Olive Plaza Apartments in Burbank, CA

Pros

• The facilities are calm and residents are friendly.
• The property is kept clean, nice, and updated.
• The leasing manager Jess is very pleasant and understanding, with extensive experience working with Section 8.
• The community is described as beautiful and the place is fantastic.
• Residents have stayed there for 9 years with no complaints, and it is within walking distance of shops, local government offices, movie theaters, and the library.
• Residents enjoy dropping off clean laundry, indicating a convenient service.

Cons

• Yesenia was really rude and hostile when she found out my mom had a section 8 voucher.
• She kept misunderstanding me on purpose when inquiring about Burbank's housing authority rental policy when renting at their complex.
• She became combative so she wouldn't have to rent to a section 8 tenant.
• Difficulty finding resident on call box.

Review

Olive Plaza Apartments in Burbank is best suited for independent seniors who prize a calm, clean, and well-maintained home with excellent walkability to everyday amenities. The community works well for residents who want stability and routine, with a long-tenured neighbor base and a lifestyle centered on easy access to shops, local government offices, theaters, and the library. It is not presented as a high-care environment; rather, it functions as a practical, affordable base for someone who manages most needs independently while enjoying a peaceful residential setting.

Those evaluating alternatives should consider options if ongoing, consistent leasing interactions are non-negotiable or if dependable on-site assistance is a must. Some families may prefer communities with uniformly strong customer-service practices and fewer variables in leasing discussions, especially around voucher-based occupancy. For anyone who seeks predictable, bureaucrat-free experiences and more proactive on-site support, it makes sense to compare other Burbank properties with dedicated senior-management teams and clearer policies on Section 8 and related programs. This is not a one-size-fits-all choice for every senior care preference.

The strongest positives here are tangible and meaningful: a calm, orderly environment where cleanliness and upkeep are evident, and where residents appear to live with pride in their surroundings. The property is described as consistently clean and updated, a comfort for anyone prioritizing a neat living space. The community’s location is a standout asset, offering immediate access to retail, government services, culture, and entertainment, all within comfortable walking distance. Long-tenured residents, some who have called Olive Plaza home for nearly a decade, signal real stability and a sense of belonging that reduces churn and fosters a familiar routine. And practical touches, such as convenient laundry drop-offs for residents, add daily-life value that does not get captured in glossy marketing materials. These factors collectively offset some of the more uneven experiences that can arise in leasing conversations and occasional logistical hiccups.

Where the experience becomes mixed is in how staff navigate leasing discussions, particularly around Section 8. One reviewer described a leasing interaction that felt combative and dismissive after the voucher was mentioned, which creates a legitimate concern for families relying on government assistance. On the flip side, the leasing manager who handles Section 8 matters reportedly brings experience and flexibility, suggesting that decisive advocacy with the right contact can yield workable options. A separate practical friction noted by prospective tenants is difficulty locating a resident on the call box, a minor but real hurdle when coordinating showings or visits. Taken together, the operational picture leans toward stability and quality of living, but the experience can vary based on who attends to the inquiry and how problems are addressed.

In planning a visit, families should actively seek out the leasing contact most capable of navigating Section 8 policies, ideally Jess, who has earned credibility through patient, problem-solving engagement with voucher tenants. Verify that the specific unit, parking arrangements, and lease terms align with expectations, and confirm how responsive the staff are during non-business hours. Talking to current residents about their day-to-day experiences, especially around maintenance responsiveness and the accessibility of the on-site team, will reveal whether the calm, neighborly atmosphere persists beyond the model suite. By surfacing these real-world observations, families can assess whether the offsets, cleanliness, stability, and location, truly meet their needs.

Bottom line: Olive Plaza Apartments delivers a solid, value-driven option for independent seniors who want a clean, quiet home in a convenient Burbank location, with the added comfort of an established resident community. The core strengths, careful upkeep, walkable access to amenities, and tenure stability, are compelling for the right resident. The key caveat is the potential inconsistency in leasing interactions, particularly around Section 8, and a minor on-site access nuisance. If those factors are acceptable risks, the upside in daily living quality and neighborhood integration is substantial. If not, families should compare other properties with steadier leasing processes and stronger, uniformly applied policies to support voucher tenants.

This part of Burbank, California offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to both entertainment and daily living needs. With multiple theaters in close proximity, such as the AMC Burbank 16 and TCL Chinese Theatre, seniors can easily enjoy a night out at the movies. Additionally, there are numerous dining options ranging from fast food chains like Wendy's and Taco Bell to upscale restaurants like Castaway. Nearby pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens make it convenient for seniors to access their medication easily. Transportation options include the North Hollywood Metro Station and Hollywood Burbank Airport for those looking to travel or explore the surrounding area. Parks like Lake Hollywood Reservoir and Runyon Canyon Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise. Overall, this part of Burbank provides a mix of entertainment, convenience, and natural beauty that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Theaters

• AMC Burbank 16 (0.4 miles)
• AMC The Americana at Brand 18 (3.9 miles)
• Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (4.2 miles)
• TCL Chinese Theatre (6 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (0.6 miles)
• Wendy's (1.4 miles)
• Castaway (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.5 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Proof Bakery (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Providence St Joseph Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center (4.9 miles)
• Medical 2 unit (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Terminal A (2.8 miles)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (2.9 miles)
• Baggage Claim (2.9 miles)
• Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up (2.9 miles)
• North Hollywood Metro Station (4.2 miles)
• Universal City Metro Station (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Lake Hollywood Reservoir (4 miles)
• Lake Hollywood Park (4.1 miles)
• Hollywood Bowl Overlook (5.1 miles)
• Runyon Canyon Park (6 miles)
• Fryman Canyon Park (6.1 miles)
• Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook (6.2 miles)
• Glassell Park Recreation Center (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael & All Angels (6.9 miles)