Arbor Court

Pros

• The staff are very nice and helpful in guiding residents through the process.
• The property earned 5 stars for customer service.
• The community is nice, decent, and extremely pet-friendly.
• It is a great place for low-income residents.
• It is a nice place to live.
• It is better than living in a tent in the desert.
• The rooms are nice and clean.
• It is very secure.

Cons

• They report the complex is unsafe due to drug deals and threatening residents.
• They state security staff neglect their duties and can be rude.
• They describe the property as dirty with roaches in many apartments.
• They note rent increases were unaffordable and felt like eviction notices.
• They describe the place as scary and unsafe for seniors because of threatening individuals.
• They say the studios are small and the building resembles a budget motel with cramped bathrooms.
• They claim identity theft occurred to a resident.
• They believe the property should be condemned due to numerous problems.
• They say the place smells bad and houses many unruly or "crazy" people.

Review

The collection of impressions about Arbor Court and its related properties paints a complex picture: a place that many residents find welcoming, affordable, and well-suited for seniors and those on a tight budget, but also a setting where safety concerns, maintenance issues, and rigid rules can create friction. Several reviewers describe Essex as the newest addition to the Arbor Court family, joining other campuses like Arbor Grove and Kensington's campus apartments near the veteran's home. Ownership is noted as LA Mental Health Care, with the properties framed as primarily 55+ or low-income senior housing. In this ecosystem, people praise the human side of the operation - the staff, the sense of community, and the affordability - even as they warn of practical and safety-related challenges.

On the positive side, there is a strong thread of appreciation for the people who work there. Posters repeatedly mention friendly, helpful staff and good customer service, with many describing the community as "nice," "decent," and "extremely pet friendly." The housing is repeatedly framed as a place where residents feel cared for and where residents' needs are taken seriously. Several reviewers emphasize that the staff are approachable and that the community has a welcoming vibe, especially for seniors and those living on limited incomes. The pet-friendly angle is presented as a real plus, contributing to a homey feel in a setting that otherwise centers on affordability and accessibility.

There is also broad recognition that these properties are designed around senior life and low-income housing needs. References to 55+ or elderly-focused housing, sometimes with an emphasis on stability and predictable living, recur in the comments. For many, Arbor Court and its related properties are attractive precisely because they provide a more affordable, low-stress option that can feel safer and more controlled than other housing choices. A number of residents point out that the places have improved over time - "came a long way," "nice and safe now," and "affordable too" - which suggests a positive trajectory in terms of upkeep, cleanliness, and overall environment.

Yet the same voices do not shy away from reporting real concerns. A cluster of reviews highlights safety and security issues, with some residents feeling the environment is not as secure as it should be. There are calls out about drug activity in or around the properties, descriptions of "scary" vibes, and worries about who is living in the building. One reviewer notes that the security team does not always meet expectations, mentioning a mixed performance where a few officers are diligent while others neglect their duties. This mix of security experiences reinforces a sense that, while there is formal security on site, the daily reality can feel uncertain for some residents.

Maintenance and living conditions also show a split picture. Several comments describe the interiors as clean, neat, and well kept, while others allege the opposite: outdated interiors, cramped studios, and significant pest issues (notably roaches). Some reviewers compare the units to budget motel rooms, particularly for those whose doors have hallways or outside access. A recurring sentiment is that the properties could benefit from updates and renovations to better align with the comfortable, secure living that the nicer moments imply. The contrast between "well-kept, quiet, and safe" and "needs updating, dirty in spots, or insect problems" is a common thread, underscoring that individual experiences can vary widely by unit and building within the same system.

Financial terms and lease structures also emerge as a source of tension. Several reviews touch on budgeting and the reality that living in these buildings is tied to income considerations. There are mentions of rent being based on budget or income levels, which many residents appreciate for affordability, but there are also notes about rent increases and the difficulty these pose for long-term tenants, including seniors on fixed incomes. One post recounts a substantial rent increase in 2019 that felt tantamount to an eviction threat for a senior living on a limited budget. Such anecdotes color the community's economic reality with concerns about stability and predictability of housing costs.

In terms of community life and the target resident profile, these properties are described as genuine senior housing experiences with a social dimension. The notion that the apartment campuses are intended to be safe, supportive spaces for older adults - with occasional social tensions or troublemakers - appears in multiple posts. Some residents speak positively about the social opportunities, the sense of "meeting and greeting" with neighbors, and a general culture of living within one's means. Others remark on the occasional clash between the expectations of senior living and the presence of younger residents or difficult behavior in the building, which can complicate the experience for some long-time residents.

Taken together, the sentiment about Arbor Court, Arbor Grove, Kensington's campus, and the Essex additions is a nuanced one. The properties are repeatedly praised for their friendliness, affordability, and focus on seniors and low-income residents. They are also described as places that have improved over time and as communities that offer a sense of safety and routine - when things run smoothly. However, safety concerns, drug activity, maintenance and pest problems, and tensions around rent and units remind potential residents that, like any large housing complex, experiences will vary by building, unit, and management period. For anyone considering a move to these properties, the prevailing takeaway is to expect a warm, resident-focused community on the one hand, with the need to carefully evaluate current security, upkeep, and budget realities on the other.

This part of Lancaster, California offers a convenient location with easy access to various healthcare facilities, including AVORS Medical Group and Antelope Valley Hospital Auxiliary. There are several reputable physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby for any medical needs. Additionally, the area provides a variety of dining options such as Pizza Hut, Denny's, and Mexican and seafood restaurants like Don Gus Fine Mexican & Seafood Family Restaurant. For recreation, Lancaster City Park is within walking distance, offering a space for outdoor activities. Grace Chapel and Desert Vineyard Christian Fellowship are nearby places of worship for spiritual enrichment. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of healthcare services, dining options, and recreational opportunities that could be appealing for seniors looking to settle in Lancaster.

Physicians

• AVORS Medical Group (0.1 miles)
• Thiagarajah, Chitta - Chitta Thiagarajah MD Southland Pain Management (0.3 miles)
• Sierra Gastroenterology (0.3 miles)
• Acuity Eye Group and Acuity 360 Advanced Vision Center (0.3 miles)
• Holistic Care Group (0.7 miles)
• Antelope Valley Lung Institute Medical Group (0.8 miles)
• Burres Steven A MD (0.9 miles)

Parks

• Lancaster City Park (0.1 miles)
• Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Pizza Hut (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.3 miles)
• Denny's (0.3 miles)
• The Britisher (0.3 miles)
• Crazy Otto's Diner (0.4 miles)
• Los 3 Compadres (0.4 miles)
• Don Gus Fine Mexican & Seafood Family Restaurant (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Pmd Pharmacy NPI (0.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• iLab Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Wecare Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Hi-Desert Medical Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Lancaster Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Kaiser Lancaster (1.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Chapel (0.7 miles)
• Desert Vineyard Christian Felowship (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Antelope Valley Hospital Auxiliary (1 miles)
• A V Medical Office Building (1.1 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Palmdale Regional Me (1.4 miles)
• Kaiser Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• San Marino In The Desert (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)