Richford Arms

Pros

• It is described as a very nice place to live, close to stores and across from a public park.
• The managers are very nice.
• The manager is helpful.
• The complex is quiet.
• There is lots of entertainment nearby and it is within walking distance to parks and stores.
• Residents are enjoying themselves.

Cons

• The management doesn't care about residents' safety and only wants to be paid.
• The apartment doesn't look like the pictures.
• Bullying is ignored and residents who speak up are dismissed as not safe.
• There are too many apartment fires, making it unsafe.
• Cleaning is inadequate due to bad turnover and too much work for one person.
• The building is drug-infested and homeless sleep all over it.
• Residents are treated without dignity and are lied to to keep them quiet; new management is needed.

Review

The collection of remarks about this low-income housing complex reveals a highly mixed experience that cuts sharply in two directions: some residents praise aspects like location, quiet, and the presence of attentive staff, while many others rail against safety problems, poor maintenance, and questionable management. A recurring refrain is that the property sits in a convenient spot with nearby stores and parks, but that convenience is overshadowed by serious concerns about safety, cleanliness, and how residents are treated.

Several reviewers flag safety as the dominant issue. One person laments not only visible problems in the building but also the perception that governance over those problems is weak: false advertising in apartment pictures, a sense that bullying goes unchecked, and a fear that reporting trouble leads to retaliation or disbelief from others in authority. There are explicit mentions of "not safe" conditions, including references to multiple apartment fires and ongoing drug activity and homelessness within the building. The sentiment is that cameras and stronger security would be sensible additions, and that any effort to address distressing behavior often meets with skepticism or dismissal rather than prompt action. The tone implies a cycle in which residents feel unheard and unsafe when trying to advocate for themselves.

The quality of management emerges as a central pivot in many comments. On one hand, several reviewers describe the managers as "very nice" or "helpful," and one question - "Who is the manager of this place?" - signals a desire for accountability and clarity. On the other hand, the bulk of the narrative points to ineffective leadership, high turnover, and management practices that some residents feel prioritize image or renovation over resident dignity and safety. Complaints about lying to keep residents quiet, inconsistent responses to complaints, and a call for new management suggest a sense that current leadership struggles to build trust or ensure consistent standards across floors and common areas.

Maintenance and staffing are another major thread. The pictures of the building's upkeep paint a stark contrast with the reality some residents experience. Reviewers describe "bad turnover," insufficient cleaning staff, and too much work for a single person to maintain the building adequately. The result is a perception of ongoing neglect, with claims that remodeling was poorly executed and ultimately a waste of money. Some residents suggest that the sheer workload and staffing shortages compromise the ability to keep the building clean and safe, contributing to an environment where ongoing wear and tear becomes normalized rather than remediated.

Despite the overwhelmingly negative outlook from many reviewers, there are glimmers of appreciation that cannot be entirely dismissed. A few residents emphasize the positives: the location is a strong selling point, with close proximity to stores, parks, and entertainment options. The Perry Square park is specifically mentioned as a nearby amenity, and some residents describe the area as quiet and pleasant to live in. There are also notes that comfortable or supportive interactions with managers occur in some cases, highlighting that not all experiences are uniform and that some staff members are genuinely helpful and responsive.

Another strand of the narrative reflects the complexity of living in affordable housing: there are individuals who acknowledge the drawbacks but still express personal affinity for the place. One resident writes, "it's so stupid, I even like it, I gave it a one star," admitting a paradox where affection for the location or certain aspects coexists with dissatisfaction about conditions or management. Another says that the stay here feels transformed over time, with mentions of "lots of entertainment" and "amenities," suggesting that the overall experience can evolve in ways that keep people attached even as problems persist. The mixed sentiment underscores how subjective housing satisfaction can be, hinging on expectations, personal interactions, and which elements of the resident experience one prioritizes.

Taken together, the reviews paint a portrait of a property with potential and promise - especially in terms of location and some positive staff interactions - but weighed down by safety concerns, maintenance deficiencies, and an approach to management that many residents feel fails to protect residents or communicate honestly. The call to action rings clear: improve safety and security measures, ensure transparent and respectful communication, secure adequate cleaning and maintenance staffing, and bring in leadership that earns residents' trust and treats them with dignity. Until those changes take root, the conflicting experiences - where some residents enjoy nearby amenities and a quiet setting while others battle fires, bullying, and neglect - will likely continue to shape how this community is perceived and lived in.

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)