Austintown Studio Apartments

Pros

• They like it here, have lots of friends, and appreciate having their own place.
• The staff is nice.
• The rent is cheap.
• There is excellent food and service.
• Flaming Saganaki is highly recommended for a date.

Cons

• The lobby had a very strong pet urine smell.
• The landlord pressured the couple to rent an extra unit and pay for both because the girlfriend was unemployed.
• He made her feel very uncomfortable.
• During a showing, there was a strong unpleasant odor, with light switches and outlets painted over, exposed wires, and mold on the walls.
• The units are claustrophobically small.
• The building is described as uninhabitable and in need of being burned down.
• There is a terrible bedbug/gnat problem, and management is unprofessional and uncaring.
• Many residents are described as unstable and not taking their medications, making the place unsafe and unsanitary.
• Cars can be damaged in the parking lot.
• Washing machines are expensive.

Review

A collection of strongly worded impressions paints a troubling portrait of a rental building and the people who manage it. One reviewer recalls a visit to the lobby that left a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons: a "very, very strong pet urine smell" that permeated the entrance and made the space feel unwelcoming before any unit even got a chance to be considered. The same person describes a disconcerting dynamic with the landlord, who during a showing tried to steer the couple toward a different unit, effectively suggesting that the girlfriend rent a separate bedroom and then asking the male partner to pay for both units because she was unemployed. The reviewer emphasizes that they are a couple who want to stay together, but the pressure and discomfort during the showing left a sour impression about the intentions and tone of the management.

Another account focuses on a specific unit visit described as being "fixed up." The odors during that showing were described as strong and unpleasant, but what stood out even more were the visible safety and maintenance concerns: light switches and outlets that had been painted over, exposed wires, and mold walled up in the spaces. The reviewer notes that the units themselves feel claustrophobic, underscoring the small, cramped dimensions that would struggle to meet everyday needs. Taken together, these observations create a sense of a property that appears to be in disrepair and ill-equipped to meet basic safety standards, raising questions about what the actual condition of the units would be once occupied.

A separate voice provides a longer historical perspective, stating they had lived in the place for almost ten years. That reviewer reports hearing older descriptions that labeled the property as a zoo, an asylum, or an adult daycare, and claims that management was "rude and vindictive" at times. This long-tenured perspective suggests a culture of management that could be unpredictable and even punitive, coloring present impressions with a sense of accumulated disappointment. The memory of years spent in a place that felt chaotic and unwelcoming adds weight to the recurring themes of neglect and poor handling of residents' concerns, even while other aspects of life in the area - like friendships and a familiar community - are acknowledged as positives.

Despite the negative thread running through many reviews, one person makes a point to acknowledge some personal positives: they express genuine affection for living there, mentioning that they like it, have lots of friends, have their own place, and appreciate the sense of community and familiarity. This sentiment of belonging and social connection stands in stark contrast to the harsher criticisms, illustrating the complex, ambivalent nature of living in a building that provokes strong, sometimes contradictory feelings. The same reviewer's affection for the area and the social ties they've built suggests that the place offers more than just rental space; it can feel like a home in a larger, imperfect ecosystem.

But the strongest and most urgent admonition comes from a different voice, one that implores potential renters to look elsewhere: "Please, if you have other options, DO NOT MOVE HERE!!!" The intensity of this warning is matched by a sweeping negative assessment - that the building is "uninhabitable" and would be better off burned down. The xenial language about pests intensifies the story: "There is a terrible bedbug/gnat problem in this building," and the reviewer argues that management and staff are "very unprofessional" and do not care about the residents. The claim of widespread neglect and danger is stark and unsettling, painting a picture of a place where basic safety, cleanliness, and responsiveness to residents' needs are not being met.

A later line further details the spectrum of experiences, balancing issues with occasional civility: "Bed bugs, and windows that don't open. Staff is nice." This juxtaposition - between pest problems and some courteous staff - suggests that even where some personnel are polite, substantive problems persist. The reviewer also describes residents as "crazy and drama riddled," and warns that parking lot activity can result in car damage, creating an additional practical concern for anyone considering moving in. They also note that washing machines are expensive, while rent is listed as cheap, highlighting a tension between affordability and the overall quality and upkeep of the property.

Toward the end of the collection, another line shifts to an almost incongruous note of praise: "Excellent food and service! If you have a hot date, you MUST order the Flaming Saganaki!" This remark stands apart from the rental-focused critiques and seems to applaud a separate dining experience - perhaps a local restaurant associated with the same building or neighborhood. It underscores how varied the contexts and experiences around this place can be, ranging from perilous living conditions to positive culinary highlights. It also serves as a reminder that a neighborhood can simultaneously harbor excellent dining options even as the housing situation remains contentious for some residents.

Taken together, the reviews present a mosaic of conflicting experiences. Central themes recur: odor, safety concerns, and maintenance shortcomings; pressure and questionable tactics from management; a sense of being part of a community with strong social ties versus encountering frequent disruptions and unsanitary conditions. Some residents describe a long-standing pattern of rude or vindictive behavior from management, while others emphasize the friendliness of staff or the value of living in a familiar area. The bedbug and pest problems, the mold, the exposed wiring, and the claustrophobic room layouts all contribute to a perception of a building in significant need of intervention and reform. Ultimately, the collection conveys both the pull of community and the risk of inhabiting a space that many feel is unsafe, poorly maintained, or mismanaged, with opinions sharply dividing along personal experiences and priorities.

This part of Youngstown, Ohio offers a variety of amenities that would appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. There are several restaurants in close proximity, including Shotz Bar & Grille and El Jalapeno II, providing options for dining out. Additionally, there are pharmacies such as CVS Pharmacy and Berry's Pharmacy nearby for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. For medical care, there are multiple physicians' offices and hospitals within a short distance, including St Elizabeth Health Center and Akron Children's Hospital NEO. The area also features parks like Fellows Riverside Gardens and Wick Recreation Area for outdoor leisure activities. Cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread provide opportunities for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this part of Youngstown provides a well-rounded living environment for seniors seeking convenience, healthcare access, dining options, recreation opportunities, and social interactions.

Restaurants

• Shotz Bar & Grille (1.1 miles)
• Burger King (1.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.7 miles)
• Arby's (1.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.9 miles)
• El Jalapeno II (1.9 miles)
• Youngstown Saxon Club (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Berry's Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Marc's Stores (2.1 miles)
• Wedgewood Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Allen's Pharmaserv (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)

Physicians

• Austintown Family Healthcare (1.5 miles)
• Patsy Buccino (2.4 miles)
• Center For Hearing Care (2.5 miles)
• Occhealth Concepts (2.7 miles)
• Chi Sown Ko (2.7 miles)
• The Kidney Group (2.8 miles)
• Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Fellows Riverside Gardens (2.4 miles)
• Wick Recreation Area (2.6 miles)
• Tod Park (3.3 miles)
• Waddell Park (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Saint E's Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)

Hospitals

• St Elizabeth Health Center - Pre Op (2.9 miles)
• Akron Children's Hospital NEO (2.9 miles)
• St Elizabeth Health Center (3 miles)
• Valley Care Health System-Ohio (3 miles)
• Tod Childrens Hospital Forum Health (3 miles)
• American Renal Associates (3.9 miles)
• Belmont Pines Hospital (4.1 miles)