Village of Harmony Hill Named Among Nation’s Best Senior Living Communities by U.S. News & World Report

The Village Harmony Hill recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Assisted Living for 2026, excelling in management, caregiving, and memory care.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Village of Harmony Hill has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 Best Assisted Living Community, making it the only assisted living community in South Dakota to receive the honor this year, according to the organization’s announcement.

The 2026 Best Senior Living ratings evaluated more than 3,000 communities nationwide, assessing resident and family satisfaction with safety, care, management, staff, value, and overall quality of life. Nearly 550,000 consumer surveys contributed to the rankings.

Leaders at The Village say the recognition reflects the mission and values established by the Benedictine Sisters of Mother of God Monastery, who founded the community in 2023. “As the founders of The Village of Harmony Hill, the Benedictine Sisters… are proud of the teamwork, partnerships, and commitment that have fostered the care of hundreds of residents since our opening,” said Sr. Barbara Younger, Prioress and Chair of the Board.

Michael Klatt, Strategic Advisor to the Sisters, said the goal from the beginning was to create “a community within a community that team members wanted to work in and that residents and family members could trust,” adding that the recognition demonstrates a level of confidence they deeply appreciate.

Administrator Krista Beauchamp credited the staff for the achievement, noting that “our team’s compassion and service are at the heart of everything we do.”

In addition to its primary Assisted Living recognition, The Village of Harmony Hill also earned distinctions for Care Services and Staff & Management, placing it among the top 25% of communities nationwide in caregiving, enrichment activities, food, management, and overall “feels like home” environment.

The Village of Harmony Hill is part of the Benedictine Sisters’ long‑term development on Harmony Hill in Watertown. The campus offers assisted living, memory care, and independent living apartments, providing a full continuum of care as residents’ needs change.

More information about the community’s U.S. News ratings can be found at the U.S. News Best Senior Living website.