Deering Pavilion

Pros

• Sister Carol is an amazing and very helpful person.
• The maintenance is great.
• David is awesome.
• Tom is great on his good days.
• The staff handles things the best they can.
• It is highly recommended.
• It is a beautiful place.
• The people are wonderful.
• The views are beautiful.
• The atmosphere is relaxing and engaging.
• People are sweet and like one big family.
• Great meals are a plus.

Cons

• The building is old fashioned.
• The studio apartments have very little counter space and cupboards.
• Most of the views are just trees.
• One must be on high floors to see much of anything else.
• The laundry room serves over 200 units and is very small with very few washers and dryers.
• The staff are cliquey and not very friendly, favoring their favorite people.
• Bed bugs are a problem in the building; they are everywhere, including hallways and vents, and management is not proactive about eliminating them.
• The entrance smelled like feces.
• The building has many noisy seniors who feel the need to know everyone's business.
• The mechanism for dealing with social dynamics is lacking due to inexperience with management, and gossip is rampant.

Review

This senior living community has a distinct, old-fashioned vibe that shows in its layout and everyday rhythms. From the outset, residents note that the units themselves offer surprisingly little counter space and few cupboards, which can make cooking and organization a challenge. The views are largely of trees, and many people feel you have to climb to the higher floors to catch glimpses of anything beyond the treetops. The laundry facilities don't help much with that sentiment: for a property with over 200 apartments, the laundry room is described as small and undersized, with a limited number of washers and dryers that can leave residents circling for a while to get their chores done. And while the aesthetic may be quiet and residential, there is a recurring sense that some management issues color daily life, including concerns about the building's pest control, with at least one resident noting bed bugs and a perceived lack of proactive measures to address them.

Despite these flaws, the community also carries a strong sense of belonging and personal connection. One resident who lived there for more than three years recalls feeling a genuine sense of community, missing friends and even naming individuals who made a positive impact - like Sister Carol, who is described as an amazing, very helpful presence. The maintenance team is repeatedly praised for reliability and effectiveness, with names like David and Tom surfacing as standout staff members who contribute positively to daily life. Even in a mixed environment, many residents feel that the staff do their best to manage the day-to-day realities and that the human element of care and service remains a bright spot in the overall experience.

The complex's ownership and administrative framework also crops up in the reviews, presenting a somewhat confusing picture. Some residents reference ownership by the Archdiocese of Portland, while others mention Portland Housing Authority, suggesting a lack of consistent messaging about governance. This ambiguity can mirror the mixed experiences residents describe: on some days, the community feels cohesive and well-supported; on others, questions about management and policy dynamics affect how people navigate social interactions and access resources.

A thread of appreciation runs through many testimonies, even amid criticisms. Several residents describe the property as a beautiful place, with one noting the exterior as particularly nice and inviting. Inside, there are fond memories of the social environment: people are described as sweet and friendly, with claims that the community behaves like "one big family." There are appreciative comments about the meals and dining experiences - great meals are a recurring plus - and the convenience of on-site amenities such as in-house laundry and a nearby grocery or food store. Some residents emphasize the value of a landscape that is well-kept and pleasing to the eye, reinforcing the sense that the location and grounds contribute positively to daily life.

Another cluster of reviews highlights the quieter, more peaceful aspects of living there. Several residents praise the staff for being friendly, caring, and attentive, and they commend the location for its accessibility. The facility is repeatedly described as clean and well-maintained, with particular appreciation for the landscaping, the overall atmosphere, and the opportunities to socialize in a safe, relaxed setting. In these voices, the building feels like a good fit for elderly residents who want a comfortable home where the social fabric is strong, and where maintenance and basic services operate smoothly.

A final perspective centers on the social dynamics and practical realities of life in a multi-unit senior living environment. Reviewers note that the environment can be lively and perhaps a bit too nosy for some, with elders who like to know everyone's business creating a bustling social ecosystem. The same voices also caution about the need to stay mindful of gossip and to maintain a low profile in order to navigate interpersonal currents more easily. Yet even here, the consensus is that the community spirit, the dependable maintenance crew, and the practical conveniences - like reliable meals, on-site laundry, and a convenient store - help balance the challenges. The overall sentiment seems to be that the building is a solid choice for those who value a strong sense of community, dependable staff, and a convenient, welcoming living space that supports an independent, social lifestyle in retirement.

This part of Portland, Maine offers a range of conveniences and amenities that may appeal to someone considering senior living. There are several cafes and restaurants within a short distance, providing options for dining out or grabbing a coffee with friends. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies and medical facilities nearby, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. The area is also near several parks, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For transportation needs, the Portland Transportation Center is within reach. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of services and attractions that could contribute to a comfortable and convenient living experience for seniors.

Cafes

• Coveside Coffee (0.5 miles)
• The Holy Donut (1.7 miles)
• Tandem Coffee Roasters - Cafe & Roastery (1.9 miles)
• Bintliff's American Cafe (1.9 miles)
• Tandem Coffee + Bakery (2 miles)
• Yordprom Coffee Shop (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Woodford F & B (0.6 miles)
• Rising Tide Brewing Company (1.8 miles)
• Bubba's Sulky Lounge (1.9 miles)
• Portland Zoo (1.9 miles)
• Root Wild Kombucha (2 miles)
• Burger King (2 miles)
• The Shop By Island Creek Oyster (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Rosemont Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Cvs North Portland (1.7 miles)
• Apothecary By Design (1.8 miles)

Physicians

• Maine Medical Partners Otolaryngology - Portland Office (0.8 miles)
• Chest Medicine Associates (0.8 miles)
• Eyecare Today (1 miles)
• Giles Eye Care (1.1 miles)
• Access Wellness (1.1 miles)
• Medical Laser Services (1.3 miles)
• Mkm Ent Associates at Mercy (1.4 miles)

Hospitals

• HealthSouth (0.8 miles)
• Maine Medical Center-Brighton Campus (0.8 miles)
• The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (1.9 miles)
• Maine Medical Center - Chaplain's Office (1.9 miles)
• Mercy Hospital (2.1 miles)
• Portland Public Health Division (2.1 miles)
• Mercy Hospital Infusion Unit (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Deering Oaks Park (1.7 miles)
• Congress Square Park (2.1 miles)
• Lincoln Park (2.2 miles)
• Western Promenade Park (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• Portland Transportation Center (1.7 miles)
• Northeast Air (2.2 miles)
• PWM Baggage Claim (2.3 miles)

Theaters

• Patriot Cinemas (2.2 miles)