Colony in Providence, RI

Pros

• Residents love the apartment and the building.
• The staff are very attentive and helpful.
• Alexandra provides helpful and courteous service, making the experience pleasant.
• The staff are always friendly and the common areas are clean.
• The property manager Alexandra answers questions promptly.
• Maintenance man Elliot ensures things run smoothly.
• The new housing manager was extremely helpful and made the process simple and stress-free.
• The building is described as a great quiet place in a busy area.

Cons

• The resident has waited over three years for a bathtub repair.
• The bathtub is described as ugly and disgusting due to oxide buildup.
• There is frustration over the extended delay in fixing the bathtub.
• The resident questions how much longer they will have to wait for the repair.

Review

Colony in Providence is best suited for independent seniors who want a quiet, well-kept building with a responsive on-site team and clean, inviting common areas. The community tends to attract families who visit regularly, because the staff consistently projects a helpful, approachable posture. The apartments and common spaces come across as appealing, and the setting feels calm even in a bustling urban area. For residents who value straightforward housing logistics, reliable daily operations, and a supportive staff more than flashy upgrades, Colony represents a practical, low-stress choice.

On the positive side, the consensus across reviews points to a solid living environment. The building and apartment setup is described as attractive, while common areas are maintained and clean. Staff consistently receives praise for attentiveness and courtesy, with particular mentions of a housing manager who is responsive and a maintenance team member who checks in to ensure operations run smoothly. A welcoming first impression is reinforced by colleagues who assist during visits and applications, contributing to a smooth onboarding experience for new residents and their families.

The strongest, ongoing strength is the people who staff Colony. Several reviews highlight Alexandra, the property manager and later a housing manager, as a standout, noting her helpfulness and clear communication across questions and needs, including overcoming language barriers when necessary. The maintenance team, notably a staff member named Elliot, is described as reliable in keeping the building functioning and attending to resident concerns. This human-centered advantage translates into a community where residents feel heard, supported, and connected to a dependable on-site presence.

Yet, a persistent drawback surfaces in the maintenance arena. The most explicit negative notes concern a long-running repair issue, specifically a bathtub that has not been fixed for years, described as ugly and oxidized. That kind of delay clashes with the otherwise favorable day-to-day experience and can erode trust if not addressed. While common areas and personal interactions leave a strong positive impression, the lag in addressing a visible, resident-prioritized repair signals a reliability gap that can color overall satisfaction for residents who demand prompt fixes.

These pros offset the main con only to a degree. The reliable staff, clean environments, and easy engagement in the housing process provide real value in daily life and social continuity, especially for families who visit and want assurance of cordial, responsive support. However, the severity of a repair delay, an essential fixture still awaiting attention, remains a material consideration. In practice, that means Colony works exceptionally well for those who can tolerate occasional, slow-to-resolve maintenance issues, but may frustrate anyone who expects timely, proactive upkeep as a defining feature of the community.

For decisions, this means Colony stands out for residents prioritizing human warmth, clear communication, and a quiet, well-run setting, with a strong emphasis on staff reliability in most areas. Those who want rapid turnaround on repairs, modern in-unit fixtures, or a consistently updated, turnkey experience may want to explore alternatives. Prospective residents should specifically inquire about maintenance response times and any plans to address long-standing fixtures before committing, ensuring expectations align with the community’s operating pace. In short, Colony is a practical, people-driven choice, with a notable caveat that maintenance speed may require patience.

This part of Providence, Rhode Island, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, accessing necessary medications and healthcare services is easily manageable. The presence of reputable physicians and hospitals nearby ensures quality medical care is readily available. Additionally, a variety of restaurants and cafes provide opportunities for socializing and enjoying local cuisine. Nearby parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while theaters and transportation hubs offer entertainment options and easy access to the rest of the city. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare accessibility, dining options, and recreational activities making it a desirable location for seniors looking to settle in Providence.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• University Foot Care (0.7 miles)
• Open Door Health (0.8 miles)
• University Surgical Associates - Roth, Leslie A, MD (0.9 miles)
• The LASIK Vision Institute (1.5 miles)
• Coastal Medical Sleep Disorder (2 miles)
• Olneyville Health Center (2 miles)
• Findley John K MD - Roger Williams Medical Center (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Ogie's Trailer Park (1 miles)
• Moniker Brewery (1 miles)
• Bayberry Beer Hall (1.1 miles)
• Julian's (1.2 miles)
• Seven Stars Bakery (1.2 miles)
• Nick's on Broadway (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Women and Infants Laboratory (0.8 miles)
• Hasbro Children's Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Providence VA Medical Center (2 miles)
• Bradley Hospital (2.9 miles)
• Miriam Hospital - Infection, Disease, & Immunology Center (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• White Electric Coffee (1.1 miles)
• Seven Stars Bakery (1.2 miles)
• The Nitro Bar (1.2 miles)
• Bolt Coffee (1.5 miles)
• Daves Coffee (1.5 miles)
• New Harvest Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Bolt Coffee (1.8 miles)

Parks

• India Point Park (1.3 miles)
• Roger Williams Park (1.6 miles)
• Roger Williams National Monument (2 miles)
• Bold Point Park (2.1 miles)
• Gano Park (2.2 miles)
• Waterman St Dog Park (2.6 miles)
• Blackstone Boulevard (2.8 miles)

Theaters

• Providence Place Showcase IMAX Theaters (1.7 miles)

Transportation

• Providence Station - MBTA & Amtrak (PVD) (1.8 miles)