The Heights at Columbia Knoll in Portland, OR

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The Heights at Columbia Knoll

The Heights at Columbia Knoll in Portland, OR

8320 Northeast Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3.3 from 118 reviews
5 stars
40
4 stars
29
3 stars
9
2 stars
10
1 stars
30

Independent Living

The Heights at Columbia Knoll Costs & Pricing

The Heights at Columbia Knoll offers competitive pricing for its residential options, particularly when compared to the broader market in Multnomah County and the state of Oregon. For instance, a one-bedroom unit is available at $1,480 per month, significantly lower than the county average of $3,402 and the state average of $3,904. Similarly, two-bedroom units are priced at $1,710, which again is a striking contrast to the county's average of $3,722 and Oregon's average of $4,436. This positioning not only makes The Heights at Columbia Knoll an attractive choice for potential residents looking for affordability but also highlights its value in providing quality living spaces that are well below market rates.

Floor plansThe Heights at Columbia KnollMultnomah CountyOregon
1 Bedroom$1,480$3,402$3,904
2 Bedrooms$1,710$3,722$4,436

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Independent Living

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    Overall Review of The Heights at Columbia Knoll

    Pros

    • pro Amity Fry is a lovely Marine Veteran with wonderful people skills and treats everyone with respect, kindness, and thoughtfulness.
    • pro The Heights is a warm, welcoming community for seniors who enjoy activities and events together.
    • pro There is a good feeling among residents, and staff are friendly and helpful.
    • pro The facility itself is excellent, with bright, spacious rooms and well-equipped kitchens.
    • pro The chef prepares meals that residents enjoy, and the dining options are well-regarded.
    • pro A vibrant Resident Forum has emerged, giving residents a clear voice that management listens to and acts on.
    • pro The grounds are beautiful, the apartments are clean and modern, and the overall environment is peaceful.
    • pro The community offers a variety of weekly activities and monthly events, such as cards, pinochle, Mah Jong, and ice cream socials.
    • pro The Heights provides convenient access to transportation, including a free bus on regular routes to markets.

    Cons

    • pro The Heights at Columbia Knoll is described as the worst place to live, with everything falling apart and staff who don't care.
    • pro Packages are frequently lost, and the staff seem more worried about rent collection than residents.
    • pro There is no handicapped parking, making visits difficult for friends and caregivers.
    • pro The walkways and entrances are icy and dangerous, with no proactive salting or snow/ice management.
    • pro Pipes break and carpets are covered with plastic instead of being repaired, signaling neglect.
    • pro Carpets are filthy and some elevators have been out of service for years.
    • pro Management is arrogant, rude, and unwilling to show compassion to residents.
    • pro Communication from management is poor, with frequent rule changes and resistance to forming a resident council.
    • pro Security is inadequate, with reports of car thefts and restricted access that undermines safety.
    • pro The Life Enrichment Program is expensive, and the food is described as awful or unpalatable.
    • pro Bedbugs have been reported, with management failing to address the infestation promptly.
    • pro The application process is exhausting, and staff are described as untrained and unhelpful.
    • pro The building is overpriced for the quality received and experiences high staff turnover.

    Review

    The Heights at Columbia Knoll in Portland is best suited for independent seniors who want affordable, activity-rich living and a social, neighborly atmosphere more than on-site caregiving. The community delivers spacious apartments, utilities included, and a robust slate of weekly activities, from card games to Wii bowling and ice cream socials. Residents often praise the sense of camaraderie, the accessibility features that exist in the building, and the dining options that can be reliable when management is functioning well. For someone seeking a budget-friendly footprint with regular social life, this property can feel like a practical, if imperfect, home base.

    Those who should consider alternatives are seniors who require consistent, proactive on-site care, strong security, or consistently high dining standards. The most persistent red flags across reviews concern management quality and stability, with frequent turnover, rules changes, and reported communication gaps. Bedbugs, car thefts, and uneven maintenance amplify concerns about safety and reliability. For families prioritizing responsive administration, transparent contracts, and predictable service levels - especially for residents with advanced needs or cognitive challenges - there are compelling reasons to look elsewhere.

    The core pros - generous apartment sizes, affordability, and inclusive utilities - often offset some drawbacks for residents who value cost efficiency and social opportunities. Large rooms, easy access to a range of activities, and a free or low-cost shuttle to markets create a livable rhythm that keeps many residents engaged. The property's location on a Portland hillside offers quiet surroundings and a view when the fourth-floor lounge is accessible. Add in grab bars in hallways and bathrooms, a well-kept exterior, and a dining program that, at times, earns enthusiastic reviews, and the appeal becomes tangible for independent seniors who want to retain control over daily routines while enjoying communal life.

    Yet the negatives punch harder than many banners would admit. Management inconsistency stands out: some residents report a transformed, more respectful environment under a capable leader, while others recount rude front-desk staff, fragile trust, and onerous rule changes. The Life Enrichment Program (LEP) - the bundled services option - can feel expensive and, for some, optional access to meals and activities is uneven in practice. Maintenance and amenity gaps recur in long-term complaints - outdated hallways, aging elevators, sporadic air conditioning, and a general sense that the building's infrastructure is aging without a commensurate or timely investment. These issues complicate decisions for anyone counting on predictable quality and comfort.

    On safety and day-to-day functioning, the picture is a mixed bag. Several reviews celebrate the community's safety, quiet atmosphere, and staff friendliness, with families reassured by nearby transit links and courtesy transportation. However, other accounts describe serious worry: blocked entrances, restricted back-door access, and increased security tensions that feel punitive rather than protective. The ice on walkways and hills in winter, coupled with limited handicapped parking, create real accessibility barriers for residents with mobility needs. A pattern of bedbugs and occasional reports of urgent concerns going unanswered further depresses confidence in the facility's capacity to handle crises promptly.

    For families and prospective residents, The Heights at Columbia Knoll demands due diligence. If opting in, verify the current management's leadership and responsiveness, confirm the status of key amenities (parking, elevators, A/C, and bus service), and demand a transparent articulation of what LEP covers and how it impacts monthly costs. Speak with multiple residents at different times to gauge consistency of service, and require written assurances about safety protocols, housekeeping, and pest remediation history. Read the lease and service agreements with a fine-tooth comb, and insist on a clear, enforceable plan for accountability should promises falter. In short, this community is a viable choice for cost-conscious seniors who prize social life and independence - provided the buyer conducts meticulous, contemporary due diligence and aligns expectations with the current management reality.

    Features

    Types of Care

    • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

    Pets

    • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.
    • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

    Amenities

    • Activities off-site Activities off-siteEngaging in off-site activities is crucial for seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and stimulate their minds. It promotes overall well-being and helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
    • Beautician on-site Beautician on-siteHaving a beautician on-site at a senior living community is important for seniors as it allows them to easily access grooming and personal care services, boosting their self-esteem and overall well-being. It also provides convenience and helps seniors maintain their sense of independence and personal style.
    • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
    • Devotional services on-site Devotional services on-siteDevotional services on-site provide seniors with spiritual support and a sense of community, as well as an opportunity for reflection and guidance during their senior living experience. This can promote emotional well-being and connection to others, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching lifestyle in their later years.
    • Full kitchen Full kitchenHaving a full kitchen in a senior living facility is important for seniors because it allows them to maintain their independence and prepare their own meals. This promotes healthy eating habits, saves money on dining out, and provides a sense of familiarity and comfort for residents.
    • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Kitchenette KitchenetteKitchenettes are important for seniors living in senior living communities because they provide the convenience and independence of being able to prepare simple meals and snacks in the comfort of their own living space. This can help promote a sense of autonomy and well-being for seniors, allowing them to maintain some level of control over their dietary choices and daily routines.
    • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areasOutdoor common areas are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, physical activity, and relaxation. Being outside in nature can improve mood and overall well-being, while also encouraging movement and engagement with others. These spaces can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.
    • Wheelchair accessible showers Wheelchair accessible showersWheelchair accessible showers are crucial for seniors as they provide a safe and independent bathing option for those with mobility challenges. These showers help prevent falls and allow seniors to maintain their dignity and autonomy while ensuring they can bathe comfortably.

    Transportation

    • Portland International (3 miles away) Portland International (3 miles away)

    Dining

    • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

    Activities

    • Activities off-site Activities off-siteEngaging in off-site activities is crucial for seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and stimulate their minds. It promotes overall well-being and helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
    • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.
    • Devotional activities on-site Devotional activities on-siteDevotional activities on-site provide seniors with a sense of community, spiritual fulfillment, and emotional support, promoting overall well-being and a positive sense of purpose in their lives.

    Description

    The Heights at Columbia Knoll in Portland, OR is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and activities to enhance the well-being and enjoyment of its residents. With activities available on-site and devotional services both on-site and off-site, residents can engage in various social and spiritual activities that cater to their interests and preferences.

    The community boasts well-maintained indoor common areas where residents can gather to socialize or relax, as well as outdoor common areas that provide a pleasant space for enjoying the fresh air. The facility also includes full kitchens and kitchenettes, allowing residents the option to cook their own meals or enjoy communal dining.

    Wheelchair accessible showers are provided to ensure convenience and safety for residents with mobility limitations. Additionally, a beautician is available on-site, providing convenient access to salon services within the community.

    The Heights at Columbia Knoll is located in a vibrant neighborhood with numerous nearby amenities. Residents can enjoy the variety of dining options offered by 36 restaurants, grab a cup of coffee at one of the 11 cafes in the area, or explore the green spaces offered by 10 nearby parks. With 18 pharmacies and 9 physicians close by, healthcare needs are easily met. Transportation options are abundant as well, with 8 transportation services available for easy access to surrounding areas.

    For those seeking spiritual guidance or religious engagement, there is one place of worship conveniently located nearby. Entertainment options include two theaters where residents can catch a movie or live performance. In case of medical emergencies or healthcare needs, five hospitals are situated in close proximity.

    The Heights at Columbia Knoll provides a welcoming environment that promotes socialization, independence, and overall quality of life for its residents.

    Nearby Places of Interest

    This part of Portland, Oregon offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities in close proximity, residents can easily access everyday essentials and medical care. The presence of parks and places of worship also provides opportunities for recreation, socialization, and spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, the nearby transportation options make it easy to travel around the area or to the airport if needed. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded community with resources that can support a fulfilling senior lifestyle.

    Restaurants

    • Park City Pub (0.2 miles)
    • Escape Bar and Grill (0.4 miles)
    • Jim Dandy Drive-In (0.8 miles)
    • Roscoe's (2.3 miles)
    • Bipartisan Cafe (2.3 miles)
    • Moon & Sixpence British Pub (2.3 miles)
    • Element Lounge (2.4 miles)

    Physicians

    • The Oregon Clinic (1.6 miles)
    • ZoomCare (2 miles)
    • Eye Health Northwest (2.6 miles)
    • Family Medical Group, PC (2.7 miles)
    • Adventist Medical Pavilion (2.8 miles)
    • Legacy Medical Group (3.7 miles)
    • Richmond Family Health Center (3.9 miles)

    Places of Worship

    • St Rose Catholic Church (1.6 miles)

    Parks

    • Normandale Park (1.9 miles)
    • Mt. Tabor Park (2.7 miles)
    • Mt. Tabor Park - Off Leash Area (3.1 miles)
    • Laurelhurst Park (3.2 miles)
    • Oregon Park (3.3 miles)
    • Woodlawn Park (3.9 miles)
    • Irving Park (3.9 miles)

    Cafes

    • Dutch Bros. Coffee (1.9 miles)
    • Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
    • Starbucks (2.4 miles)
    • Common Grounds Coffee House (3.4 miles)
    • Peet's Coffee and Tea (3.8 miles)
    • Starbucks (4.3 miles)
    • Dutch Bros Coffee (4.4 miles)

    Pharmacies

    • Fred Meyer Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
    • Walgreens (2 miles)
    • Walgreens (2.6 miles)
    • Walgreens (2.7 miles)
    • Herbalist Farmer (2.7 miles)
    • CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
    • Fred Meyer Pharmacy (3.1 miles)

    Theaters

    • Hollywood Theatre (2.4 miles)
    • Century 16 Eastport Plaza (4.1 miles)

    Transportation

    • TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center (2.4 miles)
    • Portland Airport Rental Car Center (2.6 miles)
    • Alaska Airlines Lounge - PDX (2.7 miles)
    • Portland International Airport (PDX) (2.7 miles)
    • Concourse E (2.7 miles)
    • Concourse C (2.7 miles)
    • TSA Checkpoint A/B/C - Portland International Airport (2.7 miles)

    Hospitals

    • Adventist Medical Center (2.9 miles)
    • Randall Children's Hospital (4.5 miles)
    • Legacy Emanuel Burn Center (4.5 miles)
    • Legacy Emanuel Childrens Hospital (4.6 miles)
    • Firstenburg Tower (5 miles)

    Frequently Asked Questions

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