Ella at Encore

Pros

• The on-site manager is extremely efficient and shows concern for residents' needs.
• The ELLA management team maintains decent living conditions around the property.
• Maintenance staff are excellent and respond promptly to requests.
• The apartment manager and staff are highly professional, helpful, and caring.
• The building is beautiful and well-maintained, with amenities including a large pool.
• The rooms are spacious with well-designed layouts, and residents feel very safe.
• The northeast corner downtown Tampa location is walkable to many venues and convenient for downtown services.
• On-site staff are capable, friendly, and provide activities for residents; two handymen fix issues on weekdays.
• Residents describe the community as friendly, with neighbors and staff who feel like family.
• The property is clean and offers good customer service.

Cons

• Residents reported repeated car break-ins and missing catalytic converters at Encore, with no substantial action taken to address the issues.
• Some residents deemed the surveillance cameras ineffective because thieves can cover their faces, making the cameras more beneficial to the office than to tenants.
• A former resident criticized hallway cameras, lack of active senior living, the need to create their own activities, and quarterly home inspections.
• A reviewer noted income limitations, implying that eligibility is restricted by income.
• A reviewer questioned pool access for families, suggesting the pool may be just for show.

Review

The collection of experiences shared about ELLA at Encore portrays a consistently positive picture of life there. Residents repeatedly highlight a management team that is on top of things: on-site managers who are efficient, attentively listen to concerns, and treat residents with genuine care. It's clear that people feel heard and valued, with several notes describing the staff as professional, friendly, and genuinely invested in creating a comfortable home for seniors. This sense of care permeates daily life, contributing to a overall atmosphere where residents feel they are more than just tenants.

Maintenance and upkeep emerge as standout strengths in these reviews. The maintenance staff are described as excellent and timely, with repairs handled promptly and effectively. The building itself is said to be kept in excellent condition for the most part, and residents praise the two capable handymen who work on-site weekdays to address issues. In addition to routine maintenance, residents point to a well-designed layout and generous room dimensions that contribute to a sense of spacious, comfortable living. The combination of attentive maintenance and thoughtful design helps create a home-like feel where everyday needs are reliably met.

The location and amenities add to the appeal of ELLA at Encore. Nestled in the northeast corner of downtown Tampa, the building offers the convenience of walking distance to many downtown services while also providing safety and security. Residents love the easy access to downtown amenities, and they frequently mention the building's attractive features, such as a large pool, gym, and an on-site pizza place. The building's other amenities - like a church room and a computer lab - help foster a sense of community and offer opportunities for residents to stay active and connected.

Community and management go hand in hand in these testimonials. People describe the staff as capable, helpful, and genuinely caring, with management going the extra mile to organize activities and create a welcoming environment. The sentiment that "you are not just a tenant, you are family" captures the tone residents use to describe their relationship with the on-site team. Several reviews mention how quickly the team responds to requests and how they strive to ensure residents have a supportive and sociable living experience. This emphasis on community-building is a consistent thread, with residents appreciating the friendly neighbors and the encouragement to participate in building events and activities.

There are also a few caveats and concerns that come up in the feedback. A number of comments note safety-related issues, including reports of car break-ins and catalytic converters going missing on the property. While there are cameras on site, some residents question how effective they are if criminals appear to be able to circumvent them, raising a practical concern about security that potential residents might want to consider. There are also questions about eligibility and admission policies, including inquiries about income-based housing for low income or disabled residents under 62, and comments from a former resident about income limitations and other requirements. These points remind prospective residents to seek clear information about who qualifies and what the criteria are before moving in.

People also share personal decisions and timelines related to moving in. Some express eagerness to join the community, asking what steps are needed to apply or secure a spot, while others note they plan to move in once their number comes up. Several reviews reflect family connections, with parents or grandparents moving in and relatives visiting, underscoring the sense of a family-friendly environment. The appreciation for a welcoming stance from staff and the opportunity to enjoy amenities - such as the pool, gym, and common spaces - helps illustrate why so many residents look forward to calling ELLA at Encore home.

Overall, the reviews present a compelling portrait of a senior living community that wins high marks for management efficiency, compassionate staff, well-maintained facilities, quick repairs, and a strong sense of community. The downtown Tampa setting adds practical appeal with walkability to services and attractions, while the on-site amenities and thoughtful design contribute to a comfortable, safe, and engaging living experience. Potential residents are encouraged to connect with the management to understand eligibility and policies, then consider the blend of responsive care, active community life, and convenient location that many current residents say makes ELLA at Encore a great place to live.

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)