Columbia Colony in Atlanta, GA

Pros

• Columbia Colony Senior Apartments is a great place to live.
• Jada White is truly heaven sent, consistently professional, friendly, and responsive.
• The new management is great and attentive toward the residents.
• The building is cleaned on a regular basis.
• Sheila Washington is an amazing manager.
• The staff are awesome and residents are well cared for.
• Ms. Sheila is very professional and thorough from start to finish.
• Columbia Colony Senior Apartments is a wonderful community for seniors.
• The amenities are more than expected for a senior property.
• The office manager Sheila and her staff are great.
• Columbia Colony has one of the best managers; concerns are addressed quickly.
• Residents feel safe, supported, and at home.

Cons

• The management under Peak Living ownership is poor.
• There is terrible management at this location.
• The property manager, Sheila, curses at residents, raises her voice, and is extremely rude.
• There are roaches throughout the entire complex.
• Rent has been increased by almost 30 percent within the past year, leaving residents struggling to keep up.
• Increases in rent during renewal have been about $100 or more monthly, which is not feasible for a fixed-income population.
• The place is not secure; it isn't safe.
• There has been no response to inquiries.
• There is no recommendation for this location due to poor management.

Review

Columbia Colony Senior Apartments in Atlanta is best suited for seniors who want an active, independent living environment supported by a remarkably hands-on on-site management team. Residents consistently describe a warm, professional culture where the manager - most notably Sheila Washington - treats concerns as a priority and moves quickly to resolve them. The community emphasizes accessibility, daily amenities, and social opportunities, making it a practical choice for families seeking a smooth transition for a parent or relative who values dignity, neighborhood connection, and a strong sense of safety. For fixed-income seniors who still want independence and the chance to build new friendships close to home, this property presents a compelling blend of care and freedom within a well-kept, amenity-rich setting.

However, it is not the right fit for everyone. Those who depend on predictably low costs with minimal year-over-year rent fluctuation may want to look elsewhere, given reports of rent increases and questions about long-term pricing under prior ownership. Prospective residents who require robust security features and consistently functioning controlled access will also want to verify current conditions, as a few reviews flagged broken entry systems. In addition, households with heightened sensitivity to pests or odors should scrutinize pest control history and any recent remediation, since roaches and renovation-related smells have appeared in feedback. Finally, households seeking truly assisted living-level support will likely need a different setting, as this community centers on independent living with responsive but non-medical on-site assistance.

On the plus side, the strongest asset is the management team's responsiveness and personal touch. Multiple voices praise Sheila Washington and the team for accessibility, courtesy, and timely communication - qualities that translate into a lower-stress transition for families and a steadier day-to-day experience for residents. Maintenance is repeatedly cited as reliable, with staff addressing issues promptly and the building regularly appearing clean and well kept. The community also delivers a robust menu of on-site amenities and programming that keeps residents socially engaged and physically active, contributing to a sense of independence rather than confinement. The move-in process is described as smooth and supportive, with staff handling questions clearly and with patience. Taken together, these strengths create a trustworthy environment where seniors can age in place with confidence.

Nevertheless, the most consequential drawbacks are financial and reliability-related. Rent increases have been a recurring theme, occasionally sizable enough to strain fixed incomes, which undermines the low-income appeal of the setting for some families. Security and access concerns surface in reviews, with at least one account calling the access-control system unreliable, and other feedback noting tense exchanges or inconsistent tone from a few managers. Pests and odor issues are hard to ignore for residents who prioritize a pristine, problem-free home. These factors do not erase the positive experiences, but they do temper the overall value proposition and make it essential to verify current conditions before committing. In short, while the staff can be exemplary, financial predictability and consistently solid safety features remain the decisive gaps for a subset of potential residents.

For families evaluating this option, approach as if interviewing a long-term housing partner. Request a current, capped rent schedule and a transparent explanation of any planned increases in the coming year. Tour with questions about security, access-control reliability, and how emergencies are handled after hours. Ask current residents about maintenance response times, and verify the pest control program and any recent remediation work. Review the pet policy and any associated fees, and confirm all amenities are fully operational. Seek concrete examples from the management team of how concerns are escalated and resolved. If possible, speak with both the current manager and several residents to gauge consistency. Based on the feedback, determine whether the management culture aligns with family expectations for care, communication, and accountability.

Ultimately, Columbia Colony is a strong fit for families seeking a lively, well-maintained environment with standout on-site management and a community-oriented atmosphere. Its real strength lies in leadership that makes residents feel heard and supported, which translates into a smoother aging-in-place experience. That said, budget-conscious residents and those requiring near-perfect security and pest control may want to compare alternatives where pricing is more predictable and maintenance systems are less prone to fluctuation. If choosing Columbia Colony, enter with clear expectations about rent trajectory and security assurances, and leverage the exceptional management team to build a reassuring, sustainable living arrangement for a loved one.

This area of Atlanta, Georgia offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and accessibility. With numerous dining options such as Captain D's, Wendy's, Chick-Fil-A, and more within a few miles radius, residents can easily enjoy a meal out without having to travel far. Additionally, there are several medical facilities nearby including Premier South Medical Group and Atlanta Gastroenterology for healthcare needs. Those looking to stay active can visit Trammell Crow Park or Anderson Park for outdoor recreation. Transportation options are also plentiful with bus stops, MARTA station, and rental car centers in close proximity. Places of worship like Bethel United Methodist Church are available for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of Atlanta provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors.

Restaurants

• Captain D's (0.5 miles)
• Wendy's (1.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Zaxby's (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3 miles)

Physicians

• Premier South Medical Group (1.9 miles)
• Atlanta Gastroenterolgy (2 miles)
• Southwest Atlanta Vascular Care (2.1 miles)
• Berkeley Medical & Rehab Center (3.9 miles)
• Arnika Dawkins (4.2 miles)
• Eye Specialists of Georgia (4.6 miles)
• Atlantic Premier Obgyn (5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Wayfield Foods (4.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)

Transportation

• Bus Shed #1 (3.1 miles)
• Bus Shed #3 (3.3 miles)
• MARTA - College Park Station (3.4 miles)
• SkyTrain Station: Rental Car Center (3.5 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (3.5 miles)
• Rental Car Center (3.5 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (3.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bethel United Methodist Church (3.7 miles)
• East Point Church (4.4 miles)

Parks

• Trammell Crow Park (4.7 miles)
• Anderson Park (5.5 miles)
• Stonewell Park (5.8 miles)