B'Nai B'Rith Apartments in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Pros

• The complex has wonderful apartments for seniors, with wonderful neighbors and good pricing.
• The complex offers fantastic apartments, amenities, and an incredible staff, with everything needed on site and small pets allowed.
• The staff is very friendly and helpful, making it a very nice place to live.
• The staff are incredibly helpful and attentive to residents' needs.
• The tour showed well-maintained, clean, well-lit, and secure apartments and shared areas.
• The community features plenty of trees, beauty, walkable sidewalks, and free bus service for seniors.
• The apartments are modern and very nice, and residents and their dogs enjoy living there.

Cons

• They note that the Wilkes Barre Police Department was called to Bnai' Brith multiple times, suggesting potential residents should think twice about moving in.
• They describe it as an awful place to live, with maintenance lacking knowledge and management willfully ignorant about building upkeep, and with staff who are rude and prone to gossip.
• They claim it is the worst place for seniors, with management being snotty and treating seniors like lowlifes, and residents lacking air conditioning or control over heat or A/C.
• They state there is no parking for visitors, and maintenance is disrespectful and bossy, calling it the worst housing for seniors.
• They mention the tours were expensive for them and not worth the cost.
• They feel as if they are living in a prison at the facility.
• They assert the facility should be prosecuted for senior abuse, disrespect, and harassment.

Review

B'nai B'rith Apartments in Wilkes-Barre is best suited for independent seniors who want modern, self-contained living with on-site amenities and a strong sense of community, at a price that remains approachable for many budgets. The building affords walkable surroundings, well-lit common spaces, and on-site conveniences that reduce daily errands. Pet owners will appreciate the policy that allows small animals, and plenty of residents report friendly neighbors and a welcoming social circle. The combination of a desirable location, well-kept apartments, and readily available on-site resources makes this community a strong choice for those who value autonomy, social connection, and straightforward, maintenance-friendly living.

Key advantages include well-maintained apartments and shared spaces, with ample on-site amenities and the reassurance of staff who are described as friendly and responsive. Several residents highlight the benefit of on-site services that minimize trips off-site and the ability to walk within a tree-lined campus. The availability of transportation options for seniors, like local bus services, enhances independence. The friendly, neighborly atmosphere - often cited as one of the community's strongest assets - contributes to daily life feeling secure and social. Maintenance is generally timely, even when staffing levels are limited, and the overall environment is clean, safe, and easy to navigate.

On the other hand, the downsides are significant and cannot be dismissed. A sizable portion of reviews paints a hostile view of management and interpersonal culture - allegations of rude behavior, gossip, and perceived disrespect toward residents, with some references to harassment and a sentiment of being treated like costly, low-priority tenants. Several accounts mention maintenance knowledge gaps and slow or insufficient problem-solving, exacerbated by noted staffing constraints. There are concrete concerns about climate control - residents report not receiving air conditioning when needed and having little personal control over heat or cooling. Parking for visitors is described as inadequate, complicating family access and clinician visits. Some reviewers label the overall experience as expensive relative to the level of service received.

These drawbacks do not erase the positives. For families prioritizing independence, social connection, and a clean, attractive living space, the apartments, on-site amenities, and supportive staff create a compelling baseline. The cost structure, while questioned by some as high, can still be reasonable when balanced against stable housing, pet-friendly policy, and convenient proximity to services. The sense of community, ease of access to services, and the ability to remain in a familiar neighborhood with walkable paths and nearby seniors' transit can offset some maintenance or managerial friction. In short, core living quality and opportunities for interaction often compensate for episodic management tensions - but only if the resident's expectations align with what the community reliably provides.

Potential residents who require consistent, respectful leadership and predictable operations should consider alternatives. Those who depend on steady climate control in apartment units, guaranteed visitor parking, or bundled meals as part of the package may find this community falls short. Families with tight budgets should scrutinize the price-to-value equation given feedback on cost relative to service levels. Individuals who prize a purely professional, courteous management culture or who are not comfortable enduring occasional tensions between staff and residents should explore other options before committing.

Practical next steps: tour multiple times, talk to residents across different floors, and ask pointed questions about maintenance response times, parking policy, and what adjustments can be made to heat/AC. Verify the current status of leadership and any recent improvements to the building or programming. Inspect the unit and common areas for odors, cleanliness, lighting, and security features; test climate controls during a warm day if possible. Clarify what is included in monthly fees - the meals option, utilities, or service charges - and whether there are any caps on pet allowances. With careful evaluation, B'nai B'rith offers a solid option for those seeking independent, social living in a well-appointed environment; for others, alternatives with steadier management and climate control may be wiser.

This part of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, access to healthcare is easily accessible. The area boasts several hospitals and physician offices, providing quality medical care nearby. In terms of entertainment, there is a movie theater just steps away for leisurely outings. Additionally, the numerous dining options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants, offering a diverse culinary experience. For those seeking outdoor activities, parks are within reach for relaxation and recreation. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities that would make it an attractive choice for senior living.

Pharmacies

• General Community Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.1 miles)
• Turkey Hill, LP (0.6 miles)
• Pierce Drugs (1.1 miles)
• Harrold's Pharmacy & Home Infusion (1.2 miles)
• Wegmans (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)

Theaters

• R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 (0.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Wyoming Valley Health Care (0.1 miles)
• Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (0.9 miles)
• NEPA Breastfeeding Center (1.2 miles)
• Center For Same Day Surgery (1.3 miles)
• Geisinger Health System (1.3 miles)
• Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre Emergency Department (1.3 miles)
• General Hospital (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Northeastern Eye Institute (0.1 miles)
• Geisinger (0.2 miles)
• Penn State Geisinger Health Group (0.2 miles)
• Fiume Thomas J MD (0.7 miles)
• General Laporoscopic Surgery - Joseph J Ridilla Do (0.8 miles)
• Klynowsky Family Practice (1 miles)
• Vision Imaging of Kingston (1 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Ricci's Pizza & Beer (0.4 miles)
• Elmer Sudds (0.8 miles)
• Pierce Street Deli (1 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.1 miles)
• Applebee's (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)

Parks

• Kirby Park (0.7 miles)
• Barney Farms Park (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Mattern's Floral and Furnishings (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Luzerne United Methodist Church (2.8 miles)