Hugh Ash Manor in Deland, FL

Pros

• The staff at Hugh Ash Manor are kind to residents, from management to maintenance.
• Residents describe the community as filled with wonderful people.
• Tenants are very pleased with their apartments and find the rent affordable for fixed incomes.
• Hugh Ash Manor is praised for going above and beyond to make residents feel welcome.
• The property is clean and well-kept, both inside and outside.
• There are engaging activities for residents that contribute to a homey atmosphere.
• Transportation options and access to amenities like the YMCA pool and meals are readily available.
• The community feels like a warm, permanent home for its residents.

Cons

• They misled potential renters by advertising very low rent due to HUD.
• The rent increased after seven months, from 729 to 802.
• Roaches and mold keep residents from sleeping.
• The leasing staff sometimes doesn't tell the truth about rent and terms.
• The place is described as a dump by some visitors.
• The staff are downright mean.

Review

Hugh Ash Manor in Deland is best suited for independent seniors who are 62 and older, want a welcoming, staff?driven community, and prioritize affordable, uncomplicated living with easy access to social activities. The residents clearly value a warm atmosphere where staff feel like partners in daily life, and where a fixed-income budget can stretch further thanks to bundled amenities and on?site support. This is not a place for anyone seeking intensive medical oversight or a lease that is perfectly predictable year after year; instead it suits those comfortable with a still?active lifestyle who want companionship, simple conveniences, and responsive help when needed.

The strongest selling points are the people who run Hugh Ash Manor and the culture they cultivate. Reviewers repeatedly cite kindness and attentiveness from managers, maintenance, and front?line staff, creating a sense of family and belonging that can turn a residence into a home. Apartments are described as comfortable, and several residents emphasize the private bathrooms in every unit, a nontrivial relief for couples or roommates seeking privacy. The property also scores well on upkeep: outside grounds and common areas are reported as well?maintained, and when issues arise, maintenance is praised for prompt attention. Add to that a rich slate of activities, accessible on-site transportation, and a community library and game spaces, and Hugh Ash Manor delivers meaningful daily engagement for people who want to stay socially connected.

Taken together, the practical advantages - affordable rent for fixed incomes, inclusive utilities and amenities, and convenient transportation options including city buses and on?site arrangements - do offset a good share of the friction that can appear in senior living. The presence of organized activities, arts and crafts spaces, and even access to a YMCA pool nearby helps sustain independence while reducing isolation. Residents also note the integrated feel of the community, where neighbors look out for one another and care options are just a moment away. In short, the pros form a convincing case for choosing Hugh Ash Manor if the priority is warmth, support, and active, low?stress living.

There are legitimate caveats that families should weigh carefully. Several reviews flag rent dynamics as a caution: an initial HUD?style impression of low costs can give way to increases after signing, with one account showing a jump from 729 to 802 in under a year. That risk matters for budget planning and for anyone who needs a tightly controlled monthly expense. Pest and mold concerns appear in a minority of reviews, signaling that unit?level conditions can vary and may require vigilant inspection before move?in. And while the staff is praised overall, not every interaction is flawless, with some reviewers recounting moments of blunt or unkind handling. These issues are not universal, but they are real enough to influence the decision for buyers who require a uniformly smooth experience.

For decision?makers, the key is to measure personal tolerance for risk against the value of everyday life at Hugh Ash Manor. If a resident can secure a lease with transparent terms, prioritize oversight on pest control, and confirm that the unit meets expectations for cleanliness and privacy, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Prospective residents should demand a definitive explanation of what is included in rent, what utilities cover, and how and when increases are implemented. Tours should include a thorough check of the unit's bathroom, a realistic read on pest history, and candid conversations with current residents about staff interactions. With due diligence, Hugh Ash Manor offers a compelling blend of community, affordability, and practical amenities.

In the end, Hugh Ash Manor serves best those who want a friendly, active, budget?friendly independent living option and are prepared to engage with a community that is strong on heart and support, but not immune to the occasional management misstep or budget shift. It is not the right fit for someone needing constant, predictable pricing and uniform pest control, nor for a resident who requires intensive medical care on site. For the right senior - one who values a warm environment, accessible transport, robust social life, and responsive staff - the decision to choose Hugh Ash Manor becomes a straightforward return on quality of life, not merely a housing choice.

This part of DeLand, Florida provides easy access to essential services for seniors, with multiple physicians and pharmacies located within a short distance. The area boasts reputable healthcare facilities like AdventHealth DeLand and Florida Hospital DeLand for any medical needs. Additionally, there are various dining options available from fast food to sit-down restaurants like Denny's and McCabe's, catering to different tastes. For recreational activities, residents can enjoy the nearby parks such as Earl Brown Park and Hontoon Island State Park for leisurely strolls or outdoor picnics. Public transportation is accessible through the Amtrak station just 3.3 miles away for convenient travel assistance when needed. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded environment with diverse amenities suitable for senior living in DeLand.

Physicians

• Advanced Dermatology (0.1 miles)
• SAAFE Behavioral Services (0.2 miles)
• Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (0.6 miles)
• Deland Dermatology (0.6 miles)
• Daytona Heart Group (0.6 miles)
• Dr vintimilla (0.7 miles)
• Total Vision. Dr's Timko, Timko and Heacock (0.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Ritter's Towne Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Florida Health Care Plans (1.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Fuel Station (2 miles)

Restaurants

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (0.2 miles)
• Denny's (0.6 miles)
• McCabe's (0.7 miles)
• The Half Wall DeLand (0.8 miles)
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Checkers (1 miles)

Hospitals

• AdventHealth DeLand (0.8 miles)
• Florida Hospital Deland (0.8 miles)
• AdventHealth Fish Memorial (8.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Chapel (0.8 miles)
• Bible Baptist Church (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co. (1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Rhonda's Kitchen (8.4 miles)

Parks

• Earl Brown Park (1.7 miles)
• Barkley Square Dog Park (2.3 miles)
• Lake Beresford Park (4 miles)
• Hontoon Island State Park (5.5 miles)
• Blue Spring State Park (6.7 miles)
• De Leon Springs State Park (7.4 miles)
• Gateway Park (8.9 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (3.3 miles)