Dempsey Apartments

Pros

• The building is beautiful.
• The apartments are beautiful.
• There were no bugs in the space.
• The management is excellent.
• Maintenance is superb.
• It is a nice place to start off.
• It is a great place to live.

Cons

• Residents report constant disturbances from unsanctioned gatherings and loud music at the corner of 3rd and Cherry, despite security and management efforts.
• Former residents allege a bed bug infestation and say management failed to adequately address it.
• The street corner is described as a homeless encampment with trash, saliva on the ground, and beggars accosting passersby.
• A reviewer states valuables disappeared from a grandmother's unit, and the manager dismissed the theft claim and evicted her.
• There are claims that a resident who bullies elderly women and pulls knives is tolerated by management.
• The property is described as needing a facelift and degraded from a crown jewel to an eyesore.
• The complex is labeled "Dumpy Apartments" by visitors, with many negative experiences.
• It is advised that the place is not suitable for noise-sensitive individuals.
• One comment mentions racial insensitivity by staff, warning people of color to be aware.

Review

The building sits proudly on a street corner that many would describe as picturesque, with beautiful architecture and a certain sense of history. Yet a running thread through several opinions is that the location also brings persistent downside. On the corner of 3rd and Cherry, and near the benches that line the sidewalks, crowds and music spill out at all hours. Some residents complain that those without permits blast loud music and create disturbances that travel across the building's side, disturbing people who try to sleep or study. Security and management have reportedly tried to rein in the activity, but according to a number of voices, certain residents and vagrants ignore even law enforcement and noise ordinances. For anyone especially sensitive to constant noise, the verdict is clear: this may not be a good fit, and potential renters should ask which apartment might offer the quietest surroundings. Still, others acknowledge the locale and the apartments' beauty, noting that health is wealth and that, to date, there haven't been noticeable pest problems in some spaces.

A more troubling thread comes from someone who lived there with their husband a few years ago. Their experience is described as horrible and disturbing: roaches crawling everywhere and red spots appearing on their skin. They believed bed bugs were the culprit and tried to persuade the manager to treat the apartment, but the manager allegedly insisted they did not have them. The reviewer recounts seeing a bed bug herself after moving the bed, collecting it with tape, and taking the evidence to the manager. The situation escalated to a hotel stay while the property was treated. With a fixed income and a strong sense of disgust, the person urged others to RUN AWAY if they suspect pests or feel their concerns aren't being taken seriously. The core message here is a warning about pest management and responsiveness from management.

Another anecdote, shorter and sharper, focuses on a difficult incident involving a diabetic relative. The reviewer describes trying to help by taking medications, a blood sugar machine, and a phone charger because the relative's phone died, only to have security deny access because the person failed to answer a phone call. The sentiment is one of frustration and ridicule toward the security staff - "big dummies," as the writer put it - highlighting a sense that sometimes reasonable assistance is blocked by rigid rules or miscommunications.

From a different angle, several passages paint a stark image of the area as a challenging street scene rather than a quiet residential enclave. One reviewer labels the place the "Dumpy Apartments" and laments foot traffic that turns a night in Macon into a disappointment as the residents sit on the corner at all hours. The description expands to a homeless encampment vibe without tents, with trash everywhere, saliva on the ground, and beggars accosting passersby. The writer even expresses a wish for city action - closing the place and moving the problems elsewhere - and hopes for gentrification as a remedy. The overall tone is strongly negative, casting the corner as a problematic space rather than a peaceful home.

Personal history with the property also surfaces in a negative light: a grandmother stayed there in 2021 and, shortly after, her valuables disappeared. When the family asked the manager for security footage, the response allegedly included a racially charged remark: "I don't understand why someone would want to steal from someone who looks like her." The grandmother was evicted soon after. The reviewer emphasizes the discriminatory sting of the manager's comment, and adds the pointed line: "People that have any color please be aware!" The account underscores concerns about theft, surveillance, and fair treatment, all set against a backdrop of eviction and distrust toward management.

Not all memories are harsh, however, and the property is not uniformly condemned. One reviewer recalls living there from 2009 to 2011 and speaks warmly of management and maintenance. They describe the management as excellent and the maintenance as "super dooper," expressing clear willingness to live there again and thanking a person named Carol Suzanne Brackett. That perspective preserves a sense that, at least at some times and in some units, the property functions well and residents feel well cared for, even if others have had very negative experiences.

There are still other voices that briefly brush the surface of neutrality and nostalgia. A few people describe the place as a decent starting point or a nice place to begin one's life. They acknowledge that the property could use updates, yet there is a sense that the location, the architecture, and certain amenities have appeal. The mixed feedback suggests that for some residents, the building offers a solid home, while for others it represents a difficult, even troubling, environment dominated by noise, pests, and security concerns.

A highly personal, almost anecdotal thread appears in a long, colorful narrative from someone who identifies as both former and current and future resident. This piece paints the lobby as a lure for new residents - "lured into the lobby as a drunken 21-year-old domestic exchange student," recounted with a hint of humor - and highlights a strange cast of characters. The narrator recalls an unforgettable roommate named Bernard, and a social life that centers on "Taco Tuesday in RJ's room," with a mischievous note about Irma being a butt grabber. The overall tone is affectionate, even romanticized, describing a homey sense of community where "everyone knows your name or at least a name." The story blends warmth with wild details, illustrating the complexity of life in a place that can be both welcoming and chaotic.

Yet the most troubling line in that sprawling, personal essay rails against governance that allows danger: "Management. Allows a resident to stay there that. Bullies elderly women and pulls knives put on them. Management knows and allows." The admission here points to serious concerns about safety, resident conduct, and oversight. It culminates in a blunt verdict that the place "needs a face lift," followed by a larger lament that the once-crown jewel of middle Georgia has degraded into an eyesore and an embarrassment. What started as a grand architectural landmark with potential to be a standout residence appears, in the eyes of several residents, to have fallen into neglect, disorder, and disillusionment.

This part of Macon, Georgia, offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant community. With several restaurants and breweries within walking distance, residents can enjoy dining out and socializing with neighbors. The proximity to various medical facilities, including physicians' offices and hospitals, provides peace of mind for those seeking quality healthcare services. Additionally, the nearby parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The presence of pharmacies ensures easy access to medication and healthcare supplies. Places of worship are also conveniently located for spiritual support and community involvement. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded living environment for seniors seeking convenience, healthcare accessibility, and recreational opportunities.

Restaurants

• The Rookery (0 miles)
• Parish On Cherry (0.1 miles)
• Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen (0.1 miles)
• Macon Beer Company Taproom and Kitchen (0.1 miles)
• Ocmulgee Brewpub (0.1 miles)
• Fall Line Brewing Comp (0.2 miles)
• Waffle House (0.5 miles)

Physicians

• Ocmulgee Physicians (0.2 miles)
• Neurology Associates (0.2 miles)
• Atlantic Lung Center (0.3 miles)
• Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (0.3 miles)
• Mercer Medicine (0.3 miles)
• Macon Cardiovascular Institute (0.3 miles)
• Eye Physicians Professional Association (0.3 miles)

Transportation

• Macon Station (0.3 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (4.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Albert Luce Heart Tower (0.4 miles)
• PICU- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (0.5 miles)
• Coliseum Diagnostic Center (0.9 miles)
• Coliseum Medical Center Radiology/X-Ray (0.9 miles)
• North Macon Healthcare (3.1 miles)

Parks

• G. Bernd Park (0.4 miles)
• Macon Dog Park (1.1 miles)
• East Macon Park (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Scott's Health Mart Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Anco A Division of Chem-Aqua (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Express Rx Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Peter Claver Catholic Church (1.4 miles)
• Lutheran Church-The Redeemer (2.4 miles)
• Real Life Church (3.8 miles)
• Bethel AME Church (3.9 miles)