St. Francis Court Apartments in Cincinnati, OH

Pros

• The property is described as a great place to stay.
• The management is professional and provides perfect service.
• Maintenance personnel are courteous and professional.
• The building is fantastic and rich with history, as reflected in its foyer.
• Residents love the view from their windows, which overlook a mountainside with birds and deer.
• The apartments are pristine, with new appliances and carpet.
• There is bus service right in front of the building and shopping nearby.
• The building is charming and full of darling apartments, with birdsong and deer visible outside.

Cons

• The complex is described as a maze and difficult to navigate.
• It is decrepit with trash, needles, crack pipes, bed bugs, and black mold, creating unsafe living conditions.
• Management is horrible and repairs are not being addressed.
• There is significant deferred maintenance and conditions are getting worse due to inadequate management.
• The neighborhood is described as a slum with crime, and the landlord is said to show a lack of privacy and respect.
• There are claims of ongoing issues like drug dealing and other problems plaguing the building.

Review

This community is best suited for independent seniors who prize historic charm, immediate access to transit and shopping, and a tightly knit resident culture. Those who want a building with character, courtly maintenance staff, and a sense of belonging through a local senior center will find real value here. It works best for residents who can navigate a maze-like floor plan, tolerate occasional upkeep delays, and place a high premium on views of nearby mountains, birds, and deer. In short, practical optimism meets old-world ambiance for occupants who don't mind chasing a few loose ends to keep daily life smooth.

This is not the right choice for seniors or families prioritizing absolute reliability and pristine, consistently updated conditions. Prospective residents who require steady, predictable maintenance, a consistently clean environment, or heightened safety assurances should consider alternatives. Those with significant health needs, mobility challenges, or a low tolerance for neighborhood safety concerns should look elsewhere. The mix of positive social energy and troubling reports about safety and cleanliness makes this the kind of place that can work only if the expectations align with what fluctuates from unit to unit.

On the upside, the management and maintenance core can deliver genuine, positive experiences. Residents repeatedly note professional service, courteous upkeep staff, and apartments that feel refreshed with newer appliances and carpet. The building's historic ambiance adds a meaningful backdrop for daily life, and the location offers practical perks: bus service right at the curb and convenient access to nearby shopping. The social fabric is real - neighbors help one another, and the senior center presence adds warmth and a sense of belonging that many other properties simply don't offer.

Yet the major cautions are hard to overlook. Multiple reviews flag deferred maintenance, mold in units, trash accumulation, and even bed bugs in some apartments. Concerns about needles or drug activity in the building and a neighborhood that feels unstable push this toward a high-risk profile for a senior living decision. The common refrain about management inconsistency - some days responsive and effective, other times not - further complicates the calculus. For families valuing a consistently clean, safe, and well-kept environment, these are red flags that simply can't be ignored.

How the positives stack up against the negatives depends on what a family can tolerate in daily reality. If the priority is social engagement, scenic surroundings, and a capable, attentive staff when the system is working, the positives can offset a fair amount of risk and discomfort. When leadership stabilizes and maintenance cycles smoothly, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds: a charming building with genuine community support. But if safety, pest control, and predictable upkeep are non-negotiable, the cons overwhelmingly tilt toward seeking alternatives - perhaps somewhere with a stronger track record of consistent housekeeping, pest management, and neighborhood safety.

For decisional clarity, undertake a rigorous in-person tour focused on current conditions. Inspect for signs of pests, mold, and water damage; verify recent maintenance tickets and timelines; ask residents about response times and adherence to promised repairs; and talk with staff about a concrete plan to address deferred maintenance. In parallel, solicit candid feedback about neighborhood safety and day-to-day quality of life. If comfort with the current level of upkeep, safety, and management variability remains, this community can be a rewarding choice. If not, it's prudent to pursue other independent living options that prioritize steadier housekeeping, pest control, and safeguards - without surrendering essential social opportunity and transit convenience.

This area of Cincinnati, Ohio, offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs of seniors. With several restaurants within a short distance, such as Incline Public House and Frisch's Big Boy, residents have easy access to dining options. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are also conveniently located nearby for any medication needs. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable hospitals like Good Samaritan Hospital and The Christ Hospital within a few miles, ensuring quality medical care is easily accessible. Additionally, the area boasts several parks for leisurely walks or relaxation, including Washington Dog Park and Ziegler Park. Coffee shops like The 86 Coffee Bar & Concert Venue provide a cozy atmosphere for socializing with friends or enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee. Places of worship like St Dominic Church and White Oak Chapel offer spiritual support to residents. Overall, this neighborhood in Cincinnati provides a well-rounded and convenient environment for seniors looking for a comfortable place to live.

Restaurants

• Incline Public House (1.5 miles)
• China Food (1.9 miles)
• Frisch's Big Boy (2.1 miles)
• Murphy's Pub (2.2 miles)
• Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom (2.3 miles)
• White Castle (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Hart Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Good Samaritan Hospital (2.3 miles)
• The Christ Hospital (2.7 miles)
• Veterans Hospital (2.9 miles)
• University of Cincinnati Medical Center (3.1 miles)
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (3.3 miles)
• Mercy Health - West Hospital Campus (4.4 miles)
• Cincinnati Children's (4.6 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Care Associates (2.5 miles)
• University Hospital Outpatient Building (3.2 miles)
• Hand Surgery Specialists (3.3 miles)
• Seven Hills Women's Health Centers (4.2 miles)
• Beers, Ann, Md - St Elizabeth Healthcare Regl (4.3 miles)
• St. E Diabetes Center (4.5 miles)
• Western Family Physicians (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Washington Dog Park (2.6 miles)
• Washington Park (2.6 miles)
• Ziegler Park (2.9 miles)
• John G & Phyllis W Smale Riverfront Park (3.4 miles)

Cafes

• The 86 Coffee Bar & Concert Venue (2.7 miles)
• Coffee Emporium (2.9 miles)
• Deeper Roots Coffee (3 miles)
• York Street Cafe (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Dominic Church (3.2 miles)
• White Oak Chapel (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• Government Square (3.2 miles)
• Metro Bond Hill Garage (5.4 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark (5.5 miles)