Masten Towers in Fresno, CA

Pros

• It is a great place to live, and the staff are very friendly.
• The staff are friendly, and the security team does a good job of keeping riff raff out of the building.
• The management, staff, and residents are great.
• The community offers trips that residents can sign up for in advance.
• It is quiet, peaceful, affordable, and has a great view.
• It is considered a good place to conduct paranormal research.

Cons

• The reviewer notes rude and racist behavior from resident guests and security guards, implying racism is alive at the location.
• Carpets in rooms and hallways are dirty and smell like mold.
• The place has changed a lot over the years, leading the reviewer to think twice about applying to live there.

Review

Masten Towers in Fresno is best suited for seniors who want an affordable, low-stress retirement option with dependable security and an active social calendar. The community emphasizes safety, quiet living, and a built-in resident network, which helps many residents feel settled after years of independent living. Longstanding residents speak to stable management and a staff that knows the building and its rhythms, while the calendar of trips and group activities offers ongoing engagement. This environment works best for those who can tolerate some rough edges, especially in cleanliness and consistency, in exchange for lower costs and a straightforward social framework.

The strongest practical upside is the combination of approachable staff, a capable security presence, and a range of resident-led activities. Reviews consistently highlight friendly personnel and responsive management in favorable terms, with residents expressing appreciation for the security team’s role in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The on-site programs, trips and excursions that require advance signup, offer meaningful opportunities to stay connected and active. Add in quiet corridors, scenic views, and affordable rents, and the picture is of a community that rewards regular participation and steady routines.

Yet significant cautions accompany those positives. Several reviews catalog tangible maintenance issues, dirty carpets and odors described as mold-like in rooms and hallways, that detract from everyday comfort. More troubling are reports of rude or racist behavior attributed to some residents and security personnel, along with questions about who truly oversees enforcement and resident relations. A sense of turnover or shifting standards over time further colors the perception of reliability. These elements can stain the daily experience and erode confidence in consistent, respectful handling of concerns.

When weighing pros against cons, the balance hinges on priorities. For families prioritizing security, social connectivity, and budget-conscious living, the positives can offset the negatives if maintenance and conduct concerns are addressed promptly and transparently. The presence of a seasoned staff and a stable management voice can translate into dependable day-to-day life, provided residents feel heard and safety remains unwavering. However, for those who cannot tolerate perceived discrimination, inconsistent policy enforcement, or ongoing cleanliness problems, the advantages may not be enough to justify the risk.

Alternatives become worth considering for families with stricter standards on professionalism and upkeep. There are Fresno options that emphasize higher cleanliness standards, more transparent complaint resolution, and a more consistently respectful environment. Prospective residents should compare floor plans, visit multiple times at different hours, and speak directly with current tenants about real-world daily life, not just marketing impressions. Look for facilities with clear, documented processes for addressing concerns, and ask how maintenance requests are tracked and prioritized.

In conclusion, Masten Towers offers a pragmatic choice for budget-minded seniors who want safety, social engagement, and a straightforward, community-focused lifestyle. It can be a strong fit for residents who value stability and activity programs and who can tolerate occasional cleanliness lapses and questions about management responsiveness. For families where discrimination, inconsistent leadership, or routine maintenance failures are non-negotiables, it is prudent to survey alternatives and enter with clear expectations. A well-informed visit, talking to multiple residents, probing management responses, and verifying maintenance timelines, will determine whether this community becomes a trusted home or a stepping stone to a different Fresno option.

This part of Fresno, California offers convenient access to essential services such as pharmacies, restaurants, physicians, hospitals, cafes, places of worship, theaters, and transportation options. With multiple pharmacies and medical facilities in close proximity, residents can easily access healthcare services. The diverse range of dining options caters to different tastes and preferences. Additionally, the presence of various places of worship provides spiritual support for those seeking religious community. The area also offers entertainment options with nearby theaters and parks for leisure activities. The transportation options make it easy for seniors to navigate the area and travel to other parts of the city. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with a good balance of amenities and services nearby.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Buker & Colson Medicine Chest (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (3.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.7 miles)
• Save Mart Supermarkets (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Cosmopolitan Tavern (0.7 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.5 miles)
• Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant (3.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.9 miles)

Physicians

• Bautista Medical Group (0.5 miles)
• Dominic Dizon MD (0.8 miles)
• Omni Women's Health (0.8 miles)
• Community Regional Surgical Services (0.9 miles)
• Internal Medicine Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Internal Medicine, Fresno Community (0.9 miles)
• Robert Julian (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Neuroscience Institute at Community Regional Medical Center (0.7 miles)
• Fresno Comm Hosp-Cardiology (0.8 miles)
• Va Hospital (2.7 miles)
• VA Central California Health Care System (2.7 miles)
• Childrens Hospital Central California (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Donut Hole (0.9 miles)
• Kuppa Joy Coffee House (2.3 miles)
• Collect Coffee Bar (6.3 miles)
• Dutch Bros (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Butler Pentecostal Church Of God (1.7 miles)
• St Paul's United Methodist Church (2.6 miles)
• Free Grace Church (3.4 miles)
• First Church Of God (3.9 miles)
• Cornelia Southern Baptist Church (5.4 miles)
• St Paul Newman Center (5.9 miles)
• St Anthony of Padua (6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Manchester - Fresno (3.2 miles)
• Maya Cinemas Fresno 16 (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Baggage Claim (4.7 miles)
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Cell Phone Waiting Area (4.7 miles)
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Green Park (6.1 miles)