St James Place Apts

Pros

• The property management is praised as great.
• The location is praised as nice.

Cons

• The apartments are very small.
• The property manager runs everything with a clique of women.
• There are no activities.
• There are a lot of sickly people living there.

Review

Residents describe a building where space comes at a premium and the day-to-day atmosphere feels tightly controlled. The apartments are described as very small, leaving little room for personal touches or generous living space. The tight footprint means every square foot seems to be optimized for efficiency, which can make everyday living feel compact and sometimes claustrophobic for anyone who values more breathing room in a home.

A striking and recurring note centers on the property management culture. Several tenants describe a "clique of women" who seem to run everything, shaping rules, routines, and the overall vibe of the place. This sense of control and centralized decision-making stands out as a defining feature of the building's leadership and can influence how residents interact with staff, how requests are handled, and how comfortable people feel voicing concerns.

When it comes to social life and resident programming, the reviews suggest a stark lack of activities. One resident sums it up as "no activities," with only bingo mentioned as a glimmer of organized leisure. The absence of programming beyond that single activity contributes to a quiet, perhaps solitary, living environment where opportunities to meet neighbors or participate in group events are limited. For some, that may be fine; for others, it may feel isolating or underwhelming.

Another notable element from the reviews is the health profile of the resident community. A visible remark is that there are "a lot of sickly people" living in the building, a factor that can affect daily life in subtle but meaningful ways. The concentration of residents who appear frail or unwell can influence how social space is used, how noise levels are managed, and how responsive management is to medical needs or accessibility concerns. This aspect can shape a sense of community safety and comfort in ways that go beyond the physical layout of the units.

Despite the critiques, there is a consistently positive thread regarding the location. The property is described as having a nice location, a quality that many tenants value highly. The appeal of being in a favorable neighborhood or near essential amenities can offset some drawbacks of small units or a sparse activity calendar, making the location a notable selling point for prospective residents.

Adding another layer to the impression, at least one review offers a more positive take on the on-site leadership. It praises the property management and reiterates the nice location, framing the overall experience in a favorable light. This contrast - some residents highlighting a strong management presence and location while others point to a controlling dynamic and limited programming - suggests a mixed environment where experiences can vary significantly depending on individual expectations and interactions with staff.

Taken together, the reviews paint a portrait of a building with limited living space and a centralized, perhaps rigid, management culture that governs daily life more than many tenants might prefer. The social scene is subdued, with minimal organized activities beyond a single game, and the health profile of residents adds another layer of consideration for those thinking about long-term comfort and accessibility. Yet the location stands out as a clear plus, and for some tenants, the management approach and the surrounding neighborhood may be exactly what they're seeking. This blend of compact living, a distinctive leadership dynamic, scarce programming, and a strong geographical draw creates a nuanced picture - one that accommodates certain preferences while challenging others.

This part of Downingtown, Pennsylvania offers a convenient location with easy access to essential amenities such as pharmacies, cafes, physicians, transportation options, restaurants, places of worship, parks, theaters, and hospitals. With multiple pharmacies nearby like Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy, seniors can easily access their medication needs. There are also various dining options available including Chick-Fil-A and Brickside Grille for those looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. The area is well-connected with transportation options like Downingtown Station and SEPTA Thorndale Station for convenient travel. Additionally, there are several parks and nature preserves nearby for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. Access to quality healthcare is also readily available with hospitals like Brandywine Hospital and Chester County Hospital in close proximity. Overall, this area provides seniors with a diverse range of amenities and services to support an active and comfortable lifestyle.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.2 miles)
• Wegmans (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• ACME Markets Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.6 miles)
• GIANT Pharmacy (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• Coffee Cup Restaurant (0.3 miles)
• Stolen Sun (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Giant Cafe (5.3 miles)
• Gemelli - Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Cafe (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.7 miles)

Physicians

• Downingtown Dental Studio (0.6 miles)
• Smedley Larry C, DDS (0.6 miles)
• Dr D'Urso (2 miles)
• Chester County Eyecare Associates (2 miles)
• Family Practice Associates (2 miles)
• Nemours Children's Health (2.3 miles)
• Brandywine Valley Pain Control Center (2.5 miles)

Transportation

• Downingtown Station (DOW) (0.8 miles)
• SEPTA Thorndale Station (3.6 miles)
• Exton Station (EXT) (4.1 miles)
• Chester County G. O. Carlson Airport (CTH) (8.9 miles)
• Septa Malvern Station (9.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.9 miles)
• IHOP (2.7 miles)
• Wendy's (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.6 miles)
• Brickside Grille (3.6 miles)
• Appetites On Main (3.8 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Joseph Church (0.9 miles)
• St Paul's Episcopal Church (6 miles)
• Doe Run Presbyterian Church (6.5 miles)

Parks

• Lionville Park (3.1 miles)
• Marsh Creek State Park (3.9 miles)
• Stroud Nature Preserve (4.8 miles)
• Marshall Square Park (5.9 miles)
• Goose Creek Park (9.6 miles)

Theaters

• Movie Tavern Exton (3.8 miles)

Hospitals

• The Center For Wound Healing at Brandywine Hospital (4.8 miles)
• Brandywine Hospital Speech Therapy (4.8 miles)
• Va Medical Center, For Information & Assistance (5.2 miles)
• Chester County Hospital (5.8 miles)
• Family Lounge (5.9 miles)