Sterling Crest Retirement Ctr in Texarkana, AR

Pros

• The community is described as a great place with good people and friendly residents.
• James, the apartment manager, is wonderful and helpful, and the neighbors are great.
• The complex is quiet, pet-friendly, and the residents are friendly.
• The ownership and management are strong, supported by an accomplished maintenance team, with plans for upgrades.
• It offers competitive rent pricing with all bills paid.
• There are future plans for a big makeover, making it an excellent home for starter families, retirees, or RV travelers.
• Under new management, the property is being upgraded.
• It is a good place to park an RV.
• The place is considered a great place to live - quiet and trouble-free.

Cons

• It is described as going downhill, with high resident turnover and no security.
• It is considered a bad place due to bed bugs and poor maintenance.
• It is overpriced for what it offers, with ongoing flooding problems.
• The back apartments have flooded from the creek, and there are drug-related crimes nearby, while the security gate is not kept closed.
• It is labeled as a slumlord-quality property.
• Maintenance is poor and the apartments are run-down.
• Bedbugs persisted for months, with management blaming residents and charging for treatments.
• There is harassment and lack of privacy, plus dog-related chaos and no enforcement of dog licenses.
• A reviewer stated that the health department should shut this place down.

Review

Sterling Crest Retirement Center in Texarkana is best suited for budget-conscious retirees who want an affordable, all-in-one rent option with the flexibility to park an RV on-site, and who can tolerate some inconsistency in upkeep and safety structure. The community works best for residents who place a premium on quiet surroundings, simple living, and a manager who is responsive and approachable. It also appeals to those who are comfortable sharing a small campus with a mix of long-term residents and transient visitors, and who are open to ongoing improvements rather than polished, turnkey amenities.

Those weighing alternatives should consider options that promise stronger pest control, firmer security, and more predictable maintenance. Families and individuals who require a consistently pristine living environment, a secure gate that actually stays closed, or a track record of rapid and thorough remediation for infestations may find Sterling Crest lacking. Likewise, anyone who cannot tolerate even the possibility of recurring flooding, significant neighborhood crime concerns, or ongoing disputes over rent and repairs would be prudent to look elsewhere.

On the upside, the major positives form a meaningful anchor for decision-making. Rent at Sterling Crest is competitive, with all bills included for a straightforward monthly burden, which makes budget forecasting easier for fixed-income households. The apartments, particularly the larger back units, are described as spacious, and the property accommodates RV parking - an important perk for seasonal travelers or those seeking flexible housing arrangements. Residents repeatedly cite a quiet atmosphere and a friendly, helpful manager named James as a real differentiator; in practice, a hands-on owner-operator approach translates into quicker responses and a sense of personal accountability when issues arise. The plan to upgrade parts of the property signals intent to improve over time, giving a path for residents who value improvements aligned with responsible ownership.

Yet the downsides are persistent and cannot be ignored. Bed bug infestations have haunted multiple tenants, with reports of limited remediation and disputes over who bears the cost of treatment. Flooding has also impacted some back units, undermining the value proposition for those seeking a dry, low-maintenance home. Security perceptions matter here: gates are not always kept closed, and neighborhood crime, including drug activity and general safety concerns, creates anxiety for residents and their families. Maintenance quality and upkeep are described by some as inconsistent, with complaints about old facilities and ongoing wear that clashes with the expectation of affordable, comfortable living. Several reviews also describe restrictive rules, "slightly outdated" interiors, and the sense that some residents feel separated by cliques, which can erode daily living harmony.

These strengths and weaknesses interact in meaningful ways. For someone who prioritizes cost savings, RV flexibility, and a cooperative manager, Sterling Crest offsets its maintenance and safety concerns through a favorable price point and accessible ownership. The reality, however, is that pest issues and floods can derail living satisfaction unless there is a robust, proven remediation policy and transparent, enforceable damage and refund terms. The question becomes whether the current upgrades and hands-on management are sufficient to restore confidence across all units, or if the cost of ongoing risk - potential health concerns, recurring infestations, and neighborhood security - outweighs the savings.

In practical terms, families should approach Sterling Crest with clear, written expectations. Request a documented pest-control history, explicit remediation timelines, and a guaranteed approach to flood mitigation in affected areas. Insist on written, signed agreements for any concessions, such as rent adjustments during repairs or compensation for repeated failures. If the priority is to minimize monthly outlay and enjoy RV options in a quiet setting with an engaged manager, Sterling Crest can be a solid fit - provided the resident or their family accepts the latent risks and commits to vigilant oversight. For those who cannot accept those risks, or who demand ironclad security and pest-free living, pursuing alternatives with stronger track records will be the wiser course.

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)