Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but centers on a clear divide between strong facility amenities and uneven operational execution. Many reviewers praise Affinity at Olympia for its modern, resort-like physical plant: newer buildings, attractive common areas, saltwater pool and hot tub, theater/media room, dedicated craft and woodworking shops, multiple lounges and meeting areas, and ample spaces for entertaining family and friends. Those who enjoy an active independent-living environment highlight abundant resident-led clubs, Affinity-sponsored events, concerts, senior prom, outings, and frequent social opportunities. The community is repeatedly described as having friendly neighbors, a strong sense of community, and a large variety of ways to stay engaged. For pet owners the facility is often seen as especially good value thanks to pet-friendly policies, low deposits and modest monthly pet fees.
Staff and maintenance receive many positive mentions: reporters commonly say staff are friendly, caring, and efficient, and that maintenance responds promptly — including quick after-hours service. Multiple accounts describe meticulous upkeep, clean and safe common areas, well-maintained sidewalks and walkways, and responsive management that goes above and beyond. These reports paint a picture of a clean, comfortable independent-living environment for residents who do not require assisted living services.
However, a substantial number of reviews raise serious operational and safety concerns that contrast sharply with the positive descriptions. The most alarming issues include reports of mold in several units (with at least one tenant reportedly leaving due to mold and illness), animal urine and feces in hallways and elevators, and stained or filthy carpets — indicating inconsistent housekeeping and cleaning. Several reviewers explicitly say the facility became understaffed for cleaning or maintenance at times, which directly affected living conditions. There are also recurring complaints that the community does not provide meals or dedicated housekeeping service, making it unsuitable for residents who need those services or higher levels of care.
Management and policy issues are another consistent theme. Reviews describe high management turnover and mixed impressions of corporate leadership. Positive accounts note respectful, helpful managers; negative accounts allege inexperienced or dishonest managers, favoritism toward certain tenants, and even income manipulation to adjust rent for specific residents. Several reviewers report abrupt or restrictive policy changes (for example limits on craft room use, sewing machine storage rules, patio plant restrictions, TV channel and remote controls being restricted, and new affinity-app/advertising-focused changes), often introduced without notice and perceived as prioritizing appearance or advertising over resident needs. Fee structures also cause dissatisfaction — rent increases, rising pet fees, late fees, carport/parking charges, and other ongoing costs are frequently mentioned as burdens on fixed incomes.
Accessibility and safety concerns appear repeatedly. Multiple reviews describe the property as unsuitable for those with mobility limitations: distant or out-of-service elevators, no handrails in key areas, lack of assistance with walkers, and policy changes that limit accessibility. One review notes an absence of an evacuation plan, raising emergency-preparedness concerns. Noise from nearby freeways is another recurring complaint affecting some units. There are also isolated reports of flooding, swampy areas, fleas/pests, and sporadic lapses in cleanliness that contrast with other reports of meticulous maintenance — suggesting uneven performance across time or between different management teams.
In short, Affinity at Olympia offers many features that appeal to active independent-living seniors: excellent amenities, varied activities, social opportunities, and a pet-friendly environment. For independent residents who need minimal direct care and who value an active social scene and resort-like amenities, several reviewers strongly recommend the community. However, prospective residents (and families) should be cautious and do thorough, current due diligence: verify unit-level cleanliness and mold remediation records, ask about housekeeping and meal service options, inspect elevator reliability and ADA access, get clarity on current management and policy stances (including rules affecting craft spaces, patios, and TV access), and confirm all fees and recent rent changes. The most significant red flags to investigate in person or through management documentation are mold reports, inconsistent cleaning/housekeeping, management stability and responsiveness, accessibility for those with mobility needs, and the full fee schedule that will affect fixed-income residents.
