North Hills Retirement Hotel is set back on two and a half acres of land at the intersection of Balboa and Devonshire boulevards, both busy thoroughfares. A bank and a video rental store border the driveway. Beyond these commercial bookends, the property is quiet and picturesque with mature trees and plantings, lawns and a garden. At the back of the tan building, foliage peeks from behind a brick-encased patio. Furnished with tables, chairs and a barbecue, it’s a lovely spot for socializing, relaxing and enjoying outdoor activities.
The interior appears more institutional than homey. The tile floor and cream-colored walls—which feature a little artwork—create a somewhat stark look, completed by mismatched but functional furniture. We saw several residents and a few well-behaved dogs sitting in this area. The large L-shaped dining room contains well-spaced Formica-topped tables. The room overlooks the backyard. A husband and wife team owns and manages the facility; they’re very hands-on and are usually on-site. Their hospitality made us feel right at home—in fact, the husband invited us to stay for lunch and wouldn’t take no for an answer! The potato salad, which he’d made himself, was delicious, as were the beans, and barbecued hamburger and hot dog. The food is wholesome and hearty. Snacks are available around the clock. A consultant dietician visits monthly. Group outings are regularly planned to area beaches, parks, museums, concerts and theaters. The owner told us of his plans to entice more resident participation in activities: for activities, always offer a prize, and for outings, always include food!
The activity room is well stocked with tables, books and cabinets full of arts and crafts supplies, cards and games. We glimpsed a few exercise bikes as well. Across the hall, the library contains a computer and printer, both of which are used frequently by the photography club for printing photos. The club’s organizer, a resident himself, acts as an informal host at the facility and showed us around, regaling us with his dry wit. All the residents we encountered seemed enthusiastic, and many people told us they moved in straight away after visiting the facility. Sixty war veterans live at North Hills. From what we could see, there are more men than women. Resident apartments are functional, and the small balconies in some rooms are a nice perk. Some residents bring their own microwaves and mini refrigerators.
