White Sands Manor

Pros

• The facility is very well maintained.
• The staff are great and make residents feel secure.
• It is an absolutely wonderful place for low-income seniors, with a caring and knowledgeable staff.
• The building is well kept inside and out, providing a nice place for seniors.
• Susan, Ellen, and the staff are dedicated and caring.
• The director is awesome.
• Maintenance is very good.
• Residents love their apartments and the community.

Cons

• The complex is described as very noisy due to a factory across the street, loud cars, and neighbor noise.
• Management is said to do nothing about the noise.
• Residents have to wear earplugs or use headphones to drown out the noise.
• There is a supposed noise ordinance, but police and management do not enforce it.
• The noise is driving a resident insane.
• The building is infested with bedbugs and roaches.
• It is dirty, not updated, and has a bad odor.
• Bed bug treatment relies on powders rather than fumigation and is deemed ineffective.
• Powder is visible in hallways, indicating ongoing bed bug issues.

Review

Westminster Manor (also spelled Westminister Manor in some reviews) emerges in resident voices as a retirement-oriented apartment community that many people love for its heart and reliability, while a handful of persistent problems can make day-to-day life difficult for others. Across the board, people describe a building that feels like a true home for seniors, with a caring staff, steady maintenance, and a sense of security. At the same time, several guests recount issues that can make living there trying - especially for those who are sensitive to noise or dealing with pests. Taken together, the stories sketch a complex picture of a place that can be a comfortable and supportive home for many, but with notable caveats that prospective residents should weigh carefully.

Several reviewers emphasize the positive, almost affectionate, atmosphere created by the staff and the organization as a whole. The property is cited as well maintained, both inside and out, which helps create a calm, dignified setting for residents. The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, helpful, and dedicated, with particular praise directed at individuals like Susan and Ellen who are credited with going above and beyond to assist residents. People often mention feeling safe there and appreciating a responsive maintenance team that handles repairs and upkeep efficiently. A common thread is the sense that Westminster Manor can be an excellent place for low-income seniors who need a solid, nurturing environment and reliable support. Several voices say they appreciate the care, the sense of community, and the reassurance that help is available when needed. The director is singled out as especially capable and effective, with many residents noting that Mom, their loved one, or they themselves feel grateful for the leadership and the steady, attentive service.

The more critical notes, while fewer in number, are striking in their specificity and impact. The most pointed concerns focus on noise. One reviewer describes a difficult, loud environment created by a factory across the street and by noisy cars, along with an upstairs neighbor who is very loud and a neighbor who plays loud music. The combination of these disturbances, plus the general noise typical of apartment living, pushes some residents to seek earplugs or headphones and even a white noise machine as coping strategies. Even more frustrating is the sense that any noise complaints tend to disappear into a void because neither police nor property management enforces a stated noise ordinance (10 pm to 8 am) or holds neighbors accountable. For those who are sensitive to sound, the noise issue can feel relentless and, in their view, intolerable at times, enough to wear on nerves and disrupt sleep.

Pest and sanitation problems surface in a separate, equally strong thread of reviews. One heart-wrenching account describes a building infested with bed bugs and roaches, with the problem persisting despite attempts to treat it. The treatment described involves laying down powder rather than a comprehensive fumigation, which leaves a visible trail in hallways and common areas. The reviewer notes that the problem affects the residents collectively, including seniors who deserve better living conditions, and urges all residents - especially those who are most vulnerable - to speak up. In this view, even a unit that is exceptionally clean - such as a grandmother's unit that is meticulously cared for - can still struggle against an infestation, underscoring a systemic issue with pest control at the property. The sentiment here is not just about cleanliness, but about the right to a safe, pest-free living space for seniors who deserve peace of mind.

Despite these challenges, the reviews consistently acknowledge the core strengths of Westminster Manor and the people who keep it running. The community is repeatedly described as a true home for the elderly, with a strong emphasis on safety, support, and thoughtful care. Several reviewers highlight the warmth and reliability of the staff, noting that maintenance is generally timely and that the property is kept in good condition overall. The sense of community and friendship among residents appears to be a meaningful anchor for many, who use phrases like "a great place to call home" and "very dear friends to my heart" to convey their attachment. The staff's dedication is a recurring theme, with praise for their responsiveness, approachability, and willingness to assist residents in navigating daily life, healthcare needs, and personal concerns.

In sum, Westminster Manor presents a nuanced portrait. For many residents, it is a well-run, well-maintained, and supportive environment that offers security, companionship, and accessible care tailored to seniors with limited means. For others, the same building can feel like a source of stress and sleepless nights due to external and internal noise, as well as ongoing pest problems that complicate what should be a comfortable, restful living situation. The strongest threads among the narratives point to a community with real heart and capable leadership, paired with real frustrations that stem from enforcement gaps - both in terms of noise control and pest management. Prospective residents and their families are well-served by weighing the solid, homey qualities and the dependable staff against the persistent issues of noise and pests, and by asking candid questions about ongoing efforts to improve enforcement, pest remediation, and resident quality of life.

This part of Fort Walton Beach, Florida is a convenient and accessible area with a variety of amenities nearby. There are several physicians' offices, pharmacies, and hospitals within a few miles, providing easy access to healthcare services. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options ranging from fast-food restaurants to casual dining establishments. For leisure activities, there are several parks in the vicinity where one can enjoy outdoor recreation. The area also offers convenient transportation options with the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport just a short drive away. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded living environment for seniors with easy access to essential services and recreational opportunities.

Physicians

• Gulf Coast Facial & Oral Surgery (0.2 miles)
• Jerzy Grzebieluch (0.4 miles)
• 20/20 Optical & Eyecare (0.4 miles)
• Renew Aesthetics And A (0.6 miles)
• Dress Cosmectic Surgery P.A. (2.7 miles)
• Family Eyecare Center (2.8 miles)
• Jason R Boole, MD (3.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Robinson's Cruse Thru (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Tijuana Flats (0.4 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (0.4 miles)
• Okaloosa Donuts (0.7 miles)
• Fubar Pizza Bar (0.9 miles)
• The Gulf (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Genoa-Qol Healthcare Co. (0.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)

Parks

• Fort Walton Beach Landing (0.5 miles)
• Ferry Park (1.1 miles)
• Vesta Heights Park (1.7 miles)
• John Beasley Park (1.7 miles)
• Liza Jackson Park (1.9 miles)
• Sunset Park (2.2 miles)
• Mattie Kelly Park (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Kidney center (3.3 miles)
• Fort Walton Beach Medical Center OB OR (3.5 miles)

Transportation

• Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) (6.9 miles)