Frank Callaghan Towers in Oak Ridge, TN

Pros

• Residents love their apartments, and the managers Mike and Bill are very helpful.
• Management is helpful and friendly.
• The staff truly care about residents and answer concerns quickly.
• They have fun activities for residents and decorate for holidays.
• The staff are amazing and always very helpful; Kim is an amazing manager.
• It is a great place to live.
• It is very affordable and clean.

Cons

• The place is crawling with bed bugs.
• People are advised not to go there.
• Many residents struggle with bed bug issues.
• The management is described as very bad and extremely rude.
• There is dishonesty and misinformation in the office, with managers openly sharing information about residents and little empathy for pandemic concerns.
• LHP Capital has been renovating but has not fixed drainage problems or other essential issues, and rents have increased significantly.

Review

Frank Callaghan Towers in Oak Ridge, TN, is best suited for budget-minded seniors who want independent living in a walkable, conveniently located setting and rely on on-site staff to handle day-to-day concerns. The community rewards residents who value social life, accessible neighborhood amenities, and weekday transportation options, with a sense of companionship and a manageable annual cost. It appeals to those who don't demand pristine, museum-grade finishes but do prioritize affordability, nearby shopping (IGA, Dollar General, Goodwill), and a straightforward, active resident environment.

Those who should consider alternatives are seniors with especially high expectations for pest control, flawless maintenance, or modernized accessibility. The property has documented bed bug issues and ongoing maintenance gaps that many reviews describe as persistent. Prospective residents who require consistently reliable safety measures, comprehensive mold remediation, or guaranteed prompt responses from leadership will likely find better options elsewhere. Families and residents who prize transparent, empathetic management and a consistently clean, well-kept building may find the trade-offs too steep.

The strongest positives here are practical and tangible: a staff that many residents praise for caring attitudes and quick problem-solving, and managers who are described as helpful and approachable. Several reviews highlight pleasant, responsive office staff and a cohesive team that works for residents' benefit. The building's affordability remains a clear draw, and the location offers dependable access to nearby stores and daily transportation services on weekdays, which supports independent living for adults who don't rely on intensive on-site care. Activities and holiday decorations contribute to a livable, social atmosphere that can counterbalance some upkeep frustrations.

Yet the cons carry substantial weight. Bed bug infestations are repeatedly noted as a pervasive issue, with residents and families college-ruled to seek enforcement or health department involvement in some cases. Management behavior is described by some reviewers as rude or evasive, with accusations of miscommunication and uneven responsiveness. Instances of outdated infrastructure - drainage problems, mold, electrical concerns, and doors or layouts that hinder accessibility - have not been fully resolved by renovations. Rent has climbed sharply in some accounts, from about $640 to over $1,000 per month, raising questions about value if core environmental and safety problems persist. Some reviews also raise uncomfortable social dynamics and concerns about inclusivity and communication, complicating the living experience for residents seeking a consistently safe, respectful environment.

The key dynamic is clear: if the priority is affordability and social engagement, and tolerance for ongoing maintenance challenges is high, Frank Callaghan Towers can deliver a workable living situation with a supportive staff core. The offset between pros and cons hinges on pest control efficacy, transparency from management, and the pace of infrastructure improvements. For residents who can navigate occasional pest concerns, enjoy a friendly on-site team, and value nearby conveniences, the community offers a viable option. For those who require a consistently healthful environment, robust pest remediation, and unambiguous, respectful communication, the cons will likely outweigh the positives.

To make a solid, informed decision, prospective movers should interrogate the current status of major risk areas before committing. Request a concrete pest-control plan with documented treatment dates and follow-up checks, and ask for recent inspection reports. Seek a candid discussion about mold remediation, drainage fixes, and electrical or accessibility upgrades, including a timeline and accountability. Visit during different hours to observe staff dispersion, elevator operations, and unit condition; talk with several current residents about day-to-day life, quiet hours, and how disputes are handled. Obtain a clear, written understanding of the rent, what it includes, and any anticipated increases, along with who bears responsibility for ongoing maintenance in individual units. If these elements align with expectations, the community serves as a solid, economical choice; if not, exploring alternatives with stronger pest control, more transparent management, and newer infrastructure will likely be the wiser course.

This part of Oak Ridge, Tennessee is a convenient and bustling area with a variety of amenities nearby. For medical needs, there are several physicians, pharmacies, and even a sleep disorder center within a short distance. Restaurants in the vicinity offer diverse dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down establishments like Copper Cellar and Calhoun's. Places of worship such as Glenwood Baptist Church and New York Avenue Church of Christ cater to spiritual needs, while parks like Milt Dickens Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread are great places to socialize or enjoy a cup of coffee. For healthcare services, hospitals like Turkey Creek Medical Center are just a short drive away. Overall, this part of Oak Ridge offers convenience and accessibility for seniors looking to live in a vibrant community with essential amenities close by.

Physicians

• Dr. Jeff Grabenstein, MD, FAAFP (0.6 miles)
• Parkway Sleep Disorder Center (0.7 miles)
• Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics (1 miles)
• Dana Rust, DDS (1.2 miles)
• Oak Ridge Pediatric Clinic (1.2 miles)
• Alexander Medical Group (1.4 miles)
• Eye Care Optical (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Gallo Loco (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Copper Cellar (1.4 miles)
• Calhoun's (1.6 miles)
• Applebee's (1.7 miles)
• Kume (1.9 miles)
• El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Munsey Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Mac's Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Mac's LTC Solutions (5.2 miles)
• Apple Discount Drugs (6.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Glenwood Baptist Church (1 miles)
• New York Avenue Church of Christ (1.5 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (5 miles)
• Faith Promise Church (5.7 miles)
• Grace Baptist Church (8.9 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (9.6 miles)
• St John Neumann Catholic Church (10.1 miles)

Parks

• Milt Dickens Park (1.2 miles)
• PetSafe Park (9.6 miles)
• Campbell Station Park (10.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Nick & J's Cafe (8 miles)
• Starbucks (9.8 miles)
• Starbucks (9.8 miles)
• Hey Bear Cafe (10 miles)
• Honeybee Coffee (10.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Clinton Dialysis Clinic (7.6 miles)
• Turkey Creek Medical Center, Labor And Delivery (10.2 miles)
• Covenant Health (10.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Pinnacle ScreenX, 4DX, IMAX & RPX (9.8 miles)