American Gold Star Manor in Long Beach, CA

Pros

• It is a very quiet and safe place.
• It is a beautiful and peaceful place.
• It is very nice with friendly people.
• It is well kept and clean.
• It offers 24/7 security and a range of amenities in a gated senior community.
• The staff and policies are superb.
• It is a great place for seniors in Long Beach.
• It is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people.

Cons

• The units have no air conditioning, only in the hallways.
• A portable AC would require residents to pay for their own electricity.
• The security and management treated tenants poorly and even banned a family member from the property.
• A security guard made racist remarks, claiming that "all white people are the same."
• They deducted items from the security deposit that should have been covered by inspections.
• They charged for a door handle and for carpet removal, costs that seemed unnecessary.
• The staff were described as too strict and power-hungry.
• They did not offer condolences and did not treat guests well.
• Some office staff were not nice to senior citizens, treating them as nuisances.
• There are too many rules.
• Visitors are restricted and residents fear evictions.
• The parking for residents should be covered.
• The practices were described as nickel-and-diming.

Review

American Gold Star Manor is best suited for veterans, Gold Star families, and low-income seniors aged 62 and up who prize a secure, gated community with a rich array of amenities and a clearly veteran-centric culture. The property emphasizes safety and continuity: 24/7 guard presence, a controlled entry, and a campus feel with gardens, a pool, gym, chapel, and a broad slate of activities. For families, the appeal rests in knowing a resident can move among well-kept spaces, social opportunities, and structured routines designed for long-term stability in a low-cost setting.

Those who should consider alternatives are residents who cannot tolerate strict rules, potential friction with management, or a history of concerns about how deposits and charges are handled. Several reviews flag experiences with security staff or office personnel that feel punitive or opaque, including disputes over security deposits and items charged after move-in. The absence of in-unit air conditioning is another material drawback for heat-sensitive tenants, with only hall cooling and the option to bring in portable units at personal expense. Parking is described as an area needing improvement, with some residents noting insufficient covered parking. Individuals prioritizing a completely transparent financial process, more flexible visitor policies, or easier, more direct communications with leadership may want to weigh these realities carefully.

On the positives, the community shines in safety, upkeep, and livability. Multiple accounts praise robust security and careful monitoring, a clean and well-maintained campus, and public spaces that feel welcoming. Residents consistently highlight abundant amenities - a sizable recreation center, pool and spa options, a computer room and fitness facilities, resident gardens, and a non-denominational chapel - that support independence and social engagement. The property's veteran-focused identity, coupled with a setting that fosters privacy and quiet, attracts families seeking a respectful, stable environment where peers share a common background and ethos.

The main drawbacks revolve around a perceived rigidity in management and some financial friction. Deductions from security deposits, inspections that trim costs even for items that seem on the edge of wear and tear, and tense interactions with staff have been recurring themes. Visitors sometimes report interference or restrictions that feel excessive, with lingering impressions that enforcement can tilt toward punitive measures rather than supportive oversight. Additionally, while the site excels in security, the lack of in-unit cooling and some parking limitations can be a drag for residents who value a smoother daily rhythm or easier family access. These are meaningful trade-offs for anyone weighing long-term residency.

Nonetheless, the balance of pros can outweigh the cons for the right match. The security, predictable routines, and comprehensive amenity package create a strong foundation for peace of mind and social vitality, particularly for veterans and seniors seeking structured, dignified living with peers who share similar life experiences. Renovations and ongoing maintenance contribute to a sense of modernity within a cherished, traditional framework. For families, the appeal is amplified by a clear community identity, well-kept grounds, and the promise of a stable, supervised environment where elders can remain independent while benefiting from support networks.

Practical due diligence is essential before committing. Prospective residents should verify current air conditioning options and the feasibility of in-unit cooling, understand the parking arrangements and any fees, and confirm auto-pay or alternative payment methods that fit personal finances. A thorough walkthrough is wise to catch any potential deductions or maintenance concerns, and conversations with current residents can reveal the tone and tenor of daily life beyond polished marketing language. Finally, confirm eligibility and wait times for Section 8 housing if that path matters, and engage with the leadership team to gauge responsiveness and alignment on visitor policies and resident wellbeing. In the right circumstances, American Gold Star Manor delivers a secure, active, veteran-centered retirement with the rewards of a well-kept, amenity-rich environment.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Metro - Willow Street Station (1.7 miles)
• Komar Aviation Group (3.4 miles)
• Long Beach Airport (LGB) (4.2 miles)
• Port Of Long Beach (5.6 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (2 miles)
• McDonald's (3.1 miles)
• Hooters (3.6 miles)
• Yard House (3.9 miles)
• Falcon (4 miles)
• Tendon Tempura Carlos Junior Restaurant (5.7 miles)
• Monkish Brewing (5.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Lees Sandwiches - Gard (6.4 miles)
• Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (6.7 miles)
• Donut King 2 (7.7 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (8.2 miles)
• Starbucks (8.7 miles)

Parks

• Shoreline Aquatic Park (3.8 miles)
• Rainbow Lagoon Park (3.9 miles)
• Bixby Park (4.3 miles)
• Bluff Park (5.2 miles)
• Sur La Brea Park (5.5 miles)
• Charles H. Wilson Park (6.2 miles)
• De Portola Park (7.3 miles)

Physicians

• Harbor Ucla Medical Center - David Durkovich Do (4.6 miles)
• Monica B Espiritu M.D. | Kaiser Permanente (4.7 miles)
• Paramount Physicians (6 miles)
• Lighthouse Pediatrics (7.8 miles)
• Paulson Theresa A Palos Verdes Dermatology Rolling Hills Estates (9.2 miles)

Hospitals

• VA Long Beach Healthcare System (6.2 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr / Drew Medical Center (7.7 miles)
• Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (8.7 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (8.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rolling Hills 2 (6.5 miles)
• AMC Del Amo 18 (7.6 miles)
• Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16 (7.9 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN South Bay Galleria 16 (8.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Catherine Laboure Church (8.3 miles)
• Saint Hedwig Catholic Church (8.5 miles)