Harford Senior Housing Inc

Pros

• The maintenance crew gets the job done.
• The staff is great, the apartments are nice, and the location is good.
• The building is clean and well kept.
• There are many activities and resources to connect residents to outside activities.
• The layout allows continued exercise during winter months.
• The area is serene and green, with wildlife.
• The facility is awesome, very clean and well managed.
• It is a great option for seniors.

Cons

• The manager is very nasty, treats residents poorly, and lies through her teeth.
• The secondhand smoke is pervasive and dangerous, described as reminiscent of the 1980s airline smoking sections.
• The common areas have not been updated for decades, and the facility is aging.
• The building is old and there is a belief that the Department of Aging does not care about maintaining it.
• Parking is limited.
• The beauty shop closed before the pandemic and has never reopened.
• Residents regret that kitchens are not larger and balconies are not available.
• There is criticism that the department prioritizes new construction over maintaining the current building.

Review

Harford Senior Housing presents itself as a place with character, where an older building offers a chance to create a comfy, personal space. Residents describe a property that isn't brand-new, but which can be "made your own" with a little patience and a willingness to overlook some cosmetic updates. The layout and overall feel hint at a long-standing community that has endured and evolved, with neighbors who treat the building like a shared home rather than a sterile apartment complex. For those who value a quiet, settled environment, this setting can feel welcoming and familiar, especially for people who enjoy turning a simple space into something cozy and lived-in.

One of the strongest positives cited is the maintenance team. Reviewers consistently praise the crew for efficiency and reliability, noting that they "get the job done" without delay and that there's not much procrastination when something needs fixing. In parallel, the staff at the front office is generally regarded as helpful, responsive, and attentive. Yet, there is a clear split in opinions about management. Some residents report very favorable interactions with the team, while others describe the manager in harsh terms - calling her nasty, unprofessional, and prone to untruthful conduct. This range of experiences underscores the reality that interpersonal dynamics can color the daily experience at the property as much as the physical surroundings.

The building's age is a recurring theme in reviews. Several residents acknowledge that common areas could use updating and that the current maintenance and oversight feel dated, with at least one voice suggesting that aging services departments have not kept pace with the needs of the grounds and amenities. A sentiment you'll see echoed is that the physical plant is old and could benefit from modernization after years of use. There are also strong cautions about environmental conditions, including a complaint about second-hand smoke and even oxygen tanks, described by one reviewer as reminiscent of an airplane smoking section from decades past. Taken together, these comments suggest that while the interior living spaces may offer comfort, there are health and safety concerns that prospective residents might want to weigh.

Despite the caveats about the building, the location and the surrounding life create a compelling picture. Harford Senior Housing sits in a convenient spot: within walking distance of Harford Mall and other shopping centers, and very close to Upper Chesapeake Hospital. Transient and mobility buses stop by for county pickups, making errands and medical visits easier for residents who prefer not to drive. The property is also described as a green, almost nature-forward setting - something that stands out as a major attraction. People mention deer, turtles, rabbits, owls, and other wildlife frequenting the grounds, giving the place a tranquil, "nature reserve" vibe in the midst of town. The combination of accessibility and serene surroundings helps explain why many residents feel safe, well cared for, and connected to the broader community.

Community life and social opportunities are strong selling points. Bingo on Tuesday nights, multiple card game groups, and a pool table on the second floor provide regular entertainment without needing to leave the building. The activity slate is complemented by easy access to nearby amenities like beauty services (though the on-site beauty shop closed before the pandemic), with options such as Great Clips and Hair Cuttery just a short distance away. For many residents, there are abundant resources to connect with outside activities, which helps counterbalance the sense that the building is simply an aging block of units; instead, it feels like a hub for social and recreational life.

The balance of positives and drawbacks typically comes down to personal preferences and expectations. A number of residents praise the apartments as clean, well-kept, and safe, describing the property as a good location for seniors and a solid option overall. Some live there for years and identify the staff - especially the maintenance crew and office personnel - as standout aspects of the experience. Yet other voices point to constraints that matter: kitchens that feel cramped, no balcony options, and parking that can be limited. One resident with five years there notes two wish-list items - slightly larger kitchen space and the possibility of a balcony - neither of which seems likely in the current setup, illustrating how certain desires may clash with the realities of a fixed, older building.

In the end, Harford Senior Housing emerges as a place that many residents view as a safe, clean, and well-run option for seniors, especially for those who value a strong sense of community and convenient access to services and nature. It's a property that clearly works best for people who are willing to embrace its vintage charm, lean into its communal activities, and navigate the complexities of an older building with a dedicated - though occasionally controversial - staff. For anyone considering a move, the complex offers a compelling mix of quiet green space, practical proximity to shopping and healthcare, and a warm, neighborly feel - alongside the reminders that not everything is up to the latest standard, and that interpersonal dynamics, maintenance priorities, and space limitations will shape day-to-day life as much as the bricks and mortar themselves.

This part of Bel Air, Maryland, is a convenient and well-equipped neighborhood for senior living. With several reputable physicians' offices, including Sears Hearing Aid Center by Miracle-Ear and Vascular Surgery Associates, residents have easy access to medical care. There are also plenty of dining options nearby, such as Sakura Japanese Steak/Seafood and Miller's Ale House, as well as pharmacies like Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Klein's Shop Rite for medication needs. The close proximity to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center ensures quick access to emergency healthcare services. In addition, recreational opportunities can be found at nearby parks like Rockfield Park and Colonial Acres Playground. Overall, this area provides a safe and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in Bel Air.

Physicians

• Sears Hearing Aid Center by Miracle-Ear (0.2 miles)
• Patient First - Bel Air (0.6 miles)
• Vascular Surgery Associates (0.6 miles)
• Angelo Joseph Md (0.6 miles)
• Dr Ali Tabrizchi (0.6 miles)
• Maryland Hematology & Oncology (0.6 miles)
• Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates of Baltimore (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Sakura Japanese Steak/Seafood (0.3 miles)
• Miller's Ale House (0.4 miles)
• Boston Market (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.5 miles)
• Double T Diner (0.5 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (0.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Klein's Shop Rite (1.3 miles)
• Harford Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• MedStar Health at Bel Air Medical Campus (2.7 miles)

Parks

• Rockfield Park (1.6 miles)
• Colonial Acres Playground (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Mark Roman Catholic Church (2.8 miles)
• Open Bible Christian Academy (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Bel Air Cinema (5 miles)