Forest Springs Retirement Residence in North Lauderdale, FL

Pros

• The staff are caring and go above and beyond for residents.
• The facility is beautiful with well-kept grounds and a lake setting.
• The community offers a wide range of activities and strong social interactions.
• Rick Drew is described as kind, empathetic, and readily available to assist.
• Denise Higgins is professional, kind, and takes extra steps to help, even on weekends.
• The dining options are excellent with plenty of choices.
• The apartments are spacious, well-appointed, and comfortable.
• Families feel welcomed and reassured by the warm, attentive administration.

Cons

• The staff are rude and unprofessional, and management seems to prioritize money over resident well-being.
• The facility is run-down, with elevators frequently out of order and the business office unresponsive.
• Bed bugs have been an issue and are allegedly ignored by the administration.
• There is severe understaffing—one aide covers two entire floors for assisted living, leaving residents inadequately cared for.
• Residents are treated as cash cows, not individuals needing care.
• Prices keep increasing while services decline, with frequent rent hikes and disappearing amenities.
• Front-desk and management reportedly do not return calls or address concerns, showing poor communication.
• The building is dirty and moldy, with mildew and pests affecting the living environment.

Review

Pacifica Forest Trace in North Lauderdale is best suited for active seniors who want a resort-like retirement experience with abundant programming, scenic grounds, and a welcoming, social culture. The property offers expansive grounds with a lake, walking paths, a pool, and outdoor spaces that invite daily strolls and casual gatherings. Apartments are spacious, often with full kitchens and in-unit laundry, supporting independent living while preserving autonomy. The dining program and a broad calendar of activities, from fitness and lectures to religious services, create a lively, engaging environment. For families seeking a warm, community-focused atmosphere and staff who actively help with move-ins and ongoing communication, this community stands out.

Those who should consider alternatives are families prioritizing rock-solid consistency and predictable operations. Several reviews flag management turnover, accessibility of administrative staff, and mixed responsiveness to family inquiries. Concerns about daily care on some floors, such as understaffing and gaps in assistance, integrate with reports of occasional maintenance lapses and equipment failures. Additional red flags point to pest issues, uneven upkeep, and controversial billing practices reported after a resident’s death or during estate settlements. For families that demand unwavering reliability, transparent governance, and minimal administrative friction, it’s prudent to evaluate other options in the area.

On balance, the strongest positives are hard to overlook. The setting is repeatedly described as beautiful and tranquil, with grounds that foster outdoor activity and social connection. The dining program earns frequent praise for quality and variety, and the activity calendar keeps residents engaged, with ample opportunities to participate in community events, religious services, and group outings. Front-line staff, nurses, aides, and maintenance, are often cited as caring and responsive, and several reviews highlight leadership that remains visibly involved. Move-ins commonly go smoothly when a proactive team, especially the sales and transition coordinators, handles logistics and family communication.

However, the concern chorus centers on consistency and day-to-day reliability. Reports of limited staff on certain shifts, delays in response to call lights, and administrative communication gaps cannot be ignored. Maintenance issues, elevators, climate control, internet, and periodic pest events undermine confidence in ongoing operations. Financial practices also draw scrutiny, with some families describing aggressive rent increases coupled with post-death billing or complex notice requirements. While many individual staff members are praised, a recurring theme is that overall experience hinges on management’s ability to keep systems tight and communications clear.

For decision-making, tours should be treated as diagnostic rather than decorative. Ask about current staffing ratios per shift, average response times for aides, and opportunities to speak with front-line caregivers and current residents about daily routines. Clarify what is included in the base rent and what incurs extras, especially dining and guest fees, along with any memory care services and medical coordination. Request copies of recent maintenance logs and safety checks, and verify the reliability of essentials like elevators, wifi, and cable. Finally, press for a candid discussion with the executive leadership about complaint resolution and how concerns are addressed in real time.

In the end, Pacifica Forest Trace offers a compelling value for families prioritizing an upscale, community-rich, activity-forward setting. The grounds, dining variety, and robust programming establish a strong baseline for a vibrant senior life, and many residents and families speak highly of dedicated staff who foster genuine connection. The caveats, staffing consistency, maintenance reliability, and financial transparency, are real and must be vetted through thorough tours and conversations. For families willing to perform due diligence and compare options, this community is worth serious consideration, especially when a move centers on a desirable social ecosystem and a hands-on, attentive leadership team.

This part of North Lauderdale, Florida, offers convenient access to a variety of amenities and services. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby, residents can easily access their medication needs. There are also several dining options ranging from casual fast food chains like McDonald's to sit-down restaurants like Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant. For medical care, there are hospitals like University Hospital And Medical Center and clinics like UM/Sylvester Clinics At Plantation in close proximity, along with various physicians' offices specializing in dermatology, endovascular care, and more. The area also features several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation, as well as cafes like Starbucks for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Transportation is easily accessible through Cypress Creek Station for those looking to explore the surrounding area. Additionally, there are places of worship like Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and entertainment options such as AMC DINE-IN Coral Ridge 1 theater for cultural experiences. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living with a range of amenities within a short distance.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Jesse's Xtreme Sports Bar (1.8 miles)
• Big Bear Brewing Co. (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (3.9 miles)
• Circus Bar (3.9 miles)
• Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant (5 miles)
• McDonald's (6 miles)

Hospitals

• University Hospital And Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• UM/Sylvester Clinics At Plantation (8.2 miles)

Physicians

• Skin Institute (2.4 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants of South Florida (3.4 miles)
• Florida Endovascular A (5.1 miles)
• Care Resource (6 miles)
• Pom MRI and Imaging Center (6.1 miles)
• Eye Centers Of South Florida (6.2 miles)
• Midland Medical Center (7.2 miles)

Parks

• Firefighters Park (2.4 miles)
• Terramar Park (4.2 miles)
• Royal Palm Park (4.9 miles)
• Central Broward Regional Park (6.1 miles)
• Deicke Park (7.1 miles)
• Pine Trails Park (7.2 miles)
• Holiday Park (8.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (7.7 miles)
• Starbucks (8.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.1 miles)

Transportation

• Cypress Creek Station (5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (7.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Coral Ridge 1 (7.9 miles)