Columbia Terrace Retirement

Pros

• The management cares about maintaining the building.
• Safety is a top priority at the property.
• Residents feel like family in the community.
• Columbia Terrace is excellent housing for low-income seniors.
• The buildings are kept in good repair, clean, and safe.
• The community would definitely recommend Columbia Terrace to seniors over 62.

Cons

• There is a urine odor in the hallway caused by a resident's urination, and management has not taken action.
• The manager is very mean and uses unprofessional language.
• The surrounding area is run down.
• Crime in the area is bad.

Review

Columbia Terrace appears in these resident reflections as a place of strong community and real challenges, a senior living option that some listeners would find comforting and others would find wanting. The voices share a common thread of appreciation for the sense of belonging and the security that comes with an apartment that caters to older adults, but they diverge sharply on day-to-day realities and the handling of problems inside the building.

One resident starts with a stigmatizing odor in the hallway, a scene many would find unsettling. "Smells like pee," the speaker notes, attributing it to a particular resident who tends to urinate in the hallway and expressing frustration that not enough is being done about it. This image - that a persistent odor and a lack of intervention could exist in a place meant to feel safe and comfortable - sets a contrast with the more glowingly positive portrayals that follow.

In sharp contrast, another longtime resident offers a deeply affectionate portrait of life at Columbia Terrace. "I've lived here 14 plus years and love it," they write, highlighting a commitment to the residents' welfare and to maintaining the building. They emphasize safety as a primary concern - not just for individuals, but for the structure and for the community as a whole. The sentiment goes further as they describe a sense of belonging: "We become family." They urge others to consider the building for anyone over 62, noting that the waiting list is substantial, with "at least a 2 year waiting period." The tone is practical and hopeful, underscoring how the facility can feel like a home and a support system for seniors who might otherwise experience isolation.

Another resident shares a perspective shaped by years of observation within the senior housing landscape. After resisting the impulse to pay heed to negative press about Columbia Terrace, this person asserts their own positive experience: nine years as a resident, and 15 years with the company, accompanied by "nothing but good comments." Acknowledging that there is manager turnover, they still describe Columbia Terrace as "EXCELLENT housing for low income seniors." Their emphasis is on tangible outcomes - buildings kept in good repair, clean conditions, and a secure, safe environment. They acknowledge the broader context of crime in the surrounding area as a common reality, but insist that the property itself stands up well under scrutiny. Their verdict is unequivocal: "Would I recommend Columbia Terrace? The answer is YES YES YES."

A separate statement reinforces the theme of resilience in the face of external circumstances. Even though the surrounding area is described as run down, the building itself is portrayed as secure and safe. The resident compares Columbia Terrace favorably to a different 55+ housing option their family member previously inhabited, suggesting that they feel "lucky" that their loved one is in this particular community. The emphasis remains on safety, security, and the sense of fortification that a well-run senior residence can offer, even when the neighborhood isn't ideal.

Yet not every voice aligns perfectly with the most positive assessments. The same collection of remarks includes a candid critique about the management style, described succinctly as "very mean" with "the use of language not professional." This observation adds a note of caution for prospective residents and their families: while many aspects of life at Columbia Terrace may be favorable, interactions with the management team can significantly affect the daily experience. The presence of a manager whose manner and communication are perceived as harsh or unprofessional can color otherwise positive impressions.

Taken together, these reflections paint a nuanced portrait of Columbia Terrace as a senior housing option that is valued for its sense of community, its focus on safety, and its affordability for low-income seniors. The residents highlight strong relationships, a feeling of family among neighbors, and a disciplined commitment to maintenance and cleanliness as strengths that help the building feel like a home. They acknowledge the realities of the surrounding area and the practical need to manage complaints and odors, but for many, the positives outweigh the negatives, especially in the context of waiting periods and the availability of secure, supportive housing for older adults.

At the same time, the critiques about management style remind us that even in a community celebrated for its safety and upkeep, interpersonal dynamics can significantly influence the resident experience. Prospective tenants and their families are encouraged to weigh the comfortable, communal atmosphere and the reliability of repairs and safety against concerns about odor issues and the behavior of staff. For those seeking relief from the uncertainty of housing costs and the fear of isolation in older age, Columbia Terrace presents itself as a hopeful, often well-regarded option, with a clear message that for many, this place offers more than shelter - it offers a recognized, supportive community.

This area of Portland, Oregon offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living with a variety of amenities nearby. There are several pharmacies in the vicinity including Rite Aid and Walgreens, providing easy access to medication and health supplies. Additionally, there are reputable physicians such as Rockwood Medical Offices and Eastside Periodontics within a few miles for medical care. Places of worship like St Henry Catholic Church offer spiritual support, while cafes like Dutch Bros Coffee and Starbucks provide opportunities for socializing and relaxation. Parks such as Gresham Main City Park and Happy Valley Park offer green spaces for outdoor activities, and restaurants like Jazzy Bagels and Olive Garden cater to a range of dining preferences. Nearby hospitals include Adventist Medical Center for healthcare needs. Transportation options are also available with the TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center in close proximity. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with access to essential services and amenities.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Herbalist Farmer (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Rockwood Medical Offices (1.6 miles)
• Dr. Steven Clark & Associates (2.4 miles)
• Jon Wesley Crew (2.9 miles)
• Eastside Periodontics (3.2 miles)
• Eye Health Northwest (3.3 miles)
• Adventist Medical Pavilion (3.5 miles)
• Buckman Christy R MD MD (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Henry Catholic Church (2.6 miles)
• East Hill Kid City (2.7 miles)
• St Rose Catholic Church (6.4 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Black Rock Coffee Bar (4 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.3 miles)
• Common Grounds Coffee House (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Keeper Coffee Co. (6.4 miles)

Parks

• Gresham Main City Park (2.8 miles)
• Tsuru Island (2.8 miles)
• Happy Valley Park (3.9 miles)
• Lents Park (4.1 miles)
• Imagination Station (4.3 miles)
• Mt. Tabor Park - Off Leash Area (4.9 miles)
• Southern Lites Park (5.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Jazzy Bagels (2.8 miles)
• Heidi's Restaurant And Bakery (3.3 miles)
• Subway (3.6 miles)
• Taqueria Queretaro (3.7 miles)
• Del Taco (3.8 miles)
• Olive Garden (3.8 miles)
• Burger King (3.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Adventist Medical Center (3.5 miles)
• Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center (4 miles)
• Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• Century 16 Eastport Plaza (4.2 miles)
• Hollywood Theatre (6.8 miles)

Transportation

• TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center (6.7 miles)