Harold G Loring House in Portland, ME

Pros

• The place is a great place to live; it is very well managed and maintained, with a good group of people living there.
• Loring House is a nice quiet historical building in the heart of Portland.
• Beautiful flowers are planted by residents and staff.
• The staff are the best ever.
• The manager, the resident coordinator, and maintenance are the most helpful crew.
• The property has improved tremendously.
• The community is a great place for people with disabilities who may need assistance.
• It seems like a nice place.
• The housing is affordable and nicely done.
• It is a lovely place.
• The place is safe.
• The property is wonderful and peaceful.

Cons

• Drugs were bought, sold, and consumed on the property, and management did nothing.
• The apartment floor was very uneven, causing the reviewer's mother to fall and later require a nursing home.
• The management that had called the cops on the reviewer tried to evict the reviewer's mother for allegations that never happened.
• Victimizing an injured senior is not right.
• The reviewer warns seniors away, stating it is not safe and they should avoid the property.
• The landlord is described as a slumlord.
• The property is infested with drugs.

Review

Harold G Loring House is best suited for independent seniors who want affordable, low-friction housing in the heart of Portland, with a quiet, historic ambience and a dependable on-site team. Residents describe it as well managed and well maintained, with a supportive staff that makes everyday life smoother. The building's central location adds practical value for those who want walkable access to services, and the grounds - flowers planted by residents and staff - signal a community that takes pride in its space. For people who prize stability, routine, and a straightforward leasing experience, this property delivers a pragmatic, cost-conscious option that keeps housing expenses predictable without sacrificing a sense of place.

Who should consider alternatives? Families and seniors who require robust safety oversight or daily on-site care will want to look elsewhere. Several reviewers raise red flags about safety and governance: reports of drug activity on the property and claims that management did not intervene promptly; accounts of an uneven floor that contributed to a fall and a nursing-home placement; and pointed criticisms about landlord legitimacy. While these are individual experiences, they create a pattern that can be intolerable for those living with mobility challenges or who rely on proactive supervision. In short, the strengths are real, but serious concerns about safety and maintenance push some toward other options that offer greater assurance and more consistent enforcement.

On the plus side, the strongest asset is the people. Long-tenured staff and managers earn high marks for attentiveness, problem-solving, and daily reliability. Praise goes to the current team - names cited by residents suggest a stable, caring culture that has driven visible improvements in the property over time. A sense of community is cultivated through resident involvement in the grounds and ongoing upgrades, contributing to a quieter, more pleasant living experience. Affordability isn't incidental here, and the option to inhabit a historic building with a cooperative feel can be a compelling fit for seniors who value dignity, routine, and a straightforward leasing arrangement over glossy, newer facilities.

Yet the cons carry real weight. The drug-related concerns, even when disputed by some, create a perception of risk that is hard to ignore for many families. Maintenance issues such as an uneven floor and the possibility of eviction pressure underscore an expectation gap between residents' needs and what is consistently delivered. The mix of praise and sharp criticism translates into a practical reality: the quality of life hinges on how effectively the management averts trouble and maintains safety, something that appears to be uneven across experiences. When these negatives surface alongside positive staff performance, families must decide whether the peace of a quiet building outweighs the potential for disruptive incidents and questionable enforcement.

From a decision-making standpoint, prospective renters should verify several specifics before committing. Schedule a thorough tour and talk directly with the management team about safety protocols, maintenance response times, and the availability of on-site assistance. Inspect units for trip hazards and evaluate flooring conditions; ask about accessibility features, lighting, grab bars, and emergency call capabilities. Clarify what level of care is included or allowed, and whether services beyond simple housing - such as assisted living supports or memory care - are accessible on-site or nearby. Given the history of safety concerns in some accounts, request recent safety metrics and observe how the staff addresses issues in real time. This due diligence will separate a confident fit from a disappointing misalignment.

Bottom line: Harold G Loring House can be a pragmatic, value-driven choice for seniors seeking affordable, stable housing with a dependable staff and a respectful community in central Portland. It shines for independence-minded residents who don't require full-time care but want a trusted team nearby and a calm, well-kept environment. However, the more troubling reviews about safety lapses and enforcement suggest that alternatives should be explored for anyone who prioritizes aggressive protection, immediate conflict resolution, or higher levels of daily support. Weigh the importance of a peaceful atmosphere and lower cost against the potential for safety concerns; visit, observe, and decide based on direct experiences in the community today, rather than past impressions alone.

Pharmacies

• Shaw's Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Rosemont Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Hannaford Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (0.4 miles)
• Firehouse Subs (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Mr Bagel-Westbrook (1.6 miles)
• Allagash Brewing Company (1.8 miles)
• Woodford F & B (2 miles)
• Bakers Bench (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Scott P Williams MD (1.3 miles)
• Maine Orthopaedic Center Pa (1.5 miles)
• Maine Medical Partners Otolaryngology - Portland Office (1.7 miles)
• Mercy Express Care (1.8 miles)
• Chest Medicine Associates (1.8 miles)
• Miracle-Ear Center (1.9 miles)
• Medical Laser Services (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Roots Cafe (1.5 miles)
• Coveside Coffee (2.1 miles)
• The Holy Donut (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Tandem Coffee + Bakery (3.2 miles)
• Yordprom Coffee Shop (3.2 miles)
• Bintliff's American Cafe (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Hospital (1.8 miles)
• HealthSouth (1.8 miles)
• Maine Medical Center-Brighton Campus (1.8 miles)
• Mercy Hospital (2.9 miles)
• The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (2.9 miles)
• Maine Medical Center - Chaplain's Office (3 miles)
• Mercy Hospital Infusion Unit (3.5 miles)

Transportation

• Northeast Air (2.1 miles)
• Portland International Jetport (PWM) (2.2 miles)
• PWM Baggage Claim (2.2 miles)
• Portland Transportation Center (2.3 miles)

Parks

• Deering Oaks Park (3 miles)
• Western Promenade Park (3.2 miles)
• Thompsons Point (3.3 miles)
• Congress Square Park (3.5 miles)

Theaters

• Prides Corner Drive-In (3.2 miles)