The Heights at Columbia Knoll

Pros

• The apartments at The Heights at Columbia Knoll are roomy for the price, making them a great value.
• Other residents in the building are caring and enjoyable to get to know.
• The grounds of the property are well-maintained and appealing.
• The location is convenient, with access to public transportation and being close to the airport.
• The large rooms and low rent make it an attractive option for potential tenants.
• All utilities, except for phone, are included in the rent, providing added convenience.
• The building is very quiet and not located on a busy street, ensuring a peaceful living environment.
• Grab bars are installed in all halls and bathrooms, prioritizing safety for residents.
• There is a free bus service that regularly runs to nearby markets, offering convenience for shopping needs.
• Despite some drawbacks, many residents stay at The Heights because of the friends they have made and the affordable pricing of the units.

Cons

• The current manager lacks people skills and hinder communication between residents.
• The building maintenance is 10 years behind, with stained and torn carpets.
• Extra services such as meals and transportation are ending soon, with limited communication from management about upcoming changes.
• The staff can be snarky and there are lots of rules and regulations.
• The neighborhood is risqué with a nearby motel known for questionable activities, making it feel insecure.
• There have been false accusations and mistreatment of residents by the management.
• Bedbug infestations have become a health hazard in the building with delayed extermination.
• Charging an additional $45 for basic cable without crediting it on the regular Comcast bill is seen as unfair.
• The application process was exhausting and frustrating, taking over two months to get approved.
• The Compliance Manager lacks compassion and treats prospective tenants poorly.

Review

The Heights at Columbia Knoll, a retirement center in Portland, Oregon, has received mixed reviews from its residents. While some praise the spacious apartments and inclusive utilities, others have raised concerns about the management and maintenance of the facility.

According to some residents, the current manager lacks people skills and general building maintenance is far behind schedule. Stained and torn carpets further contribute to a less-than-desirable living environment. However, the affordable price and friendly residents make up for these shortcomings.

One major complaint is the lack of communication from management regarding upcoming changes. Residents are also restricted from forming a resident council or communicating through door hangers or bulletin board postings. Extra services like meals and transportation are being discontinued without adequate notice.

Despite these issues, there are several positive features that attract residents to The Heights at Columbia Knoll. The rooms are large, rent is low, and all utilities except phone are included in the rent. Mostly friendly residents create a pleasant social atmosphere, enhanced by the presence of an activities director (although they have since left). The grounds are well-maintained and the location is quiet, away from busy streets.

However, there are several downsides to living at this retirement center. Some staff members can be snarky and there are numerous rules and regulations to adhere to. Additionally, the building is not wheelchair-friendly due to its age. Managers do not go above and beyond to keep residents happy; for example, access to coffee throughout the day is not provided. The food quality receives consistent criticism as it tends to be bland with limited menu changes. The turnover rate among staff members is high due to low pay.

The neighborhood surrounding The Heights at Columbia Knoll has raised concerns among potential residents. It is located near a motel that attracts promiscuous activity and lacks security measures like gated entrances. Furthermore, interactions with leasing agents were impersonal and unengaging.

Visitors note that while affordability is a key advantage of this retirement center, limited storage space and unappealing hallways are drawbacks. However, the rooms themselves are satisfactory. The staff members encountered during visits were pleasant and there are nice amenities such as a viewing area on the fourth floor that offers a beautiful view of Portland.

One reviewer expressed frustration with the management's treatment of their father, who has dementia. The accusations made against him and lack of sincere apology have soured their experience. Another reviewer shared concerns about bedbug infestations in the building, which poses a health hazard to the elderly residents. The delay in extermination is not only frustrating but also financially burdensome for low-income residents.

Some residents caution against subscribing to basic cable services through the building, as it is expensive and does not provide any credit on regular Comcast bills. One reviewer plans to escalate this issue with senior management to address the unfair charges. Additionally, the application process at The Heights at Columbia Knoll is described as exhausting and frustrating, with an arrogant Compliance Manager lacking compassion for prospective tenants.

In conclusion, The Heights at Columbia Knoll offers affordable apartments with inclusive utilities; however, there are concerns about management issues, maintenance shortcomings, and restrictions on resident communication. Prospective residents should carefully consider these aspects before making a decision.

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)