1928 Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, GA 31406
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Donnelly House
Pros
The facility is great.- Move-in day at SCAD was great.
- It is just perfect.
- The rooms are like tiny apartments.
- There are two decent food options right outside the door.
- The dorms are very nice.
- The security is good.
Cons
Security and RAs actively tell residents not to paint in an art school environment.- The dorms lack stoves or ovens, forcing residents to rely on a rental fridge and microwave.
- Residents occasionally encounter ants in the fall and spring.
- The dorms are far from other better parts of campus and sit in a very sketchy part of town.
- The entire place feels jail-cell-like and not welcoming.
- The area around the dorm is described as a very bad area of town, and residents may be afraid to walk anywhere.
- Everything here is gray and always dirty.
Review
Donnelly House in Savannah, GA is best suited for campus-bound students who want compact, apartment-like dorm living with reliable security and a straightforward, budget-conscious option close to the heart of campus. It functions as a dorm environment rather than a care-focused residence, so it is not a fit for seniors or families seeking assisted living, ongoing personal support, meal plans, or medical oversight. The building’s appeal lies in easy access to classes, walkable campus environs, and a predictable oversight presence that keeps daily routines structured. For families evaluating senior care, this is not a substitute for an established assisted living community with trained staff, coordinated care, and accessible on-site services.
Key positives include a quality feel to the dorms and a proximity to the campus core that many young residents prize. Rooms are described as more like tiny apartments than traditional dorm spaces, which improves day-to-day livability even though kitchens are not part of the package. Security is repeatedly cited as a strength, offering a sense of safety through staff presence and routine oversight. Move-in experiences are noted as smooth, and the location provides convenient access to two decent food options right outside the door, reducing the burden of off-campus dining and creating a straightforward daily rhythm.
Yet the drawbacks are meaningful and cannot be ignored in a decision framework. Several voices flag the surrounding area as unsafe or sketchy, with the neighborhood contributing a persistent uneasy feeling after dark. The interior and vibe are described by many as gray and dirty, with some labeling the space jail-cell-like and not particularly welcoming. Seasonal ant activity is a recurring nuisance, signaling maintenance and pest-control challenges that can affect comfort. In-room cooking is limited to a rental fridge and microwave, which constrains independence and longer-term comfort for residents who expect more flexible dining options.
How these positives stack against the negatives depends on priorities. For a student prioritizing campus access, predictable routines, and a budget-friendly option, the pros can offset several cons through built-in security, a livable room design, and the convenience of nearby dining. The apartment-like rooms and on-site oversight contribute to a livable baseline, and proximity to classes reduces commute time and logistical hassle. However, the sense of risk posed by the neighborhood, along with ongoing cleanliness and upkeep concerns, undermines overall comfort and long-term satisfaction, especially for those seeking a warmer, more home-like atmosphere.
Families evaluating senior living should actively consider alternatives. The setting here is clearly optimized for student life, not aging in place or caregiver-supported living. Prospective seniors should look for communities with licensed caregivers, daily living assistance, meal programs, reliable transportation for appointments, and clearly defined maintenance and housekeeping services. A safer neighborhood, a warmer interior, and a predictable, well-maintained environment are non-negotiables when care and comfort take priority over price. Donnelly House offers practicality and security, but it falls short for those needing ongoing support and a truly welcoming living environment tailored to aging in place.
Bottom line: Donnelly House is a practical, budget-conscious option for students craving campus convenience and a secure, routine-oriented living experience, but it is not a suitable choice for families prioritizing senior care. When evaluating, focus on proximity to campuses, safety and maintenance responsiveness, and in-room amenity limits such as kitchens. For those seeking assisted living, redirect to established communities with licensed caregiving, nutritional services, and formal care plans. The decision hinges on whether campus-style independence and security align with the need for ongoing care, warmth, and a consistently welcoming living environment.
8 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Board and Care Home
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Savannah International (12 miles away)
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
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