Tampa Baptist Manor Apartments in Tampa, FL

Pros

• The facility is very clean.
• Mrs. Gloria, the receptionist, is highly regarded for her kindness and peaceful presence.
• Residents seem happy.
• The apartments impress visitors and exceed expectations.
• The location and surrounding facilities are highly appreciated.
• It is regarded as a great place to live.
• Staff member Jayne provides helpful tours and information.
• The tower is very well maintained.
• The front desk and security are friendly and accommodating.
• It is a wonderful place to live for seniors.

Cons

• The place is infested with cockroaches, nats and bed bugs.
• The building is declining.
• It is infected with roaches and bed bugs.
• One of the elevators has been out of order since June.
• They claim they are waiting for a piece from Japan.
• It is now October how long does these elderly people have to wait?
• They could use a new paint job in apartments that residences who have been living here for awhile.
• Building is infested with bed bugs and the elevators are always down.

Review

Tampa Baptist Manor Apartments is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who want the energy and convenience of downtown Tampa, plus a built-in elder community. The tower offers downtown views, walkable access to stores and services, and a social environment that keeps many residents connected. For those who prioritize affordability and neighborhood vitality over pristine, modern interiors, this setting can be practically perfect. However, the same strengths become liabilities for anyone who demands flawless infrastructure, pest-free apartments, and uninterrupted elevator service. Those needing a maintenance-free, turnkey experience should consider alternatives.

In the plus column, human warmth and organizational reliability emerge clearly. Front-desk staff and security are repeatedly praised for courtesy and responsiveness, and the sense of community among residents is a common thread in many reviews. The location is repeatedly celebrated for access to nearby shops, amenities, and downtown conveniences, making everyday errands and social outings convenient. Several long-tenured residents testify to a well-kept feel in shared spaces and to a genuine happiness among those who choose to make this their home. The subsidized nature of the building further enhances its appeal for fixed incomes seeking affordable urban living with real social texture.

Yet serious drawbacks haunt the overall experience. The most consistently troubling issues are pest problems - cockroaches, gnats, and bed bugs - that cast a shadow over comfort and perceived cleanliness. Elevators have been out of service for extended periods, with unresolved downtime fueling frustration and logistical headaches for mobility-challenged residents. Maintenance and cosmetic updates lag in some units, and paint-worthy refreshes seem slow. Instances of negative interactions or friction in shared spaces appear in reviews, underscoring that while the staff can be warm, the building's atmosphere can feel uneven. Upper floors also reveal connectivity gaps, with WiFi access described as unreliable for residents who depend on online services.

The key question for decision-minded families is whether the positives sufficiently offset the negatives. For residents who prize community, social connection, and a budget-friendly urban lifestyle, the answer can still be favorable - provided tolerance for disruption is real and mobility is manageable despite elevator downtime. The energy of the resident community and the easy access to downtown resources can compensate for periodic maintenance hiccups and pest challenges, especially for those who already value social activities and nearby conveniences. But for anyone with significant pest sensitivities, elevated stress about ongoing outages, or strict requirements for flawless, modern interiors, the drawbacks quickly tilt the scales toward seeking alternatives.

Practical due diligence matters. Prospective residents should tour multiple floors and units, ask pointed questions about current pest control status and history, and verify elevator uptime and maintenance response times. A candid discussion with current residents about day-to-day tolerances for pests, outages, and cleaning standards will illuminate whether expectations align with reality. Clarify what subsidies cover in the long term, and compare rent with nearby newer properties that promise updated amenities, stronger pest control histories, and more predictable infrastructure. If connectivity on upper floors continues to be a problem, request a concrete plan for WiFi improvements before committing.

Bottom line: Tampa Baptist Manor Apartments occupies a distinct niche - an affordable, socially vibrant option with undeniable downtown appeal. It is less suitable for those who require a pristine, pest-free environment and a consistently reliable elevator system. For families willing to accept some ongoing maintenance challenges in exchange for a robust community, walkable location, and genuine value, this option warrants serious consideration. Conversely, for seniors who cannot tolerate pests, frequent outages, or aging interiors, there are other independent-living communities in the Tampa area that deliver stronger reliability, newer amenities, and an environment free from the most disruptive drawbacks.

This part of Tampa, Florida, offers a convenient and bustling environment with easy access to essential services such as pharmacies, parks, restaurants, cafes, physicians, transportation options, and a nearby hospital. The proximity of multiple pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures that medications can be easily obtained. Parks like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. There are various dining options ranging from casual eateries like McDonald's to upscale establishments like Jacksons Bistro. Additionally, the presence of reputable healthcare facilities such as South Tampa Medical Center and Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza ensures access to quality medical care. With a range of amenities and services available within a few miles' radius, this area in Tampa may be a suitable choice for seniors looking for a vibrant and well-connected community to call home.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (0.3 miles)
• McKay Bay Nature Park (2.4 miles)
• Rivercrest Park (3.1 miles)
• Beach Park (3.8 miles)
• Ballast Point Park (4 miles)
• Grant Park (4.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Hattricks (0.3 miles)
• Eddie & Sam's Ny Pizza (0.4 miles)
• Harpoon Harry's Ta (0.4 miles)
• The Sail Pavilion (0.4 miles)
• Jacksons Bistro (0.6 miles)
• American Social (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks | UT (0.4 miles)
• JW Marriott Market Cafe (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Buddy Brew (1 miles)
• Buddy Brew Coffee (1.1 miles)
• Caffeine Roasters (1.4 miles)

Physicians

• South Tampa Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• Tower Radiology Centers - Habana (3.4 miles)
• Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza (3.4 miles)
• Tampa Bay Cardi Ovascular (3.7 miles)
• Medical Village Surgical Center (3.9 miles)
• Fast Track Urgent Care Center (4.1 miles)
• Shady Grove Fertility (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• National Car Rental (4.6 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (4.7 miles)
• Airside A (4.8 miles)
• TSA Screening (4.8 miles)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) (5 miles)
• Starbuck's Airside E (5.1 miles)
• Main Terminal Tpa Tampa (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Florida Hospital Carrollwood (5.4 miles)