Hershey Plaza Apartments in Hershey, PA

Pros

• The Hershey building is beautiful, and residents feel calmer and safer there.
• The service dog is happy there, and there are many other dogs for residents to meet.
• The apartments are nice and located in a great, convenient area.
• The building is clean and well maintained, with a lovely view of downtown Hershey.
• The laundry room is open around the clock, which residents appreciate.
• It is within walking distance of many local businesses, making daily life convenient.
• It is suitable for low-income families and provides affordable housing options.
• The tenants are described as vibrant and wonderful, contributing to a positive community.

Cons

• The management is not professional or empathetic and targets residents who stand up for their rights.
• The staff bully residents, use intimidation, and threaten eviction or penalties.
• Without sensitivity training, the management creates a terrifying threat of homelessness for disabled or other residents.
• The current manager bullies tenants and imposes charges residents say they are not legally responsible for.
• Emotional abuse and threats of expensive charges are harassment of the tenants.
• The building suffers from maintenance neglect, mold, dirt, and unattended repairs.
• Elevators are frequently out of service, with one or both down for extended periods.
• The property is described as poorly managed with potential fair housing law violations and an irritable, unresponsive leadership.

Review

Hershey Plaza Apartments is best suited for budget-conscious seniors or disabled residents who rely on subsidized rents in a central Hershey location and want a quiet, walkable building with dog-friendly norms and solid apartment aesthetics. The community delivers on the basics: appealing city views, proximity to downtown Hershey amenities, and a building that feels residential rather than institutional. These factors appeal to residents who value independence, live on fixed incomes, and prefer living amid a lively local setting rather than a campus atmosphere. In short, it works for those who need affordable, centrally located housing and can tolerate a management profile where daily life hinges on the property's leadership.

Those who prize consistent, respectful management, prompt maintenance, and predictable costs should look elsewhere. If harassment, threats of eviction, delayed repairs, and uneven enforcement of rules would erode daily life, this building is not the right fit. Residents who require reliable elevator access, steady pest control, and a well-maintained, safe environment should consider alternatives with stronger operational discipline. Anyone sensitive to rent volatility or to a management style that undermines trust should explore other Hershey options.

On the plus side, the strongest draws are the unit quality and the location. Several reviews highlight attractive, well-kept apartments with pleasant views and a sense of safety inside the living spaces. The building is described as relatively quiet, within walking distance to shops and services, and notably dog-friendly, with opportunities to meet other residents and their pets. For residents who need to minimize travel or live near downtown activity, this combination of comfort and convenience can be compelling.

Yet the cons carry significant weight. Management is repeatedly described as irritable or heavy-handed, using intimidation or penalties over repair matters and sometimes pressuring residents on charges that feel unwarranted. Reports of write-ups, questionable or misapplied fees, and inconsistent enforcement sap trust and financial security. Maintenance requests often go unaddressed, and ongoing building problems, mold, leaks, pests, and general cleanliness, undercut the appeal of the units. Elevators are unreliable, with breakdowns interrupting daily life for seniors and residents who rely on mobility aids. External noise from Hershey Park traffic and trains adds to the stress, and some residents report safety concerns in the surrounding area, including drug activity.

Given these dynamics, the positive aspects only partly offset the downsides for most potential residents. The aesthetics, views, and central location offer undeniable benefits, but they rarely compensate for ongoing management friction, unpredictable charges, or delayed repairs. For those who can tolerate volatility, the upside remains affordable central housing with pet-friendly policies and an appealing view. For the majority, the risk to stability, dignity, and daily comfort is substantial unless leadership and service levels improve markedly.

Prospective tenants should approach with a concrete plan: tour with a critical eye, speak directly with current residents about management responsiveness, and insist on a formal maintenance and dispute-resolution process in writing. Verify elevator reliability, pest control cadence, and mold mitigation steps. Seek a transparent rent schedule, including any increases and fees, and confirm who is responsible for repairs and damages. If these assurances cannot be secured, or the management tone remains punitive, pursue alternatives that deliver steadier operations and a safer, cleaner environment. Hershey Plaza can fit the right person, one who values location and affordability over flawless management and consistently proactive service.

This part of Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of restaurants ranging from upscale dining options like Devon Seafood and Steak to more casual choices such as Wendy's and Starbucks, there is something to suit every taste. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and medical facilities nearby, including Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy parks like Bullfrog Valley Park & Trail or catch a movie at Flagship Premium Cinemas Palmyra. Overall, this neighborhood provides a blend of convenience, dining options, healthcare services, and recreational opportunities that cater well to the needs of seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Restaurants

• First Watch (0.1 miles)
• Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar Hershey (0.1 miles)
• Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (0.2 miles)
• Devon Seafood and Steak (0.2 miles)
• Houlihan's (0.3 miles)
• Hershey's Chocolate World (0.4 miles)
• Wendy's (0.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.1 miles)
• Coaster Cafe (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Desserts Etc By The Hershey Pantry (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2 miles)
• Lisa's Cafe (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Penn State Hershey University Physicians Center Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (3.5 miles)
• Palmyra Pharmacy & Gift (3.6 miles)
• Hershey Longterm Care Pharmacy (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Penn State Medical Group - Psychiatry (0.6 miles)
• Tristan Associates (0.6 miles)
• Associated Otolaryngologists of PA (0.7 miles)
• Cocoa Family Medicine (1 miles)
• Hess, Stacy Penn State Hershey Pediatric Associates (1.1 miles)
• Penn State Hershey Surg Specs (1.6 miles)
• Rotunda Café (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank (1 miles)
• Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Academic Support Building (1.4 miles)
• Good Samaritan Hospital Ambulatory Services Center (4.3 miles)
• Kcb Properties (5.2 miles)
• PinnacleHealth Community General Osteopathic Hospital (8.5 miles)

Parks

• Bullfrog Valley Park & Trail (2.4 miles)
• Shank Park (2.9 miles)
• Levitz Park (8.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Palmyra United Christian Church (3.6 miles)
• Lebanon Valley Brethren Home (4.4 miles)
• Colonial Park UCC (8.2 miles)
• Geyers United Methodist Church (8.2 miles)

Theaters

• Flagship Premium Cinemas Palmyra (5.1 miles)

Transportation

• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) (8.1 miles)