78 W Washington Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
To contact a resident: (717) 414-5030
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Washington Square Costs & Pricing
Washington Square offers a competitive pricing structure for various room types compared to Franklin County and the broader state of Pennsylvania. For instance, a two-bedroom unit at Washington Square is priced at an attractive $529 per month, significantly lower than both Franklin County's average of $2,773 and Pennsylvania's statewide figure of $4,242. The semi-private room option also remains cost-effective at $2,995, undercutting both county and state averages of $3,296 and $3,542 respectively. Additionally, private rooms at Washington Square are available for $3,594 - again more affordable than the regional averages of $4,828 in Franklin County and $4,890 statewide. Even studio apartments at Washington Square maintain a competitive edge with a monthly rate of $3,893 compared to Franklin County's average of $3,661 and the state's figure of $3,737. Overall, Washington Square presents an appealing value proposition for potential residents seeking quality accommodations without the steep costs typically associated with living in this region.
| Floor plans | Washington Square | Franklin County | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Bedrooms | $529 | $2,773 | $4,242 |
| Semi-Private | $2,995 | $3,296 | $3,542 |
| Private | $3,594 | $4,828 | $4,890 |
| Studio | $3,893 | $3,661 | $3,737 |
Overall Review of Washington Square
Pros
The facility is well kept and maintained.- The apartments are nice and the rent is reasonable.
- The property manager is wonderful, attentive, and responsive to residents' needs.
- The community and apartments are wonderful, and the manager is great, honest, and fair.
- The Washington Square apartments are a fantastic place for seniors to retire.
- The maintenance staff receives high praise for their work.
- The facility is attractive and located in a small town, offering the environment seniors need.
- The community offers a great location for residents to be near family.
Cons
The quality of management has diminished over the past 6-7 years.- The last manager was fired in February 2022, and it took six months to hire a replacement who rarely shows up; when they do, the door is closed.
- Some residents are doing whatever they want and nothing is policed.
- The management is very bad.
- It is becoming more and more like living in a HUD-controlled building.
- Many residents are extremely frustrated, and the response to complaints is "you can move."
- There is favoritism with residents smoking weed and the manager does nothing about it due to lack of evidence, and it happens every night.
- The maintenance guy goes into residents' apartments when they aren’t there.
- Complaints registered by residents get lost.
Review
Washington Square in Chambersburg is best suited for independent seniors who want a comfortable, affordable home in a small-town setting and value proximity to family. The development has expanded to include new apartments and townhomes, which broadens options for singles and couples alike. When management is functioning well, the community can feel stable and welcoming. Families should, however, come prepared for fluctuation in on-site oversight: the senior component has seen reduced attention as resources are diverted to the newer wings. Those needing daily hands-on oversight or strict enforcement should consider alternatives.
Alternatives make sense for residents who require predictable operations, airtight communication, and a consistently responsive on-site team. If mobility challenges, safety concerns, or a high risk of rule violations are present, this community may not meet expectations. Residents who rely on timely maintenance, transparent rent information, or equitable treatment across households may want to explore other options in the region. The solid apartments and reasonable rent do not automatically deliver a risk-free environment if oversight remains sporadic or perceived as uneven.
On the positive side, the grounds and units are well kept, and rents remain reasonable relative to nearby options, with two-bedroom layouts that suit single residents or couples. Several residents praise the property manager for attentiveness and responsiveness, and the maintenance staff earns recognition for practical help. The location in a small town reduces bustle and supports a sense of community. The chance to live near family, plus social offerings such as Bible study, adds a meaningful social thread that can improve quality of life when management is present.
Yet significant concerns temper those positives. Management has eroded over the last six to seven years, with the senior facility sharing attention with the newer apartments. The former manager left in 2022, and new leadership is sporadic at best; staff visits are often met with the door being closed. Reports of favoritism, unresolved conflicts, and inappropriate access by maintenance personnel undermine trust. Smoking of marijuana reportedly occurs with little enforcement, raising safety and comfort questions. Parking is poorly structured, with insufficient handicapped spaces and a perception that visitors may encroach on resident spots. Rent increases have appeared with little explanation, and complaints can get lost in the process.
These dynamics create a tension that not all families are willing to tolerate. For residents who prize a nice apartment and the chance to be near kin, the space can remain a reasonable choice if oversight improves and communication becomes clearer. The combination of solid units and a responsive maintenance team can offset some friction caused by inconsistent management, but not entirely. If a secure, well-policed, and fully transparent environment is non-negotiable, the current pattern suggests risks outweigh the upside for many long-term residents, especially those who require predictable routines or have heightened safety concerns.
Families considering Washington Square should verify the current management structure, request a tour focused on responsiveness and accessibility, and inquire specifically about parking policies and enforcement. Ask to see copies of resident handbooks, complaints protocols, and rent-increase histories. Talk with several residents about how often management shows up and how quickly issues are addressed. If answers fall short, or if safety and consistent enforcement are paramount, exploring alternatives in Chambersburg or nearby towns with steadier management and clearer policies is prudent. The right choice balances attractive apartments and location with a dependable, proactive management framework.
Active Adult Communities (55+)
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities on-site
Devotional services on-site
Indoor common areas
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