Waymark Gardens - HUD in Glendale, AZ

Pros

• The staff are quiet and friendly.
• The apartments are nice and well-maintained, with good management, pretty landscaping, and optional bonus amenities.
• The residents are clean and friendly, with arts and crafts, spacious layouts, and pretty landscaping.
• Kim Cole is very caring.
• The apartments have been remodeled nicely, and the grounds are well-kept.
• The service is excellent.
• It is a great place for seniors; there are plenty of activities, transportation, and nice tenants.
• The staff are fabulous, and the residents are darling and sweet; there are lots of activities, a bonus-bucks rewards program, a prize store, and a hair salon.
• Everybody here is very nice.
• It is a wonderful place for seniors, with friendly staff, and Kim is awesome, helpful, kind, and capable.

Cons

• They are not happy living there.
• Renovations used the cheapest materials and labor.
• The office staff after move-in are rude and unfriendly.
• The country store and beauty shop are gone.
• There are no activities for residents unless they organize them.
• The administration doesn't respond to calls well and isn't very helpful to residents.
• They should stay away from the community.
• Tracy is described as bullying residents.
• Strong ammonia odors come through the wall from the neighboring unit.

Review

Waymark Gardens in Glendale, Arizona operates as HUD-subsidized senior housing and is best suited for independent seniors 65 and older, or adults with disabilities, who want affordable, apartment-style living with on-site maintenance, a quiet campus, and available transportation. The setting features well-kept grounds and renovated living spaces that offer privacy while remaining connected to on-site supports. Residents describe a friendly, neighborly atmosphere that supports a low-stress lifestyle. It is a strong fit for someone prioritizing value over luxury, preferring a straightforward, self-directed routine, and who is comfortable navigating occasional administrative variability.

Those evaluating alternatives should note that this community may not be the best fit for those seeking constant, high-touch management or a polished, always-on program of activities. Several reviews flag inconsistent administrative responsiveness and staff interactions that can feel brusque or unhelpful at times. Some residents report renovations that feel inexpensive, and there are mentions of odors from nearby units. If a consistently active calendar, reliable on-site services (such as a shop or salon that never closes), or meticulous customer service are nonnegotiables, other options will likely be more satisfying.

The core advantages - clean, attractive apartments, pleasant landscaping, and a generally calm environment - often offset the friction in management and maintenance. Residents repeatedly praise the general upkeep, spacious layouts, and the ease of living without sacrificing independence. On-site conveniences - such as a hair salon, a small in-house marketplace, and a rewards-style system that encourages participation - add genuine value for many. The presence of a true community feel, where neighbors mingle and peers look out for one another, can make the difference between merely existing in a building and enjoying a/day-to-day quality of life.

Practical considerations should guide any visit. Prospective tenants should confirm the current status of on-site amenities, the operating hours, and whether any recent upgrades have affected finishes or common spaces. Direct questions about maintenance response times, how concerns are tracked, and the manager's accessibility are essential. Odor issues and yard maintenance emerged in some reviews, so checking the actual condition of nearby units and outdoor spaces during a tour is wise. Parking availability, proximity to medical services, and ease of access to shopping also strongly influence daily convenience.

From a decision-making perspective, Waymark Gardens is a solid fit for families prioritizing affordability, independence, and a friendly, low-maintenance environment. It's less compelling for those who require steady, proactive leadership, a full calendar of staff-led activities, or upscale interior finishes. A tour should probe upcoming activity plans, leadership stability, and the cadence of service requests. Clarify lease terms, any changes to on-site services, and how "bonus Bucks" or similar rewards translate into real, everyday perks. The right resident will recognize the value in a warm, budget-friendly community that can still deliver meaningful social connection and support.

In summary, Waymark Gardens delivers practical value and a welcoming community for the right resident: someone seeking affordable senior housing with apartment-style independence, reliable transportation, and neighborly engagement. The main caveats are management variability and the uneven consistency of on-site services, alongside periodic changes to amenities. Families weighing options should compare the stability and responsiveness of on-site leadership against other HUD properties or private communities that promise more predictable programming. For those who prize affordability, a peaceful setting, and a culture of resident-driven activity, Waymark Gardens stands out as a sensible, well-considered choice in Glendale.

This part of Glendale, Arizona, offers a convenient and bustling neighborhood with easy access to pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, physicians, parks, places of worship, hospitals, and theaters. There are several popular chain pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby for all your medication needs. Dining options range from fast-food favorites like McDonald's and Sonic Drive-In to sit-down Mexican restaurants like Don Ruben's. For coffee lovers, there are multiple Starbucks and Dutch Bros Coffee locations within a short driving distance. Medical facilities such as Bethany Women’s Healthcare and Banner Thunderbird Surgery Center provide quality healthcare services in the area. Additionally, several parks like O'Neal Park and Pioneer Community Park offer green spaces for leisurely walks or picnics. If you enjoy attending church services regularly, there are various places of worship within close proximity. In case of emergencies or specialized medical care requirements, hospitals like Abrazo Central Campus are conveniently located nearby. Entertainment options include movie theaters like AMC Westgate 20 and Arrowhead Fountains 18 for a night out on the town. Overall, this vibrant neighborhood offers a mix of amenities that cater to various needs for senior living residents seeking convenience and accessibility in Glendale.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Arizona Organix (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Golden Corral (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.5 miles)
• Don Ruben's Mexican Restaurant (2.8 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.5 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (5.1 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (5.4 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (5.5 miles)

Physicians

• Bethany Women’s Healthcare (3.2 miles)
• Banner Thunderbird Surgery Center (3.4 miles)
• AOC: Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants (3.6 miles)
• Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology (3.6 miles)
• Canyon Orthopaedic Surgeons (4 miles)
• Metro Surgery Center (4 miles)
• North Valley Dermatology & Original Skin (5 miles)

Parks

• O'Neal Park (3.3 miles)
• Pioneer Community Park Off-Leash Dog Park (3.5 miles)
• Pioneer Community Park (3.5 miles)
• Granada Park (4.6 miles)
• Grand Canal Linear Park (4.8 miles)
• Royal Palm Park (4.8 miles)
• Rio Vista Community Park (5.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (3.3 miles)
• Pure Heart Christian Fellowship (4 miles)
• Open Door Fellowship Church (4.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Surgical Specialty Hospital Of Arizona (4.7 miles)
• Abrazo Central Campus (4.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Westgate 20 (5.3 miles)
• Park West 14 (5.5 miles)
• Arrowhead Fountains 18 (6.1 miles)