Harbor’s Edge

Harbor's Edge sits at One Colley Avenue in Norfolk, overlooking the downtown skyline and the Elizabeth River, and the whole place really tries to make living easy and comfortable for seniors, with everything from secured covered parking to apartments with big windows, high ceilings, and even balconies where you can sit outside and watch the water or the lights of the city, and a lot of them have full kitchens with granite counters and washer-dryer sets so you can keep your independence. The community is designed for flexibility, so whether someone needs independent living, assisted living, memory support, or skilled nursing and rehab, each person gets a plan that fits their own needs with care that comes from nurses and staff who know what they're doing, and the licensed Nursing Facility and Assisted Living Facility have 60 and 33 beds, so people get help if they need it but also privacy and space. Harbor's Edge has its own Wellness Program with exercise classes, fitness programs, water aerobics in a heated indoor pool, and a clinic with doctors and nurses on-site plus daily wellness checks, so folks don't have to leave the building for basic care or wait forever for someone to check on them. The building takes safety seriously, with 24-hour security and maintenance, plus a resident alert system for emergencies, and the services like housekeeping and concierge take care of a lot of chores that might be harder to handle as you get older. There's a focus on keeping folks active with a social lounge called Horizon's Lounge on the 15th floor for watching sunsets over the river, a game room, card room, art studio, a movie theater, a spa and salon, and group trips to local events like the Harrison Opera House, along with regular hobby clubs run by the people who live there so no one's sitting idle. Food here is a big deal, because there are several dining choices, from Café Norfolk for quick casual bites to formal dining in the Harbor Room or sitting out on the River Terrace, with chefs who cook fresh meals and even host themed events and wine tastings, all backed by a culinary team that pays good attention to nutrition. The place has a business center with computers and printers, a well-stocked library, fast internet, and plenty of space for meetings or family gatherings in the Grand Hall, so residents can keep up with technology, hobbies, and visiting. The design, with two main towers connected by common areas and outdoor terraces, gives people places to walk and socialize, and there's easy access to the Elizabeth River Trail for anyone who likes to walk, bike, or just be outside. Living spaces can be customized in size, even penthouses, to suit different tastes, and there are thoughtful touches like superior soundproofing and individually controlled heating or cooling, so neighbors don't get under each other's skin. Harbor's Edge is run by a not-for-profit group overseen by a local board, with money put back into services for residents, and they use something called the True LifeCare® program, offering a predictable rate for care even if your health changes, so people have less to worry about when it comes to costs. Recognitions like the Best Designed Life Plan Community in America in 2022 and listings in U.S. News & World Report for independent living and continuing care show it stands out a bit, but the main thing is, the place gives seniors choices, help, and things to do, all in a well-kept spot by the water.