Naval Home

Pros

• The Gulfport facility is described as a great place to live with everything residents need.
• The new facility built since the hurricane looks outstanding.
• Reviewers note that the rent is all-inclusive and there are many activities for veterans.
• Scott Elliott and supervisor Daffeney Davis are credited with helping ensure a birthday party could take place.
• The facility is regarded as a great place for beloved veterans.
• The beachfront Gulfport location is described as a very nice establishment for veterans.
• The public is thanked for taking care of fellow veterans at the facility.

Cons

• One reviewer says residents are financially punished for their military status, paying more here than a non-servicemember would for the same services.
• Another contends the AFRC's budget mismanagement has led to higher rents that punish long-time residents.
• A commenter notes the security guard could have been nicer when a visitor asked for directions.
• A family member reports a rent jump from $1,450 to $3,054 per month, leaving little money for other essentials.
• A reviewer complains about poor responsiveness to tour inquiries, with voicemails unreturned and some numbers disconnected.
• A post criticizes AFRC leadership, referencing the new executive officer Stephen Rippe and calling the actions shameful.

Review

This collection of impressions paints a blended picture of a Gulfport veterans' residence that many residents hold dear, even as a few concerns echo through the comments. For many, this is a place that feels like a neighborhood built for those who have worn the uniform, with all the camaraderie, routines, and routines of daily life that come with a long military career. Several reviewers repeatedly call it a "great place to live" for veterans, noting that the facility has grown into a welcoming, all-inclusive community where a retiree can find comfort and purpose in a familiar veteran-centric setting.

A steady thread across the notices is the sense of community and the value of living among fellow veterans. People praise the all-inclusive rent and the breadth of activities on offer, describing it as a well-appointed home away from home where everything you need is readily available. One resident has been there for 19 months and calls it a wonderful environment for qualified veterans, while another person says the facility is "very nice" and "on the beach for our veterans." There is a recurring sentiment that the place honors military service and provides meaningful connections, with several comments emphasizing pride in being part of a veteran-focused community.

Two anecdotes stand out for their warmth and memorable impact. In one narrative, staff members Scott Elliott and supervisor Daffeney Davis are celebrated for stepping in during a frustrating planning moment to ensure a family birthday party could proceed safely and joyfully. The reviewer describes a stressful COVID-era situation, a family longing to celebrate and reconnect, and how those two staff members intervened with problem-solving and care that transformed the experience. The gratitude is explicit: "God bless Scott Elliott and supervisor Daffeney Davis, you rock and we are so grateful!" Another note celebrates the broader sense of purpose that comes from speaking with other veterans, described as inspiring and a reminder of the honor in military service.

Yet not all feedback is uniformly glowing. A portion of the commentary focuses on cost and policy changes that some residents feel have become punitive. One veteran describes a dramatic increase in independent living costs - from about $1,450 to $3,054 per month - leaving little room for essentials like car insurance or modest travel. The reviewer points to mismanagement of budgets and new information or rates issued in 2018, blaming the AFRC (Armed Forces Retirement Center) leadership for the changes. This thread portrays a tension between the pride of living among fellow veterans and the financial pressures that accompany these big shifts in rates and governance, with some residents feeling that people who served the country are being "punished" by policy decisions.

Access to information and the ability to schedule visits also surfaces as a pain point for some prospective residents and their families. One reviewer attempted to arrange a tour for an 83-year-old father, only to encounter voicemail, unmanned emails, and inconsistent phone support. Two numbers were provided, but neither offered a clear path to assistance: one was disconnected, and another yielded limited help. The frustration is palpable, especially for a family dealing with the needs of a 28-year veteran seeking reliable information. This aspect of the experience contrasts with the more celebratory notes about life inside the facility, highlighting how important clear, responsive communication is in shaping a prospective resident's impression.

There are also small but notable moments that shape how people perceive day-to-day life, including staff interactions that are not always perfect. One reviewer mentions paying a security guard a generous wage and feeling that, on occasion, courtesy could be better - implying that even when staffing is adequate, the warmth of service matters to residents and visitors alike. Conversely, several comments emphasize the pride of maintenance, activities, and social life, suggesting that the strong sense of community often outweighs the occasional friction, especially for those who look back on years of service and now find a peaceable harbor among fellow veterans.

The facility's rebirth in the wake of a hurricane is also part of the story, with one patron noting the new construction since the disaster and describing the newer complex as outstanding. For others, the reference to living there as a "great establishment on the beach for our veterans" reinforces a narrative of recovery and renewal - a place rebuilt to better serve those who have served. The overall sentiment about the setting remains positive: beachfront location, meaningful routines, and a dense veteran network that fosters mutual respect and shared history.

With these threads woven together, the portrait is of a place that many veterans and their families hold in high regard. There is genuine admiration for the sense of purpose, the supportive staff, and the life-enhancing activities that help residents stay engaged and connected. At the same time, there is a sober awareness of financial pressures, bureaucratic hurdles, and occasional service gaps that can cast a shadow over otherwise bright experiences. The combination of strong community bonds, moments of extraordinary staff responsiveness, and the realities of governance and cost creates a nuanced, multi-layered picture of a facility that remains deeply valued by those who call it home. In the end, it is the blend of pride in service, gratitude for companionship, and the ongoing quest for transparent, courteous administration that defines these perspectives.

This part of Gulfport, Mississippi offers a convenient and accessible location for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several pharmacies nearby, medical care is easily accessible, including PainStop Spine Clinic and Gulf Coast Medical Center. There are also a variety of dining options such as Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar and El Saltillo for residents to enjoy. In terms of healthcare, Memorial Hospital and Veterans Hospital are within close proximity. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks for socializing and parks like Popps Ferry Causeway Park for outdoor activities. The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport provides easy access for travel, making this area an ideal choice for seniors seeking a well-rounded living environment with amenities nearby.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Patient Care Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Jackson's Discount Pharmacy (5.6 miles)
• Sartin's Discount Drugs (5.8 miles)
• Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (6.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar (1 miles)
• Taco Bell (1 miles)
• Capt. Al’s (1.3 miles)
• White Cap Seafood Restaurant (1.5 miles)
• El Saltillo (1.5 miles)
• Wendy's (1.5 miles)
• King Buffet Chinese Restaurant (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• PainStop Spine Clinic (1.1 miles)
• Gulf Coast Outpatient Surgery Center (1.1 miles)
• Memorial Family Practice Walmart Lane Walk-In Clinic (1.3 miles)
• Sunnybrook Dentistry & Braces (1.5 miles)
• Gulf Coast Center For Audiology (1.5 miles)
• Premier Internal Medicine (1.5 miles)
• Audibel Hearing Healthcare (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Gulf Coast Medical Center (1.1 miles)
• Memorial Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Veterans Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospitals (6 miles)
• Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (6 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital (6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• SIP Beverages Biloxi (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• The Grind Coffee and Nosh (6.4 miles)

Parks

• Popps Ferry Causeway Park (3.7 miles)
• Biloxi Dog Park (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mary Catholic Churc (6.2 miles)