Guardian Place

Pros

• Residents appreciate the friendly and helpful staff at Guardian Place, often describing them as excellent and like family.
• The community is well-maintained, with clean environments and prompt maintenance service for any requests.
• Many residents enjoy a variety of activities and social events that keep them engaged and active.
• Guardian Place offers good value for rent, with utilities included, making it an attractive option for seniors.
• Residents feel safe and secure in the building, benefiting from regular check-ins and monitoring.
• The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, allowing new residents to quickly feel at home.
• Many reviews highlight the spacious apartments and thoughtful designs that cater to comfort and accessibility.
• Transportation services provided by the community enhance convenience for residents who do not drive.

Cons

• The van that used to take seniors to the market was eliminated after Fairfield took over, leading to decreased transportation options for residents.
• There has been a noticeable reduction in activity selection and communication, as newsletters were not received in November or December.
• There was a $78 increase in rent upon renewal, causing dissatisfaction among residents.
• There is concern about the substantial decrease in maintenance staff and residential assistant positions since the takeover.
• Income qualification for new applicants may be challenging due to strict minimum and maximum limits.
• The absence of pets (dogs or cats) allowed may deter potential residents who have animals.
• While some expressed happiness with their living arrangements, others noted limitations such as a lack of dining facilities on-site.

Review

Living Experience at Guardian Place: A Comprehensive Overview

Since its takeover by Fairfield in September 2022, the experience of residents at Guardian Place has seen a mix of sentiments. While some have expressed concerns over increasing rents and diminishing services, overall feedback paints a picture of a welcoming and supportive community. Some residents noted specific frustrations, such as the elimination of transportation services that once offered convenience for seniors to shop at local markets. Such changes, including an increase in rent upon lease renewal—cited as a $78 rise this year—have left some individuals questioning the trajectory of management under Fairfield.

Despite these challenges, many residents express their fondness for Guardian Place. Many newcomers immediately felt at home due to the warm demeanor exhibited by staff members and fellow residents. One resident emphasized that on her first day, she felt like she had been living there forever, highlighting how friendly the environment is right from the start. The appreciation for staff extends beyond just friendliness; reviews consistently mention excellence in service across various roles—from office personnel to maintenance crews. The prompt resolution of maintenance requests is particularly noteworthy, with multiple residents emphasizing same-day responses.

The facility itself caters well to seniors seeking independence while still having access to necessary support. Residents can choose from three types of apartments—Efficiency, 1 Bedroom, and 2 Bedroom—with varying amenities that offer comfort and functionality. Rent appears reasonable when factoring in utilities like air conditioning, heat, and hot water—elements consistently associated with ease for senior living. New tenants often find their apartments freshly painted and equipped with new flooring—a significant bonus that adds to the appealing living conditions.

Guardian Place also excels in providing activities aimed at fostering community engagement among residents. Reviews mention a variety of recreational options—from movie nights to bingo games—that help keep spirits high and encourage social interaction among seniors. Additionally, transportation services play a crucial role by offering trips to grocery stores and shopping malls—not only beneficial for those who do not drive but also adding an element of fun as they explore together.

Moreover, many reviews light up when discussing the amenities available on-site. Facilities include a cosmetologist who visits regularly for hair services, an intimate laundromat accessible around the clock on each floor, and well-maintained common areas designed for relaxation or gatherings among residents. Quietness inside units leads many to note maximum noise isolation—a significant advantage in shared living spaces—allowing everyone to enjoy personal space without disturbances.

While opinions regarding management's recent changes reveal some dissatisfaction among long-term residents—and even prompts them to seek alternatives—the overarching sentiment remains one of gratitude towards their current living situation. Stories describing life before moving into Guardian Place highlight the fears of loneliness or lack of support; however, once acclimated into this flourishing community full of activities and caring staff members—even sceptics transform into advocates for this residence. Overall satisfaction levels remain high enough that many state they have no intentions of relocating anytime soon—a testament to both quality residing conditions offered here as well as friendships forged amidst shared experiences within this vibrant senior living community.

Restaurants

• Blue Bee Cider (0.5 miles)
• Stella's Grocery (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Chicken Fiesta (1.1 miles)
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken (1.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.3 miles)
• Chopt Creative Salad Co. (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• Blanchard’s Café (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.3 miles)
• Lamplighter (1.6 miles)
• Stir Crazy (1.7 miles)
• The Smoky Mug (2.6 miles)

Theaters

• Bow Tie Movieland at Boulevard Square (0.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)

Parks

• Byrd Park (0.8 miles)
• Lombardy Park Playground (1.8 miles)
• Dogwood Dell (2.1 miles)
• Barker Field Dog Park (2.2 miles)
• Battery Park (2.2 miles)
• Monroe Park (2.3 miles)
• Brown's Island (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Surgical Specialists of Richmond (1 miles)
• Patterson Eye Clinic (1.8 miles)
• Neuropsychological Associates Of Virginia (2.1 miles)
• Tuckahoe Orthopaedic Assoc (2.2 miles)
• Brooks Optical (2.4 miles)
• Pulmonary Associates of Richmond (2.8 miles)
• Patterson Office Villiage (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Remnant Church (1 miles)
• Tikvat Israel Congregation (1.2 miles)
• Christadelphian Chapel (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• VCU Medical Center Emergency Department (1.9 miles)
• St Marys South Building (2.1 miles)
• Hospital Hospitality House (3.1 miles)
• Vcu Health System Authority (3.2 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (3.3 miles)
• VCU Critical Care Hospital (3.4 miles)

Transportation

• GRTC Pulse - Convention Center (2.8 miles)
• Amtrak (3.4 miles)
• Main Street Station (3.7 miles)