Ascension Manor Inc in Philadelphia, PA

Pros

• The management provides quick responses to repair requests.
• Everything is clean.
• The staff are friendly and helpful.
• Staff cleans up trash from public sidewalks.
• The place is great.
• There have been no real problems.
• Residents are treated with respect and maintenance issues are solved proactively.
• It is the best place to live, with great staff.

Cons

• The elevators do not work at all; residents are forced to use the stairs, and some can barely walk.
• Management and staff do not care for tenants' needs or the facility's condition, prioritizing payment over service.
• The property is in bad need of repairs.
• There is a rodent infestation on the premises.
• The buzzer-access system is unreliable and often fails.
• The phone system does not work to gain access to the building.

Review

Ascension Manor Inc in Philadelphia is best suited for independent seniors who want a quiet, well-kept home with predictable routines and responsive on-site management. The community delivers on the basics: clean buildings and grounds, prompt repair responses, and staff who are described as courteous and helpful. For families seeking a steady, affordable option where residents are treated with respect and the environment feels safe and orderly, Ascension Manor provides a solid, no-frills home base. It is particularly appealing to those who value easy parking, pleasant rooms, and a straightforward living space over upscale amenities.

The strongest selling points revolve around maintenance and everyday reliability. Residents consistently note that the property is immaculately maintained and that repairs are addressed quickly. The staff is repeatedly praised for being respectful and engaged, with several accounts highlighting proactive management that prevents issues from becoming problems. In addition, the setting is quiet and conducive to long-term tenancy, a meaningful advantage for seniors prioritizing stability and routine. The affordability angle also stands out for lower-income seniors who need predictable housing costs without sacrificing basic quality.

However, a central, recurring drawback cannot be ignored: accessibility infrastructure that does not always keep pace with resident needs. Elevators are a chronic concern, with reports that one elevator can fail, and more recently, that both elevators have been nonfunctional for extended periods. For residents with limited mobility or those who rely on elevator access to reach higher floors, this is a material barrier that undermines convenience and safety. When the elevators stop working, even temporarily, stairs become the default route for residents, including those who can barely manage them. This reality shifts Ascension Manor from being a comfortable option to a potential logistical quagmire for mobility-impaired families.

Beyond the elevator issue, other reliability questions creep in. A visitor noted a rodent infestation, a red flag for senior housing where cleanliness and a pest-free environment are expectations. Access security and convenience have also shown gaps: phrases from reviews point to a flaky phone-access system and inconsistent "buzz-in" functionality, as well as occasional failures in the building entry process. Some residents perceived that management's responsiveness to daily needs varied; while others praised staff dedication, these mixed signals can erode confidence over time when safety and ease of access are at stake.

That combination of strong upkeep and mixed reliability means alternatives should be on the radar for families prioritizing uninterrupted mobility and pest control. Options with guaranteed elevator service, robust pest management, and consistently functioning access systems may be preferable for residents with significant mobility challenges or those who expect near-perfect reliability. For those who can tolerate periodic access hiccups and place higher weight on affordability and quiet living, Ascension Manor remains a reasonable choice. The decision should hinge on mobility needs, floor placement, and the willingness to verify current elevator status and pest control history before committing.

In the end, Ascension Manor offers a practical, value-oriented option for independent seniors who prize cleanliness, responsive maintenance, and a peaceful environment. The key drivers - cleanliness, maintenance responsiveness, and a respectful staff - do offset many everyday concerns for the right resident. Yet, the elevator outages and pest concerns, along with inconsistent access systems, are non-negotiables that can derail suitability for mobility-dependent residents or those who require rock-solid security and convenience. Prospective residents should insist on a live status update on elevator functionality, request recent pest-control reports, and seek candid feedback from current residents on access reliability. A careful, on-site visit combined with written assurances about repairs and access will determine whether Ascension Manor aligns with the family's practical priorities or if alternatives warrant a closer look.

This part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers a convenient and bustling urban environment with a variety of amenities within close proximity. With several pharmacies nearby, accessing necessary medications and healthcare services is easily manageable. Additionally, the area boasts numerous parks, restaurants, cafes, and theaters for leisurely activities and entertainment. Transportation options such as train stations are easily accessible for travel throughout the city. In terms of healthcare facilities, there are several hospitals and physicians offices nearby for any medical needs. Overall, this area provides a vibrant and diverse community with ample resources for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• Fishtown Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Piazza Dog Park (0.6 miles)
• Franklin Square (0.9 miles)
• Palmer Doggie Depot (1 miles)
• Palmer Park Farmers Market (1 miles)
• Race Street Pier (1.1 miles)
• Independence National Historical Park (1.3 miles)
• Penn's Landing (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Middle Child Clubhouse (0.7 miles)
• Lloyd Whiskey Bar (1.1 miles)
• Independence Beer Garden (1.2 miles)
• The Franklin Fountain (1.3 miles)
• U Bar (1.6 miles)
• Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar (1.6 miles)
• Memphis Taproom (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• La Colombe Coffee Roasters (0.8 miles)
• ReAnimator Coffee (1.3 miles)
• Elixr Coffee (1.6 miles)
• La Colombe Torrefaction (1.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• Jefferson Station (1.3 miles)
• 30th Street Station (1.9 miles)
• SEPTA: MFL/TRL 30th Street Station (2.1 miles)
• Septa Wayne Junction Station (3.8 miles)

Theaters

• Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Episcopal Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Temple University Hospital (2.5 miles)
• Cooper University Hospital (2.6 miles)
• The Pavilion (2.6 miles)
• St Christopher's Hospital for Children (3 miles)
• Veterans Administration Community Living Center (3 miles)
• Philadelphia VA Medical Center (3 miles)

Physicians

• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2.7 miles)
• CHOP Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care - Raymond G. Perelman Campus (2.8 miles)
• Frankford Avenue Health Center (4.6 miles)
• Simms Hank Md Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia (4.8 miles)