Homestead Apartments

Pros

• The place was great when the great-grandmother moved in.
• There was a newly constructed patio where residents could play dominos.
• There was a vibrant community of friendly people to keep her company.
• There was great access to shopping.

Cons

• The elevators are frequently out of order.
• The elevator was claimed fixed, but a resident got stuck for hours and it was not fully repaired.
• The buildings are filthy, including deeply stained carpet that cleaning did not fix.
• The manager shrugged off complaints about cleanliness.
• The icy steps outside the door were not salted, causing a fall.
• Calls to discuss issues go unanswered, with no one responding.
• Homeless, intoxicated, and/or drug-using people sleep in communal areas.
• Police have been called to remove people from the premises.
• There have been numerous robberies due to lack of security and faulty doors.
• Grandparents have been placed on a waitlist for another residence due to safety concerns.
• No one can be reached by phone; the waitlist has lasted six months.
• The handicap door does not open properly.

Review

The situation at this housing complex has shifted dramatically from what once felt like a comfortable, well-connected community to something that now feels unsafe and neglected. A place that previously offered easy access to shopping and a lively social scene - the summers spent playing dominos on a newly built patio and the presence of friendly neighbors - has devolved into an environment where basic amenities and security are in constant doubt. The insistence on fixing a simple buzzer has become an urgent priority amid a cascade of longer-standing problems.

Elevators, a lifeline for residents and visitors alike, are repeatedly out of order. One particularly alarming incident involved an elevator that was claimed to be fixed, yet resulted in my grandfather being stuck inside for hours, painfully illustrating that repairs may be incomplete or unreliable. The ongoing unreliability of these machines isn't just a nuisance - it directly endangers elderly residents who rely on them daily and expect a functioning system rather than a recurring hazard.

Communication with management has proven almost impossible and deeply frustrating. There is a persistent inability to reach anyone by phone, with a promise to be contacted that never materializes. The grievances - ranging from elevator failures to carpet stains and general cleanliness - are met with a shrug rather than action. The sense that management is unresponsive has exacerbated every other problem, turning what should be straightforward maintenance requests into long, unresolved ordeals.

Sanitation and upkeep in the buildings have deteriorated to a troubling degree. Floors and carpets are described as dirty and deeply stained, with cleaning efforts not producing lasting improvements. Residents have raised these concerns with the manager, only to feel dismissed rather than reassured. This neglect isn't simply cosmetic; it contributes to an overall atmosphere of decay and discomfort that makes daily living unpleasant and demoralizing for long-time residents and their visitors alike.

Safety hazards and security concerns compound the misery. Outside, icy steps near residents' doors go salted with insufficient regularity, leading to falls and injuries that could have been prevented with basic winter maintenance. Inside, the building has faced intrusions and criminal activity, with homeless individuals sleeping in communal areas and police sometimes called to remove them. The absence of real security and the presence of poorly functioning doors create an environment where residents no longer feel safe in their homes.

The combination of these issues - unreliable elevators, non-responsive management, persistent dirt and damage, and security lapses - has driven a wedge between the community's former vibrancy and its current state. Families have had to make the difficult choice to seek alternative housing for their elderly relatives, placing grandparents on long waiting lists for other residences in hopes of finding a safer, more managed living situation. The emotional toll of feeling unheard or ignored by the people responsible for protection and care adds another layer of distress to already fragile circumstances.

There is a clear desire to at least be able to look into the apartment and understand what is available, even as there is overwhelming reluctance to continue staying in a place where basic needs and safety are not reliably met. The repeated pleas - ranging from fixing the buzzer to ensuring accessible doors and reliable contact with management - underscore how vital it is to restore a sense of safety, cleanliness, and community. Until those issues are addressed, the experience of living here remains fraught with fear, frustration, and an urgent call for fundamental improvements that can no longer be postponed.

This part of Homestead, Pennsylvania offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities that cater to seniors looking for easy access to healthcare, dining options, entertainment, and transportation. With several pharmacies, physicians' offices, and hospitals within a few miles radius, residents can enjoy quality medical care close to home. The area also boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes for socializing and enjoying meals out. Additionally, there are parks nearby for those who appreciate outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. Overall, this part of Homestead provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a comfortable and vibrant community to call home.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.2 miles)
• Voodoo Brewery (0.3 miles)
• Duke's Upper Deck Cafe (0.4 miles)
• Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (0.5 miles)
• Burgatory (0.6 miles)
• Applebee's (1.5 miles)
• Squirrel Hill Sports Bar (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Parkside Cafe (2.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)
• Bakery Square (3.3 miles)
• Big Dog Coffee (3.4 miles)
• Arriviste Coffee Bar (3.4 miles)
• Redstart Roasters (3.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Waterfront 22 (0.7 miles)

Parks

• Frick Park Blue Slide Playground (1.5 miles)
• Filmet Park (1.7 miles)
• Frick Park (1.9 miles)
• Schenley Park (2.6 miles)
• Arsenal Park (4.9 miles)
• Leslie Park Field (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood (2 miles)
• Calvary Episcopal Church (3.3 miles)
• Kingdom Hall Of Jehovahs Witnesses (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• Community Family Practice (3 miles)
• Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa (3.1 miles)
• Aiken Medical Building (3.5 miles)
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (3.6 miles)
• Kaufmann Medical Building (3.6 miles)
• Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC (3.7 miles)
• MyEyeDr (4.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Magee-Women's Hospital of UPMC (3.4 miles)
• Sleep Laboratory at UPMC Montefiore (3.6 miles)
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (3.7 miles)
• UPMC Presbyterian (3.7 miles)
• Hillman Cancer Center (3.7 miles)
• VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (3.9 miles)
• Western Pennsylvania Hospital labor and delivery (4.1 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak - Pittsburgh Station (5.1 miles)