American Gold Star Manor

Pros

• Gold Star Manor is described as an excellent and beloved place by residents.
• It is described as very nice and beautiful by reviewers.
• The community is noted for its quiet, safe environment and well-managed operations.
• Security is praised for being on top of things and polite.
• Residents report the staff and policies as superb.
• The facilities include a pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, recreation center, and gardens, all well-maintained.
• The grounds and buildings are clean and well-kept.
• The setting is a fenced, guarded senior facility with a gated entrance.
• The community atmosphere is described as friendly with many wonderful people.

Cons

• The units have no air conditioning, only in the halls, forcing residents to use portable units and pay for their electricity.
• Security staff allegedly blocked a resident from leaving, made racist remarks, and banned the resident's brother from the property.
• The security and management are accused of nickel-and-diming tenants, with deductions for items that should have been included and for refrigerator accessories.
• The landlord kept the entire security deposit and charged extra for items like a door handle and carpet removal.
• The owner Glenn is described as not treating guests well and giving a cold reception.
• Elders report staff restricting visitors and threatening eviction, with families afraid to report issues.
• The waitlist is criticized for being lottery-like rather than drawn by application date.
• Parking for residents should be covered, indicating current parking is inadequate.

Review

Gold Star Manor comes across in these mixed reviews as a large, gated, 23-acre senior living community that many residents are proud to call home, while others see a more costly or restrictive side to life there. On the positive side, supporters repeatedly highlight a broad set of amenities that are intended to support an active, social, and secure retirement. The grounds are described as well kept, with amenities such as a swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, computer room, a large recreation center, resident gardens, a non-denominational chapel, and park or picnic areas. People note that there are plenty of opportunities to stay busy: newsletters provide monthly updates, there are activities to join in if you want them, and the overall atmosphere is depicted as quiet and safe. Several comments emphasize the appeal of the community for veterans and seniors, appreciating features like 24/7 security, gated access, attractive landscaping, and the general sense of belonging that comes with a well-maintained property. The presence of pet-friendly policies, generous common spaces, and the sense of community among residents are frequently praised, with many residents expressing happiness about the people they've met and the life they've built there.

Yet the same set of reviews skew toward several practical and interpersonal concerns that cast a shadow over the experience for some residents and their families. A major theme is the lack of air conditioning in individual units, with cooling limited to hallways. Several reviewers point out that while portable air conditioners are possible in certain applications, doing so typically means higher electricity costs for residents. In their view, this is an important comfort and health issue for elders and veterans, and it fuels a sense that management could do more to ensure basic comfort without imposing extra costs on residents.

Security emerges as another area of tension. A number of accounts describe troubling interactions with security staff and the way incidents were handled. One resident recounts being blocked from leaving a building by a security guard and receiving disparaging remarks, including a negative comment about "all white people." There are mentions of documented incidents that were reported to staff and officers, as well as a case in which a relative was banned from the property, which in turn affected the resident's father and contributed to a feeling of bullying or intimidation. Observations note that changes in security companies might be connected to the aftermath of local violence, but concerns about how security interacts with residents and their families persist in several accounts. In contrast, other comments speak positively about security's reliability and ongoing vigilance, highlighting the intangible sense of safety that comes with 24/7 protection.

Another recurring concern relates to lease terms, inspections, and security deposits. Several reviewers describe frequent inspections and a pattern of deductions that some feel go beyond what should be required, including charges for items that should have been addressed during standard inspections. Specific examples include deductions for a door handle that previously passed inspection, carpet replacement, and even accessories inside a refrigerator. The language used by some reviewers - "nickel and diming" - suggests frustration with the perception that some charges are excessive or redundant. The advice repeated throughout is to conduct a thorough walk-through at move-in and to document conditions carefully to avoid disputes later when vacating.

The treatment of seniors and visitors by staff is another source of tension in the reviews. A common thread is that some residents feel disrespected or unduly restricted by certain staff members, with reports of visitors being limited or certain interactions being treated as evictions or threats. While other reviewers praise the staff and note positive interpersonal experiences, the concerns about staff conduct and the impact on elder residents' social connections are palpable. This includes worries about how staff communicate with elders and how visitation policies are enforced, which can affect quality of life for residents who rely on regular contact with family and friends.

On the waitlist and housing allocation side, there are mentions that add a layer of community governance to the experience. One reviewer references the Section 8 housing waiting list and expresses hope that the process will be fair, with some suggesting that a lottery system based on application date would be the fairest approach. The hopeful tone reflects the broader desire for equitable access to a place many consider a desirable home, even as the process of obtaining housing remains uncertain for applicants who have already waited years, such as those who applied in 2023.

Despite the mixed experiences, several reviewers offer unequivocal praise that underscores why many residents remain committed to Gold Star Manor. The property's security, the range of amenities, and the sense of safety and community are highlighted repeatedly as major positives. People speak warmly about the atmosphere, the peaceful environment, and the fulfillment of personal goals - whether that means social engagement, proximity to loved ones, or access to recreational facilities. The testimonials about the beauty of the grounds, the quality of the living spaces, and the overall sense of home in a senior living environment are strong threads running through the narratives.

In sum, Gold Star Manor presents as a multifaceted living experience for seniors and veterans - an appealing, well-equipped community with extensive amenities, safety features, and a strong social potential. Yet it also carries significant concerns about comfort in summer, financial transparency regarding deposits and inspections, the behavior and policies of security and staff, and the fairness and clarity of housing access. The blend of praise and critique paints a picture of a place that many residents treasure for its opportunities and community, while others feel improvements are needed to better respect residents' dignity, comfort, and financial security.

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)