I have lived here for a year and a half at Ashby Ponds. Amazing community. It offers everything I had hoped for and more! Best of all, I have a much more vibrant social life than I did in the 20 years we lived in the town we moved from! read more

Food quality has deteriorated and medical billing messed up even to the point of the medical administrator laughing at me on the phone. My mother was at the first Erickson community "Charlestown" for 12 years and the administration was very well done. Think twice before choosing this for retirement. read more

The average age of residents is 83. Two-thirds are widows. Many are alcoholics. Most have failing health, even in the Independent Living buildings, as evidenced by the percentage who require a walker or electric scooter and the frequency of ambulance visits and deaths. Because such people are going to be your social life if you make Ashby Ponds your home, give careful deliberation to whether this is the lifestyle that you want. Staff are forbidden from socializing with residents, so much so that staff will only address you by your surname and not by your first name. For me, that grew tiresome. That artificial restriction also creates tension because it feels so unnatural to know staff for two years but to never have any conversation deviate from topics that are strictly business. Meals are tasty. So tasty that you will surely gain weight and incur Type 2 diabetes if you are not selective about your menu entry. For that reason, I was twice sent to the hospital in an ambulance for high blood pressure because of food that I was served. It wasn't until I began forfeiting my paid meal plan that I could lose weight and regain the same healthy blood pressure that I had before moving to Ashby Ponds. Yet most residents don't care because they only have a year or two to live, anyway. So they are content to eat, drink, and be merry. In defense of Ashby Ponds, however, alcohol and rich food is what residents are given but only because that is what residents demand. No matter how cleverly Ashby Ponds markets itself as luxury, carefree living; it is still an institutional lifestyle where management controls every aspect of a resident's existence. A resident is even required to report to management those instances where a resident plans to be away for the night. I hated living at Ashby Ponds so badly that I vacated after two years. The lifestyle left me traumatized emotionally and financially. I hated it so badly that I spent my final weeks secluded in my apartment. I wanted no interaction with anybody after I concluded I was so out of place living there. Some residents must love it, however, as evidenced by the fact that Ashby Ponds continues to expand and has no difficulty filling newly built apartments with new residents. Prospective residents, however, should not fool themselves like I did into believing they are moving into a fun-filled, active adult community. Because they are instead moving into the final resting place for frail elderly people, in bad health, who have a life expectancy of no more than a year or two left to live. If a prospective resident is a healthy, physically active retiree in their sixties or early seventies, the risk is high that they would be unhappy at Ashby Ponds and that living there also would be a poor financial decision. Older retirees in their eighties, with failing health, may decide that Ashby Ponds is excellent, especially if they are no longer capable of independent living. Prospective retirees, therefore, should carefully deliberate whether Ashby Ponds is the right move because the consequence of a bad decision, like I made, is devastating both financially and emotionally if you do not belong there. read more

Read the contract, and be prepared financially to not receive your refund for 5-6 months, less rent for an unused apartment and to return the apartment to original condition (remove blinds, remove custom closets, etc) They will deduct the monthly service package, minus the non-occupancy credit, for up ninety days from the date keys have been turned in. Then you are put on a "refund list" for another 60 days. Refund will be less 10%, plus this charge in our case was over $14,000. Move in when your are mobile and able to enjoy all the amenities. It is a beautiful place to live, but APL has added so many new neighborhoods parking for visitors or caregivers is difficult, reservations are a must for diners and when you move out your deposit will be kept for 150 days. read more

My parents moved here from South Carolina six years ago to be closer to their grandchildren and to live where they have support 24/7 if they need it. They "bought in" to a 2br 2 ba apartment overlooking the putting green and courtyard behind the cardinal clubhouse. Everyone there is so nice and the place is spotless. A special shout out to Richard at the front desk who my mom loved. Every time I'd visit he would tell me to tell her hello. He made AP. The entry fee isn't cheap but if you or someone you know can afford it, it's worth every penny. I'd give it 10 stars if possible! read more

This place is absolutely gross. The restaurant workers are lazy, the schedules are ridiculously filled with often meaningless tasks. Trash rooms near the restaurants attract flies which happens to be right next to the kitchen in at least 1 restaurant. On top of the crappy work shift, residents are often ignored on even the smallest issues involving plumbing or things to that nature. Definitely wouldn't recommend this place to anyone seeking employment. If there are issues you have within your job, they're often ignored and you're told that these are things we must take care of regardless if it's a sanitation and health risk or not. DONT WORK HERE!! read more

Be careful if considering Ashby Ponds. The sales people will promise many things, but very little gets put in writing, except those things that protect Ashby/Erickson. They will tell you apartments are "like new". Not so. After a walk through where we identified a number of things that we wanted correctEd before moving in, and were promised everything would be taken care of, nothing was done. The appliances are bottom of the line with no option to upgrade unless you assume all maintenance and replacement costs. Paint quality is terrible; the smallest of marks can't be cleaned off without smearing. The entra cost is very high, which we accepted, and the monthly fee is high, again we accepted. But the annual increase in the monthly fee runs about 4.5%, double the normal Social Security cost of living adjustment. Food quality is okay, but half the time part of your order is wrong. Only two meal options, daily of 20 per month. There should be more options for people who would rather prepare their own meals. The impact of being in the Dulles Airport flight path gets very annoying, especially with flights com in at 2:00 a.m. read more

My mom has happily lived there for 4 years. My only complaint...parking. Please, PLEASE, more visitor parking. Visiting has become frustrating and annoying and something I dread specifically because I cannot find a spot. I have driven around 30 minutes many times, and even left once without visiting, just trying to park. read more

Good luck at seeing any of the staff here being willing to accept a pharmacy delivery on your behalf, or even trying to relay a message to you by telephone about an attempted delivery of your medication, even if you're in the building with more intensive long term care assistance. They must think of it as tantamount to having pizza delivered, or they don't keep a current lists of who lives in which building, or they just don't seem to paid enough by management to care whether you get your medication or not. read more

We have lived in Ashby Ponds for about three years, having moved from a house in Fairfax County. Virtually everyone we have met here is happy with their choice, the exception being those who were more or less forced by their relatives to come here. The quality of food at Ashby exceeded our expectations--while there is occasionally a menu item that we wouldn't try again, by and large the meals are good. (We have traveled widely and lived for years in Europe, so we know good grub when we see it.). The claim by one reviewer that the food at the deli was stale is nonsense-everything they serve is freshly cooked . The fitness centers and pools are good and there is a variety of fitness activities ranging from pickleball to workout classes to milder activities. AP provided excellent services during Covid, from meal delivery to our apartments to arranging on-site vaccinations. Potential residents can even spend a couple of nights here and try out the restaurants and activities. Highly recommend. read more

In January 2021 I started requesting Ashby Ponds to return my priority deposit. I made several phone calls; sent two emails to the person who was responsible for processing my refund; and sent a written request to have my deposit returned. Once I talked to the finance person who was to process my refund; but, we got cut off and she never returned my call; and I have not been able to get any return calls. As of May 5, 2021, there has been no response from Ashby Ponds; nor, have I received my deposit. read more

Moved mom into Ashby Ponds 3 months ago and couldn't be happier. Mom had reached the point where she was no longer able to live safely by herself, but at Ashby, she can live independently because there are so many amenities right on campus. First, her apartment at Ashby is nicer than her condo was at a "luxury condo" in Reston. In fact, it's gorgeous with top of the line appliances and features. Underdeck sink, stainless appliances, etc. Everything that you've ever fought against in your own home has been carefully planned and optimized for the seniors. Even that blind kitchen cabinet has pull out shelves! Second, 6 restaurants on campus (soon to be 9). Doctor's offices, Physical therapy, physical fitness, indoor pools, not to mention all the other clubs that residents start themselves -- like water walking to focus on balance and strength. Third, entertainment on site in a large theatre, smaller media theater, game rooms, plenty of gathering spots where residents play cards, board games, jigsaw, or just chit chat. Finally, staff that really cares. They WANT you to use all of the amenities and they WANT you to stay healthy as long as you can. So they encourage you to exercise and weight train and use your brain. The best part about all of this is that mom feels safe there and doesn't feel like a burden to her kids. We like visiting her there because there's always something to do and her place is really nice! read more

Ashby Ponds does not do a good job of advising their residents of which form to sign for their refund options (90% of purchase is supposed to be refunded). My mother passed away on 3/20/21. After turning in her keys, I learned that I'll have to go to Probate Court to get a Certificate of Qualification and pay hundreds of dollars in court fees because mom signed form #1 (refund payable to her estate) versus refund form #3 (refund payable to her Trust). I'm very disappointed that Ashby Ponds takes advantage of its seniors in this away and the family members who have to pick up the pieces. In fact, the Loudoun County Probate Court Division informed me that this is a pattern he has seen from Ashby Ponds. What's going on here? read more

My mother needed medical assistance and utilized her pull cord at Ashby Ponds only to have an incompetent and inconsiderate female security guard respond. I met with her supervisor taking her step by step through all the inadequacies and made it clear that this guard will cause death, not prevent it. She is still employed in security. Be aware Ashby Ponds is not dIligent with their medical response team!!! read more

My grandmother has been a resident at Ashby Ponds for several years now and I visit her there, on average, about twice a month. My confidence and respect for the facility and their mission diminishes drastically with each visit. I often dine with my grandmother at the establishments they have available on-premise and, while the deli food is bland and often stale, the food offered at the sit-down restaurants is just garbage. From the time my grandmother purchased her apartment to now, they have 'adjusted' their menu twice, dumbing it down from once palatable options to something you'd perhaps find served on 'Orange is the New Black.' The service is by far the most notable being: untrained, unprofessional and not equipped or even interested in assisting those with hearing or vision impairment. I do ALWAYS see a plethora of sales associates busy at work, which often outnumber the residents in one location at a time. Dirty pillows on tattered chairs line the hallways of the older buildings, such as the one where my grandmother lives. Ashby Ponds is constantly expanding and adding new buildings to the property and making it as clear as day that they are much more interested in employing salespeople than an equipped staff to maintain what they've already sold to existing residents. "Just pile them in!" read more

I've lived here for four years and I'm younger than the average resident in this community but I love it for: all of the friends I've made, the ease of exercise options to keep me in top physical shape, the beautifully landscaped and designed campus (albeit still evolving) and the friendly, ever-helpful staff. read more

My parents moved to Ashby Ponds independent living 3 years ago after my dad fell at age 90. We had wonderful outside caregivers through Amaisa Home Health for my father for the entire time and when he needed more assistance we moved him to Maple Grove, of course it had it's challenges but overall we were happy he was so close to my mom, so she could visit him daily, otherwise she would have needed a taxi to an off site facility much farther away. As a family, we visit as often as we can and are always treated with well when ever we communicate with the staff. It is wonderful to see the families and grandkids visiting the other residents. My mom now uses the hairdresser, doctors, pediatrist, and bank all located in the main building, so she doesn't need to leave the grounds which makes it very convenient!!! I've even spoken with the doctor while my mom was with him, since I live out of town. The food choices are very plentiful and usually very good considering they are trying to appeal to all the residents different tastes, but with 6 restaurants there are many options and you can sit and enjoy a meal with other residents whenever you like. Sadly, my father passed away and we held a Celebration of Life service at Ashby were over 40 residents attended, it was truly beautiful!!! The support my mom has received from Katie the social worker and all the other staff and fellow residents has been amazing!!! We are truly grateful to Ashby Ponds that my mom has many things to do and is not lonely!!! read more

My mom has been a resident here for three years and it has been wonderful. The building is kept very clean and the landscaping is beautiful. She feels very safe and her room is equipped with an alarm system, should she need help. There are so many activities for the residents to get involved in...if they are bored it's their own fault! Get out and play! The food is served by mostly high school kids looking to get some experience working, so it isn't always speedy, but these people are retired and I know my mom doesn't mind! My mom loves the food, but especially loves the Happy Hours at the bar! There is a doctor and podiatrist, a hair salon, bank and small store on campus and a shuttle service to take the residents there if it's too far to walk. There is also shuttle service to local grocery stores. Did you know, that residents can get anywhere on campus without ever going outside? This is wonderful on a rainy or cold day. All of the building are connected with indoor bridges! I would hope that every resident would take advantage of all of the amenities this place offers...it's fabulous. read more

Ashby Ponds seems to be back on track with the phone service. At least no recent problems. But weekend food service in the dining room remains a disaster. Last weekend we tried to eat there again. After waiting for 45 minutes we checked our status and were told there were still 13 parties ahead of us. After speaking with the manager he realized my mother was not able to handle the wait and he somehow found us a table. But the food quality was very average. Also, they did have a good cod dish, but they ran out and didn't refill. Not sure why. And there are still quite a few non-residents and non-guests wandering the area. Also, there are small traffic jams once in a while, and cars and trucks driving quite fast through the compound. I know they realize there is a problem with the speed limits being exceeded because they had a monitor inside emphasizing the 15 MPH speed limit. But it is not the residents and their guests doing the speeding. It is the numerous number of contractor trucks and vans which are involved in the major construction taking place. Once a large amount of construction traffic is added the other necessary services, trash removal, laundry, food delivery, etc also pick up speed since they just go with the flow, so to speak. But it is certainly not the same as it was a few years ago. No one drives 15 MPH anymore. read more