Franciscan Villa in Springfield, MO

Pros

• The exterior is beautiful and it seems to be a good place to live.
• The manager is very helpful when there is a problem.
• The person who works in the office is very nice and kind to everyone in the building.
• Most of the residents and staff are great.
• The villa has had a lot of cleaning up done to it recently and is a good place for income-qualified housing.
• A friend lives here and she is tickled to death with her place.

Cons

• The place is creepy.
• It is infested with bed bugs, roaches, and mice; the infestation is severe.
• The setting is very poor, dingy, and unclean.
• The building is poorly maintained; floors are filthy and trash is everywhere.
• The elevator stinks of stale urine and the apartments lack functional cooking facilities.
• There are thieves on the premises and management does nothing; there are no cameras and no help with stolen items.
• It is described as a nasty place to live.

Review

Franciscan Villa in Springfield, Missouri, is best suited for adults and seniors who need affordable, independent living and can operate within an older, repurposed-hospital environment. It serves income-qualified tenants who prioritize low rent and a central location over pristine interiors or full-service amenities. This is a pragmatic option for those who want proximity to downtown, groceries, and local services, and who don’t require ongoing, hands-on assistance. It functions as a form of transitional or modestly supported independent living, where residents largely manage their own routines and lean on a responsive but lean staff for problem-solving rather than daily care. In short, affordability, a community vibe, and a willingness to tolerate aging infrastructure define the core appeal.

Those who should consider alternatives are the families and individuals who expect a modern, pest-free, highly clean living environment with robust on-site services. If guaranteed pest control and consistent, year-round cleanliness are non-negotiable, Franciscan Villa will likely fall short. Prospective renters who require daily personal assistance, memory care, or medical support should evaluate dedicated assisted living communities, since this site leans toward independence with uneven maintenance and variable security. The building’s age, limited cooking options in some studios, and the conversion-from-a-hospital layout mean it may feel cramped or outdated relative to newer independent or assisted-living options. For households prioritizing sophisticated security, strong 24/7 staff coverage, or high-end amenities, alternatives are warranted.

On the plus side, staff impressions skew positive in several reviews. Residents frequently describe office personnel and managers as approachable and helpful, and there is a sense that recent management changes are pushing toward meaningful improvements. The building offers practical, low-cost features such as controlled entry, an elevator, a common lounge, and a generally stable location near services. The perceived willingness of management to engage with residents, enforce reasonable rules, and pursue problem-solving can translate into a stable living situation for tenants who can navigate the rough edges of an aging property. Yet these strengths must be weighed against persistent, material drawbacks that recur in many accounts.

The most impactful drawbacks are pest infestations and safety concerns tied to the building’s age. Bed bugs, roaches, and mice appear repeatedly, often spreading between units and becoming a recurring disruption for households trying to settle in. Cleanliness can be inconsistent, with reports of dingy hallways, odor issues, and ceilings and elevators that feel stale or under-maintained. The physical condition of the property, thin walls, limited in-unit cooking options, and dated interiors, frustrates residents who value comfort and basic livability. Compounding these issues are security-related concerns: theft, transient activity on the premises, and a perceived lack of surveillance or formal security protocols. For families, these risks translate into a higher need for diligence during the lease process and ongoing advocacy for timely maintenance and pest control.

Equally important are the variability in security practices and the administrative experience. Some tenants report friendly, responsive management and a sincere commitment to resolving issues, while others recount slow responses, miscommunications, or disputes over deposits and move-in procedures. The absence of cameras or formal, visible security measures compounds feelings of vulnerability, especially for those who depend on deliveries or frequent visits from caregivers and family. The mixed track record means prospective residents must demand concrete, written assurances about pest-control plans, maintenance timelines, security measures, and accountability before committing. A careful, in-person tour paired with direct conversations with current tenants can illuminate whether the current management climate aligns with expectations.

Ultimately, Franciscan Villa can be a prudent choice for households prioritizing affordability, independence, and a genuine sense of community amid an aging framework, provided expectations are anchored to reality and proactive steps are taken. If the central objective centers on minimizing housing costs while remaining close to essential services, the combination of reasonable rent, a workable location, and a structure that residents can navigate with a modicum of self-reliance may offset several shortcomings. However, for those who require a pest-free environment, reliable housekeeping, robust safety measures, and consistent, proactive maintenance, alternative communities with newer construction and stronger on-site care should be pursued. Before deciding, families should visit multiple units, tour during different times of day, interview current residents, verify pest-control history and maintenance responsiveness, and obtain written assurances about security and improvement plans under current management. When those checks come back favorable, Franciscan Villa presents a realistic, economical option; when they do not, the search for a higher-quality setting with stronger upkeep and service should continue.

This part of Springfield, Missouri, is a convenient and well-equipped area for senior living. With several hospitals and physicians within close proximity, residents have easy access to medical care. There are also plenty of pharmacies nearby for medication needs. The neighborhood offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale, as well as cafes for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Places of worship are easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, while the close proximity to the Downtown Airport allows for convenient travel options. Overall, this part of Springfield provides a supportive and vibrant community for seniors looking to settle down in a comfortable and accessible area.

Hospitals

• Cox Medical Center-North (0.5 miles)
• Emergency Department North (0.5 miles)
• Cox North Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Sgoh Acquisition (2.4 miles)
• Bayless Automotive Companies (2.9 miles)
• Mercy MRI (3 miles)
• St John's Regional Health Center (3 miles)

Physicians

• Rex Eugene Taber, MD (0.5 miles)
• Pratibha Agarwal, MD (0.5 miles)
• Krishnendu Ghosh, MD (0.5 miles)
• Coxhealth (0.5 miles)
• Mark Edward Stewart, DO (0.5 miles)
• Bethesda Medical Care (0.8 miles)
• QPS Bio-Kinetic (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.7 miles)
• Lindbergs (0.7 miles)
• Cafe Cusco (0.8 miles)
• Springfield Brewing Company (0.8 miles)
• Kai (0.8 miles)
• Black Sheep Burgers | Shakes (0.9 miles)
• Rocco's Pizza (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Fashioned by Jaye (0.8 miles)
• Midtown Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Family Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Ethic (0.8 miles)
• Mudhouse (0.9 miles)
• Gailey's Breakfast Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Ziggie's Cafe (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Solid Rock Church (0.9 miles)
• First & Calvary Presbyterian Church (1.4 miles)
• Grand Oak Baptist Mission Center (2.6 miles)
• Jefferson Ave Baptist Church (2.7 miles)
• Messiah Lutheran Church (3.2 miles)
• Servicio De Educacion CRSTN Springfield (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Phelps Grove Park (2.2 miles)
• Bark Yard (3.8 miles)
• Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden (3.8 miles)
• Nathanael Greene Park (3.8 miles)

Transportation

• Downtown Airport (3DW) (2.9 miles)