Sterling Crest Retirement Ctr

Pros

• James the apartment manager has been wonderful.
• The neighbors are great.
• The area is quiet and pet-friendly.
• The apartments are spacious.
• It is a great place with competitive rent pricing and all bills paid.
• The owners and management are upgrading and maintaining a good standard.
• Sterling Crest is an excellent home for starter families, retirees, or seasonal travelers, with RV lots available.
• Tenants would rate it 10/10 and would recommend it.
• It is a nice quiet place with friendly residents.

Cons

• Bed bugs were reported and management was accused of failing to address the infestation.
• One reviewer described the property as having "slum lord" quality.
• Back apartments experienced flooding after the creek overflowed.
• Rent was considered expensive for what was offered.
• Drug-related crimes were reported in the neighborhood and around the complex.
• The security gate was not kept closed, reducing overall security.
• Maintenance was described as poor.
• There were reports of harassment and lack of privacy due to cliques.

Review

Sterling Crest comes across in these notes as a place with real contrast: a retirement and starter-family community that can feel like a quiet, affordable home one week and, the next, a source of anxiety and logistical headaches. Several residents paint a picture of a well-managed property with active initiative from the front office and maintenance crews, and they emphasize the potential benefits for RV lovers, retirees, and families looking for reasonable rent with all utilities included. James, the on-site manager, is repeatedly mentioned in glowing terms as accommodating, friendly, and helpful, and several reviewers point to the owner, John, as also being supportive and engaged. There's broad praise for the sense of community, the pet-friendly environment, spacious layouts, and the idea that the property is "under great ownership and management" with plans for a big makeover that could enhance the whole experience.

In a more positive tilt, multiple comments highlight practical advantages: competitive pricing that bundles all bills, the presence of RV lots, and a quiet atmosphere where people feel comfortable and neighbors are friendly. The complex is described as suitable for a range of residents - from first-time renters and young families to retirees and seasonal travelers - while still offering amenities that accommodate RV life. The absence of major disturbances and a generally calm setting are frequently cited as standout traits, with some noting easy access to public transit, a stop right in front of the property, and the appeal of a tidy, spacious living arrangement in back units.

Yet the picture is far from uniformly rosy. A substantial thread of reviews centers on serious concerns that color people's willingness to stay. Flooding is a recurrent theme, especially for those housed in the back units, with the creek behind the complex reported to overflow and inundate apartments. Rent is still charged at current rates even as flooding occurs, according to some residents, who feel a disconnect between the risk and the cost. There are also complaints about general safety and security: a security gate that is not consistently kept closed and neighborhoods where drugs and other crimes are alleged to occur around or near the property. Some residents describe a creeping sense of unease about what they perceive as a lack of adequate on-site security or swift responses to problematic activity.

Bed bugs appear as a particularly damaging and recurring grievance, with reports spanning years and directions on how the management addressed them. One reviewer recounts a year-long infestation, with the building treated only in a single unit and treatment charges levied on the resident, who felt the response and the attribution of responsibility were unsatisfactory. Others recall the same issue in different periods, with cautionary advice to secure all agreements in writing. The bed bug problem is tied in some accounts to broader maintenance concerns and even alleged mismanagement, contributing to a sense that some residents feel the property's problems are systemic rather than isolated.

Maintenance and upkeep are another area where opinions diverge sharply. Some praise the maintenance team and note honest, dependable service that earns trust, especially when paired with a responsive manager. Others describe the place as run-down and in need of updates, with specific references to worn interiors and a general sense that improvements were slow or uneven. A few reviewers go so far as to label the property a "slum lord" operation or to accuse management of breaking or mishandling items and even violating privacy in some circumstances. Harsh depictions of the laundry rooms, common areas, and exterior maintenance contribute to the impression that the resident experience can swing dramatically from one unit to another.

Finally, there are social dynamics mentioned that add to the sense of a complex in flux. Several reviews speak to "cliques" among residents and a perceived lack of privacy or respect, suggesting that social pressure and group politics can color daily life. Dogs and noise, leash enforcement, and enforcement of city regulations on vaccinations and licenses are cited as ongoing concerns in some accounts, while others emphasize a peaceful, neighborly vibe. A number of residents frame the community's current state as a work in progress - improving under new leadership, with explicit plans for upgrades, but still bearing the scars of past issues and mixed experiences.

Taken together, Sterling Crest presents as a place of high potential and real challenges. For someone evaluating a move, the reviews suggest a careful approach: gauge current flood risks for the specific unit, confirm the status and enforcement of security measures and dog-related rules, ask for written documentation on bed bug remediation and related deposits, and seek a current read on maintenance responsiveness. You'll encounter residents who love the community's quiet, affordable, RV-friendly environment and terrific manager, balanced against others who warn of infestations, safety concerns, and inconsistent upkeep. The bottom line is that this property can be a good fit for the right person at the right time, but it's essential to conduct due diligence, talk to multiple current residents, and verify how the management team is addressing the most persistent issues before making a decision.

This part of Texarkana, Arkansas offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to relocate. The area is home to several parks, including Razorback Stadium and Spring Lake Park Splash Pad, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. There are also numerous dining options nearby, such as Zapata's and Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery, as well as easy access to pharmacies like College Hill Drug and healthcare facilities like Wadley Medical Plaza. Additionally, there are places of worship within close proximity, including St James Ame Church and Salem Baptist Church, for those seeking spiritual support. Transportation options are readily available with the presence of U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer and Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations nearby. With hospitals like Christus St Michael Family Health Center and Living Hope Hospital in the vicinity, residents can feel secure knowing medical care is easily accessible. Overall, this part of Texarkana provides a convenient and welcoming environment for seniors seeking a comfortable retirement destination.

Parks

• Razorback Stadium (0.5 miles)
• Spring Lake Park Splash Pad (2.6 miles)
• Kylee Sullivan Dog Park (3 miles)

Restaurants

• Sterling Crest Apartments (0.6 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (0.9 miles)
• Zapata's (1 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.2 miles)
• Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery (1.3 miles)
• Papa John's Pizza (1.9 miles)
• Southern Tropics (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• St James Ame Church (0.8 miles)
• Salem Baptist Church (0.9 miles)
• New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (1.1 miles)
• Highland Park Baptist Church (1.2 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (1.4 miles)
• Powerhouse Church of God (1.4 miles)
• Eagle's Wings Outreach Ministries (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• Uams Ahec Southwest Family Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Gabbie Medical Clinic (1.1 miles)
• Women's Specialists (1.3 miles)
• Wadley Medical Plaza (1.3 miles)
• Neurosurgical Associates Of Texarkana (1.3 miles)
• Advanced Cardiology of Texarkana (1.3 miles)
• Pulmonary Disease Medicine Clinic (1.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• College Hill Drug (0.9 miles)
• Allcare Family Discount Pharm (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Red River Pharmacy Services (2.6 miles)
• Artex Medical & Specialty (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Christus St Michael Family Health Center (1.1 miles)
• Wadley Scan (1.2 miles)
• Dubuis Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Wadley Regional Medical Center (1.3 miles)
• Wadley Regional Medical Center (1.5 miles)
• Living Hope Hospital of Texarkana (2 miles)
• Riverview Behavioral Health (2 miles)

Cafes

• Urban Tea Town (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.3 miles)
• Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) (2.6 miles)
• Megabus Texarkana Stop (2.6 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.6 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.8 miles)
• Idealease Of Texarkana (2.9 miles)