Oakbrook Towers in Summerville, SC

Pros

• The property manager is fair and cares about all the residents.
• Amanda, the manager, is awesome and always there when needed.
• There are a variety of activities for residents.
• Rent is income-based and very affordable.
• The building is undergoing renovations and looks great.
• The people are great there.

Cons

• There is lots of gossip, and those not in with the clique are targeted with rumors that can lead to eviction or health issues.
• The building is old and outdated and has gone downhill under poor management.
• Management was horrible and the elderly residents were bullied.
• No air-conditioning most of the time and there is black mold in the units.
• Office hours are insufficient or not easily accessible.

Review

Oakbrook Towers, now operating as Redemption Towers, is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who want a central Summerville location, active on-site management, and ongoing improvements in a community that is actively being upgraded. It is a practical choice for residents who can tolerate a social environment with a touch of drama and who value affordability tied to income-based rent. The renovations create momentum and a sense that the place is moving in a better direction, which is attractive to those who don’t mind living through a transitional period in exchange for modernized spaces and updated appliances. Those who crave absolute quiet, a stress-free social scene, or a fully stabilized building from day one may prefer alternatives.

People who should consider alternatives include seniors who prioritize a consistently calm, drama-free atmosphere and who need a climate-controlled environment with zero tolerance for mold or HVAC lapses. The history of gossip, cliques, and social pressure in some wings of the community raises red flags for residents with anxiety or sensory sensitivities. Likewise, anyone for whom reliability of air conditioning and stable indoor air quality is nonnegotiable should look elsewhere, given reports of summers with insufficient cooling and concerns about mold. For those seeking a long-established, fully settled building with predictable operations, the current trajectory here may feel too uncertain.

The strongest positives tilt toward affordability, responsive management, and the ongoing modernization that’s visible around the property. Rent is income-based, which many families will find accessible, and the staff appears attentive, with Amanda noted as a fair, reliable manager who is available when questions arise. The property’s cleanliness and walkable access to nearby amenities make daily routines easier, and the renovation push, new walls, ceilings, floors, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and walk-in showers, positions Redemption Towers to deliver a more comfortable living environment over time. Add in a range of activities and a sense of community among residents, and the case for practicality becomes compelling.

Yet the drawbacks cannot be dismissed. The social dynamic, rumors, favoritism, and the possibility of bullying, positions certain residents at risk for stress, anxiety, or even eviction in volatile moments. Prior complaints about air conditioning failures in hot months and even concerns about mold surface as meaningful considerations, especially for those with respiratory or health conditions. The building’s age and the history of management turnover underscore a reality: improvements may be uneven in the short term, and administrative consistency remains a variable. Office-hour accessibility can also be a friction point for residents who need quick, routine assistance.

The pros and cons together create a clear trade-off. The affordability, personal attention from a capable manager, and the visible commitment to modernization offset many practical concerns for residents willing to endure social frictive episodes and temporary HVAC irritations. For a resident who can engage with community life, participate in activities, and tolerate a period of renovation, Redemption Towers offers tangible value and a path to improved living space. However, those who seek a consistently quiet environment, a stable long-term management record, and guaranteed climate control may find the current setup insufficient.

In practical terms, families weighing this community should plot a careful due-diligence approach. Visit during a typical day to assess the social climate and ask current residents directly about the reliability of air conditioning, the handling of repairs, and the consistency of management. Inquire into the status of ongoing renovations and how they affect daily routines, parking, and access to common areas. Request a transparent breakdown of the income-based rent structure and any upcoming changes. If a calm, predictable atmosphere and climate stability are nonnegotiable, alternatives, especially those with proven, long-standing HVAC reliability and a more stable social environment, should be on the short list. For the right household, Redemption Towers can deliver affordable, improved living in a community that is clearly investing in its future.

Restaurants

• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.8 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.9 miles)
• Senor Tequila Summerville (1 miles)
• Charleston Sports Pub (1 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2.3 miles)

Physicians

• Crowfield Family Footcare (0.2 miles)
• Riddle, Patricia E, MD Oasis Medical Spa (0.3 miles)
• Carolina Spine (0.3 miles)
• South Carolina Sleep Medicine (0.3 miles)
• Low Country Orthopaedics (0.4 miles)
• Palmetto Primary Care Physicians (0.5 miles)
• Springview Medical Properties (0.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Lowcountry Outpatient Surgery Center (0.4 miles)
• HCA Healthcare (0.7 miles)
• Trident Eye Surgery Center (5.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Medicine Man Compounding Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)

Parks

• Ashley River Park Site (1.9 miles)
• Wescott Park (2.7 miles)
• Nexton Park (5.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St John The Beloved Catholic Church (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.7 miles)