Vinson Hall: Would a liberal feel out of place?

[Anonymous]

Wondering if a liberal from one of the “cultural” federal agencies would feel out of place at Vinson Hall, the retirement home for retired commissioned officers and higher grade Feds?

[Anonymous]

My former neighbor moved there ten years ago and loves it. He is a liberal.

[Anonymous]

np here. Lots of talk in our military neighborhood re: rank, who out-ranks who. You'd think it would be joking but it sets the framework for interactions. Seems like, at a place that excludes others to begin with, that would be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Any recent knowledge of entry fee structure?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:np here. Lots of talk in our military neighborhood re: rank, who out-ranks who. You'd think it would be joking but it sets the framework for interactions. Seems like, at a place that excludes others to begin with, that would be a problem.

Any personal experience or just speculation?

[Anonymous]

Not sure about Vinson but take a look at Knollwood, which has a similar history. It is now open to all (since 2018) although still has about 30% retired military.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My former neighbor moved there ten years ago and loves it. He is a liberal.

That's a good endorsement.

When my time comes I'm going to need to focus on costs, amenities, location, the basics of living. I hadn't really thought of political bent but I didn't for college either. Lucked out there & that was when we were going to make our mark on this world.

After a certain point, it's all talk & opinions. Although I am disturbed by how many formerly liberal older people fell under the fox news trap while spending so much time at home, actual conservatives wouldn't bother me.

Hopefully we all trying to reach a point of insight. If not, I can tune you out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure about Vinson but take a look at Knollwood, which has a similar history. It is now open to all (since 2018) although still has about 30% retired military.

Thanks. Can’t quite understand their pricing, as explained on the website. Some recent very bad reviews as well. I love that neighborhood, though. Would be curious to know if anyone has any experience with it.

[Anonymous]

My mom moved in in October into respite care (a temporary apartment) and into her permanent apartment (fully renovated before move-in) in December, and absolutely loves it. She's very liberal/progressive even though my father (retired officer) was a knee-jerk Rush Limbaugh/Fox news ultraconservative. I've met a number of VH residents and I wouldn't characterize it as military culture at all -- and I grew up military so I'm familiar.

We've had positive experiences at VH so far, including in the short-term rehab facility following a surgery. She loves the support staff and they've been friendly and helpful.

We also toured Knollwood when she was deciding between the two last summer, and perhaps it was the day, but we did not get a friendly or welcoming vibe from either staff or residents we passed in the hall. The building set-up was also a big turn-off -- the building where the gym/pool/rehab facilities are are in a separate building that requires a lot of running around between floors and elevators to get to, which wouldn't have worked for my mom at all.

The entry fee structure at VH is fairly standard -- 90% back and declining balance. (There's also a short-term rental fee structure that's different). We went with declining balance as my mom has limited resources and we needed the lower entry fee. We're not hoping to get the 90% back as an inheritance.

[Anonymous]

Just noticed this thread and would like to re-open it with the specific question if anyone knows what the entrance fees run at Vinson Hall and monthly payments for independent living. Looking for a relative and trying to get some basics without calling, leaving name, etc. We would like to narrow down first before we end up visiting, putting our names out there which results in a lot of sales type contacts, etc. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just noticed this thread and would like to re-open it with the specific question if anyone knows what the entrance fees run at Vinson Hall and monthly payments for independent living. Looking for a relative and trying to get some basics without calling, leaving name, etc. We would like to narrow down first before we end up visiting, putting our names out there which results in a lot of sales type contacts, etc. TIA.

The price varies based on which apartment and which prepayment option.

I looked at it with my father 7 years ago so I don’t know the current prices but they were reasonable compared to other places. Plus, very little sales push. It really isn’t that kind of place. I wouldn't worry about contacting them to get a price list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just noticed this thread and would like to re-open it with the specific question if anyone knows what the entrance fees run at Vinson Hall and monthly payments for independent living. Looking for a relative and trying to get some basics without calling, leaving name, etc. We would like to narrow down first before we end up visiting, putting our names out there which results in a lot of sales type contacts, etc. TIA.

The price varies based on which apartment and which prepayment option.

I looked at it with my father 7 years ago so I don’t know the current prices but they were reasonable compared to other places. Plus, very little sales push. It really isn’t that kind of place. I wouldn't worry about contacting them to get a price list.

Thanks for the response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just noticed this thread and would like to re-open it with the specific question if anyone knows what the entrance fees run at Vinson Hall and monthly payments for independent living. Looking for a relative and trying to get some basics without calling, leaving name, etc. We would like to narrow down first before we end up visiting, putting our names out there which results in a lot of sales type contacts, etc. TIA.

The monthly fees vary depending on the size of the apartment in one of two buildings, Vinson Hall or Willow Oaks -- everything from tiny efficiencies up to 2-bedroom, 2+-bathroom apartments that run over 2000 sq. ft. There are two ways to buy in -- one is the lower-cost declining balance (you don't get any money back) and the other is the higher-cost 90% refundable. Again this will depend on the apartment size.

I have a scan of the 2022 Vinson Hall pricing list (not the separate Willow Oaks building), so it's not the most up-to-date, but on the very low end, a 418 sq ft efficiency (the Patton) was $101,124 declining balance/$155,576 90% refundable with a monthly fee of $2061, to the very high end of a 1272 sq ft Richmond w/balcony set at $355,164 declining balance/$544,535 90% refundable with a monthly fee of $4707. As per 2022 prices, the second person fees (for, e.g., a spouse) were flat across the board at an additional $20,665 declining balance/$30,998 90% refundable entrance fee and a $751 monthly fee.

https://www.vinsonhall.org/floorplans

My mother is in a 1-BR 1BA Puller. The kitchen is tiny but she doesn't really cook anymore. They also completely redid the kitchen, bathroom, flooring, carpet, and paint before she moved in, so it was immaculate. The declining balance entry fee was $177,037, which is what we went with (90% refundable was $272,364). Monthly fee is $2880 as per that list, although that does not include the dining plan and additional meals in the penthouse dining room or bistro so in practice it's more like $3000 and change a month. She has a parking space.

Just call or email and have them send you the brochure in the mail. Better yet, go visit and get the information and consider getting on the waiting list all in one fell swoop. In my experience (my mom has been there since October), contacting them is not a set-up for a bunch of spam or high-pressure sales calls, as most likely you're going to get on a waiting list. Depending on the apartment you want, the waiting list can be years long. We were damned lucky to take my mom there for a tour in July, complete her application and get her accepted and into a temporary apartment in October, and then get her into her permanent apartment in December. My only regret is not finding Vinson Hall and moving her sooner, as she is so happy there.

[Anonymous]

Monthly fee is $2880 as per that list, although that does not include the dining plan

so, what does it cover if it doesn't cover meals?
you've bought the apartment, already, for a separate fee. You probably have to hire-in help if you need bathing/dressing/assisted living help

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Monthly fee is $2880 as per that list, although that does not include the dining plan

so, what does it cover if it doesn't cover meals?
you've bought the apartment, already, for a separate fee. You probably have to hire-in help if you need bathing/dressing/assisted living help

It is for independent living not assisted living.