Penn Arbors Apartments

Pros

• Mary is described as pleasant, very professional, and incredibly attentive to residents' needs.
• She makes the move-in process easy and welcoming, with new residents feeling at home quickly.
• Mary is regarded as the absolute best manager, a diamond in the rough who elevates the community.
• Residents feel safe, cared for, and part of a friendly, home-like environment under her care.
• The building is consistently clean and well maintained, thanks to Mary's efforts.
• She plans and leads activities and events, enhancing resident engagement.
• Mary goes above and beyond for everyone, including family members of residents.
• Penn Arbors is portrayed as a great building with Mary as a standout, proactive manager.

Cons

• A reviewer stated that the managers at the Portuguese high-rise on the Southside are slumlords who treat tenants poorly, do not contact families when someone dies, and only care about collecting rent.
• A reviewer mentioned there was bad timing when their friend lived there, describing the experience as from long ago.

Review

Penn Arbors sits at the center of a chorus of praise for the living experience it offers, and the thread that runs through almost every reflection is the outstanding leadership of its manager, Mary. From the moment people call to inquire about the community, they describe a process that feels smooth and welcoming: an invitation to come in, fill out an application, and soon after - within the same day or a few days - receiving keys and a sense of belonging. One new resident recalled how quickly the paperwork moved and how Mary's pleasant, professional demeanor made the whole transition feel effortless. The impression is consistent: the staff, and Mary in particular, make moving into Penn Arbors feel like joining a caring, well-organized family.

The praise for Mary is not just about efficiency; it's about a genuine, proactive approach to every resident's needs. Descriptions consistently highlight her as an exceptional manager who is "on top of my needs," friendly, and attentive. She is said to go out of her way to ensure that residents are comfortable, safe, and well-supported. Her availability is a common theme - she is described as having her door open to everyone, ready to help within her means, and always looking out for the little, practical details that improve daily life. For many residents, Mary embodies reliability and warmth, earning recognition as the best manager they have encountered.

Family members who glimpse Penn Arbors through the eyes of their loved ones repeatedly mention Mary's pivotal role in easing fears and addressing questions. A mom who moved here from Florida was understandably anxious; Mary walked her through the entire process, answered every question, and helped her settle in with confidence. The sentiment is clear: when Mary is involved, new residents - especially seniors and their families - feel supported, informed, and secure about the transition. The sense of safety and reassurance arrives not only from Mary's direct assistance but also from the overall atmosphere she cultivates across the building.

Beyond its welcoming entry process, Penn Arbors earns high marks for the life and community it fosters. One review frames it as "an exceptional destination where you can embrace the joys of aging, engage in numerous activities, and enjoy the freedom to come and go as you please." The building is portrayed as a vibrant, well-managed place for seniors, with Mary at the helm guiding planning and execution of events that bring residents together. With 125 apartments and a wide range of personalities and needs, the fact that Mary can keep the building clean, organized, and lively is described as nothing short of remarkable. Residents repeatedly note that her planning and enthusiasm for events enhance daily life and create a welcoming, engaged community.

Long-time residents and caregivers add another layer of perspective to the story. One caregiver emphasizes Mary's genuine care for everyone, her ability to keep the building running smoothly, and her willingness to go the extra mile. The comparison to other housing options makes the praise feel more pointed: in contrast to places where managers are less attentive or communities where oversight feels lacking, Penn Arbors shines because of Mary's hands-on, compassionate leadership. People testify that the manager's presence - on site daily, active in arranging activities, and consistently responsive - transforms the building into a place of safety, trust, and comfort for families and residents alike.

The personal testimonials also reveal a deeply emotional impact. A number of residents describe how Mary's involvement extended beyond routine issues to meaningful acts of care - tours that include discussions of future building plans, proactive communication after health scares, and timely information that helped families navigate transitions gracefully. When loved ones moved in or received a new living arrangement, Mary's guidance made those moments less stressful and more hopeful. The result is a strong sense of loyalty - people choosing to return to Penn Arbors because Mary has shown them a standard of care that feels dependable, kind, and human.

In sum, the collection of experiences paints Penn Arbors as a thriving, well-kept senior community where Mary's leadership is the defining heartbeat. The building is consistently described as clean and well maintained, with a property manager who genuinely cares and is relentlessly communicative. Residents celebrate the sense of home Mary creates - an environment where neighbors become friends, where events bring people together, and where families feel confident that their loved ones are living in a place that values safety, dignity, and community. For anyone seeking a welcoming, attentive, and actively managed senior living experience, Penn Arbors - with Mary at its center - emerges as a standout choice, repeatedly praised for turning ordinary days into a reliable, enriching home.

Places of Worship

• Faith Community Church (1 miles)
• Saint Susanna (1.7 miles)
• First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood (3.2 miles)
• St Irenaeus Church (3.8 miles)
• St Bernadette Catholic Church (3.8 miles)
• Calvary Episcopal Church (4.5 miles)
• North American Martyrs (5.4 miles)

Physicians

• MyEyeDr (1.3 miles)
• Advanced Dermatology (2.8 miles)
• Joseph J Stuckert II, MD (3.5 miles)
• UPMC Physican Services (3.5 miles)
• Sherer Family Medicine-Upmc (3.6 miles)
• Children's Community Pediatrics - Monroeville Pediatric Associates (4.1 miles)
• Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates - Monroeville (5.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Carl's Tavern (2.5 miles)
• Applebee's (2.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.8 miles)
• Tai Pei Chinese Restaurant (2.8 miles)
• Mad Mex Waterworks (3 miles)
• Italian Village Pizza (3.1 miles)
• Dad S Pub & Grub (3.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Southwestern Veterans Center (3.3 miles)
• St Margaret's Hospital Emergency Department (3.5 miles)
• Department of Radiology (3.5 miles)
• Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Greater Pittsburgh (4.1 miles)
• Forbes Hospital (5.3 miles)
• Forbes Regional Hospital (5.3 miles)
• Hillman Cancer Center (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (3.4 miles)
• Bakery Square (4.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Redstart Roasters (4.7 miles)
• Arriviste Coffee Bar (5 miles)
• Parkside Cafe (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Filmet Park (3.5 miles)
• Aspinwall Riverfront Park (3.8 miles)
• Frick Park (4.1 miles)
• Frick Park Blue Slide Playground (4.7 miles)
• Monroeville Community Park (5 miles)
• Rachel Carson Park (5.6 miles)