Elders Retreat

Pros

• Richard, the maintenance gentleman, is the best part about living here.
• Richard is a joy to have around in the community and has a great heart with a lot to give.
• The best thing about this complex is their Maintenance supervisor Richard; he's professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and does his absolute best to get the job done.
• Mr Richard, director of service and maintenance, is on point with repairs and fixes.
• Richard DiMaggio is appreciated for providing high-quality maintenance service.

Cons

• The pathways are covered in trash and dirt, and the landscaping out front is dismal.
• The property is poorly maintained and the staff and property manager are dishonest.
• Move-out practices are shady, including fees charged that aren't in the lease.
• Dumpsters sit in front of apartments in horrible shape, with trash visible on the grounds behind buildings.
• The walkways are covered in pine needles and dirt, suggesting no one takes care of the property.
• Management is disorganized and inattentive.
• The management lacks transparency with tenants and lease terms, and the property is not recommended for families.

Review

Residents across the Retreat at Savannah paint a complex picture of life here. Taken together, the reviews show a community that many tenants genuinely enjoy for its friendly atmosphere, strong maintenance support, and ongoing renovations, even as various concerns about management, cleanliness, and property upkeep surface from time to time. A thread that runs through the conversations is a clear appreciation for the maintenance team, especially one person who keeps surfacing as the backbone of a positive day-to-day living experience: Richard.

What stands out most consistently is the praise for Richard, the maintenance figure many tenants describe as a true gem. He is repeatedly called responsive, professional, and diligent - someone who goes above and beyond to ensure issues are addressed quickly and correctly. Multiple residents say he's the best maintenance person they've encountered, with several noting that he not only fixes problems but helps tenants navigate them - sometimes suggesting unit transfers to better fit their needs, conducting walk-throughs, and following up until a problem is resolved. The sentiment is nearly universal: Richard makes the living experience better, and several tenants emphasize that his involvement has kept them committed to renewing or extending their stays. Some reviews even describe his leadership in maintenance as the property's greatest asset, with statements like "the best thing about this complex is the maintenance supervisor Richard" and "Richard is on point with any repairs or fixes that need to be done."

Beyond Richard, other staff members receive frequent praise for their conduct and responsiveness. A number of reviewers highlight Latoya, especially at move-in, noting that she handles questions with professionalism and efficiency. Others mention Darren and other office team members who contribute to a friendly and accommodating atmosphere during the application and move-in processes. In many instances, tenants credit these staff members with smoothing the often-stressful transition into a new home, complimenting the courtesy and promptness they experienced during occupancy.

Yet the picture is not one-sided. Several reviews describe ongoing concerns about maintenance of the property's exterior and common areas. Complaints range from walkways covered in pine needles, dirt, and debris to dumpsters being left in front of buildings and in unattractive locations near the dog park. Some tenants feel the grounds and landscaping have fallen short of expectations, calling the overall curb appeal dismal and an eyesore in light of recent renovations elsewhere on the property. A few reviews go further, noting trash accumulation on the grounds and a perceived lack of attention to trash disposal around certain buildings, with suggestions for more disposal cans and better lighting to improve nighttime visibility and safety.

Issues with management practices also surface in the reviews. A recurring theme is frustration with disorganization or perceived opacity in communications, particularly around move-outs and charges. One substantial post documents a legal dispute with move-out charges, describing a situation where cleaning and painting fees were levied after a move-out walkthrough guests could not attend, and the writer claims the charges far exceeded wear-and-tear and were not clearly defined in the lease. That review includes advice to document everything with photos before moving out and notes a court case outcome that favors tenants in similar disputes. The overarching takeaway for these reviewers is a cautionary one: while maintenance staff, especially Richard, may be excellent, tenant experience can be undermined by opaque or aggressive move-out practices and fee structures, which some feel are not aligned with lease terms.

There are also perspectives that acknowledge a more balanced or improving situation. Several tenants describe a safe community with good amenities and renovations that are actively progressing. They acknowledge that the property management team can be "a team to be desired" at times - implying a need for more organization and clearer communication - but still recognize value in the staff's efforts and the property's evolving features. A few reviews note that, while rent prices are climbing, the complex remains comparatively affordable relative to other options, which keeps some residents satisfied despite other shortcomings.

Personal experiences converge on a few memorable themes. For many, Richard's presence is the defining factor of their tenure. When issues arise - air conditioning, thermostat quirks, or other repairs - responses are swift, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours, turning potential inconveniences into manageable fixes. Several long-term residents reflect nostalgically on their time there, with one leaving partly "sad to go mainly because of Richard," underscoring how a single employee's dedication can shape a whole living experience. Meanwhile, newer tenants echo the optimism of a smooth transition into the community, praising how staff like Latoya and Richard facilitated early days in their new homes and expressing plans to remain in place for a while because of these positive interactions.

In sum, Retreat at Savannah emerges as a place of strong, consistent maintenance support - anchored by Richard's exemplary service - and a generally friendly, responsive office presence. The most persistent challenges concern the external presentation of the property, ongoing cleanliness and trash management, and some contentious management practices surrounding move-out charges. For prospective renters, the message is nuanced: expect a supportive maintenance crew and a staff that can be very helpful during onboarding, but also be mindful of potential tensions surrounding certain policies and the condition of outdoor spaces. Those who value reliable, proactive maintenance - and who come prepared to navigate the nuances of lease terms and move-out charges - may find Retreat at Savannah a solid, even rewarding place to call home.

This part of Savannah, Georgia, offers a convenient and well-equipped location for senior living. With a variety of restaurants nearby, such as Sisters of the New South and Cotton & Rye, residents have easy access to dining options. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in close proximity, including CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, ensuring easy access to medications and healthcare supplies. For medical needs, there are hospitals like Memorial Health University Medical Center and specialized clinics such as Georgia Eye Institute. The area also boasts beautiful parks like Daffin Park and Ardsley Park - Hedman Park for leisurely walks or picnics. Places of worship like Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church provide spiritual support, while transportation options like the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport make traveling convenient for visiting family members. Overall, this part of Savannah offers a well-rounded and convenient environment for seniors considering relocation.

Restaurants

• Sisters of the New South (0.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.7 miles)
• Krystal (0.9 miles)
• Coach's Corner (1 miles)
• Hop Atomica (1.8 miles)
• Tacos + Tequila (2 miles)
• Cotton & Rye (2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Sentient Bean (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Savannah Coffee Roasters (2.6 miles)
• The Coffee Fox (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Medical Center Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Compounding Solutions of Savannah (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Dva Renal Healthcare (0.8 miles)
• Memorial Health University Medical Center Answerone/Nurseone/Switchboard (2 miles)
• Memorial Heart and Vascular (2 miles)
• Memorial Neuro ICU (2.1 miles)
• Memorial University Medical Center - Pediatric ICU (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Daffin Park (1.2 miles)
• Ardsley Park - Hedman Park (1.7 miles)
• Washington Square (2.4 miles)
• Oglethorpe Square (2.4 miles)
• Wells Park (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church (1.3 miles)
• Cathedral of St John the Baptist (2.3 miles)
• Johnson Square (2.5 miles)

Physicians

• Georgia Eye Institute (1.9 miles)
• The Center for Digestive & Liver Health and The Endoscopy Center (2 miles)
• Nephrology Hypertension Medical Associates (2 miles)
• Atlantic Radiology Associates (2 miles)
• Savannah Center For Respiratory and Criticl Cre Mdcne (2 miles)
• Pediatric Associates of Savannah (2.1 miles)
• Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at MUMC (2.1 miles)

Transportation

• Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) (2.4 miles)