South Street Congregate

Pros

• The team at the housing authority was very helpful, courteous, and professional.
• The apartments are nice and clean.
• People were friendly.
• It is described as a good place to live that is warm and safe.

Cons

• The phone staff were extremely rude; the employee who answered should be fired for placating and then hanging up.
• The organization supposedly provides housing services but refuses to do their jobs.
• The reviewer would give negative stars if that were possible.
• They cannot be recommended.
• The reviewer claims Waltham does not care about the disadvantaged, people with disabilities, the elderly, and homeless families.
• The staff fail to do their jobs and are not helpful.

Review

People who have lived in this area for a long time often speak with a mix of practicality and pride, and that mix shows in these notes. After nearly twelve years of calling this place home, one person describes it as a warm and safe spot to live in this economy. They acknowledge that, for the most part, it's a decent place to settle down - certainly better than being homeless - and they credit the environment with a sense of stability and belonging. There's a genuine appreciation for having a place that feels steady and affordable, even as the broader financial climate remains challenging.

Yet the same set of experiences isn't all sunshine. A central grievance emerges from a troubling interaction with the housing authority's phone service. One reviewer recounts an encounter filled with hostility: "Extremely rude personnel. Whoever answers the phone should be fired immediately as she was extremely rude, placating and then hung up on me." This sentiment is not isolated in their telling - it's tied to a broader critique that the organization charged with guiding people toward housing options, applications, and access to services is far from dependable. The disappointment is sharp: the reviewer feels that the agency "refuse[s] to do their jobs" and would gladly offer negative stars if the rating system allowed it. They even urge people to consider options in other cities or states, arguing that "Waltham doesn't care about the disadvantaged, people with disabilities, elderly and families who are homeless because various circumstances out of their control." The tone is accusatory and energized by frustration, underscoring a deep trust issue with the institution.

The intensity of that negative encounter continues in the shorthand grievance: "Staff: do your job!!!!!! Not helpful." It's a terse summation that conveys not just dissatisfaction, but a sense that basic duties - assisting with housing options and connecting people to needed services - are falling short. In a community where access to housing support can be a lifeline, such experiences can feel especially discouraging and leave residents wary of reaching out for help when they need it most.

But the narrative isn't uniformly critical. Other voices in the mix point to positive, tangible experiences with the housing authority and the people who work there. One reviewer captures a more favorable tone with a concise compliment: "The team @ the housing authority was very helpful, courteous and professional." That sentiment is echoed by others who have observed courteous, professional interactions, suggesting that the organization is capable of delivering the support residents expect, even if that's not consistently guaranteed. It's as if there are two parallel experiences: some encounters are smooth, respectful, and useful; others are fraught with frustration and inadequacy.

There's also a sense of community beyond the administrative interactions. A visitor's perspective highlights the apartments themselves: "Went to visit a friend who lives there. The apartments are nice and clean, but a little small. People were friendly." This glimpse paints a housing environment that is aesthetically pleasing and well-kept, with a neighborhood feel shaped by courteous residents and a sense of everyday ease. It's not just about the physical space; it's about the atmosphere - clean, manageable, and with a human warmth among neighbors and visitors.

Long-term residents add their own weight to the picture. One person proudly proclaims, "I been here almost 12 years. Its great I love my apartment." The repeated sentiment - "I am here" - appears to reflect a settled sense of belonging and satisfaction with the living arrangements themselves, even as other threads of the overall experience point to areas needing improvement. Taken together, this tapestry suggests a place that can be a solid, comfortable home for many, while also revealing pockets of inefficiency and discourtesy that can sour perceptions and erode trust.

In the end, the picture is nuanced. The housing environment holds potential: well-kept, pleasant apartments, a friendly local ambiance, and staff who are capable of being courteous and professional. Yet the experience of dealing with the housing authority - especially over the phone - can be disheartening, with accusations of rude treatment and a perceived lack of follow-through on essential services. For some, the strength of the community and the quality of the housing itself outweigh the flaws; for others, a single negative interaction can overshadow the positives and push them toward seeking options elsewhere. What remains clear is that improvements in communication, customer service, and consistent support could help bridge the gap between these complementary experiences and make the place feel consistently supportive for all residents, including those who are vulnerable or facing homelessness.

This part of Waltham, Massachusetts, offers a convenient and vibrant community for senior living. With several pharmacies, restaurants, physicians' offices, and places of worship located within a short distance, residents have easy access to essential services and amenities. Nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while the proximity to transportation hubs like MBTA stations allows for easy travel around the city and beyond. The presence of reputable hospitals ensures quality healthcare options for residents. Additionally, the neighborhood features cafes and theaters for leisure activities. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded and accessible environment that would be conducive to a comfortable and fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Immunogen (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.9 miles)
• Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Pizzi Farm Market & Deli (2.7 miles)
• Echo Bridge Restaurant (4 miles)
• McDonald's (4.2 miles)
• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (4.9 miles)
• McDonald's (5.1 miles)

Physicians

• Mersi (1.2 miles)
• Lahey Lexington (4 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (7 miles)
• Fresenius Medical Care (7.3 miles)
• Dedham Medical (7.3 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (7.4 miles)
• Bidmc Lowry Building (7.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (5.3 miles)
• French Press Bakery & Cafe (5.9 miles)
• Flour Bakery + Cafe (6.7 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (7 miles)
• Karma Coffee (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Parish of the Messiah (1.6 miles)
• Our Lady's Church (3.1 miles)
• Temple Shir Tikva (4.8 miles)
• St Agnes Parish-Arlington (6.4 miles)
• St Paul Parish, Harvard Square (7.1 miles)

Parks

• Cat Rock Park (2 miles)
• Prospect Hill Park (2.1 miles)
• Newton Highlands Playground (4.2 miles)
• Rindge Park (5.4 miles)
• Cutler Park (6.3 miles)
• Larz Anderson Park (7.2 miles)
• Grove-Cedar Bike Path (7.3 miles)

Transportation

• MBTA Riverside Station (2 miles)
• MBTA Reservoir Station (5.8 miles)
• Hanscom Field (BED) (6.9 miles)
• Porter Square MBTA Station (7 miles)
• MBTA Davis Square Station (7 miles)
• MBTA Fenway Station (7.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Newton-Wellesley Hospital (2.5 miles)
• McLean Hospital (3.7 miles)
• Mount Auburn Hospital (6.1 miles)
• West Roxbury VA Hospital (7.6 miles)
• Brigham and Women's Hospital (7.8 miles)
• Boston Children's Hospital (7.8 miles)

Theaters

• Cinema World Majestic 7 (4.9 miles)
• Showcase SuperLux (5.2 miles)