Westward Ho Assoc - HUD

Pros

• The apartments have a great view.
• The air conditioning works well.
• The lobby features a beautiful, ornate ceiling and attractive tile floors.
• The inner courtyard is its best feature.
• It has a large, clean swimming pool and a large working water fountain.
• The staff are helpful and courteous, and the application process is fast and helpful.
• It is a great place to live for seniors or disabled people.
• The building is a Phoenix landmark with historic charm.

Cons

• They describe the parking as horrible, there aren't enough elevators, and the place seems dirty.
• They note areas that smell bad "like unwashed bodies."
• They report a high density of addicts and residents with mental health issues outside, with police often called.
• They claim power outages occur several times a year, leaving residents without air conditioning and the ability to use elevators or appliances.
• They say the building is not very comfortable because utilities are abused, making units hot in summer and freezing in winter.
• They complain the club next door is very loud, making it hard to sleep.
• They point out little to no parking, homeless folks littering the front area, and walls that reportedly carry infections.
• They observe frequent drug deals outside and daily or near-daily emergency or police presence.
• They allege bed bugs are brought in by residents or homeless people, and that the building failed HUD inspections.

Review

The Westward Ho is described by many as a building with a storied past and undeniable architectural charm, a place that still wears its 1920s glamour on the inside. Reviewers repeatedly point to the lobby's ornate ceiling, the decorative tile, the mosaic work in the courtyard arches, and the grand library as living reminders of a glittering era. The courtyard and pool present a sense of calm and shelter from the surrounding city bustle, and the building's exterior and interior speak to a time when such structures were constructed to impress. For some residents, this historic character is exactly what drew them in and what they still love - the sense of being part of a Phoenix landmark with a certain romance and elegance that you don't find in newer, faceless towers. It is also clear that the property is currently set up to house elderly and disabled populations and is HUD housing, a reality that frames many of the experiences shared by residents.

Many reviews praise practical, city-center perks that come with living in a historic property like this. Several writers highlight its downtown location near light rail and bus stops, which makes getting around the city relatively convenient. Some mention supportive aspects of the surrounding area, including a nearby senior center and easy access to public transit, which can be a lifeline for long-term residents or newcomers who don't want to depend solely on a car. A few readers recount positive interactions with staff, noting that the application process was fast and courteous and that management or staff were generally helpful when needed. In a few cases, residents recall friendly, intelligent neighbors and a sense of community created by living among a diverse mix of long-term residents and visitors who appreciate the building's historic vibe.

But the overall sentiment is far from uniformly glowing. A recurring thread among reviews is that the building's age is both its charm and its challenge. Commentators repeatedly describe the towers as very old and in need of renovation, with parts of the property showing wear while upgrades to some apartments are ongoing or incomplete. The historical allure coexists with practical frustrations: too few elevators for a building that accommodates a large, elderly, and disabled population; air conditioning that sometimes works and other times struggles in the heat; and a general sense that cleanliness and upkeep don't always meet residents' expectations. Some reviewers emphasize that the property's aging infrastructure contributes to a perception of livability issues, including smells in certain common areas that some describe as persistent and difficult to address. One writer even points out that two or three locations smell strongly "like unwashed bodies," suggesting a lingering odor problem in the building's more confined spaces, particularly around elevators and smaller common areas.

Safety and neighborhood dynamics add another layer of complexity to residents' assessments. Several reviews acknowledge a robust presence of people outside the building - some homeless or recently housed, some dealing with addiction or mental health challenges - an environment that residents say can affect daily life and mood. There are frank accounts of frequent police or emergency vehicle presence in the area, which some readers interpret as a direct consequence of the neighborhood's challenges. Others contrast this with a belief that these issues are not the fault of the Westward Ho's residents and argue that the surrounding city center is home to other high-end towers that also contend with disruptions from the broader urban environment. The sentiment is mixed: some feel safer than other public housing while others express caution about walking the area after dark or living in proximity to the ongoing chaos that can accompany a downtown setting.

The management and policy stance around who gets to live there complicates things further. It's noted that the building has shifted toward renting to groups of formerly homeless people, a move described by some as aimed at fulfilling HUD requirements or city programs and, possibly, tied to certain incentives for landlords. Critics argue that the result can be a higher density of individuals facing severe mental health or addiction challenges in a single location, which they say contributes to the complaints about smell, noise, and the general atmosphere inside and outside the building. Proponents, however, argue that this approach reflects a broader commitment to affordable housing and to providing apartments for elderly and disabled populations who might otherwise struggle to find a safe place to live in the heart of the city. There is also acknowledgment that management has made some improvements to the apartments, even if the scope and effectiveness of those upgrades are still debated among residents.

Amid the contrasts between glamour and hardship, a sense of community persists. Reviewers share personal stories of connection: friends who lived there and loved it, residents who have formed supportive networks, and individuals who feel a genuine sense of pride in the building's history. Some even describe an almost haunting beauty to the place, not just because of its age and faded glamour but because of the lives it has touched - homes found, improvements seen, and the ongoing effort to preserve what makes the Westward Ho unique. There are also practical reflections on daily life: some residents have found it a better option than rougher public housing; others have found the living conditions less comfortable due to heat in summer, cold in winter, or the lack of quiet nights because of nearby street noise and club venues. The tension between comfort and risk is a constant undercurrent, with some people choosing to stay and adapt, while others decide they would prefer different arrangements if possible.

In so many voices, the Westward Ho emerges as a place of contradictions - an architectural gem that offers meaningful history, striking views, and a unique cultural footprint, yet a home that also demands patience, resilience, and a willingness to navigate the realities of aging infrastructure, urban density, and the complexities of downtown life. For some, the building represents a special chapter in their lives: a place where they have found community, a sense of safety relative to other housing options, and a daily reminder of the city's rich past. For others, it is a cautionary tale about how a historical treasure can struggle to stay current with modern expectations of comfort, cleanliness, and neighborhood safety. The shared thread is a recognition that Westward Ho is more than a rudimentary apartment complex - it is a living, evolving landmark that continues to shape and be shaped by the people who call it home.

This neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and accessibility. With a range of dining options such as Chick-Fil-A, Matt's Big Breakfast, and Harumi Sushi nearby, residents can enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Places of worship like Roosevelt Community Church and Primera Iglesia United Methodist Church provide spiritual support for those seeking a religious community. Cafes like Futuro and Songbird Coffee & Tea House offer cozy spots to relax and socialize. The neighborhood also boasts proximity to theaters like AMC Arizona Center 24 and parks such as Margaret T. Hance Park for recreational activities. Additionally, easy access to pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and transportation options like METRO stations make running errands or commuting hassle-free. For healthcare needs, hospitals like Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix and St Joseph's Hospital & Med Center are within close reach, along with physician offices for primary care and specialized services. Overall, this well-rounded neighborhood presents a convenient and comfortable living environment for seniors in Phoenix.

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.2 miles)
• Matt's Big Breakfast (0.2 miles)
• Crescent Ballroom (0.3 miles)
• Sazerac PHX (0.3 miles)
• The Vig Fillmore (0.3 miles)
• Cibo (0.3 miles)
• Harumi Sushi (0.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Roosevelt Community Church (0.2 miles)
• Primera Iglesia United Methodist Church (1 miles)
• First United Methodist Church of Phoenix (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Futuro (0.2 miles)
• Songbird Coffee & Tea House (0.3 miles)
• Fair Trade Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Lola Coffee (0.3 miles)
• Spoonz Cafe (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Arizona Center 24 (0.3 miles)

Parks

• Margaret T. Hance Park (0.5 miles)
• Encanto Park (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Transportation

• METRO McDowell/Central Ave (0.7 miles)
• Thomas/Central Ave METRO (1.8 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (2.4 miles)
• Airport Rent-A-Car (2.5 miles)
• Delta SkyClub (3.9 miles)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) (4 miles)
• Terminal 3 (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (1.1 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital & Med Center: Deguzman Brian J MD (1.9 miles)
• St Josephs Neurological ICU (2 miles)
• Maricopa Medical Center (2.8 miles)
• Arizona State Hospital (2.8 miles)
• Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, Recreation Therapy (2.8 miles)
• Abrazo Central Campus (5.1 miles)

Physicians

• Banner Family Medicine Center (1.2 miles)
• SimonMed Imaging - Phoenix (1.6 miles)
• Dignity Health Peppertree Family Medicine (1.9 miles)
• Arizona Eye Specialists (2.3 miles)
• Phoenix Skin Medical Surgical Group (3.9 miles)
• Keystone Natural Family Medicine (4.4 miles)
• Cigna South Mountain (5.1 miles)