Bristol at Buckingham

Pros

• The new management is keeping up the property and making it easier for families and friends to visit.
• The new receptionist is kind and a nice person.
• Mark and Fabiola, the leasing agents, are very friendly.
• Lori in the office is kind and respectful.
• The property has fresh paint and attentive staff.
• The grounds are nice and well kept.
• The building includes a coffee bar, gym, movie theater, and beauty salon, which is very convenient for seniors.
• The location offers close walking distance to grocery stores, pharmacy, and restaurants.

Cons

• The staff are horrible and rude.
• Guests and residents' medical support must obtain a parking pass online or risk towing.
• There is no reliable communication from the staff; they never answer the phone and are often in meetings.
• Renovations have been ongoing for months and are very loud.
• There are lots of random homeless people roaming the complex.
• The management seems to care more about cosmetic updates than keeping the property clean, safe, and quiet for residents 55 and over.
• The pool is frequently locked despite posted hours.
• The privacy of residents is not respected; staff allegedly bang on doors to snoop around.

Review

The collection of reviews paints a picture of a community that has lately been in a state of flux. One year some tenants were dealing with a notoriously rude receptionist and a management team that seemed distant or unresponsive. Since that era, however, the property appears to have undergone a meaningful leadership shift. A new management group has taken the reins, and many residents and visitors speak glowingly of the change: a kinder, more approachable receptionist and staff, and a renewed emphasis on keeping up the property. In particular, several guests and in-laws who visit the complex now describe the environment as more welcoming, and they note that the grounds and common areas are better kept than before.

Despite the improved behavior of some staff and the visible upkeep, the complex remains divisive in its day-to-day realities. On the positive side, there are repeated mentions of fresh paint, renovated spaces, and an overall sense that the property is being tended to more attentively. Some leasing staff members - named in one set of comments as Mark and Fabiola - are singled out for their courtesy and helpfulness, reinforcing the impression that the new team is more customer-focused. For families and visitors, these changes translate into a more pleasant and approachable overall experience, which is especially meaningful for those who spend time with residents or rely on the complex for access to care and support.

Yet a substantial thread of dissatisfaction persists. A number of reviews describe ongoing challenges with communication and responsiveness. People recount difficulty reaching the office by phone, long periods in which staff are in meetings, and a sense that urgent issues - whether emergencies or simple service requests - do not always receive timely attention. This sentiment is echoed in stories of delays in maintenance and in experiences where urgent problems felt mishandled or poorly communicated, contributing to a sense of frustration and insecurity among residents who rely on prompt responses.

Another recurring concern centers on the property's operations and policies around parking, as well as the perception that some rules are inconsistently enforced. Reviewers describe a parking pass system that must be completed online, with warnings that cars without a pass could be towed. For residents who are disabled or who need to accommodate family and medical support, this has been a particular pain point. Several comments reference tensions about who is allowed to park in certain spots, and about contradictory information given by different staff members - sometimes claiming a space is reserved or protected, other times saying it cannot be towed. The presence of contradictions, along with occasional experiences of tense interactions with staff about parking, contributes to a perception of navigational difficulty within the complex's rules.

Noise, renovations, and safety concerns also color many of the reviews. Construction and renovations, described by some as ongoing for months, bring loud disruptions that some residents feel have been prioritized over livability and quality of life. There are reports of random homeless activity around the property and worries about safety and privacy, including complaints about others snooping around or banging on doors. The pool area, a perk many residents expect to enjoy, is not always accessible, with reports of hours that do not align with posted times and gates that are sometimes locked without clear notice. In combination, these factors contribute to an atmosphere that some residents find chaotic and stressful, especially for older adults who seek a calm and predictable living environment.

A smaller portion of feedback stands in contrast to the concerns above. A few reviewers highlight moments of strong, positive interaction with staff or neighbors, noting moments of kindness, attentiveness, and helpfulness. Some residents express satisfaction with the location, describing easy access to groceries, pharmacies, restaurants, and other amenities that are convenient for seniors or for families visiting loved ones. There are also anecdotal successes: calls that are answered promptly during emergencies, maintenance staff arriving quickly, and a general sense that the property can function well when managed with clear communication and consistent policies. In these voices, the complex can feel like a supportive and community-oriented place to live or visit.

Taken together, the reviews reveal a property in transition: a now-improved front-facing experience and better upkeep, counterbalanced by persistent challenges in communication, policy consistency, and safety. For prospective residents or visitors weighing their options, the picture is nuanced. The new management appears to have made tangible strides in customer service and maintenance, and the ambiance is more inviting for those who prioritize decor, accessibility, and a welcoming staff. At the same time, day-to-day life at the complex still carries experiences of frustration for those who rely on reliable office contact, predictable parking enforcement, quiet and safe surroundings, and transparent information about amenities like the pool and renovation schedules. The complex, in other words, reflects both progress and ongoing trials, with the experiences of residents and guests depending heavily on individual expectations and needs.

This part of Richardson, Texas offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With several pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS nearby, access to medication and healthcare supplies is easily accessible. There are also various dining options such as Pappasito's Cantina, Waffle O’licious, and Guitars & Growlers, providing a variety of culinary experiences. For entertainment, there are theaters like Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and transportation options including the Arapaho Center Station for easy mobility. Additionally, there are reputable medical facilities such as Baylor Medical Plaza and Eminent Medical Center in close proximity for any healthcare needs. Places of worship like Episcopal Church Of The Transfiguration and Northway Christian Church offer spiritual support, while parks like R.P Brooks Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare accessibility, dining options, entertainment venues, religious institutions, and green spaces to create a well-rounded community for senior living in Richardson.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Abrams Royal Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Pappasito's Cantina (1.1 miles)
• Waffle O’licious (1.5 miles)
• Braum's (2.4 miles)
• Torchy’S Tacos (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• Guitars & Growlers (3 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (1.3 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands (4.9 miles)
• AMC Theater Northpark (5.5 miles)

Transportation

• Arapaho Center Station (1.9 miles)
• Park Lane Station (5.1 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Care Associates (3.6 miles)
• Baylor Medical Plaza (4.7 miles)
• Eminent Medical Center (4.8 miles)
• Pediatric Associates of Dallas (4.8 miles)
• Elizabeth Jekot Breast Imaging Center (5.5 miles)
• The ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas (6.4 miles)
• Eye 2 Eye Vision (6.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Episcopal Church Of The Transfiguration (3.8 miles)
• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (5.7 miles)
• Redeemer Bible Church (5.9 miles)
• Temple Emanu-El (6 miles)
• Northway Christian Church (6 miles)
• Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (6 miles)
• Ridge Pointe Fellowship (7.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Mimi's Star Cafe (6.6 miles)
• Red Truck Cafe (7.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas (4.4 miles)
• The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano (6.7 miles)
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (7.1 miles)

Parks

• R.P Brooks Park (4.5 miles)
• Lochwood Park (5.8 miles)
• Addison Circle Park (6.3 miles)