Russell House in Virginia Beach, VA

Pros

• The new management has brought fresh life to The Russell House.
• The management team is like a caring family.
• Residents feel at home in the community.
• The staff are amazing and truly caring.
• Maintenance is prompt and effective.
• The place is beautiful, clean, and peaceful with many activities nearby.
• Kim, Cathy, and the maintenance team are fabulous, and residents are kind and friendly.
• The new management has improved performance, and Kimberly is described as the sweetest.

Cons

• The staff were the rudest and nastiest the reviewer had ever dealt with.
• The manager is very rude, has no respect for anyone, and seems to have anger problems.
• The main manager was unfriendly and showed no respect.
• The facility does not care about residents and is money-driven, quick to evict.
• The maintenance boss is a horror - all talk and fixes nothing.
• Management needs an attitude change.
• The property is infested with roaches and waterbugs.

Review

This community is best suited for seniors who want a warm, neighborly atmosphere where staff are accessible, consistently caring, and attentive to individual needs. Russell House rewards residents who engage with family-like support, offering a homey feel rather than a sterile, corporate environment. The setting suits those who value social connection, routine, and a sense of safety that comes from a staff team that listens and acts. It works for residents willing to overlook some aging aspects of the building in exchange for genuine human interaction, strong local relationships, and a staff-driven culture that prioritizes comfort and daily reassurance over glossy finishes.

Those weighing alternatives should note that this is not a fit for absolute perfection seekers or for those who demand uniformly polished interiors and consistently flawless service. A subset of reviews flags experiences where residents felt disrespected or undervalued by management, and there are echoes of quick-to-evict concerns tied to some incidents. The building is older, with some apartments dated and the pest issue mentioned in a few comments. Families and prospective residents who require unwavering 24/7 professionalism, or who cannot tolerate variability in staff demeanor, may want to compare options that promise more consistent staffing and newer accommodations.

The primary strengths lie in the people. New management and many long-time staff have earned heartfelt praise for kindness, accessibility, and a genuine approach to resident well-being. Maintenance is repeatedly described as prompt, and common spaces feel clean and orderly. Residents report a peaceful environment with friendly neighbors, plenty of social opportunities, and an active calendar of activities. The ability to sit outside, the presence of floor-level laundry, and easy access to social hubs contribute to a lived-in comfort that feels reliably supportive for daily living. When the staff actively connects with families and respects resident autonomy, those advantages compound into durable peace of mind.

However, there are notable, recurring concerns about management demeanor and the consistency of experience. Several reviewers characterize some staff and management as rude or unresponsive, with criticisms focused on tone, respect, and communication. A few accounts describe a money-centric posture and even eviction risk after accidents, which is a red flag for stability and trust. On the physical side, issues of an aging unit stock - small bathrooms, basic kitchens, and carpeting in place of more modern finishes - are cited as drawbacks, along with documented pest problems in certain units. Taken together, these cons can significantly color the daily experience if not addressed by a cohesive, resident-first leadership approach.

Where the pros offset the cons is in the daily, tangible sense of community and care. When management commits to a respectful, listening stance and follows through with visible improvements, the resident experience can shift from "adequate" to "reassuring." The consistent compliments about maintenance responsiveness, the atmosphere of kindness among residents, and the sense that staff will go the extra mile for activities and support create a compensating effect for older interiors and occasional service gaps. For families, that caregiving continuity and the feeling of being seen and heard often outweigh cosmetic shortcomings, especially for residents who thrive on routine, familiarity, and interpersonal warmth.

For families making a choice, the practical conclusion is clear: Russell House offers a compelling value for seniors who prioritize relational warmth, frequent social engagement, and dependable, compassionate staff. If that combination aligns with a loved one's personality and needs, the community can deliver meaningful quality of life. Conversely, those who cannot tolerate inconsistent inter-personal dynamics, or who demand pristine, modernized apartments and a uniformly aggressive maintenance regime, should explore other options. Tour thoroughly, speak with current residents on multiple floors and at various times, and probe recent management changes to gauge whether the current leadership aligns with long-term expectations. A decisive factor will be whether the present team continues to invest in resident-centered care, transparent communication, and tangible upgrades to living spaces.

Physicians

• First Colonial Eye Center (0 miles)
• Dr. Susan E. Ring, MD (0.1 miles)
• Arthritis Consultants of Tidewater (0.2 miles)
• Advanced Pain Management & Rehabilitation PC (0.3 miles)
• Coastal Ear Nose & Throat (0.3 miles)
• Pulmonary Medicine of Virginia Beach (0.5 miles)
• Virginia Beach Family Practice (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Baladi Mediterranean Cafe (0.3 miles)
• No Frill Bar And Grill (0.4 miles)
• Taste Unlimited (0.5 miles)
• Wasserhund Brewing Company (0.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.6 miles)
• Yukai Japanese Buffet (0.8 miles)
• Captain Georges Seafood Restaurant (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.7 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center (0.6 miles)
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Sentara Health Care (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• Rick's Cafe (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Bad Ass Coffee (2.4 miles)
• The Green Cat (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Kahiau's Bakery & Cafe (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Virginia Beach Community Chapel (1.3 miles)
• Spring Branch Community Church (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Broad Bay Estates Park (3 miles)
• Kings Grant Park (4.4 miles)
• Red Wing Park (4.9 miles)
• Mount Trashmore Park (5.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Lynnhaven 18 (3.9 miles)
• Regal Entertainment Group (6 miles)