Richford Arms in Erie, PA

Pros

• The manager is helpful.
• It is a very nice place to live, and residents are enjoying themselves.
• It is a quiet place to live.
• It is a very nice place to live, close to many stores and directly across from a public park (Perry Square).
• The managers are very nice.
• There is lots of entertainment nearby, with parks and amenities within walking distance.

Cons

• They don’t care about residents’ safety; they just want to be paid.
• They post false information in pictures; the apartment doesn’t look like that at all.
• They don’t care if residents get bullied; it’s not safe there.
• They side with the other person even when there is proof of bullying.
• Not safe: there have been too many apartment fires.
• Bad turnover; not safe; there aren’t enough cleaning staff for the building.
• The building is drug-infested, with homeless sleeping all over.
• They need cameras on all floors; elevators and staff always quit; remodeling has been a terrible waste of money.
• Residents are tearing the building up; new management is needed; they should be treated with dignity and not lied to.
• One resident moved out because they couldn’t take it.

Review

Richford Arms in Erie is best suited for budget-minded seniors who need a basic, low-cost housing option with easy access to downtown amenities. The complex sits in a practical, walkable location across from a public park and near stores, offering convenient errands and a chance to stay engaged without a high price tag. The more favorable threads in the feedback describe a quiet, low-frills environment where a resident can find a modest sense of community, provided affordability and proximity are the top priorities and safety and staff reliability are not assumed to be strong selling points.

Those who should seriously consider alternatives are individuals who require consistent safety, respectful treatment, and steady on-site management. The reviews repeatedly raise red flags about bullying, disputes over safety, and allegations that the wrong party is blamed in conflicts. Add to this a pattern of turnover, limited cleaning coverage, and signs that the building’s upkeep and safety infrastructure are uneven at best. For families accounting for long-term security, complex decision-making, or residents with higher needs for supervision, other options are likely a wiser fit.

The few clear positives, quiet surroundings, some residents calling the manager helpful, and the basic convenience of being near stores and a park, do offer real everyday value. When management is perceived as approachable and residents feel their immediate concerns will be heard, these factors can translate into tolerable day-to-day living and a calmer atmosphere. Yet these minor advantages frequently fail to compensate for the larger, more persistent concerns documented in multiple reviews: safety incidents, fear of bullying without effective recourse, and a sense that essential maintenance and oversight do not consistently meet residents’ expectations.

Prospective residents should insist on concrete, up-to-date assurances before moving in. In tours, press for a transparent explanation of the current management structure and ongoing plans to stabilize on-site staff. Request documented safety measures, including camera coverage, emergency procedures, and incident reporting related to bullying or unsafe conditions. Clarify who handles maintenance requests and how quickly those requests are fulfilled, and obtain a current schedule of housekeeping and building-cleaning responsibilities. Demand written commitments on anti-bullying policies, resident rights, and reliable communication about any repair or safety issues. Finally, obtain a clear, itemized rent breakdown and a sense of what utilities and services are included, plus realistic expectations about potential future increases.

If the goal is to avoid recurring safety and reliability risks, alternatives should be weighed carefully. Other Erie independent living or senior housing options with stronger safety protocols, more consistently staffed operations, and transparent, resident-centered management are worth visiting. For families prioritizing dignity, predictable service, and a proven track record of addressing resident concerns, facilities with documented safety histories and stable leadership will likely deliver far more peace of mind.

In the end, Richford Arms represents a trade-off: affordability and location on one side, and uneven safety, management turnover, and maintenance questions on the other. It can be a viable choice for seniors who can accept that trade and are prepared to stay vigilant, ask hard questions, and verify assurances before committing. For those who cannot tolerate questioned safety, inconsistent responses to complaints, or signs of chronic turnover, the wiser path is to pursue alternatives that offer stronger protections, clearer accountability, and a more consistently well-maintained environment.

This area of Erie, Pennsylvania offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities that cater to a comfortable lifestyle for seniors. With multiple cafes within walking distance, such as Ember + Forge and Fat Lenny's, residents can enjoy socializing in a relaxed setting. The proximity to various physicians' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and places of worship ensures easy access to essential services and healthcare facilities. Additionally, there are several dining options nearby like Olivers Rooftop and Lavery Brewing Company for enjoyable meals. The presence of transportation options like the bus station provides convenient mobility for seniors. Furthermore, Liberty Park offers a peaceful outdoor space for leisurely walks and relaxation in nature. Overall, this part of Erie presents a well-rounded community that caters to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Cafes

• Ember + Forge (0.1 miles)
• Tim Hortons (0.6 miles)
• Fat Lenny s (0.6 miles)

Physicians

• Advanced Pain Medicine (0.1 miles)
• Hamot Medical Center (0.1 miles)
• Presque Isle Plastic Surgery (0.1 miles)
• UPMC Hamot PASE Center (0.1 miles)
• Lakeview Urologic Surgeons (0.1 miles)
• Hand Microsurgery (0.2 miles)
• Dr Edward Zimm, DO (0.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Cathedral of St Paul Episcopal (0.2 miles)
• Islamic Association of Erie (1.3 miles)
• Erie United Methodist Alliance (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• UPMC Hamot Radiology (0.2 miles)
• UPMC Hamot 7 South (0.2 miles)
• UPMC Hamot 8 South (0.2 miles)
• Healthsouth (0.3 miles)
• UPMC Hamot Infusion Center (0.3 miles)
• UPMC Womens Hospital 5th Floor (0.3 miles)
• Saint Vincent Radiology Department (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.6 miles)
• QoL Meds (2.1 miles)
• Top's Markets (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Olivers Rooftop (0.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.5 miles)
• Lavery Brewing Company (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Arby's (0.5 miles)
• Wendy's (0.5 miles)
• Shish Kabob Restaurant (0.5 miles)

Transportation

• Bus Station (0.5 miles)

Parks

• Liberty Park (1 miles)