Deer Park Retirement Community was the bomb. We toured it and it was so pretty. It was like living on top of a mountain. It was gorgeous. There were people hopping and bopping around. It just had more of an intellectual/cultural feel. It seemed like the people there were a little more cognizant and a little bit more active. Everybody I saw was walking around or they had their little sweatpants on, and they were going to yoga, or they were going to do something. It was a little bit more of a bustling, hustling place. They had a pool table room, shuffleboard, and a movie theater room. They had all these little rooms. They have this beautiful library, too. And the view was over the top. It was absolutely breathtaking and gorgeous. The landscaping was over the top. It had little meditation fountains.
If I am honest to goodness sincere, if my father had more money and we made more money, I would have put him there in a heartbeat, simply for the fact that it was closer to the house. I live in Santa Rosa, so Novato is 19 minutes. If there was an emergency, or just going to visit with my father, Novato was closer. That made another difference.
My father is very bright. He has some physical disabilities, but he's cognitively super smart. Everybody there just seemed like they were moving and grooving, and I think some people are just a little bit more mentally on the ball. But my father's also very good just going in his room after dinner, reading a book, and watching sports, and that's what he likes to do. He's got a walker, so he can't really play pool or do shuffleboard. So, all of the amenities were really pretty, but it came down to what could my father utilize for that extra money, and those were things that didn't really matter. He can't stand on a walker and shoot pool.
646 Canyon Road, Novato, CA 94947
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Deer Park
Independent Living Reviews for Deer Park
October 17, 2021
I visited this facility
August 22, 2021
I visited this facility
What scared us about Deer Park is it's up on a hill, and there's only one way out if there was ever a fire. It made my mom very nervous. It's up in the grassy hill high up, so that gives every room a nice view. The rooms were actually pretty nice, but its location scared her a little bit. The gardens were nice. It's far away, if she wanted to go down to have coffee; it's pretty far up the hill. They said people could walk, but she would never be able to walk that.
The facilities were very nice. She really liked the apartment a lot. The dining room was nice. We saw people eating, and you can sit and look out over the valley. It's actually very nice. There's good security, and they have somebody manning the lobby at all times. It's also small, so they know what's going on. For me (as a relative), that was kind of important.
It was a bit pricey for what you're getting. It is probably on the higher end of what we can afford. The residents weren't that friendly. I think they're people with more means, and I think she would be alone a lot. We didn't meet anybody that was very friendly.
The facility is very nice. If you're self-motivated on the younger side of elderly block, and you can get around, it's probably a great place to live, but it is not right for my mom.
August 14, 2021
I visited this facility
We really like Deer Park Retirement Community. It was very picturesque and the common areas were very nice, like the dining room and movie room. We'll pick a 1-bedroom for mom. It was basic, but nice. The only negative was there's not a lot of closet space; otherwise, it's a very nice room with a balcony. The people we met were very nice. The activities all look good. They have movie nights, puzzles, bingo, yoga, chair yoga, and different things that look like they would be good for her. It appeared friendly and not very depressing for a senior community.
April 17, 2021
Other
My Mom moved in to Deer Park in November of 2020. They went out of their way to make her feel welcome at the peak of covid. The management staff, Tevis, Kevin and Melinda are exceptional. Once Marin county allowed activities, Melinda came up with creative ways to get the residents active.
The facility is well kept up and the dining room lovely.
My Mom is happy she moved there.
July 15, 2019
I visited this facility
Deer Park had pretty good food, and the facility was clean and nice. It's in a good area and closer to town than some of the other facilities I looked at, so you're able to go out if you can. It was the most convenient place for me to stop and visit, but the only affordable thing for dad was a studio and it was way too small. The dining area looked nice and the staff got all excited about their dessert. They had a lot of activities, and a mini theater and theater style seating where you could have popcorn. The person I talked to was friendly, greeted me very nicely and even knew my name.
August 29, 2018
I visited this facility
We really liked Deer Park. It was attractive. The people seemed friendly and professional. We didn't have any objections to it other than that it was more than what my mother-in-law needed. It was a very nice place. We saw three or four different kinds of rooms. One was a studio, there was a 1-bedroom, and shared rooms. There was a dining room, activity rooms, a bus service that takes you into town, an exercise room, and various classes, like exercising and crafts. The staff seemed very friendly and nice. The person who gave us the tour was excellent, wasn't pushy, answered our questions, and showed us everything.
March 28, 2018
I visited this facility
Deer Park was outstanding in terms of food and service, but they don't allow pets, and parking was a real issue. All in all, it was very professional yet very warm. They had a reserved table in the dining room for guests. They took care of us, and we enjoyed our lunch. They made a real effort to make us feel welcome. The facility was very nice, and the apartments were OK. The food was excellent. My worst complaint would be the cost. I don't like the buy-in factor.
July 30, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
I just heard that although caregivers are allowed to assist residents, that they will not be allowed to use the laundry facilities on their behalf, which is a violation of the contract, in my view. My mother also is not happy with the food choices at lunch and dinner. there used to be two entrees and now there is one with a basic option of a junk food as a secondary option. And the current food service is spotty with non-professional service and poor food quality = tough meat - much too often.
January 26, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
We chose Deer Park because it was a nice, affordable place. They have a gym, a beautiful movie room, and a dining room with a nice view. Their staff is really friendly and helpful. My mom is very pleased, and we really like this place. They are working on making the food better.
August 15, 2016
I visited this facility
Deer Park was very nice, and we made a deposit, but they do not have an apartment available yet. The staff was very nice. The apartments were small but nice and better-sized than most places we visited. The food was very good.
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
Deer Park Retirement Community looked like an old colonial house with beautiful views and a beautiful, huge yard. Because they’re on a hill, you can’t take walks but their grounds were big enough that they had enough for most people to walk around the yard with the nice view. The food was OK. It had good transportation and was not that expensive, but the people were very snooty; I was put off by that. They have these calendars with activities going on every day. It was a clean operation and smelled good; that’s very important to me.
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
I visited Deer Park. The people were all very friendly and very helpful. The people living there were fine and invited me to have lunch. They had great food and a nice atmosphere. It looked like a good spot. As a matter of fact, they had a studio which I could probably get into. Talking to some of the people there, they enjoyed the exercise classes and trips to the town, and there were a lot of fun things to do on-site, like games. It had pretty scenery with the mountainside right outside of the main windows.
November 30, 2015
I am a friend or relative of a resident
Deer Park’s management is really involved, and it seem like there are a lot of things for the residents to do. I have only seen one, and it’s very nice and modern. The dining setup is nice. The food has been much better, but they are undergoing transition with regard to the food situation right now. They had a change in hands in the kitchen. They need to improve with the food and the kitchen preparation. Looking at how the meals are structured and prepared, I think that kind of slipped a little bit, and also more fun things to do.
November 24, 2015
I am/was a resident of this facility
It's been a month since I moved in at Deer Park. I think it's a great place. My room is very spacious and clean, and I have a beautiful view out my windows; it’s very nice. There is at least one thing going on every day. They have a movie theater that shows movies four or five times a week. There are also outings every Wednesday where we get on a bus and go into a city to see a play. Most days, there's about five or six things to do.
August 22, 2013
I am a friend or relative of resident
We moved my mother to Deer Park from Southern California about a year ago, and we are very pleased with the facility and staff. Her room was completely re-done before she moved in with an all new kitchen and bathroom. We provided the wall paint they applied that matched her decor which helped make it seem more like home. The managers and staff took an immediate interest in her well-being and assisted in making her transition as smooth as possible.
She made new friends quickly and gradually began to take part in many of the activities that are provided to keep the residents active. She especially enjoys bridge, bingo and the weekly outings which take them all over the bay area.
We frequently visit at meal time and the food is generally above average with multiple choices.
Over all we feel that she is safe and secure and well cared for.
Questions about Deer Park
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Deer Park. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Average age, 84, active, friendly, vibrant residents, enjoy a myriad of activities including low impact exercises, crafts, cards, intellectual games.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
One mile from downtown area with shops and restaurants. Lots of areas for walking...
What are some recent off-site events that the community activity director at Deer Park has organized?
Residents have taken trips to the Wine County in Sonoma and Napa. Residents have attended Museums in San Francisco, Oakland and visited casinos. in the area.
What transportation services does Deer Park offer to independent living residents?
Deer Park has a bus driver who takes residents to medical appointments as well as to do local shopping.
What makes the chef or dining program at Deer Park exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
Executive Chef and team offer an ever-changing menu. He also works with residents to meet specific dietary needs.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
Several different places to gather around the community.
What safety features or security measures does Deer Park offer to independent living residents?
24 Hour Concierge who monitors all entrances and exits throughout the day and night...
If Deer Park accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Pets are allowed and there are plenty of areas for them to get their exercise.
Does Deer Park work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
We have partnerships and resources for residents if care needs become necessary.
Costs for Deer Park
Services and Amenities of Deer Park
Costs
- All Inclusive Rent
- Fee Structure Extra: We Offer A Month To Month Rental
- Independent Living Starting At: $3500/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Studio Apartments
Dining options
- In Room Kitchenette
- Dining Room Shared Meals
Features
- Beauty Barber Shop
- Resident Transportation
- Party Space
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Features Extra: Library, Fitness Room/Gym
Cleaning services
- Private Cleaning Services
- Housekeeping
Technology and entertainment
- Cable In Rooms
- Wifi
General
- Pets: Small Pets Allowed
About Deer Park
Deer Park is an affordable, all-inclusive retirement community located in beautiful Northern California, just minutes from shops, restaurants and hospitals. As a Sunshine Retirement Living Community, we offer a variety of amenities to simplify your life, including three chef-prepared meals daily, on-site beauty salon, fun daily activities and free transportation, so you can enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow! At Deer Park, we believe you deserve to enjoy a carefree lifestyle surrounded by warm and caring managers, staff and residents. We pride ourselves on offering you choices that allow you to live your life the way you want. It's a simple concept that means you can take control of your time, find comfort in your surroundings, and be part of a community of friends and neighbors.
To provide the utmost in comfort and convenience, each residence receives its own personal housekeeper who can clean, dust, vacuum, change the linens and stock supplies. Transportation to and from personal appointments, errands and scheduled off-site events is also provided.
For added peace of mind, our managers live right on site at our community. They are available 24/7 to respond to resident questions, concerns and emergencies. It is our goal to provide you with everything you need to enjoy your retirement to its fullest.
We invite you to come and experience the very best Deer Park has to offer.
What Makes Us Special
Ask about our Sunshine Travel Program - Our unique travel program gives you the chance to explore 16 cities in 7 states. Have a Question, Concern or Comment? Welcome to your Sunshine Community, Meet Mr. Sunshine. Ask about our unique Sunshine Wellness Program
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