Crane Creek Senior Apartments

Pros

• The accommodations are good with several activities and a friendly atmosphere.
• Cindy Lou is praised for her knowledge on senior living and clear, personable communication that creates a caring community atmosphere.
• Crane Creek is described by reviewers as great.
• The management team is friendly and efficient, and residents feel very safe in a convenient location.
• The residents are described as friendly and caring, and maintenance staff is quick to resolve issues.
• The facility is clean, friendly, and safe, with amenities such as a heated pool and jacuzzi and 24-hour security.

Cons

• The hall carpets are filthy, stained, and emit an odor, giving visitors a bad impression.
• The rent is reportedly charged at 60% instead of the HUD-recommended 33% for the resident's income.
• The unit is not a true penthouse; an air conditioning unit protrudes into the living space, leaving little room for dining.
• The living room lacked a ceiling light, forcing the resident to buy one.
• The kitchen floor is horrible - yellowed, scuffed, and cracked - detracting from the overall space.
• There is a bedbug problem that is not treated properly.
• The common areas are filthy and the pool is not cleaned properly; maintenance is reactive.
• Management is accused of misleading or lying, with no response from corporate; some call the place a scam.
• A reviewer advised others not to move in.

Review

Crane Creek Senior Apartments in Melbourne, Florida draws a wide range of resident experiences, from praise for its location, amenities, and staff to pointed criticisms about maintenance, management decisions, and some persistent problems in the facilities. Many tenants describe a generally friendly, active community that offers social programs and convenient access to downtown Melbourne, while others warn prospective renters about inconsistencies in upkeep, rent classifications, and communication with corporate management. Taken together, the reviews paint a complex portrait of a property that delivers in some areas but struggles in others.

On the positive side, several residents highlight strong points that make Crane Creek appealing for seniors. The location is repeatedly praised as convenient and safe, with neighbors described as friendly and the overall atmosphere as welcoming. Residents repeatedly mention a robust on-site activity calendar and built-in conveniences: a large lobby, weekly social events, meals at lunchtime, bingo and puzzle rooms, a library on each floor, and even amenities like a beauty shop and game rooms. The building features an elevator and floor-by-floor common spaces that contribute to a social, engaged living environment. A number of tenants emphasize that the management and maintenance teams are approachable and responsive, noting that issues are addressed in a timely manner and that maintenance staff aim to resolve problems promptly. One resident specifically praised the front-office contact, "Cindy Lou," for her knowledge about senior living and the resources she could connect them with, describing her communication as clear and reassuring and noting that her manner built a caring community atmosphere.

Other residents appreciate the physical space and ongoing improvements. Some identify opportunities for better interior finishes as ongoing projects but acknowledge improvements already underway, such as linoleum replacement in kitchens and bathrooms and other renovations that help reduce the dated feel of the units. A resident who is grateful for these updates also notes personal positives like the abundance of windows - specifically "three windows to look out of" - which helps brighten the living space and contribute to a pleasant view and sense of openness. Even where layouts are compact, there is appreciation for the sense of safety, easy access to services, and the ability to stay in a community where neighbors look out for one another.

Not all feedback is uniformly positive, however. Several residents raise serious concerns about rent classifications and how those classifications are applied. A common complaint centers on the perceived mismatch between the documented HUD chart for Brevard County and the rent being charged. One tenant states that their rent should be at the 33% rate based on income, but they are billed at the 60% rate, with some suggesting that the higher rate is tied to the building being treated as a "penthouse" or similar premium designation. The rant is underscored by a detailed description of the unit's layout - a kitchen with a protruding air-conditioning unit and a high counter that makes dining and everyday living feel cramped - describing a sense that the apartment is not in line with the luxury or status such a label would imply. This resident also notes practical inconveniences like the lack of a dining space and the necessity of buying a separate ceiling light because there was none in the living room.

Other reviews reflect mixed-to-poor experiences with maintenance and cleanliness. There are complaints about hall carpets that are "filthy," with some residents calling for shampooing or more frequent cleaning. A few descriptions are particularly vivid about larger-scale issues: reports of bedbugs, mold in a neighbor's rug, and an overall sense that the common areas and pool do not receive consistent upkeep. One reviewer even warns potential renters away, alleging misrepresentation by the landlord and lack of responsiveness from corporate management after contacting them about problems. While some residents insist that the pool is a highlight, others allege it is not cleaned properly, which underscores a broader inconsistency in property maintenance and management oversight.

The tension surrounding management changes and corporate communication further colors the overall impression. A set of reviews cautions prospective tenants about new management and claims of being misled during the application process, with explicit calls to contact upper-management for clarification. These accounts describe long waits for responses or a perception that corporate offices are unresponsive to concerns raised by seniors and their families. In contrast, other residents emphasize the accessibility and helpfulness of on-site staff and the reassurance of living in a community with a robust activity schedule and a visible commitment to resident welfare.

Ultimately, Crane Creek Senior Apartments presents a nuanced reality. It offers a vibrant, social senior living environment with substantial on-site amenities and a supportive local staff that many residents credit for their positive day-to-day experiences. Yet it also faces persistent challenges around pest control, mold, cleanliness of common areas, and transparency regarding rent classifications and corporate communication. Prospective tenants and current residents alike might benefit from a careful, up-front discussion about rent rates in relation to HUD guidelines, a clear maintenance and housekeeping plan for common areas, and a review of management practices to ensure consistent, reliable responses to concerns. For some, the result is a comfortable, enjoyable home with plenty of opportunities to stay connected and engaged; for others, it's a reminder to seek clarity and assurance about the quality and management of the place they call home.

This part of Melbourne, Florida offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies located within a short distance, accessing medication and healthcare services is easy. There are also multiple physicians' offices nearby, providing a variety of medical specialties for seniors to choose from. The area boasts a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, offering plenty of dining options for seniors looking to enjoy a meal out. Additionally, there are hospitals and places of worship in close proximity, ensuring that healthcare needs and spiritual support are readily available. The presence of Melbourne International Airport provides convenient travel options for seniors who may want to visit family or take a trip. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded mix of amenities and services that can cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Browning's Pharmacy & Health Care (0.8 miles)
• Night Owl Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Physicians

• Harbor City Medical Imaging (0.4 miles)
• Advanced Pain and Neuromuscular Consultants of Brevard (0.4 miles)
• Health First Bright Star Center (0.4 miles)
• Digestive and Liver Center of Melbourne (0.7 miles)
• Arthritis and Joint Center (0.7 miles)
• Neurology Institute of Melbourne (0.7 miles)
• Benezra Womens Care (0.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Mustard's Last Stand (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Subway (0.7 miles)
• Gyros & More 2 (0.8 miles)
• Matt's Casbah (0.8 miles)
• Meg O’Malley's Restaurant & Irish Pub (0.9 miles)
• Off The Traxx (1 miles)

Cafes

• Panther Dining Hall (0.8 miles)
• 905 Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Holmes Regional Medical Center (1 miles)
• Heart Center At Holmes Regional Medical Center (1.1 miles)
• Kindred Hospital Melbourne (1.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Society of Brevard County (1.3 miles)

Transportation

• Melbourne International Airport (MLB) (1.5 miles)
• Apex Executive Jet Center (2.2 miles)
• Hertz Car Rental - Melbourne - Harbor City HLE (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Sunset Park (2.9 miles)
• Orlando Park (3 miles)