Hillyer House

Pros

• The staff are top-notch and professional.
• The maintenance crew is fantastic.
• The facility is clean and well run.
• Employees and residents are very helpful and friendly.
• The community is wonderful with great shops and restaurants nearby.
• The atmosphere is quiet and filled with nice people.

Cons

• The management is described as completely unprofessional and unresponsive regarding paperwork and interviews, forcing residents to visit in person to obtain information.
• The front desk security is described as rude, unempathetic, and disrespectful toward guests and long-time residents.
• The security guard reportedly threatened to tow the vehicle and to "write up" the guest, even after being told they were unloading and would move immediately.
• The guard publicly demeaned the elderly mother-in-law, displaying a high level of disrespect toward a senior resident.
• There are inconsistencies in enforcement, with other cars in similar spots lacking visible permits and the guard's own car parked in a no-parking area.
• The gate system is nonfunctional after hours, preventing both entry and exit and leaving residents unable to move around the property.
• Management is described as the worst in ten years - described as incompetent and failing to address ongoing problems like rodents, bugs, water leaks, and possible mold, with residents told to leave issues alone.
• The reviewer would choose other senior and disability low-income housing in the area over this property.

Review

Residents of this Jacksonville senior and disability low-income housing complex describe a place of real contrasts. On one hand, there are old-fashioned strengths that come from a tight-knit community: well-kept grounds, a walking garden, a gazebo, a mini-mart with basic groceries, and a maintenance crew that many residents praise as diligent and capable. There are stories of friendly neighbors, helpful support from some staff, and a sense that when things run smoothly, the property can feel like a true home for people who need stability and care. A few residents, in particular, celebrate the landscaping, the clean, orderly appearance of common areas, and the presence of shops and activities that make daily life more livable.

Yet beneath that positive veneer lies a recurring set of frustrations that many residents feel compelled to voice. The experience of trying to navigate the paperwork and move-in process is a common source of irritation. Reviewers repeatedly describe the process as unprofessional and opaque, with little follow-up on required paperwork or interviews. The sentiment is that prospective residents must themselves drive to the property repeatedly just to obtain the information they need to move forward, creating delay and unnecessary stress. In several accounts, people say they would choose other options in the area rather than endure the current administrative hurdles here.

The security and customer-service interactions at the front desk are another flashpoint that colors the overall impression. One incident stands out: upon arrival, a visitor parks briefly to unload belongings and asks about overnight parking, only to be met with firm, dismissive language from a security guard. When the visitor's retired mother-in-law - herself a resident in her 70s - wades in to explain that she had previously discussed the issue with staff, the guard allegedly doubles down, cuts her off, and terrorizes the situation by threatening to tow the car and write up the guest. The exchange, witnessed by a resident and another guest, left the floor in tension and raised questions about basic courtesy and professional conduct. The guard's insistence on calling it in, despite explanations that the unloading would be brief, and the claim that the situation was "nice until your mom spoke up" only amplify concerns about respect, de-escalation, and consistency in enforcement. The observation that several cars in similar spots appeared to operate without visible permits, and that the guard's own vehicle was parked in a no-parking area with no tags, adds a disturbing impression of inconsistent rules and potential favoritism.

There is also a sense among some residents that infrastructure and access controls are imperfect and poorly maintained. Reports describe a situation where, after gates are closed, exiting the property becomes a problem due to the absence of remote controls to open gates, and entering the property can be hindered by the same type of error. This ongoing frustration with access mechanisms feels less like a minor inconvenience and more like a structural issue that impedes daily life and mobility, particularly for seniors and residents with disabilities who rely on predictable access.

Within this gamut of experiences, other residents offer more emphatically positive renditions of life there. A number of voices celebrate staff as top-tier, the cleanliness of the facility, and a sense that the property is well-run when things are functioning smoothly. Some residents describe conversations and support that highlight a dedicated and diligent staff, "meticulous" upkeep, and a thriving social scene - activities, fellowships, rides to markets, and a yearly flea market for residents. There are remarks about friendly, helpful neighbors and overall "great residents," which contribute to an atmosphere of community and shared purpose that many residents value deeply.

Still, there are deeply concerning reports that cast a long shadow over the positive notes. Several reviews describe a noticeable decline since management changes roughly a year ago, with complaints about pests and substandard living conditions rising as a result. Residents recount mice around the exterior, clusters of German cockroaches in some units, and water leaks that could lead to mold. They describe being told to "leave them alone" when reporting the pests, and note that these issues have been brought to the Jacksonville Housing Authority for further review. The sense across these reviews is that management responsiveness has waned, and that problems once addressed promptly now linger, undermining both comfort and safety.

In sum, the property presents a complex image: a community that can feel welcoming, well-kept, and resourceful, punctuated by moments of exemplary service and genuine neighborliness. At the same time, persistent administrative delays, inconsistent security practices, gate and access challenges, and escalating maintenance and pest concerns create a disjointed experience that leaves some residents deeply disappointed. For some, the decision is clear: they'd prefer to seek alternative housing options in the area that might offer more reliable processes, better security conduct, and quicker responses to maintenance needs. For others, the core community and the ongoing care from a dedicated maintenance team remain compelling reasons to stay, even as they push for reforms and stronger accountability from management and security leadership.

This part of Jacksonville, Florida offers a convenient location with a variety of amenities within close proximity. There are several dining options nearby such as El Jefe, Biscottis, and Kaika Teppanyaki Asian Fusion for a diverse selection of cuisines. Places of worship like Riverside United Church of Christ and West Jacksonville Baptist Church provide spiritual support for residents. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are readily accessible for medication needs. Parks like Adams Park and Riverfront Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, there are several healthcare facilities in the area including Florida Retina Institute and Ascension St Vincent's Riverside for medical care. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with its range of amenities and services available.

Restaurants

• El Jefe (0.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (1 miles)
• Biscottis (1.1 miles)
• Nacho Taco (1.6 miles)
• Kaika Teppanyaki Asian Fusion (2 miles)
• Wendy's (2 miles)
• Mossfire Grill (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Riverside United Church of Christ (0.9 miles)
• West Jacksonville Baptist Church (1.8 miles)
• Allen Chapel Ame Church (2.5 miles)
• Westside Family Worship Center (7.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (3 miles)

Parks

• Adams Park (1.1 miles)
• Cortez Park (2.7 miles)
• Riverfront Park (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• European Street Cafe (1.2 miles)
• Casbah Cafe (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2 miles)
• Metro Diner (2.2 miles)
• European Street Cafe (3.2 miles)
• Southern Grounds (3.9 miles)

Physicians

• Florida Retina Institute (1.3 miles)
• Jacksonville Pediatrics (1.4 miles)
• Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (1.4 miles)
• Akumin (1.4 miles)
• Hortencia Espino, MD (1.6 miles)
• Carithers Pediatric Group (1.8 miles)
• First Coast Primary Care (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Ascension St Vincent's Riverside (1.5 miles)
• Childrens Medical Services (3.5 miles)
• UF Health Jacksonville Towers (3.9 miles)
• UF Health of Jacksonville (4 miles)
• Baptist Primary Care (6.8 miles)
• Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital (6.9 miles)