Ascension Tower in Memphis, TN

Pros

• Residents like the apartments and the management team.
• Residents frequently refer others and recommend the community.
• The staff are friendly and courteous and genuinely care about residents.
• Community events like gardening bring neighbors together.
• New residents feel welcomed into a Glendale Family.
• The staff and maintenance are professional, and there are lots of activities for tenants.
• The community emphasizes positive values and peacemaking in the senior community.
• It is a great place to live.

Cons

• It has repeated instances of nasty tissue and pads left at doors, signaling a dirty and unwelcoming building.
• The building is described as nasty, with the people there described as nasty, and it is not recommended for others.
• The exterior is trashy, with dumpsters attracting cockroaches and rodents, and sewage rising through drains with an awful smell.
• Huge cockroaches roam the hallways and main corridors, and kitchen and bathroom counters are coated with grime and grease.
• There is prostitution, high levels of alcoholism, and street people living there, making it a bad place for long-term residency.
• Rent is increased annually, making the cost feel not worth the money.

Review

Ascension Tower in Memphis is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who want a lively, people-focused environment and convenient access to nearby amenities, all supported by on-site staff that residents describe as friendly, responsive, and genuinely caring. The strongest appeal lies in the sense of community, regular activities, and a management team that residents praise for handling requests with courtesy and respect. For families prioritizing social engagement, approachable service, and a less costly option, Ascension Tower can deliver meaningful value.

However, potential residents should explicitly consider alternatives if cleanliness, safety, and consistent upkeep are non-negotiables. Several reviews describe serious issues with cleanliness, oddities in common areas, heavily soiled kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and ongoing pest concerns such as cockroaches. Elevators and hallways are noted as unkempt by some, and sewage odors have been reported. These conditions erode comfort and trust, particularly for seniors who require low-risk environments and predictable routines. In short, the emotional and physical ease that families hope to see can be undermined by persistent maintenance and sanitation challenges.

The practical upside is that the pros often offset the cons for the right resident. Residents repeatedly commend the staff’s courteous, professional approach, and the maintenance team’s willingness to address problems promptly. A strong calendar of events, gardening, social gatherings, and neighbor-to-neighbor activities, creates daily opportunities for engagement, companionship, and a sense of belonging that many independent seniors crave. The building’s location near shops and services further enhances practical daily living, reducing the friction of errands and trips. When issues are addressed, residents feel seen and supported, which can be a decisive factor for those who value responsive management.

On the safety and community dynamics front, several reviews raise red flags that cannot be ignored. Reports describe a challenging resident mix, including concerns about the presence of street-level activity and individuals who may make the environment feel less secure. Some reviews reference prostitution and higher levels of alcoholism among certain residents, and even indicate external safety concerns impacting long-term comfort. These observations translate into a heightened subjective risk for families who prioritize a calm, predictable setting for a loved one. They also color the overall atmosphere, making it harder to relax into the idea that this is a stable long-term home.

Cost and value form a nuanced calculus here. Rent pressures are mentioned, with some residents noting increases over time even as the operational realities remain uneven. For some, the lower price point relative to other local options is a compelling reason to stay, especially given the social benefits and proximity to daily conveniences. For others, the combination of cleanliness lapses and safety concerns can dilute the perceived value, making the monthly price feel unearned or risky. Prospective residents should scrutinize the lease terms, maintenance response times, and any promises about upgrades or improved cleaning protocols before committing.

In the end, Ascension Tower functions best for seniors who prize community life, readily forgive occasional maintenance shortcomings, and can tolerate a shared sense of risk or discomfort around safety dynamics. Those who require immaculate hygiene, a quiet, crime-free environment, or consistently high-end amenities should actively explore alternatives, places with stronger track records on cleanliness, pest control, and resident safety. Before deciding, prospective residents should visit during peak activity times, speak candidly with current tenants about their day-to-day realities, and request a detailed plan for addressing sanitation, pest management, and safety concerns. This combination of due diligence and clear personal priorities will reveal whether Ascension Tower stands up to the expectations of a given family and a loved one’s specific needs.