U.S. News & World Report recently rated the best senior living facilities throughout the nation, and more than 20 of them are in Hampton Roads.
Of 566 senior living communities in Virginia, 126 were evaluated based on their participation in a national consumer satisfaction survey and 61 were rated.
The ratings are based on surveys and reviews completed in 2025 by residents and their family members. The surveys asked about satisfaction with community safety, caregiving, activities, social engagement, management, staff responsiveness, dining, overall value and other facets of community life.
Facilities were recognized as best senior living in four categories: independent living; assisted living; memory care; and continuing care retirement community, based on the highest overall scores in the care level they provide.
The top 10 notable senior living communities in Hampton Roads are:
1. Harbors Edge, Norfolk
2. First Colonial Inn, Virginia Beach
3. Brookdale Chambrel, Williamsburg
4. Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore, Onancock
5. Brookdale Virginia Beach
6. Bickford of Suffolk
7. Commonwealth Senior Living at Cedar Manor, Chesapeake
8. Bickford of Virginia Beach
9. Acclaim at East Beach, Norfolk
10. The Talbot on Granby, Norfolk
Liz Pearce, director of senior living at U.S. News, said in an email that Virginia is one of the 10 states with the most “best” senior living communities nationwide.
“Communities recognized as ‘Best’ by U.S. News tend to stand out for delivering the highest levels of satisfaction in the areas that matter most to residents and their family members including caregiving, interactions with management and staff and providing an environment that truly feels like ‘home,'” Pearce said.
By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be of retirement age and and many will eventually look to reside in a senior living community, Pearce said in a news release.
“Whether seeking an active independent lifestyle or specialized care, U.S. News’ 2026 Best Senior Living ratings help families navigate these options by identifying communities where residents and their families reported the highest levels of satisfaction,” she said.
The U.S. News site includes a comprehensive list of senior living communities throughout Virginia — both those with ratings and others that did not participate in the survey.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com
