Westward Ho Assoc - HUD in Phoenix, AZ

Pros

• The staff are very helpful and courteous.
• Staff are pleasant to residents and their guests.
• It is a great place to live for seniors or disabled residents.
• The building is beautiful, with historic architecture, ornate ceilings, and attractive tile.
• The inner courtyard is a standout feature and very peaceful.
• It has a large, clean swimming pool and a working water fountain.
• The Westward Ho is a historic landmark and nostalgic centerpiece of downtown Phoenix.
• The lobby is beautiful and well maintained, with decorative ceilings and tile.
• The apartments offer spacious rooms, high ceilings, and full kitchens.
• It is conveniently located near Light Rail and bus stops.
• The complex is described as safe, with reliable security.

Cons

• They describe the parking as horrible, with too few elevators and a dirty-feeling building overall.
• They say the building is very old and in need of renovation, giving it an outdated, nursing-home-like feel.
• They report power outages several times a year, leaving residents without air conditioning and basic utilities.
• They note a high density of addicts and people with mental health issues in the area, creating a chaotic and sometimes unsafe atmosphere with frequent emergency responses.
• They mention areas that smell strongly of unwashed bodies, with odors said to be absorbed by walls and furnishings.
• They claim the property is dirty or a dump and accuse management of misrepresentation and HUD-inspection failures.
• They criticize staff as rude, affecting safety and overall experience.

Review

Westward Ho Assoc - HUD is best suited for budget-conscious seniors and disabled residents who want a historic, centrally located home in downtown Phoenix. The community serves those who value affordability within a 55+ or disability-linked HUD setting, and who are comfortable in a landmark building with real architectural character. It works for residents who like large, retro-style apartments with full kitchens, high ceilings, and a courtyard-focused environment, plus easy access to transit, a nearby senior center, and city amenities. This is not a luxury ecosystem; it is a practical, lived-in option that delivers on value and location rather than polish.

Those considering alternatives should note who this property is not ideal for. If quiet, pristine cleanliness, and ultra-modern amenities are non-negotiable, a newer or private lease-based senior community will likely feel more comfortable. Families or residents who require intensive on-site medical support, memory care, or frequent rehabilitation services should look to dedicated assisted living or memory-care facilities. And if surrounding neighborhood safety and outside disturbances are non-starters, it is prudent to compare with non-HUD options or communities with stronger control of surrounding activity and guest access.

The strongest positives here - historic charm, responsive staff, and a sense of permanence - often offset the main drawbacks. The building's art deco lobby, ornate ceilings, and a well-kept courtyard convey a unique, dignified atmosphere that many residents value deeply. Large apartments with full kitchens, 11-foot ceilings, and ongoing improvements (including upgraded elevators and refreshed interiors) translate into genuinely livable spaces for long-tenure residents. The HUD framework and strong waiting list reflect steady demand and a built-in sense of community, while proximity to transit and a nearby senior center reinforces independence for those who do not want to rely on cars. For many, the safety profile relative to other public housing remains a meaningful virtue.

Yet the cons carry real weight in daily life. Odors in some common areas, including elevator lobbies, have been reported and can erode the comfort of visiting or resident experience. Power outages, especially in the heat of summer, are a recurring irritant that disrupts air conditioning, elevators, and everyday routines. Parking is notoriously difficult, and the surrounding disruption from homeless populations or occasional outside disturbances can intrude on a resident's sense of security. Noise from adjacent venues or activity outside can also intrude on sleep, particularly for units facing busy streets or late-night outdoor spaces. These factors do not erase the upside, but they do demand a clear, informed trade-off.

The key to weighing pros against cons lies in context. For a resident who prizes affordability, architectural grandeur, and urban convenience, the positives - historic ambiance, sizable living space, safety in the HUD context, and proximity to transit - can outweigh the drawbacks, especially with a well-chosen apartment location within the building. The upgrades to critical infrastructure, the presence of a formal 55+ housing designation, and the demonstrated staff willingness to assist are meaningful mitigations to some of the more frustrating realities like outages or odor issues. In short, the value proposition is compelling for a particular profile: an active retiree or disabled adult who prioritizes location, affordability, and history over perfect quiet and pristine surfaces.

For decision-makers, a disciplined due-diligence approach matters. Tour at different times to gauge odors, noise, and elevator availability; confirm floor fit and access paths, especially if mobility aids are used; verify current security measures and incident history; inspect parking options and guest policies; and parse the waiting-list timeline alongside HUD verification steps. Speak with current residents to understand day-to-day realities and maintenance responsiveness. If these checks align with expectations, Westward Ho offers a practical, character-rich foothold in downtown Phoenix. If not, explore alternatives that prioritize quieter surroundings, upgraded finishes, and stronger on-site services.

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)