Southern Highland

Pros

• The staff at Southern Highlands, particularly Michelle Washington, played an integral role in the stability and well-being of residents.
• Residents have access to an array of community resources, which helps them engage with the community and maintain independence.
• The facility has 24-hour attendants who respond promptly to resident needs, demonstrating excellent support and care.
• The location of Southern Highlands is favorable for many residents who are familiar with the area.
• Although the building is older, the apartments themselves are newly renovated and appealing.
• Overall, some residents appreciate the supportive environment fostered by the staff at Southern Highlands.

Cons

• The Southern Highlands facility is heavily infested with roaches, creating an unclean and frightening living environment.
• Residents experience rampant roach infestations that persist despite multiple pest control treatments.
• There is a history of bed bug outbreaks, adding to the concerns about cleanliness and management of the property.
• The overall quality of staff interaction and care in the independent living area is perceived as lower than expected.
• Community activities available for residents are minimal, leading to a lack of engagement opportunities.
• Several apartments are reported as being too small for comfort, contributing to dissatisfaction among residents.

Review

Southern Highlands, an independent living complex that has garnered mixed reviews from residents and their families, plays a pivotal role in the lives of many seniors seeking a supportive environment. For some, like the family member who recently lost their mother, Southern Highlands provided a lifeline to stability and community engagement. After years of isolation and multiple hospitalizations while living alone in a two-bedroom apartment, this resident experienced significant improvements in their mother's quality of life during her eight-year tenure at the facility. The praises are directed towards Michelle Washington, the property manager, and the support staff who were instrumental in enhancing her mother's experience. Their efforts not only connected residents with essential community resources but also fostered interactions with other individuals and organizations. As a result, the resident's mother was able to maintain as much independence as possible despite her medical challenges until her passing in March 2020.

However, contrasting experiences portray a significantly darker narrative for other residents at Southern Highlands. A number of individuals have voiced serious concerns about the management and cleanliness of the facility. One recurrent problem mentioned is a severe pest infestation; reports indicate that roaches infest both individual apartments and shared hallways. One resident described their first night at Southern Highlands as "terrifying," noting that roaches scurried without fear throughout their unit—behavior alarming enough to prompt professional pest control treatments that proved ineffective due to what workers termed as an overwhelming infestation.

The complaints do not end there; bed bugs have also been reported within the complex's units, leading several disgruntled residents to dispose of their furniture entirely out of fear for ongoing health risks associated with these infestations. Despite promises from management regarding pest control measures, these issues highlight severe lapses in maintenance standards that directly affect tenant satisfaction and well-being.

On a more positive note, another reviewer shared a relatively pleasant experience with staff support following an unfortunate slip-and-fall accident shortly after moving into Southern Highlands. After breaking a hand and cracking ribs due to a lack of safety measures like shower curtains—a basic necessity—this resident was impressed by how quickly help arrived without needing to pull an emergency cord themselves. They expressed gratitude for 24-hour staffing availability aimed at assisting seniors when emergencies arise. While acknowledging higher costs compared to other facilities in the area, they found value in the modern amenities available within their apartment.

Nonetheless, not all feedback from current residents has been so favorable; some report that apartments can feel cramped or insufficiently designed given their size compared to market alternatives. Additional criticisms focus on what some describe as minimal community activities which seemed lacking when compared to expectations associated with independent senior living arrangements.

In sum, it becomes clear that Southern Highlands operates within troubling dichotomies: while certain aspects such as dedicated staff care shine brightly amid personal testimonials advocating for its benefits—particularly for those needing substantial oversight—the pervasive issues related to cleanliness and safety raise substantial red flags about facility management practices overall. As families ponder whether this complex is appropriate for loved ones seeking independent living options amidst similar challenges faced by many elder populations today; assessing both profound positive experiences alongside distressing complaints remains critical before final decisions are made regarding residence at Southern Highlands.

This particular area of National City, California, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant neighborhood to call home. In close proximity, you'll find popular restaurants such as In-N-Out Burger and Tacos El Gordo for dining options. There are also several pharmacies nearby including Walmart Pharmacy and CVS, providing easy access to medication needs. For transportation, the 24th Street Trolley Station is conveniently located just 0.9 miles away. Additionally, there are parks like Quartyard Dog Park and Embarcadero Marina Park South for leisurely outdoor activities. Medical facilities such as Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation and Naval Medical Center San Diego are within a short distance for healthcare needs. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in National City.

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (0.9 miles)
• Tacos El Gordo (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.3 miles)
• Half Door Brewing Company (4.9 miles)
• Tin Fish Gaslamp (4.9 miles)
• Bub's at the Ballpark (5 miles)
• Sevilla Nightclub of San Diego (5.1 miles)

Transportation

• 24th Street Trolley Station (0.9 miles)
• Gaslamp Quarter Trolley Station (5 miles)
• San Diego Santa Fe Depot (5.8 miles)
• Firefly Car Rental (7.2 miles)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) (7.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• NEX Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Kung Fu Tea (1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Copa Vida (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream And Chocolate Shop (5.2 miles)
• Tabac Specialty Coffee & Cigars (5.2 miles)
• Communal Coffee (6.5 miles)

Physicians

• California Retina Associates (3 miles)
• Sharp Rees-Stealy Otay Ranch (6.2 miles)
• Internal Medicine Associates (6.7 miles)
• NBHC Eastlake (7.4 miles)

Parks

• Quartyard Dog Park (5 miles)
• Embarcadero Marina Park South (5 miles)
• Spreckels Park (5.3 miles)
• Centennial Park (5.3 miles)
• Pantoja Park (5.6 miles)
• Balboa Park South Loop (5.8 miles)
• Balboa Park (5.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation (5 miles)
• Naval Medical Center San Diego (5.4 miles)
• UC San Diego Medical Center (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Corpus Christi Church (5.5 miles)