The Pines

Pros

• Adrianna is praised for exceptional updates and making the leasing process stress-free.
• The new resident's unit was pristine at move-in and is loved by the occupant.
• The property tour was pleasant, with management answering questions and following up.
• The on-site garden feeds those in need and provides enriching weekly activities for local seniors.
• The new ownership and Director Amy Benaga are described as warm, compassionate, experienced, and service-oriented.
• Legacy Hills Poway is described as a quaint, tucked-away gem with walking trails and gardens on the property.

Cons

• The management team is criticized for slow, barely-there responses to resident requests.
• Maintenance issues persist for weeks, including blocked shower drains, water leaks, and a missing kitchen light.
• The facility is described as a disaster with ignored emergency calls, water shutoffs, leaks, and unsafe conditions like exposed pipes and mobility hazards from hoses in hallways.
• There is a perceived lack of accountability and frequent blame-shifting, with voicemail boxes often full and no reliable way to leave messages.
• Rent increases and utility changes are viewed as benefiting the complex, and the security deposit is not returned promptly.
• Communication with management is hindered by the absence of clear contact information and personnel listings.

Review

Legacy Hills Poway sits tucked into the hills of Poway, a place that many residents describe as peaceful and pleasantly close to essential services, including a nearby hospital. Over the course of nearly two years, for some families the environment has lived up to that quiet, safe image, thoughtfully designed for seniors and their needs. The overall sentiment about the setting is largely positive: well-kept grounds, quiet pathways, and a sense of sanctuary that many residents cherish. In particular, some reviewers highlight warm interactions during tours and move-ins, a calm atmosphere, and a community that feels both intimate and supportive at moments.

Yet beneath that tranquil fa?ade, there are recurring frustrations that many residents and their families can't ignore. A number of service requests filed by elderly residents - ranging from blocked shower drains and water leaks to insufficient shower pressure and other maintenance quirks - have often lingered for weeks or even over a month before being addressed. One family recounts a kitchen light that has been out for a month, a problem compounded by a strict policy about not altering or tampering with old fixtures, which can delay or complicate do-it-yourself fixes. The sense conveyed is that maintenance requests often get lost in the shuffle, leaving seniors in discomfort and families anxious about safety, especially when simple fixes become extended ordeals.

The personal toll of these lapses is not trivial. For elderly residents, the prospect of moving to another community is daunting, and one reviewer notes that moving is not a feasible option for their parents. The repeated delays and the lack of timely, considerate responses from management create a feeling that the care and support that should come with senior housing are not reliably present. There is a palpable disappointment with the perceived gaps in accountability and responsiveness from the on-site leadership, which colors the otherwise positive view of the living environment. The problem isn't only about inconvenient repairs; it's also about the ongoing sense that resident concerns aren't being treated with the urgency and empathy one would expect in a senior living setting.

In the midst of these concerns, there are bright spots that offer a counterpoint. One resident, Chris Cerasani, moved in recently and offers a glowing endorsement of the leasing team, specifically Adrianna. According to his account, Adrianna kept him updated at every step, maintaining a long thread of communications that made the experience feel stress-free and well managed. He describes the move-in as pristine and notes that the management team's responsiveness made the entire process remarkably smooth for someone with an already demanding schedule. His positive experience stands in stark contrast to the pattern of delayed repairs reported by other residents, illustrating how individual staff members can dramatically influence satisfaction in meaningful ways.

The initial impressions of the community's leadership are also mixed but contain positive elements. Another reviewer recalls a very pleasant tour, with a manager who answered questions thoroughly and followed up afterward, painting the property as a place that would be a great home. There is also a sense of community engagement beyond the walls of the apartments: the garden program, which feeds people in need and provides weekly activities for local seniors, adds a sense of purpose and belonging to the community. Helping out in the garden is depicted as a meaningful, enjoyable activity that reinforces the social fabric and community spirit that residents value.

However, a more challenging and urgent portrait emerges when a second, highly critical review is considered. This account describes a "disaster" of maintenance and management: ignored emergency calls during a flood, numerous water shutoffs and leaks, cabinets falling apart, exposed pipes, and even large hoses blocking hallways, which pose real safety concerns for residents with mobility issues. The reviewer notes high staff turnover, blame-shifting, and a pervasive lack of accountability, with voicemail boxes continually full and little to no follow-through. Rent increases, changes that shifted utility costs to residents, and a delinquent return of the security deposit further compound the frustration. Windows and coverings leaking for months despite repeated reporting add to a sense that basic operational standards have not been met, leaving families feeling overwhelmed and unheard.

Compounding the sense of neglect is an update from the same challenging period, reflecting difficulty obtaining any response through the usual channels. The reviewer describes a situation where there are no accessible business cards or staff directories, making it nearly impossible to reach someone who can resolve issues. The lack of a clear point of contact - except for sparse references to a minority of staff - left the community without reliable guidance, even as the family pursued legal channels for accountability. This experience underscores a systemic communication problem that makes it hard for families to trust that managers will address urgent needs or fulfill obligations in a timely manner.

Against this backdrop of mixed experiences, there is an evolution that some residents have welcomed. Legacy Hills of Poway, formerly Seacrest Village of Poway, has reportedly become a blessed place for many families after changes in ownership. A new director, Amy Benaga, is repeatedly praised for warmth, compassion, and a servant's heart. The sentiment is that she brings the kind of leadership that residents hope for: a capable, approachable, and people-centered approach that prioritizes seniors' well-being and social connectedness. Reviewers note her experience in senior living and her ability to balance administrative responsibilities with genuine care for residents. The hope is that, once Covid-related restrictions ease, her social and growth plans for activities will come to fruition, further enriching the community. In the meantime, reviewers continue to recommend the property as a quaint, hillside retreat with walking trails and on-site gardens, even as they acknowledge that the current maintenance and communication gaps need sustained attention to match the overall quality of the living environment.

This part of Poway, California is a bustling and convenient neighborhood with a variety of amenities within close proximity. The area boasts multiple hospitals, physicians' offices, pharmacies, and parks, making it an ideal location for easy access to healthcare and outdoor activities. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants nearby for dining options. For entertainment, there are theaters within a few miles for movie enthusiasts. Public transportation options are also available for those who prefer not to drive. Furthermore, there are several places of worship in the vicinity for spiritual needs. Overall, this part of Poway offers a well-rounded community with everything you might need for senior living.

Hospitals

• Pomerado Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• San Diego Advanced Orthopedic (0.3 miles)
• Valle Verde Pediatrics (0.3 miles)
• Psycare (0.4 miles)
• Tara Brown, MD - North County Eye Center (0.5 miles)
• Family Allergy & Immunology Medical Group (0.5 miles)
• Pomerado Plastic Surgery Center (0.6 miles)
• Scripps Hospital Optometry (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Lucido Park (0.9 miles)
• Old Poway Park (1.9 miles)
• Rolling Hills Park (2.4 miles)
• Rancho Bernardo Community Park (3.9 miles)
• 4S Ranch Sports Park (4 miles)
• Hilltop Park and Recreation Center (4.2 miles)
• Pioneer Park (4.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.6 miles)
• Angelika Film Center & Cafe - Carmel Mountain (2 miles)
• Mostra Coffee 4S (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Sharetea (6.5 miles)
• Okavango Outpost (7.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Grub Burger Bar (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.9 miles)
• The Hop Stop (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Carver's Steak & Chops (2.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Poway 1 (2.8 miles)
• Regal Edwards Mira Mesa 4DX, IMAX & RPX (6.7 miles)

Transportation

• Sabre Springs Parkway Transit Center (3.1 miles)
• MTS Del Lago Station (5.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (3.6 miles)
• Saint Gregory The Great Catholic Church (4.9 miles)
• Good Shepherd Catholic Church (8.2 miles)