Deciding where to spend your "bonus years" in Columbus usually starts with a Google search and ends with a headache. You’ve likely seen the shiny brochures for Ohio Living Westminster Thurber. They talk about "vibrant lifestyles" and "continuing care," but what does that actually look like when you’re standing on Neil Avenue on a Tuesday afternoon? Honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than just a nice view of the skyline.
Located right on the edge of Victorian Village, this place isn’t some isolated island for seniors. It’s tucked into one of the most walkable parts of the city. You’ve got the Short North arts district a few blocks away and Goodale Park practically in your front yard. But for many families, the real question isn't about the neighborhood—it’s about the reality of living inside those walls.
The Skyline View vs. The Daily Reality
Most people think "nursing home" when they hear the name. That's a huge misconception. Ohio Living Westminster Thurber is what the industry calls a Life Plan Community. Basically, it’s a tiered system. You can move in as a fully independent adult in your 70s, living in a massive apartment in Goodale Landing with granite countertops and a balcony that looks like a luxury condo.
Then, if life throws a curveball, you move down the hall—literally—to assisted living or long-term care.
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There are three main hubs here. Thurber Tower is the veteran of the group, holding 119 apartments. It’s the "social heart" because the pub and the woodworking shop are right there. Then there’s Goodale Landing, which is the high-end stuff. We’re talking 9-foot ceilings and heated bathroom floors. If you’re coming from a big house in Upper Arlington and don’t want to feel like you’re downsizing into a shoebox, that’s where you look.
What Nobody Tells You About the Food and Fun
Let’s talk about the $100 dining credit. It’s part of the monthly fee, but it’s not just for a cafeteria. They have "The Crossings" restaurant and a pub. It’s restaurant-style, which sounds fancy, but the real benefit is the social pressure—in a good way. You aren't eating a frozen dinner alone. You’re arguing about politics or the Buckeyes over a meal prepared by someone else.
The lifestyle isn't just Bingo.
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- The Woodshop: It’s actually used. People make real furniture here.
- The Pool: It’s indoor, heated, and has a lift.
- The Gardening: Residents get their own plots in the summer.
- The "Brain" Factor: Because of the proximity to Ohio State, the resident population is famously academic. You’ll find retired professors and researchers everywhere.
The Rough Edges: It’s Not All Sunrooms
No place is perfect. If you look at reviews from 2024 and 2025, you’ll see the same thing you see in every healthcare facility right now: staffing struggles. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) gave their rehab and skilled nursing a 5-star quality rating recently, some families have voiced frustration over response times for call buttons.
Sydney McBride, the Executive Director as of 2026, has been vocal about the "workforce investment" the community is trying to make. But the reality of the industry is that nurses are in high demand. It’s a tension you’ll feel in almost any large-scale community in Columbus.
Why the Location Matters (More Than You Think)
Most senior living spots are built out in the suburbs where land is cheap. You end up staring at a retention pond and a strip mall. Ohio Living Westminster Thurber is the opposite. It’s urban.
You can walk to the North Market for fresh sourdough or cheese. You can take the COTA or the community shuttle to a Blue Jackets game. This "urban-adjacent" living is why the occupancy stays high even when prices aren't exactly cheap. Costs here typically start around $3,000 for basic assisted living and can climb well over $6,000 depending on the level of "hands-on" help required.
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Health and the "Safety Net"
The partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a big deal. Dr. Donald Mack, the medical director, and his team are actually on-site. Having a geriatrics team from a world-class hospital inside your building is a massive peace-of-mind factor.
They also use something called the "Eden Alternative" philosophy. It’s a fancy way of saying they try to get rid of the "institutional" feel. That’s why you’ll see pets running around and lots of plants. It’s meant to combat the "three plagues" of old age: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
Is Ohio Living Westminster Thurber Right For You?
If you hate the city, hate noise, and want a quiet garden in the middle of nowhere, this isn't it. This is for the person who still wants to be part of the "hustle" of Columbus but wants to stop mowing the lawn.
Next Steps to Take:
- Visit at 5:00 PM: Don't just go for the morning tour when everyone is alert. Go during the "dinner rush" to see how the staff handles the busiest time of day.
- Ask about the "Waiver": If you’re worried about money, ask specifically about the Assisted Living Waiver Program. They are certified for it, but availability is limited.
- Check the 2025 Inspection: Look up the latest CMS report. They had a single citation in February 2025, which is actually very low for a facility of this size, but you should read the details for yourself.
- Talk to the Resident Association: Don't just talk to the sales team. Ask to speak with a member of the Resident Association to get the "unfiltered" version of what the food actually tastes like on a Friday night.