Park East Apartments & Villa in Bangor, ME

Pros

• The staff are nice and friendly.
• The grounds are kept clean.
• The apartments are being updated inside and out.
• The staff are excellent.
• The pool is a nice feature for summer.
• Residents feel happy with the location and the amenities close to everything.
• The apartments are very nice and clean.
• The management staff is described as unsurpassed, with Norma and Suzanne praised for their genuine care.

Cons

• The owners and management are poor and unresponsive.
• Maintenance is noticeably lacking.
• The stormwater system backs up and causes regular flooding.
• Ownership and management hire cheap contractors to do paving and other projects half?assed.
• Snow removal is ineffective, and staff dump snow into ADA parking spaces.
• The managers are careless, lazy, and inconsiderate, not answering residents' questions.
• They prioritize rent money over resident safety and quality of service.
• There was a burglary nearby and the landlords did not take action.

Review

Park East Apartments & Villa in Bangor is best suited for older adults or families who need affordable, straightforward apartment living with easy access to public transit and nearby services, and who can tolerate dated interiors and inconsistent property oversight. It is a practical choice for budget-conscious tenants who value proximity to transportation and the basics of a comfortable home more than contemporary finishes or robust on-site programming. Residents who crave low-cost housing with a sense of neighborhood stability may find the location appealing, especially if they are willing to navigate maintenance gaps and occasional safety concerns. This community is not designed as an assisted-living campus; it lacks the level of care coordination and 24/7 staffing families typically expect when selecting a senior living option.

Those considering alternatives should think twice if reliability in maintenance, predictable snow removal, robust safety measures, and consistently clean common areas are non-negotiable. Seniors or families needing proactive, hands-on management, strong security, and on-site responsiveness should look at communities with dedicated management teams and a track record of timely repairs. If the goal is a modern, well-kept environment with clear routines for pest control, laundry, and common-area upkeep, Park East may feel lagging. In short, any decision should weigh the value of savings against the compromise on day-to-day upkeep, safety assurances, and the overall peace of mind that comes with consistently professional management.

On the plus side, price is a clear standout. Several reviews note that units are affordable, with some residents finding the options reasonable for the Bangor area, and a few describe ongoing interior or exterior updates that hint at improvement. The property's proximity to bus lines and essential services stands out as a practical advantage, particularly for residents who rely on public transit or want quick access to shops and healthcare. Multiple accounts praise friendly, capable staff in certain interactions, and some units report tidy grounds and the presence of community amenities such as a pool in the summer. For those who place value on simple, quiet, budget-friendly living, these positives can be meaningful when balanced with the property's dated feel.

The most frequent red flags center on management and maintenance. Respondents describe ownership as careless and unresponsive, with maintenance described as slow or insufficient. Snow removal is repeatedly criticized, and ada parking spaces are reportedly not managed well, creating daily friction for residents who depend on accessible parking. Hallways and stairwells are cited as not being clean, and trash issues emerge in warmer months. Security concerns appear in some stories, including a break-in that neighbors and management did not adequately address, fostering a lingering sense of vulnerability. Taken together, these factors temper the appeal and justify serious due-diligence before committing to a long-term lease.

Given these dynamics, families should come prepared with concrete questions and a clearly defined checklist before moving in. Ask for the current maintenance response times, the schedule for seasonal maintenance and snow removal, and the plans for ongoing updates to either units or common areas. Verify the status of any safety improvements, the availability and reliability of ADA parking, and the specific processes for handling neighbor disputes or incidents. Tour the property during daylight and after a snow event, if possible, to evaluate cleanliness, access routes, and how responsive staff appear on-site. Request to meet the property manager and leasing staff to gauge whether the daily operation aligns with personal expectations for attentiveness and accountability.

Ultimately, Park East is a pragmatic option for those prioritizing affordability and location over polish and predictability. For seniors or families seeking comprehensive on-site care, regular professional programming, or consistently high maintenance standards, alternatives that emphasize proactive management and stronger security are advisable. If the budget is tight and the emphasis remains on staying close to transit, groceries, and basic amenities, Park East can work - but with eyes wide open. The decision hinges on whether savings offset the potential for maintenance hiccups, uneven service, and the sense of security that comes from a reliably attentive management team.

This area of Bangor, Maine offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking to settle in a convenient location. With a range of dining options including Gifford's Famous Ice Cream, Dysart's Restaurant, and familiar chains like McDonald's and KFC within close proximity, residents can enjoy a mix of culinary experiences. There are also several places of worship nearby such as Glad Tidings Church and Grace Church Bangor for spiritual support. Access to medical care is readily available with Northeast Pain Management, various physician offices like Husson Pediatrics and Northeast Neurosurgery, as well as hospitals like Eastern Maine Medical Center and St Joseph Hospital within a short distance. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens are easily accessible for medication needs. For leisure activities, seniors can visit Bangor Dog Park or Chapin Park for outdoor enjoyment, catch a movie at Bangor Mall Cinemas 10, or explore the local cafe Tim Hortons. Transportation options include car rental services and proximity to Bangor International Airport for easy travel connections. Overall, this area provides a mix of conveniences and comforts suitable for senior living in Bangor.

Restaurants

• Gifford's Famous Ice Cream (0.4 miles)
• Dysart's Restaurant Broadway (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• KFC (1.3 miles)
• Pizza Hut (1.3 miles)
• Dorr Lobster Seafood Market (1.4 miles)
• It's Just Wings (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Glad Tidings Church (0.4 miles)
• Grace Church Bangor (0.7 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (1.4 miles)
• Bangor Church Of God (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Northeast Pain Management (0.5 miles)
• Pandey, Sanjay Saint Joseph Internal Medicine (0.7 miles)
• Husson Pediatrics (1 miles)
• Mark Henderson (1.3 miles)
• Baldacci John (1.5 miles)
• Northeast Neurosurgery (1.7 miles)
• Medimaine Health Associates (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Eastern Maine Medical Center (1 miles)
• Northern Light Acadia Hospital (1.8 miles)
• St Joseph CBO (1.9 miles)
• St Joseph Hospital (1.9 miles)
• St Joseph Healthcare Park (1.9 miles)
• Sleep Center of Maine (2.7 miles)
• DDPC (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Hannaford Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Westgate Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Affiliated Pharmacy Service (2 miles)
• PCHC - Penobscot Community Health Center Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Pchc Pharmacies (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Tim Hortons (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Bangor Dog Park (1.4 miles)
• City of Bangor Parks & Recreation (2.5 miles)
• Chapin Park (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• Bangor Mall Cinemas 10 (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Car Rental Bangor (2.5 miles)
• Bangor International Airport (BGR) (2.6 miles)
• Bangor Airport baggage claim (2.7 miles)
• Dl6219 Bgr-Lga (2.7 miles)