Givens Estates sits on 215 acres in Asheville, North Carolina, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains among tall oaks and evergreens, and you'll find the place both peaceful and full of things to do if you want them, with spaces like the Arboretum and Greenhouse for those who like nature, five miles of hiking trails for the walkers, and landscaped grounds and outdoor spots for enjoying fresh air, and they've got a big focus on helping you stay as active and independent as you like with things like swimming, a sauna and spa in the Wellness Center, different exercise rooms, fitness and gardening classes, and even a Woodworking Shop for hands-on activities. There's a Library and Media Center for reading or entertainment, Art and Pottery Studios for creative work, a Chapel for religious services, and a Performing Arts Center for music, plays, and lectures, and Givens Estates offers a bunch of social groups, volunteering, and classes, from book clubs to foreign language lessons, which helps folks stay involved with the Asheville area too, especially through their Volunteer Partner Agency Board.
The homes stretch from cottages and duplexes to apartments and houses, all designed with rustic charm, and some have their own names like Your Home, Friendship Park, Asbury Commons, Oxford Commons, and Creekside Apartments, and there's a waiting list for some places since so many people want to live here, and the monthly fees often include utilities, making it easier to manage expenses.
Dining isn't just about one room, because there are choices like the Social Brew, Market+Craft, and Terrene restaurant, so folks can pick where to eat based on what they feel like that day. Givens Estates takes safety seriously, with emergency call systems throughout the community and trained staff on hand, with nurses who work inside the community to help out, and the place offers transportation for residents who want to get around town without worry.
Care options go from fully independent living, with housekeeping and maintenance help for those who want it, to more support when it's needed, and they have home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and even dedicated Dementia Units, which means residents get medical support and therapy on site, as well as help with things like bathing and medication if that's needed. You don't have to start out in independent living to get a spot in assisted living or nursing care, since they offer direct admission, and both private apartments and shared spaces are set up for folks who need extra help. Givens Estates has special programs and names for their services, with things like Givens Choice set up to give more options, and outreach efforts like Givens LifeMinistries that try to address health issues and help people stay well.
The community belongs to the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and is actually a non-profit Life Plan Community, part of a bigger group that also runs Givens Highland Farms, Givens Gerber Park, and Givens Great Laurels. They want every resident respected, safe, and engaged no matter how old they are, and they're always working on new buildings and spaces as part of their expansion, aiming to make the place affordable and welcoming for over 1,500 residents, all while focusing on giving people chances for a full life, continued learning, and meaningful connection, so people can keep growing even in retirement.
