Dorchester House

Pros

• The Dorchester House is clean and the owners are working to improve the property.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities, including movie nights and community BBQs, fostering a sense of belonging.
• The location is great, with beautiful grounds and proximity to nature, including a river and beach nearby.
• The building retains historical charm with features like old fireplaces and chandeliers.
• Pets are accepted, making it a welcoming environment for animal lovers.
• Rent includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, garbage disposal, and basic cable television.
• Many residents appreciate the friendly community atmosphere among fellow tenants.
• Weekly housekeeping services are available for those who need assistance.

Cons

• The management is described as cheap and lazy, often ignoring resident complaints and failing to effectively manage issues.
• Residents feel intimidated and condescended to when they voice legitimate concerns, with management labeling them as 'problems.'
• Safety is a significant concern, as some entrance doors are left unlocked at night, putting residents at risk.
• The lack of security cameras and poor lighting in the parking lot makes walking from vehicles to the building dangerous.
• Windows in the rooms are old and outdated, leading to security risks and discomfort during hot weather.
• Residents criticize the disparity between decorative spending for curb appeal versus investments in improving living conditions for current tenants.
• There are hidden costs associated with moving in that were not clearly communicated before signing leases.
• The lack of regular meal service is seen as an inadequate arrangement for residents who struggle to cook with limited kitchen facilities.

Review

The Dorchester House, an apartment complex specifically catering to residents aged 58 and older, has garnered mixed reviews from its current and former tenants. Situated in a historically significant building near scenic landscapes and only a mile from the ocean, it offers an enticing location. Rent at Dorchester House includes several utilities; electricity, water, sewage disposal, garbage collection, as well as access to basic cable television and shared laundry facilities—all beneficial for seniors looking for convenience. Additionally, residents are allowed to have pets with a deposit. However, despite these amenities and its charming setting, many residents have voiced concerns about management practices and hidden costs that can complicate the experience.

A common theme among reviews is the inconsistency in pricing and unexpected charges. Prospective tenants are strongly urged to secure everything in writing before putting down deposits due to discrepancies between quoted prices during tours and actual rental agreements. While some expressed optimism about living at Dorchester House—highlighting its cleanliness and efforts of maintenance personnel—the initial positive impression quickly faded when financial surprises arose after moving in. Residents noted that they felt pressured into accepting terms without full clarity on all associated costs.

Management practices at the Dorchester House have been described as subpar by multiple reviewers. Although the manager is relatively new, there seems to be a lack of effective oversight regarding issues raised by residents. Many claimed that when complaints were made about various problems—such as safety concerns regarding unlocked doors or insufficient security measures—the responses felt superficial or dismissive. Reviewers pointed out instances where they were labeled 'problems' rather than having their valid concerns addressed adequately. This left many feeling intimidated or even bullied when they sought assistance from management.

One particularly troubling aspect highlighted was the lack of proper security within the building, which has led some residents to question their safety while living there. The back parking lot is reportedly poorly lit and unsafe for evening walks from vehicles to entrances—a crucial consideration for aging individuals who may be more vulnerable than others. Furthermore, outdated window fixtures raised alarms among residents regarding potential break-ins during warmer months when leaving windows open becomes necessary for comfort yet poses a risk.

Facilities within individual apartments have also drawn scrutiny; while some rooms feature appealing historical elements like old fireplaces or chandeliers, many are criticized for their small size and impractical kitchen setups lacking adequate cabinetry space unless additional fees are paid for custom installations. There have been claims that despite attractive communal features such as landscaping and activities—including movie nights—residents often feel overlooked when it comes to essential living comforts inside their own units.

Lastly, a significant disappointment among former residents pertains to changes in food service availability at the Dorchester House. Previously offered meal plans were discontinued without adequate alternatives put in place for those unable or unwilling to cook using limited appliances like hot plates or microwaves—a situation exacerbated by proximity challenges posed by nearby highways deemed dangerous for crossing safely on foot during errands like grocery shopping.

In conclusion, while the Dorchester House offers undeniable charm through its historic architecture and pleasant surroundings along with essential utilities included in rent calculations, substantial managerial shortcomings tarnish its reputation among those who call it home—or once did so. Prospective residents should weigh these factors carefully against available amenities if considering this locale for their next chapter in life.

This area of Lincoln City, Oregon, offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors living in the community. With several cafes and restaurants within walking distance, there are plenty of options for dining out or grabbing a cup of coffee with friends. Additionally, there are multiple places of worship nearby for those looking to maintain their spiritual practices. For medical needs, there are various physicians' offices and pharmacies in close proximity, as well as two hospitals within reasonable driving distance. Parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while transportation options such as shuttle services and car rental agencies make it easy to get around town. Overall, this part of Lincoln City offers a convenient and comfortable setting for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Cafes

• Blackfish Cafe (0 miles)
• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Lighthouse Coffee Company (0.4 miles)
• The Human Bean (0.5 miles)
• Cup of Jo (0.6 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1 miles)
• Pacific Grind Cafe (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Game Over Arcade Bar and Grill (0.1 miles)
• Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (0.2 miles)
• 101 Inspirations (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.6 miles)
• Pig'n Pancake (0.6 miles)
• Enrique's Taqueria (0.7 miles)
• The Nauti Mermaid Bar & Bistro (0.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Christ (0.3 miles)
• First Church of Christ Scientist (0.3 miles)
• Seventh-Day Adventist Church (0.3 miles)
• Church of the Nazarene (0.5 miles)
• Saint Augustine Parish (0.9 miles)
• City Gate Church (1.7 miles)
• House Of Yeshua (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Samaritan North Lincoln Internal Medicine (0.5 miles)
• Lincoln City Eye Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Valley View Dermatology (0.5 miles)
• Lincoln City Medical Center PC (0.5 miles)
• Samaritan Surgical Clinic (0.6 miles)
• Silver Falls Dermatology & Allergy (0.6 miles)
• Samaritan Coastal Clinic (1 miles)

Hospitals

• Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital (24 miles)

Parks

• Holmes Road Park (0.7 miles)
• Regatta Park (0.9 miles)
• Sand Point Park (1.1 miles)
• Canyon Drive Park (1.9 miles)
• Agate Beach Neighborhood and Dog Park (21.2 miles)
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (21.7 miles)
• Sam Moore Parkway Park (23.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.7 miles)
• Bi-Mart (0.8 miles)
• Renee's Herb Store (3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (22.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (23 miles)
• Walgreens (24.2 miles)

Transportation

• Depoe Bay Shuttle (3.1 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (22.9 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (23.6 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (24.1 miles)

Theaters

• Newport Cinemas (21.2 miles)