Braywood Manor in Norfolk, VA

Pros

• The homes are turning into magnificent houses built for royalty.
• It is a nice place.
• It is somewhat good.

Cons

• There are no security officers or guards on site, making Braywood Manor dangerous for tenants, especially the disabled.
• Security in the building is not present, posing safety risks for residents.
• Management is unresponsive and ignores tenants' needs, with consistently poor customer service.
• Maintenance is a joke, and repairs (including air conditioning) are never addressed.
• The renovation process is mishandled, with vague and unprofessional communications.
• The building is in an unsafe area, with visitor ID requirements and poorly lit guest parking.
• Staff are rude and disrespectful; the manager is described as rolling her eyes and uncaring toward handicapped residents.
• The rental information site/inquiry process is unresponsive or may be fake, with no follow-up.
• There are calls for new management or replacement of leadership due to ongoing problems.
• The property has earned negative ratings (one star or no stars) from reviewers.

Review

Braywood Manor reads as a fit for a very particular niche: financially constrained seniors or adults with disabilities who can tolerate ongoing service gaps and rely on family or caregiver oversight to compensate for weak on-site security and inconsistent management. The pattern in feedback points to a building that lacks visible security presence, a neighborhood with safety concerns, and a management culture that many residents describe as unresponsive or dismissive. In short, it works for residents who can advocate aggressively for themselves or whose families are willing to supervise care and coordinate repairs, while accepting that doors, halls, and common areas may not feel reliably protected or well maintained.

Those considering Braywood Manor should explicitly weigh alternatives if safety, and consistent, respectful service are non-negotiables. Reviews consistently flag the absence of security officers as a central risk, a serious consideration for anyone with mobility limitations or cognitive needs. Management behavior and responsiveness also emerge as a recurring sore point, with multiple tenants reporting rude interactions, ignored complaints, and slow or vague communication about repairs, renovations, or day-to-day operations. Add to that the recurring maintenance and health concerns - mold, air-conditioning failures, and unfinished repairs - and the case for looking at other communities with stronger resident support, clearer communication channels, and visible, reliable on-site oversight becomes compelling.

On the upside, some reviewers describe Braywood Manor as a "nice place" in passing and note that renovations are underway. The prospect of updated amenities and refreshed interiors can be appealing, especially if there is a pathway to a noticeably safer, more comfortable living environment once work is completed. The existence of a substantial property, potential for more modernized facilities, and the basic shelter and space a building like Braywood can offer are not irrelevant factors. For residents who can tolerate the current shortcomings while watching for tangible improvements, there is a sliver of potential value - provided safety and service improve in step with any cosmetic upgrades.

Yet the cons are substantial and repeatedly reinforced across reviews. The lack of on-site security is not a minor inconvenience; it translates into real fear about moving around after hours, accessing laundry, or receiving help in emergencies. The neighborhood's perceived risk compounds those concerns, and guest security measures (such as ID checks) can feel intrusive in a way that signals deeper safety gaps. Management's behavior - perceived as indifferent or disrespectful - often colors every interaction, from inquiry inquires to urgent repair requests. Maintenance issues, including mold and HVAC failures, are framed as persistent, with repairs either slow to arrive or inadequately resolved. During renovations, the accommodations offered to residents with high care needs appear inadequate, underscoring a disconnect between policy promises and day-to-day realities.

Considering these dynamics, the pros do not reliably offset the major risks for most decision-makers. If a family has the bandwidth to supervise care, insist on strict safety protocols, and insist on rapid, transparent maintenance responses, Braywood Manor could be navigated as a temporary or transitional housing option while renovations proceed. However, for anyone who requires predictable security, proactive management, and dependable health-and-safety standards, stronger alternatives are prudent. Prospective residents should demand concrete assurances: a documented security plan with on-site presence, a clear maintenance response timeline, a renovation schedule with resident accommodations that meet ADA needs, and direct conversations with multiple staff members to gauge consistency in tone and accountability.

In practical terms, families evaluating Braywood Manor should schedule a comprehensive tour focused on safety, maintenance workflows, and resident well-being. Ask to meet current residents with similar care needs to hear firsthand how often repairs occur, how security is managed, and how staff respond to urgent requests. Request a written summary of renovation plans, with timelines and any interim accommodations for residents who need assistance or bathroom access. Finally, compare with nearby communities that reveal stronger staffing models, better-looking security measures, and more transparent communication. If such benchmarks cannot be met or clearly demonstrated, the most prudent conclusion is to pursue alternatives that prioritize predictable security, proactive maintenance, and responsive, respectful management.

This part of Norfolk, Virginia offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens within a short distance, access to necessary medications is easily accessible. Places of worship such as Third Presbyterian Church and Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk cater to spiritual needs, while various physicians' offices like Southern Eyecare Associates and internal medicine centers are available for healthcare needs. Transportation options include Norfolk International Airport and The Tide stations for easy travel. Nearby parks like Bay Oaks Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a variety of restaurants offer dining options for every taste. Hospitals like CHKD and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth ensure quality medical care is readily available in case of emergencies. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded community with convenience and comfort for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Third Presbyterian Church (0.9 miles)
• Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk (2 miles)
• Twine Memorial Holy Temple (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• Southern Eyecare Associates (1.1 miles)
• De Paul Medical Atrium (2.5 miles)
• Internal Medicine Kidney and Hypertension Center (2.5 miles)
• Willis, Erica Pediatric Associates (3.8 miles)
• Galan-Dejesus Mariam Np (4 miles)
• Tidewater Pediatric Consultants PC (4 miles)
• Ghent Family Practice (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.6 miles)
• Coalescence Coffee (3.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)

Transportation

• Norfolk Airport USO (1.9 miles)
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (2 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (2 miles)
• The Tide-Newtown Road Station (4.7 miles)
• The Tide MacArthur Square Station (5 miles)

Parks

• Bay Oaks Park (2.4 miles)
• The Pagoda & Oriental Garden (5 miles)

Restaurants

• Longboards East Beach (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.2 miles)
• Burger King (3.5 miles)
• Hank's Filling Station (3.5 miles)
• Hooters (3.5 miles)
• Handsome Biscuit (3.7 miles)
• Perfectly Frank (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Chkd (3.8 miles)
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (5.7 miles)
• Portsmouth General Hospital (5.9 miles)