Royal Oaks
Save
950 Travelers Boulevard, Summerville, SC 29485
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
There is a wide range of experiences reported by people connected to Vivo Living Summerville, and the accounts read like two different realities living under the same roof. On one hand, many describe a community that feels welcoming, safe, well-maintained, and surprisingly homey. They praise staff members like Ashley and Melanie for their warmth, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile. They recount a property that is clean, bright, and thoughtfully laid out, with cottages that feel comfortable and a setting that brings people together. They describe the complex as a "hidden gem" and repeatedly insist that the people who staff the place make a real difference in daily life - someone like Ashley, in particular, is singled out for calm, patient, and attentive service. For example, reviewers say Ashley is "fantastic," "extremely helpful," and even someone they trusted enough to hand their phone over to complete processes. Comments like "this is a hidden gem" and "the staff is warm, inviting and extremely helpful" recur, underscoring a persistent belief that, when things run smoothly, Vivo Summerville can feel like a safe and welcoming home.
But the other half of the stories paints a very different picture, one that emphasizes stress, frustration, and ongoing safety concerns. A number of tenants report mold and maintenance issues that drag on for weeks, with communication that feels slow or insufficient. They recount situations where maintenance was described as unavailable or in transition, leading to frustrating delays in essential fixes. In some cases, the problem spills over into daily life, with residents feeling pressured or talked down to when they raise concerns. A specific complaint centers on a director of property management whose responses are described as defensive or dismissive, and a confrontational moment where a lease violation notice was issued over items like a ring camera and sunflowers on a door. This kind of exchange leaves some residents feeling unwelcome or unfairly targeted, contributing to a sense that the management style can be inconsistent and at times unprofessional.
Safety and behavior on the property add to the tension. A recurring fear among several reviewers is the presence and tolerance of illegal drug use on site. Reports of pot smoking being allowed broadly have sparked strong reactions: tenants describe a strong, pervasive odor that can wake people in the middle of the night, sometimes to the point of nausea or vomiting. One reviewer even attributes a night's difficult experience to a "strong disgusting smell of pot" that led to vomiting after waking from a nap. The issue is not just odor but the behavior that accompanies it; multiple residents say there have been calls to authorities about drug activity, and one person reports that a crime-stoppers complaint is now under investigation. The sentiment across these posts is that the problem feels out of control to some residents, who worry about safety and the quality of life for everyone on the property.
Financial and administrative concerns also color the overall impression. Several reviews call out fees that feel opaque or unfair, including a nonrefundable deposit approach and an administrative fee of $200. The line of reasoning is practical: if a prospective resident is denied, the admin fee is not returned, which some consider a significant and frustrating risk. There's also frustration about the logistics of communication - one reviewder complains about not finding a working phone contact and encountering what feels like AI-based or impersonal responses, which adds to the impression that getting timely answers can be a challenge. Another common point is the perceived misalignment between what the website promises in terms of amenities and what residents actually experience, with some noting that certain features (like a pool or outdoor spaces) are either missing or not as advertised.
Among the mixed experiences, there are some explicit contrasts that help explain why people feel so torn. A portion of reviewers expresses genuine gratitude for individual staff members who delivered exceptional service during the move-in process or during ongoing residency. They describe a sense of safety and belonging when interactions with Ashley or Melanie are positive, and they celebrate a property that looks well-kept, feels orderly, and manages to create a welcoming atmosphere for families, singles, and even a radio crew using a studio apartment. The warmth of these interactions has driven some people to share strong endorsements, stating that Vivo Summerville feels like a place you would actually want to call home and that the community is supportive and inclusive.
Counterbalancing that praise are memories of frustrating encounters that threaten to undermine the positive narrative. Some residents recount "horrible customer service" from particular staff members, and others describe feeling talked down to or singled out for lease-related issues when they raise reasonable questions. There are references to ongoing displeasure with the corporate office's stance - "I am sorry you're going through that; however, we were not a part of that and will not help you" is cited as a dismissive reply in one instance. In this sense, the property's leadership appears to be a source of both reassurance and frustration, depending on who is handling the situation and when.
Taken together, the collection of reviews portrays a complex property with a genuine potential to be a comfortable, community-focused home, but with real and visible challenges that affect daily life. The positive voices emphasize a clean, welcoming environment, strong personal connections with certain staff members, and a sense of safety and home for many residents. The negative voices focus on maintenance delays, perceived unresponsiveness, inconsistent management practices, complaint-driven confrontations, overly aggressive or unfriendly interactions, and ongoing concerns about drug activity and pot odor that disrupt sleep and well-being. Potential renters or current residents might see Vivo Living Summerville as a place with a strong core of dependable, friendly staff and a bright, well-maintained living space, but they should also be mindful of the reported safety concerns, the administrative friction, and the possibility that not every interaction with management will meet the same standard. If you are considering moving in, it would be wise to verify the current policies on pet insurance and door decorations, ask for a clear explanation of the fees and refund policy up front, and, crucially, seek recent feedback about mold remediation, odor control, and the handling of noise and drug activity on site.
Royal Oaks in Summerville, SC is a vibrant assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. The community is fully furnished and features spacious living accommodations with private bathrooms for each resident.
Residents can enjoy various activities and social engagement opportunities throughout the day, including scheduled daily activities, fitness programs, resident-run activities, and planned day trips. Concierge services are also available to cater to individual needs and preferences.
For those looking to maintain their physical health, Royal Oaks provides a fitness room and wellness center where residents can engage in regular exercise routines. Outdoor spaces such as gardens offer a peaceful environment for relaxation or socializing with fellow residents.
Dining at Royal Oaks is exceptional, with restaurant-style meals served in a comfortable dining room. Special dietary restrictions are accommodated to ensure that everyone's nutritional needs are met.
The community offers various care services to support residents' daily lives, including assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is provided by trained staff members who ensure that residents receive their prescribed medications on time. A 24-hour call system is in place to provide round-the-clock supervision and immediate assistance when needed.
In terms of transportation, Royal Oaks offers community-operated transportation as well as transportation arrangements for non-medical purposes such as shopping or recreational outings. Transportation coordination for doctors' appointments is also available.
Residents can stay connected with friends and family through Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access offered throughout the premises. Computer centers are available for use, allowing residents to keep up with emails or engage in online activities.
Additionally, Royal Oaks provides housekeeping services to ensure that residents' living spaces are clean and tidy at all times.
Conveniently located near parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, places of worship, and hospitals, Royal Oaks offers easy access to essential services and amenities within the local area.
Overall, Royal Oaks in Summerville, SC offers a comfortable and engaging living environment where residents can enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the necessary care and support they need.
Royal Oaks is located at 950 Travelers Boulevard, Summerville, SC 29485 in Dorchester County, South Carolina
The Retreat at Summerville
Summerville, SC
Caring staff and a clean, homey environment with engaging activities.
The Retreat at Summerville costs
The Retreat at Summerville reviews
The Retreat at Summerville images
Oakbrook Health And Rehabilitation Center
Summerville, SC
Consistent nursing staff and engaging activities in a clean, secure environment.
Oakbrook Health And Rehabilitation Center reviews
Oakbrook Health And Rehabilitation Center images
Oakbrook Health & Rehab Ctr
Summerville, SC
Prime location with nearby parks, pharmacies, physicians, dining options, places of worship, and hospitals.
Oakbrook Health & Rehab Ctr reviews
Oakbrook Health & Rehab Ctr images
Cypress Place
Summerville, SC
Compassionate staff with engaging activities and a home-like atmosphere.
Cypress Place costs
Cypress Place reviews
Cypress Place images
Hallmark Healthcare Center
Summerville, SC
Helpful staff and engaging activities in a clean, pleasant setting.
Hallmark Healthcare Center reviews
Hallmark Healthcare Center images
TerraBella Summerville
Summerville, SC
Friendly, attentive staff; clean, remodeled interiors; engaging activities and a hospital-adjacent location.
TerraBella Summerville costs
TerraBella Summerville reviews
TerraBella Summerville images
Summerville Estates Gracious Retirement Living
Summerville, SC
Friendly, attentive staff in a bright, welcoming setting with quality dining.
Summerville Estates Gracious Retirement Living costs
Summerville Estates Gracious Retirement Living reviews
Summerville Estates Gracious Retirement Living images
Social Security Benefits and Assisted Living: Navigating Options Across the U.S.
Assisted living costs often exceed Social Security benefits, necessitating a combination of funding sources like state aid and Medicaid. Understanding the interaction between Social Security programs and available financial support is essential for affording such care.
An Extensive Exploration of the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit provides financial support to veterans needing assistance with daily living due to medical conditions or disabilities, augmenting standard VA pensions for services like in-home care. Eligibility is based on service duration, wartime status, income, and medical needs, with a detailed application process required to access funds for caregiving and home modifications.
Senior Transition Services: Understanding Their Role, Cost, and Importance
Senior move management services assist older adults in the relocation process by providing emotional support and organizational help, addressing unique challenges like downsizing and moving from long-term homes. These specialists collaborate with real estate agents and manage logistics, making the transition smoother for seniors and their families.