everyone feels welcomed, connected, and valued.

 

Interested in learning more about life at Heron’s Key? Explore our vibrant community, discover resident stories, and see how we’re helping older adults live with purpose, connection, and confidence.

Heron’s Key Celebrates a Major Milestone with Fitch Rating Recognition

At Heron’s Key, we often talk about planning for the future, embracing new possibilities, and creating a community designed to thrive for generations. This month, we are celebrating an important milestone that reinforces that commitment.

Emerald Communities, the parent organization of Heron’s Key, recently received an A- rating with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings, reaffirming the organization’s financial strength and long-term stability. This year’s recognition is especially meaningful because it marks the first time Heron’s Key was included in the obligated group and received a Fitch rating alongside Emerald Heights.

For us, this is more than a financial score. It is validation of the thoughtful planning, stewardship, and vision that help support the lifestyle and care residents value every day.

Why Does This Matter?

When people choose a Life Plan Community, they are making an important decision about their future. Financial strength matters because it supports the promise of stability and care for life. You can access our 2025 Financial Report here.

Strong ratings help demonstrate an organization’s ability to:

• Invest in community enhancements and future growth
• Maintain long-term financial sustainability
• Support resident services and care
• Deliver confidence and peace of mind for residents and families

Emerald Communities continues to stand among the highest-rated Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Life Plan Communities in Washington State, reflecting a strong foundation for today and tomorrow.

A Time of Exciting Momentum

The recognition also comes during a period of incredible momentum at Heron’s Key.

Our community has achieved record occupancy levels and continues to see strong demand for our upcoming expansion. With more than 90% of residences already reserved, excitement continues to grow around the future of Heron’s Key.

But numbers only tell part of the story.

The heart of Heron’s Key remains the people who make this community special. Residents bring energy, purpose, curiosity, and connection to everyday life. Through resident-led committees, lifelong learning, volunteerism, wellness programs, and meaningful relationships, our community continues to redefine what retirement can look like.

Looking Ahead

As Emerald Communities continues to grow and evolve, recognitions like this reinforce our confidence in the future.

Every year, the Fitch review serves as a valuable measure of organizational strength, but for us, success is measured in something even greater: the experiences of the people who call Heron’s Key home.

We are proud of this milestone and grateful to our residents, team members, and supporters who help make achievements like this possible.

The best years are still in motion.

To learn more about Heron’s Key and our expansion opportunities, contact our team or explore our community today.