501 Pine St, Scranton, PA 18509
To contact a resident: (570) 344-7661
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of United House Apartments
Pros
The apartment is very nice.- The service is very good.
- The location is centrally located with easy access to transit, downtown, and the hospital.
- The units are well maintained.
- Pets are allowed.
- The maintenance staff is friendly.
Cons
The location is not very good due to noise and drinking.- The place is filthy.
- Police are always present at the property.
- Maintenance is terrible.
- The staff are gone by 3 PM.
- The place is only good as a crash pad.
- Management would rather have a pregnant woman and her child out in the cold than allow them on the property.
- Reviewers say to stay away.
- The building always smells.
- Elevators are extremely slow.
- The front door seems to always have something wrong with it.
- Repairs are slow to fix.
Review
United House Apartments in Scranton, PA is best suited for budget-conscious adults who want a central, straightforward apartment with quick access to transit and downtown services, and who do not require on-site care or a highly managed living environment. The units can feel appealing, compact, clean enough, and with a basic, practical layout, and the location offers a practical upside: steps to buses, walkable access to downtown, and proximity to the hospital. This is not a care-focused community; it operates as an affordable apartment option where reliability of management and consistent upkeep are not guaranteed, but may be tolerable for those who can live with variability in service.
Those who should consider alternatives are seniors or families seeking true assisted living, memory care, or guaranteed 24/7 staff coverage. The resident experience here is defined by inconsistent management presence, with reports that staff depart by mid-afternoon and repairs drag, creating a sense of instability. Noise and disruptive social activity, occasional police presence, and concerns about safety further erode suitability for residents who depend on a calm, predictable environment. Even with decent apartments, the surrounding service level makes this a poor fit for anyone who needs structured routines, reliable housekeeping, or proactive resident support.
The main pros, the apartment quality and the central, walkable location, do offer tangible value, but they are consistently offset by the building’s shortcomings. Units are described as well maintained yet basic, which matters for daily living without requiring major upgrades. The quietness and easy access to transportation and medical facilities are real conveniences that can simplify daily life for independent adults. The pet-friendly policy is a modest plus for animal lovers. However, those benefits are frequently undercut by cleanliness issues in common areas, slow or incomplete repairs, malfunctioning front doors, and sluggish elevators. In short, the positives tempt with comfort and practicality, while the negatives erode long-term satisfaction.
The downsides are substantively challenging. Noise from neighboring activity and drinking can intrude on peace, and occasional police visits signal a level of volatility that many seniors would rather avoid. Maintenance problems are not just occasional inconveniences; they are described as persistent with slow response times, and the building’s security features, particularly the front door and elevator reliability, pose ongoing concerns. The perception that staff and management may be unhelpful or disengaged compounds these issues, making monthly living feel uncertain. One review highlights a barrier to guest access based on a resident’s criminal record, underscoring a broader sense of rigid policy enforcement that can complicate family involvement and safety planning.
For families evaluating this community, a practical decision framework is essential. Tour at different times to observe how the building operates with staff present, and to gauge noise and security in real-world conditions. Ask pointed questions about maintenance response times, after-hours support, and who handles urgent repairs if problems arise after 3 PM. Confirm the scope of on-site services and whether any assisted living or supportive resources can be coordinated nearby if needs evolve. Verify current lease terms, pet arrangements, and any resident screening policies that could affect family visits. Compare these realities with nearby options that offer more consistent upkeep and staff coverage to avoid placing vulnerable loved ones in a setting that feels unstable.
In the end, United House Apartments may satisfy a narrow group: those prioritizing price and location who can tolerate inconsistent service, occasional cleanliness concerns, and a lighter level of staff oversight. For seniors and families seeking dependable care, safety, and predictable maintenance, stronger alternatives are the wiser course. The decision hinges on whether the priority is affordability and proximity or reliable, 24/7 support and a calm, well-maintained environment. If choosing this community, proceed with measured expectations, a thorough on-site evaluation, and a concrete plan for rapid assistance should problems arise. It is not an ideal fit for an assisted-living trajectory, but could function as a short-term, budget-conscious option for highly independent residents willing to navigate the variability.
Active Adult Communities (55+)
Activities on-site
Devotional services off-site
Indoor common areas
Wilkes-Barre Scranton International (6 miles away)
Ambulatory care
Diabetic care
Meals provided
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