Summit Towers in Knoxville, TN

Pros

• Residents describe Summit Towers as a great downtown location with a pleasant view from the apartment and many friends they've made there.
• A reviewer notes that the new owner is committed to constructing, repairing, and remodeling the property.
• It is described as a nice place near downtown Knoxville, with friendly office staff and maintenance that fixes things when requested.
• Management is considered good, with a nice little area and affordability.
• A resident who has been there for over a year reports a generally good experience, with security helping keep drama and drugs to a minimum as improvements are made.
• A former homeless resident was ecstatic to finally have a place to call his own.
• The location is praised for its proximity to downtown and nearby amenities like a dog park.

Cons

• The place is described as despicable and absolutely disgusting, suggesting it's how the elderly and disabled have to live.
• Hallways are said to smell of urine, with calls for cleaning crews.
• Management is characterized by high turnover and inconsistent leadership, with each new hire bringing a different personality.
• Pests including bedbugs, roaches, brown recluse spiders, and mice are reported, and residents are told it's their responsibility to address them.
• Bullying and harassment by management are alleged, along with unsafe and unclean conditions and multiple evictions.
• The building's infrastructure is described as outdated and unsafe, with obsolete elevators and plumbing/electrical systems in need of severe remodeling.
• The property is not considered a suitable home for seniors and the disabled, with some reviews urging people to RUN.

Review

Summit Towers in Knoxville is best suited for low?income seniors or adults with disabilities who need affordable, downtown housing and can tolerate a building that shows wear and ongoing renovation. The location is the strongest lure: high-floor views, easy access to the core of downtown, and proximity to services that matter for residents with limited means. The property operates under HUD income?based rules, which provides a pathway for tenants who might not qualify for market-rate options. For those who value urban access over pristine interiors, Summit Towers can feel like the right balance of price and position, especially if a resident is willing to ride out a period of physical and managerial transition.

Those who should consider alternatives include anyone who cannot tolerate persistent sanitation and pest challenges, or who needs a consistently reliable maintenance and management presence. Repeated reports of bed bugs, roaches, mice, and strong odors surface across reviews, alongside complaints that pest control is inconsistent or insufficient. Elevators, plumbing, and electrical systems are described as aging and sometimes unreliable, with residents warning that the infrastructure does not consistently meet basic safety and comfort expectations. In short, for families and individuals prioritizing a clean, well-maintained living environment with stable, responsive management, other options may be safer long-term bets.

The most persuasive positives - if experienced residents are believed - are the dependable downtown accessibility, engaging views, and the potential for ongoing improvements under new ownership. A number of tenants describe a sense of community among residents and workers who are present when called, plus a 24?hour security presence intended to deter disruptive activity. For tenants who already live there, these elements can create a semblance of stability amid management turnover and maintenance hurdles. The affordability angle cannot be dismissed: for households operating on fixed incomes, Summit Towers can be a workable intracity option that avoids the higher costs of newer, private rentals.

Yet the cons consistently undermine those advantages. The pest and sanitation issues are not minor annoyances but existential concerns for many residents, with some reporting bed bugs or roaches infiltrating living spaces and discomforting conditions that require tenants to shoulder much of the cleanup burden. Maintenance appears uneven; when problems arise, repairs can be delayed, fixtures and appliances age without timely upgrades, and storage remains tight. Management is frequently cited as the fulcrum of dissatisfaction - high turnover, perceived indifference, and, in some reviews, aggressive or unresponsive behavior toward tenants. These factors collectively erode trust and raise questions about long-term safety and quality of life.

Given these dynamics, prospective residents and their families should weigh the realities against the hopes offered by location and price. If a clean, predictable environment with proactive, stable management is non-negotiable, Summit Towers may not deliver. Some readers note that Summit Towers can function as a transitional solution, particularly for those awaiting placement in a more suitable senior housing community such as Westview Towers, but the interim option should come with clear expectations about ongoing upkeep and management accountability. The opportunity to live downtown must be balanced against the risk of recurring infestations and infrastructure strain.

Practical decision guidance follows a cautious, informed approach. Visit with a checklist focused on pest control history, recent maintenance requests, and the responsiveness of the current management team. Review current lease terms, including procedures for deposits and any remediation commitments, and request to see documented pest control records and service schedules. Tour multiple units; observe cleanliness, odors, and the condition of appliances and fixtures; confirm elevator reliability and safety features; and chat with several residents about their day-to-day experiences with staff and maintenance. If these visits reveal consistent, credible improvements and a management plan that prioritizes resident welfare, Summit Towers may be considered a viable short? to mid?term option for those prioritizing urban living on a constrained budget. If not, the prudent course is to prioritize alternatives with a track record of cleaner premises, steadier administration, and demonstrably proactive pest and repair services.

This part of Knoxville, Tennessee offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With multiple places of worship such as Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Meridian Baptist Church nearby, residents have access to spiritual support and community engagement. The area also boasts a range of dining options including Sweet P’s Downtown Dive, J.C. Holdway, and Yassin's Falafel House for delicious meals close by. In terms of healthcare, there are several pharmacies and physician offices within a short distance such as Paragon Infusion Center Knoxville and Convenient Care Downtown. Additionally, the proximity to hospitals like Fort Sanders Hospital and East Tennessee Children's Hospital ensures quick access to medical care when needed. For leisure activities, seniors can enjoy parks like World's Fair Park and Victor Ashe Park, as well as catch a movie at Regal Riviera theater. Overall, this part of Knoxville provides a convenient and vibrant setting for senior living with ample resources within reach.

Places of Worship

• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (0.1 miles)
• Water Angel Ministries (0.7 miles)
• Meridian Baptist Church (4.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Sweet P’s Downtown Dive (0.1 miles)
• J.C. Holdway (0.2 miles)
• Blackhorse Pub & Brewery (0.3 miles)
• The Orange Martini (0.3 miles)
• Yassin's Falafel House (0.3 miles)
• Pretentious Beer Co. (0.4 miles)
• A Dopo Sourdough Pizza (0.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Paragon Infusion Center Knoxville (0.3 miles)
• H Bolton (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Mac's Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• Convenient Care Downtown (0.3 miles)
• Christenberry Clinic PC (0.5 miles)
• Baptist Health System (0.8 miles)
• East Tennessee Heart Consultant (0.8 miles)
• Knoxville Pain Center (1 miles)
• Anesthesia Medical Alliance of East Tennessee PC (1.1 miles)
• Children's Hospital (1.1 miles)

Parks

• World's Fair Park (0.3 miles)
• Victor Ashe Park (4.1 miles)
• Lakeshore Park (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Riviera (0.3 miles)

Cafes

• Jacks Coffee & Plants (0.8 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• K Brew Coffee House (1.4 miles)
• Wild Love Bakehouse (1.5 miles)
• South Press (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Fort Sanders Hospital (1 miles)
• East Tennessee Children's Hospital (1.1 miles)
• Steps House (1.4 miles)
• Steps House (1.4 miles)