Ella at Encore in Tampa, FL

Pros

• The living conditions are nice.
• The on-site manager is extremely efficient and attentive to residents' concerns.
• Residents are highly satisfied with the ELLA management team and the decent living conditions they maintain.
• The maintenance staff is excellent and timely with requests.
• The facility is kept in excellent condition, and the apartment staff are great.
• Residents love the place and look forward to moving in.
• The apartments look comfortable and well designed.
• It is a great place to live - convenient, safe, and highly recommended for seniors.
• The staff are professional, friendly, and caring, making the community feel like family.
• The complex is clean and offers good customer service.

Cons

• They report repeated car break-ins and missing catalytic converters, with no action taken to address these security issues.
• They note that there are cameras, but thieves can cover their faces, rendering the cameras ineffective and mainly benefiting the office rather than tenants.
• They describe hallway cameras and say the property isn't active senior living, with residents having to create their own activities and endure quarterly inspections.
• They suggest that security concerns are not being resolved promptly or adequately.

Review

Ella at Encore in downtown Tampa is best suited for independent-minded seniors who want a walkable, city-centered lifestyle with strong on-site management and a responsive maintenance team. The community reads as a turnkey living environment: spacious, well-designed apartments, a robust slate of on-site amenities, and immediate access to downtown services, shops, and social opportunities. For a resident who values reliability in operations, predictable upkeep, and a vibrant neighborhood feel, Ella offers a highly attractive package. The emphasis on safety, professional staff, and an active calendar makes it a practical choice for those who prefer not to manage every detail of daily living themselves.

The most persuasive advantage is the management and maintenance ecosystem. Residents repeatedly highlight an on-site team that acts with genuine concern and efficiency, turning service requests around quickly and handling repairs without friction. The three on-site managers, along with capable handymen, cultivate a sense that tenants are not merely tenants but part of a well-tended, attentive community. This approach translates into a consistently clean, well-maintained living space and a feeling of security. For many, that blend of professionalism and personal care is the deciding factor when choosing a downtown residence with an independent living focus.

Another strong plus is the liveability of the location and the built-in amenities. The northeast downtown setting is walkable to a wide array of services, venues, and transit options, reducing dependence on a car for daily needs. The building itself houses appealing features: a large pool, gym, a church room, a computer lab, and even a pizza place on site - all of which enhance daily life and social interaction. The apartments are described as spacious and well laid out, and the staff's friendliness and residents' camaraderie contribute to a "family" atmosphere that makes the community feel welcoming and safe.

Yet there are clear caveats that prospective renters must weigh. Security concerns recur in several accounts, with car break-ins and catalytic converter theft reported within a relatively short window. While cameras exist, reviews suggest gaps between policy and reality of deterrence, prompting questions about how security is enforced, monitored, and improved. Additionally, the community's declared independence means limited on-site care; some residents note that activities can depend on resident initiative, and there are questions about how deeply engaged the building is in providing structured senior programming versus leaving much of it to residents. For families seeking a bridge into more intense care or memory support, these realities push alternatives into consideration.

These factors do not erase Ella's strengths, but they do frame the decision. The consistent, capable management and maintenance, combined with a walkable, amenity-rich setting and a genuine sense of community, offset most daily-life frictions for many seniors choosing independent living. The downtown location minimizes isolation, the staff responsiveness reduces maintenance anxiety, and the social opportunities are plentiful when residents participate. However, the caveats are meaningful: for anyone needing ongoing assisted living services, or for those with heightened security concerns, alternatives with on-site care options and stronger integrated security programs may be a better fit.

In the end, Ella at Encore represents a pragmatic, high-value option for seniors who prize independence, straightforward management, and downtown access. It suits those who want a strong daily routine, active neighbors, and a home where maintenance and safety are reliably prioritized. Those who require regular caregiving, memory support, or a quieter, suburban atmosphere should consider other communities that offer licensed assistance and enhanced security measures as core provisions. Prospective residents should visit, tour the common areas, ask pointed questions about crime prevention and parking, and speak with current residents to gauge whether the "family" feel and the management's responsiveness align with personal expectations and care needs.

This part of Tampa, Florida, offers a diverse range of amenities and services suitable for senior living. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents can easily access dining options and healthcare facilities. The nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, while the presence of medical centers such as South Tampa Medical Center and Moffitt Cancer Center ensures quality healthcare services are readily available. Additionally, convenient transportation options like National Car Rental and TSA Screening at Tampa International Airport make travel accessible for seniors. Overall, this area combines convenience, recreational opportunities, and healthcare facilities to create a comfortable environment for senior living.

Restaurants

• La La S Sangria B (0.6 miles)
• Eddie & Sam's Ny Pizza (0.6 miles)
• Ulele (0.6 miles)
• Armature Works (0.7 miles)
• Hattricks (0.8 miles)
• James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery (0.9 miles)
• Harpoon Harry's Ta (0.9 miles)

Parks

• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (0.7 miles)
• McKay Bay Nature Park (1.9 miles)
• Rivercrest Park (2.4 miles)
• Grant Park (3.9 miles)
• Beach Park (4.6 miles)
• Ballast Point Park (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• JW Marriott Market Cafe (1 miles)
• King State (1 miles)
• Starbucks | UT (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Buddy Brew Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Buddy Brew (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Physicians

• South Tampa Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Tower Radiology Centers - Habana (3 miles)
• Tampa Bay Cardi Ovascular (3.3 miles)
• Medical Village Surgical Center (3.4 miles)
• Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza (3.7 miles)
• Shady Grove Fertility (4.7 miles)
• Fast Track Urgent Care Center (5.1 miles)

Transportation

• National Car Rental (5 miles)
• TSA Screening (5 miles)
• Airside A (5 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (5.1 miles)
• Starbuck's Airside E (5.2 miles)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) (5.2 miles)
• Main Terminal Tpa Tampa (5.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Florida Hospital Carrollwood (5 miles)