Harrison Arms in East Orange, NJ

Pros

• Tony and Alicia are friendly and accommodating.
• Tony and his assistant Alicia provide a friendly, accommodating service that suggests residents would be in good hands.
• Ramon, Felipe, and Tee go above and beyond for the building.
• Ramon ensures that all the work is completed.
• Felipe keeps maintenance in good order.
• Tee keeps everything professional and presentable and ensures everyone is well.
• The staff is very professional and attentive to tenants' needs.

Cons

• The facility failed to implement preventative measures and routine checks that could have saved her life.
• They are avoiding the relative’s calls to return the security deposit.
• Tony pushed the relative’s name back on the waitlist, delaying the interview.
• The waiting list disruptions during COVID left the family disappointed.

Review

Harrison Arms in East Orange, NJ is best suited for seniors who want a smaller, neighborly environment where on-site staff show up consistently to handle maintenance and everyday needs. The building earns credibility from a hands-on maintenance crew and a management style that emphasizes accessibility and responsiveness. Residents benefit from issues being addressed quickly, with the kind of practical problem-solving that keeps daily life moving smoothly. In short, it’s a solid fit for those who value dependable upkeep, a personable on-site team, and a living environment that feels like a well-run, intimate community rather than a large, impersonal campus.

That clarity comes with a caveat: this community may not be ideal for families that require ironclad safety protocols and transparent, accountable handling of financial matters. A family narrative centers on a catastrophic health event that underscored perceived gaps in preventative oversight and resident monitoring, with allegations that essential safety checks were insufficient. Additionally, there is a troubling report about a security deposit dispute and management avoiding inquiries, which raises questions about financial transparency and the consistency of administrative processes. Those elements are disqualifying for families prioritizing unambiguous safety nets and clear, trustworthy fiscal practices.

On the upside, the on-site team earns high marks for warmth, professionalism, and reliability. The manager, Tony, and his assistant Alicia are repeatedly described as friendly, accommodating, and capable of keeping the interview and transition process flowing smoothly, even under trying circumstances. Once settled, residents benefit from a maintenance crew that is described as thorough and dependable: Ramon ensures tasks get done, Felipe keeps the systems and spaces in solid working order, and Tee maintains a professional, presentable atmosphere while ensuring everyone feels cared for. That day-to-day reliability can translate into lower stress for families who want confidence that minor issues won’t linger and that the common areas are well maintained.

Yet the most consequential concerns hinge on safety and trust. The account of negligence and calls for preventative measures creates a shadow over the otherwise practical, service-forward environment. If the safety incident is emblematic of broader lapses in monitoring or incident reporting, the risk isn’t just theoretical; it becomes a lived reality for families who depend on proactive care for vulnerable loved ones. The rebranding note, the building has been associated with a new name, Peter Antonellis Towers, also warrants scrutiny, since changes in branding can accompany shifts in ownership or oversight. Prospective residents should verify current leadership, safety protocols, and how incidents are escalated and documented to avoid ambiguity during critical moments.

Ultimately, the positive maintenance culture and the approachable, resident-focused staff are meaningful advantages that can offset many ordinary living concerns. The practical benefits, responsive repairs, clean and presentable spaces, and staff who know residents by name, translate into lower daily friction and a more comfortable living experience. However, these strengths do not automatically reconcile the heavier issues around safety oversight and financial transparency. For families weighing options, the decision hinges on prioritizing daily ease and personal rapport with on-site workers versus demanding higher assurances about resident safety protocols, proactive monitoring, and clear, fair handling of deposits and disputes.

For families leaning toward Harrison Arms, concrete steps can reduce risk and build confidence. Seek a written safety plan that details resident checks, bedtime rounds, emergency response procedures, and how staff monitor for health events in real time. Request a transparent accounting of the security deposit, including a definitive timeline for refunds, any legitimate withholdings, and a clear escalation path if disputes arise. Interview on-site leaders about governance, review incident logs or summaries of safety audits, and observe interactions between staff and residents to gauge whether attentiveness translates into consistent, proactive care. Above all, verify whether the current management structure and any ownership changes align with a shared commitment to safety and financial clarity.

If safety protocol rigor, incident transparency, and dependable, clearly documented resident protection are non-negotiables, alternatives may be a wiser choice. Other communities that demonstrate explicit procedures, third-party oversight, and straightforward financial practices will appeal to families prioritizing risk mitigation and trust. Harrison Arms delivers warmth, reliability, and a maintenance-first culture that clearly benefits daily living; the crucial question is whether those benefits justify the trade-off for safety assurances and unambiguous financial accountability. For the right family, one that values practical on-site service and a personable staff while implementing its own diligence around safety planning, this community can be a strong fit. For others, a more formal safety framework and transparent financial governance will be decisive.

This part of East Orange, New Jersey offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several parks nearby such as Orange Park, South Mountain Reservation, and Memorial Park, residents can enjoy the outdoors and stay active. The area is also well-connected by public transportation options including NJ Transit stations like Brick Church and East Orange, making it easy to get around without a car. There are plenty of dining options ranging from fast food chains like Taco Bell and McDonald's to upscale restaurants like McLoone's Boathouse and Mayfair Farms Banquet Facilities. Additionally, there are several pharmacies for easy access to medications and healthcare services provided by reputable medical groups like Summit Medical Group and Care Station Medical Group. Overall, this neighborhood in East Orange provides a safe and welcoming community for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Parks

• Orange Park Nj (0.3 miles)
• South Mountain Reservation (2.3 miles)
• Milo S. Borden Park (2.4 miles)
• Eagle Rock Reservation (2.6 miles)
• Memorial Park (3.1 miles)
• Degnan Memorial Park (3.6 miles)
• Edgemont Memorial Park (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• NJT - Brick Church Station (0.6 miles)
• East Orange Station (0.9 miles)
• NJT - Maplewood Station (3.2 miles)
• Newark Penn Station (3.8 miles)
• Harrison Path Station (4.1 miles)
• Newark Liberty International Airport Station (4.3 miles)
• Rail Link (4.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• McLoone's Boathouse (3 miles)
• Mayfair Farms Banquet Facilities (3.3 miles)
• The Able Baker (3.4 miles)
• Tops Diner (3.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• True Salvage Cafe (2.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
• The Bread Stand (3.2 miles)
• Paper Plane Coffee Co. (4 miles)
• Dunkin (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)

Physicians

• Care Station Medical Group (2.6 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (2.7 miles)
• Women First Health Center (3.7 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (3.9 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (4.9 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (5.7 miles)
• Merck (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Barnabas Medical Center (4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Clifton Commons 16 (6.6 miles)