Located at 14300 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77014, Excelsior on the Park Apartments offers a mix of affordability, spacious layouts, and wooded surroundings. With a park-like setting, walking trails, and updated interiors, it caters to renters looking for space and value in the North Houston area.
But with a current Google rating of 3.4 stars, the reviews are mixed. Some residents praise the customer service and peaceful environment, while others raise serious concerns about maintenance, pest issues, and safety. This article summarizes both the positive and negative experiences shared in recent Google reviews to give prospective tenants a full picture of what living at Excelsior on the Park might be like.
About Excelsior on the Park Apartments
Here’s a quick breakdown of the property details before diving into resident feedback:
- Approximate Unit Count: 200
- Floor Plans: 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, including townhome-style layouts
- Pricing:
- 1BR from the high $900s
- 2BR from the low $1,200s
- 3BR from the high $1,600s
- 1BR from the high $900s
- Year Built: 1983, with updates over time
- Pet Policy: Dogs and cats allowed (with breed and weight restrictions; pet rent and fees apply)
- Amenities:
- Two swimming pools
- Fitness center
- Clubhouse/business center
- Tennis court
- Playground
- Gated access
- Laundry facilities
- BBQ/picnic areas
- Wooded surroundings with walking paths
- Select units with balconies or patios
- Two swimming pools
- Unique Features: “Apartminium” layouts, park views, outdoor social spaces, and townhome options
- Services:
- On-site management and maintenance
- Online resident portal
- Controlled-access security features
- On-site management and maintenance
The Positive Side: What Residents Appreciate
Friendly and Supportive Staff
A number of reviewers complimented the property staff, noting respectful and helpful treatment during the move-in process. Some residents credited the management team with improving their quality of life and helping them feel safe and cared for within the community.
One review highlighted a positive experience with a staff member who ensured a wheelchair-accessible unit was ready and maintenance was handled promptly. Another resident stated they renewed their lease specifically due to changes brought on by new property management.
Several others echoed similar sentiments, saying the leasing office was warm and welcoming and that individual leasing agents provided great service. The customer service experiences seemed to vary widely based on who was in charge at the time, but when management was responsive, renters noticed and appreciated the difference.
Spacious Floor Plans and Peaceful Atmosphere
The apartments were praised for their roomy layouts, with some residents impressed by the size of the units and patios. The property’s two-story townhome-style designs and large bedrooms stood out to several renters.
The wooded, green surroundings were also cited as a plus, offering a quieter atmosphere than typically found in Houston apartment communities. Some found the community to be mostly peaceful, with only occasional noise from kids or pets, which they considered normal.
Despite the property’s age, residents described the interiors as decently updated and affordable for the square footage offered. For those prioritizing space and value over new construction, Excelsior appeared to meet expectations.
Affordable Pricing for the Area
While many reviews mentioned ongoing issues, they also acknowledged that the rent is competitively priced compared to other properties in the region. Some renters chose Excelsior primarily for its budget-friendly leases, even with trade-offs.
One review called the apartments “breathtaking” after touring a 2- or 3-bedroom unit. Others emphasized the value-for-space ratio, especially for families or single parents looking for more room at a lower price.
The Negative Side: Resident Complaints and Concerns
Pest Infestations and Unclean Conditions
Perhaps the most repeated complaint across negative reviews was about roaches, rats, and raccoons. Several residents described pest issues as persistent and unmanageable, despite efforts from pest control services.
Some reported roaches in both public areas and individual units, with one tenant noting that their apartment remained infested no matter how clean it was. Others mentioned raccoons in the attic, rat sightings, and general uncleanliness in shared spaces such as pools and trash areas.
One particularly detailed review shared concerns about moldy ceilings, raccoon feces on balconies, and a broken lighting system that was labeled a fire hazard. The combination of pest issues and slow maintenance response contributed to a feeling of unsafe or unlivable conditions for these residents.
Maintenance Delays and Lack of Urgency
Many reviewers criticized the maintenance response time, saying that requests often went unanswered for weeks or even months. Some shared that major issues like broken A/C units, malfunctioning fridges, and electrical concerns were left unresolved long after being reported.
Multiple tenants said they had to repeatedly follow up with the office or visit in person just to get attention for maintenance issues. A few even reported being told to purchase their own materials (such as door sealants) to fix problems that should have been the property’s responsibility.
Some renters moved out after feeling that their safety was at risk due to unresolved repairs, including faulty wiring, mold, and pest-related damage.
Security and Amenity Failures
Broken security gates and malfunctioning surveillance systems were mentioned frequently. Residents expressed frustration that gates remained open 24/7, which they felt exposed the community to theft and trespassing.
Some described the complex as having a lack of visible security presence, even though the neighborhood necessitates it. Several reviews mentioned break-ins, stolen cars, and mailbox theft as common occurrences.
Another recurring theme was that many of the advertised amenities were either non-functional or permanently closed. These included the swimming pools, laundry rooms, fitness center, and even the tennis court, which reportedly lacked a net and served more as a play area for children.
One resident commented that they were paying over $1,100 a month and still lacked access to promised amenities such as a mailbox, working gates, or clean public spaces.
Overall Assessment: Is Excelsior on the Park Apartments Right for You?
The reviews for Excelsior on the Park Apartments reflect a property with potential—spacious units, budget-friendly rent, and a peaceful, wooded environment—but also a history of unresolved issues that can significantly impact the living experience.
Pros:
- Large, open floor plans
- Townhome options available
- Quiet, park-like surroundings
- Affordable pricing for the square footage
- Occasionally excellent staff and management
Cons:
- Persistent pest problems reported by multiple tenants
- Delayed or ignored maintenance requests
- Security concerns, including broken gates and camera systems
- Amenity closures or poor upkeep
- Inconsistent property management across time
Final Recommendation
Excelsior on the Park Apartments may be a good fit for renters looking for more space at a lower price point, particularly if you’re flexible and willing to advocate for maintenance or issue resolution.
However, renters who prioritize security, cleanliness, fast repairs, and fully functional amenities may want to consider other options or at least thoroughly inspect the unit and speak to current residents before signing a lease.
This is a community where the experience can vary dramatically depending on the building, the unit, and the current management.
Disclaimer
This article is based on Google reviews for Excelsior on the Park Apartments at 14300 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77014, and reflects the average rating of 3.4 stars at the time of writing. All feedback quoted or summarized here was shared publicly by residents and represents individual experiences. Property conditions, pricing, and management may change over time. Please visit the property or contact the leasing office for the most current information.
FAQs
Excelsior on the Park offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, including townhome-style layouts. Some units feature large patios or balconies and spacious bedrooms.
Pricing typically starts in the high $900s for 1-bedroom units, low $1,200s for 2-bedrooms, and high $1,600s for 3-bedroom units. Prices may vary based on availability, lease length, and upgrades.
Amenities include two swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis court, clubhouse, laundry facilities, gated access, playground, picnic areas, and wooded walking paths. However, some amenities may be closed or non-functional based on current resident reviews.
Yes, both dogs and cats are allowed. Breed and weight restrictions may apply. Pet deposits, fees, and monthly pet rent are required.
Technically yes, but several resident reviews note that the gates are often broken or left open, leading to concerns about security.
Resident reviews are mixed. Some report quick and helpful service, while others cite major delays in resolving maintenance requests sometimes waiting weeks or months for repairs.
The apartment complex is located in the North Houston area near Greenspoint. While the property has gated access and some security features, reviews frequently mention break-ins, mailbox theft, and poor gate functionality as ongoing safety concerns.
