When looking for a senior living community that best fits your lifestyle, aspirations, and needs, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing between a lifecare (or buy-in) community or a rental community.
Because of its legacy as a former lifecare community, Dallas’s preeminent community, Edgemere, offers many of the benefits typical of the buy-in model — including more floorplan variety, extensive amenities, highly personalized service, and a strong sense of community — without any of the financial drawbacks lifecare imposes.
In fact, Edgemere’s unparalleled programming, amenities, and exceptional quality of life for residents led Newsweek to name it the Best Continuing Care Retirement Community in Texas and #2 in the entire nation for 2024.
Perhaps the most significant advantage of a rental community is that it doesn’t require a large entry fee. Often, lifecare communities require an upfront deposit ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million or more, which ties up your capital. In a rental community like Edgemere, however, you maintain control and have the flexibility to invest or use this money as you see fit without needing to tie it up in an investment in long-term care that you may or may not need down the line.
By keeping your finances liquid, you can manage your investments better while enjoying the luxury and care that Edgemere provides. You’re not locked into a long-term contract, and if your circumstances change, you’re free to move without worrying about complex refunds or resales, which are common challenges in life care communities.
Behind the scenes, the finances of rental senior living communities are historically much more sustainable and less prone to market volatility, ensuring that residents will enjoy a consistently high level of service. In fact, Edgemere is the only senior living community in the area that carries absolutely no debt.
What Makes Edgemere Unique Among Rental Communities
While many rental communities offer limited floorplans in a midrise setting with little greenspace, Edgemere residents have their choice of spacious and light-filled one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes in 14 distinctive layouts, each with high-end fixtures and private balconies or patios — all set on a leafy 16-acre campus in the heart of the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood.
“Secretly, we actually offer more than 14 floorplans,” explains Edgemere’s Executive Director, Teresa Bates. “For more than 20 years, residents updated and customized their homes to suit their needs. Some of them put hundreds of thousands of dollars into these unique — and stunning — renovations. Future residents will certainly benefit from these beautiful personalization’s.”
The community’s amenities are as rich and distinctive as its homes. Edgemere’s tree-filled courtyards feature flowing fountains and outdoor fireplaces, providing the perfect setting for informal get-togethers and peaceful strolls while a dedicated dog park gives four-legged friends a place to stretch out their legs. The natural grass putting green complements the community’s popular and innovative indoor golf simulator.
Other indoor amenities include a performing arts center, movie theater, library, woodshop, art studio, greenhouse, billiards room, a complete fitness center with a heated indoor pool, and a full-service salon, barbershop, and spa.
Exceptional Dining and Service
Edgemere offers residents three different dining venues. The Medici restaurant provides a truly fine dining experience using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients of the best quality prepared by accomplished chefs.
The Portobello Bistro offers chef-prepared made-to-order fare in a more casual setting without sacrificing taste, freshness, nor attention to detail. The Bella Vita Bar offers fine wines and cocktails, and a wonderful setting for meeting friends, old and new. In addition, a handy grab-and-go café also provides delicious convenient options for busy residents.
“Our Sunday brunches are especially sumptuous,” says Bates. “Each week, the chefs offer a buffet that could easily compete with any five-star hotel.”
Incredible dining is only the beginning of Edgemere’s superior hospitality. “Our highly responsive team of concierges, servers, housekeepers, drivers, and maintenance staff ensure that Edgemere’s residents enjoy all the benefits of a truly no-maintenance lifestyle,” Bates continues.
A Strong Sense of Community
Perhaps one of the most unusual aspects of Edgemere is the sense of ownership that residents feel. Even though Edgemere is now a rental community, its residents remain highly invested in its future. They are encouraged to actively engage in the community by participating in various committees — such as the dining, wellness, and social committees — to ensure their voices help shape day-to-day life at Edgemere. This sense of ownership creates a vibrant, tight-knit community where friendships are fostered, and residents look out for each other. Some residents have been part of the Edgemere family since its opening, and they take pride in welcoming new residents into the fold.
Peace of Mind
Beyond its vibrant social atmosphere and elegantly appointed residences, Edgemere provides best-in-class assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services right on campus at The Plaza at Edgemere.
Recently named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 list, The Plaza earned the highly coveted 5-star rating by the stringent Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in all categories.
Its team of skilled healthcare professionals is committed to the well-being of all residents, offering compassionate care in collaboration with residents, their families, and their physicians. The community’s holistic approach to health and wellness is extended to its health center, giving residents the peace of mind of knowing their needs can be met right on campus should the need for more support arise.
Choosing Edgemere means gaining access to an upscale, engaging, and secure lifestyle without the long-term financial commitment of a life care community. With its wide range of floorplans, beautiful surroundings, top-tier amenities, incredible dining, gracious hospitality, and strong sense of community, Edgemere offers discerning seniors a high-quality living experience that promotes independence while providing peace of mind for the future.
To learn more about Edgemere, schedule a tour at: https://edgemerelife.com/contact-us/.