Ben PhilipThe Inn at Garden Plaza is a well-regarded independent living retirement community located in the heart of Colorado Springs. Designed to offer seniors a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle, the community blends comfort, social connection, and scenic mountain views. With thoughtfully designed residences, abundant amenities, and seamless access to healthcare and recreational activities, it caters to those looking to enjoy their retirement years with ease and dignity.
The Inn at Garden Plaza Retirement Community
Location & Overview
Located at 2520 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, The Inn at Garden Plaza enjoys a scenic position at the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering easy access to iconic outdoor attractions like Garden of the Gods.
This community has earned recognition as one of U.S. News’s Best Independent Living Communities for 2022–2023, standing out for excellence in activities, dining, care, staffing, and overall satisfaction. The emphasis is on delivering resort-style senior living with a homelike ambiance—all with minimal chores so residents can focus on what truly matters.
Living Options & Floor Plans
Residents can choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed layouts:
- Studio Apartments: Compact and efficient, featuring a kitchenette and living space; deluxe options offer more spacious areas.
- One-Bedroom Units: Enhanced privacy with separated living and sleeping spaces, often including sunrooms or bay windows.
- Two-Bedroom Layouts: Apartment-style living with shared central living/kitchen areas flanked by private bedrooms and bathrooms.
All apartments include essential features like a kitchen or kitchenette (with microwave and mini-fridge), private bathroom, and safety aids such as grab bars and pull cords.
Services & Amenities
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Independent Living Lifestyle:
Full calendar of social and recreational events including educational classes, excursions, live performances, and wellness programs
Convenient services such as restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation, weekly housekeeping, swimming pool, hot tub, ice cream parlor, general store, and putting green
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Supporting High Quality of Life:
Meal service includes dining options, room service, and professionally prepared food in restaurant-style settings. Common amenities include lounges, TV room, library, computer/media center, indoor atrium, beauty salon, covered parking, and more.
Residents—and even pets—are welcome, with cats and dogs allowed in select apartments.
Continuum of Care & Safety
As a continuum-of-care campus, The Inn at Garden Plaza offers a seamless transition from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing/rehabilitation through affiliations with The Bridge at Colorado Springs and Life Care Center of Colorado Springs.
Safety is a top priority. The community holds an Accushield 5‑Star Safety Rating for its advanced visitor management, health screening, and entry procedures, ensuring peace of mind for both residents and families.
Leadership & Culture
Christine Ferguson leads the community with over five years of dedication. Her journey began as a teenage CNA and combat medic, later transitioning into senior care administration. Known for her hands-on approach, she shares baking traditions like peach cobbler and apple pie with residents.
Fostering energy, compassion, and camaraderie, her leadership reflects the community’s vibrant and welcoming culture.
Reviews & Resident Experiences
Residents consistently praise the community for its warmth, vibrancy, and supportive environment. A featured review on Caring.com highlights:
- “They have a wonderful staff… great activities… The food is top‑notch… housekeeping once a week… outstanding.”
- A Place for Mom gives it a solid review score of 9.1 out of 10, based on recent feedback.
Pricing & Visiting
Estimated Costs:
According to Seniorly, monthly rent starts around:
- Studio: $6,460
- One-bedroom: $7,500
- Tours Available:
- Personalized and virtual tours can be arranged—great for prospective residents to experience the environment, meet staff and residents, and assess fit firsthand.
Summary: Why Choose The Inn at Garden Plaza?
Pros:
- Resort-like, maintenance-free lifestyle in a beautiful, mountainous setting
- Full package of amenities including dining, wellness, social programming, and safety
- Flexible living options with future care continuity built in
- Strong leadership and resident-attentive culture
- Excellent reviews and community recognition
Things to Explore:
- Confirm exact pricing and what’s included
- Inquire about availability, especially for popular floor plans
- Visit in person to gauge whether the community atmosphere aligns with your lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is The Inn at Garden Plaza Retirement Community?
A. The Inn at Garden Plaza is a senior independent living community that offers a resort-style experience for retirees. It provides apartment-style homes, daily conveniences, social programming, and connections to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities for residents who may need future care.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A. The community features over 120 residences, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment layouts. The exact number may vary depending on renovations and occupancy.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A. Residents can choose from studio apartments, one-bedroom units, and two-bedroom layouts. All homes include kitchen or kitchenette areas, private bathrooms, safety features, and some offer added perks like sunrooms or bay windows.
Q: What amenities are available?
A. Amenities include restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, a fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub, ice cream parlor, general store, putting green, library, lounges, media room, beauty salon, and more. Pets are also welcome in designated areas.
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A. Yes. The Inn at Garden Plaza provides regular educational programs such as guest lectures, lifelong learning classes, wellness seminars, and tech support sessions. These are part of the community’s robust event calendar aimed at promoting continued personal growth and social engagement.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A. The community is conveniently located near several top-rated medical facilities, including UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, Penrose Hospital, and the affiliated Life Care Center of Colorado Springs. The Bridge at Colorado Springs also offers assisted living and rehabilitation services nearby.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A. Residents enjoy proximity to shopping centers like Citadel Mall, Chapel Hills Mall, and numerous grocery stores including King Soopers and Safeway. Local and chain restaurants are abundant within a short drive, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A. Located near the foothills of the Rockies, residents have easy access to Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Golf courses, museums, cultural centers, and scenic walking trails are also within reach for recreation and relaxation.
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A. Resident-led committees help shape community life. These may include a resident council, dining or menu advisory groups, welcoming committees for new residents, volunteer or outreach groups, activity planning teams, and hobby or craft clubs. These committees foster engagement and a sense of ownership in the community.
Conclusion
The Inn at Garden Plaza offers more than just a place to live—it provides a supportive, vibrant lifestyle designed for active and independent seniors. From its diverse housing options and resort-style amenities to its proximity to healthcare and outdoor beauty, it stands out as a premier choice for retirement living in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or stay socially engaged, this community offers a well-rounded environment tailored for today’s seniors.