Hilltop House Retirement Home

Pros

• The location of the facility is ideal, with easy access to downtown and various amenities.
• The building has been completely remodeled, with new appliances and bathrooms.
• The residents in the community are diverse and have interesting life experiences.
• There are numerous activities available for residents, with support for starting new ones.
• The Residents' Council operates a store to provide essentials and raises money to support resident activities.
• The friendships made within the community make it a welcoming place to live.
• Many residents express excitement about meeting new people who may consider moving in.

Cons

• The administrator of Hilltop House tried to cheat the reviewer by charging them a higher rent than agreed upon in the signed lease.
• The maintenance staff at Hilltop House lacked respect for privacy and would enter the reviewer's room without permission, even when they were showering or napping.
• The demographic of residents at Hilltop House, mainly elderly and welfare recipients, made it difficult for the reviewer to fit in as a 69-year-old who did not receive any government assistance.
• The administrator's actions affected multiple tenants, as evidenced by the fact that several others received letters about raising their rent after HUD intervened.

Review

Hilltop House, an independent living facility, has received a mixed but mostly positive review from a long-term resident. The individual commends the affordable rent based on income and acknowledges that care services are not typically available at the facility. However, they highlight the opportunity to connect with neighbors over optional dinners served daily. One of the standout features of Hilltop House is the diverse range of experiences among its residents. From those who have experienced displacement and worked as translators to activists and musicians, the community is filled with fascinating individuals.

Location-wise, Hilltop House is deemed ideal as it offers easy access to downtown amenities, premier health services, churches, restaurants, four bus routes, the streetcar, and even the Frye Museum. The entire building has been recently remodeled with new appliances, bathrooms, carpeting, and cabinets. While these amenities may initially draw prospective residents in, it is ultimately the welcoming community and potential friendships that make Hilltop House a desirable place to live.

However, there were some issues raised by another reviewer regarding management and maintenance. This particular individual had signed a lease for a fixed amount but was later informed that they had to pay higher rent due to a HUD ruling. After six weeks of objection and involvement with HUD's fraud and abuse hotline, their case was finally resolved by a new project manager at Hilltop House. The reviewer also voiced concerns about privacy since maintenance personnel would enter rooms without warning or consideration for residents' activities or preferences.

Additionally, this reviewer noticed that many residents in Hilltop House were significantly older (80-90 years old) and reliant on welfare programs like section 8 housing assistance. They felt out of place as one of the few non-section 8 tenants who did not require such support. The administrator had attempted to increase their rent after just two weeks but eventually stopped after being advised by HUD representatives.

In conclusion, while Hilltop House offers affordable independent living options with a diverse and engaging community, there have been some management and maintenance issues. Some residents have experienced frustrations with rent increases, lack of privacy, and a predominant reliance on section 8 housing assistance. Despite these concerns, the positive aspects of Hilltop House, such as its convenient location and opportunities for social connection, continue to attract residents who are looking for an affordable and vibrant living environment.

This area of Seattle, Washington offers a convenient and vibrant urban environment with easy access to hospitals, pharmacies, transportation options, restaurants, cafes, theaters, parks, and medical facilities. The Harborview Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center are within close proximity for any potential healthcare needs. There are several pharmacies nearby for medication refills and prescriptions. Public transportation is readily available with multiple stations in the vicinity. Residents can enjoy various dining options at local restaurants and cafes. The area also offers recreational activities with parks such as Blue Dog Pond and Kerry Park nearby. Additionally, there are reputable medical facilities like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Gastroenterology Associates for any specialized healthcare needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a bustling city life combined with essential amenities for comfortable senior living.

Hospitals

• Harborview Medical Center (0.1 miles)
• Swedish Medical Center (0.3 miles)
• Uw Medical Center Cafeteria (3.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Bartell Drugs (0.5 miles)
• Bartell Drugs (0.5 miles)
• Bartell Drugs - Ebt (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Bartell Drugs (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)

Transportation

• King Street Station (0.6 miles)
• Stadium Station (0.9 miles)
• Capitol Hill LINK Station (1.1 miles)
• Seattle Center Monorail (1.8 miles)
• Mount Baker Station (2.2 miles)
• University of Washington LINK Station (3.3 miles)
• Columbia City Station (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Uwajimaya (0.6 miles)
• Optimism Brewing Company (0.6 miles)
• Salt & Straw (0.7 miles)
• Elephant & Castle (0.7 miles)
• Linda's Tavern (0.7 miles)
• Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream (0.7 miles)
• Ivar's Acres of Clams (0.8 miles)

Cafes

• Oddfellows Cafe & Bar (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Nana’s Green Tea (1 miles)
• Seattle Aquarium Cafe (1 miles)
• Squirrel Chops (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Analog Coffee (1.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Meridian & 4DX (0.7 miles)
• AMC Pacific Place 11 (0.9 miles)

Parks

• Blue Dog Pond (1.5 miles)
• Space Needle Park (1.7 miles)
• Seattle Center Playground (1.8 miles)
• Kerry Park (2.5 miles)
• Little Howe Park (2.7 miles)
• Madison Park (2.8 miles)
• Genesee Park & Playground (3.4 miles)

Physicians

• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (1.7 miles)
• Queen Anne Eye Clinic (2.8 miles)
• Seattle Gastroenterology Associates (3.4 miles)