3160 Bell Oaks Circle, Montgomery, AL 36116
To contact a resident: (334) 301-3858
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Bell Oaks Retirement Community Costs & Pricing
Bell Oaks Retirement Community offers an exceptional value for seniors seeking comfortable living arrangements, with costs significantly lower than both Montgomery County and the broader state of Alabama. For a one-bedroom unit, residents pay just $700 per month, a stark contrast to the county's average of $2,987 and the state's average of $3,417. Similarly, two-bedroom accommodations are available for $800 monthly, compared to Montgomery County's $2,518 and Alabama's higher rate of $3,788. The affordability at Bell Oaks not only provides financial relief but also creates an inviting community atmosphere where residents can thrive without breaking their budget.
| Floor plans | Bell Oaks Retirement Community | Montgomery County | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $700 | $2,987 | $3,417 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $800 | $2,518 | $3,788 |
Overall Review of Bell Oaks Retirement Community
Pros
The apartments are very nice and the layouts are great.- The property manager is a sweetheart, Ms Ward.
- The management is putting forth effort to remove raccoons, and the apartments are loved.
- Serenity at Bell Oaks is a quiet, serene home where Sybil and Jerome are excellent and always on point.
- The rooms are spacious.
- The community is nice for their age.
- Residents feel there is no other place they'd rather be in Montgomery than Serenity at Bell Oaks.
Cons
The resident, who was disabled and homeless, did not receive the keys due to regulatory rules, forcing a move on July 10, 2024.- There are raccoons on the property, and despite management's efforts to remove them, the issue persists.
- There are more than seniors living there; some disabled younger residents are present, and many repairs are needed, including the kitchen no longer being available, potholes in the parking lot, and grounds requiring professional maintenance.
- The rental price includes only one daily meal, which is insufficient.
- There is nighttime racing on the boulevard, creating a disturbance.
Review
Bell Oaks Retirement Community in Montgomery, Alabama is best suited for seniors who want a calm, residential setting with generously laid-out apartments and a hands-on on-site management presence. The appeal rests on the floor plans, spacious rooms that feel modern rather than cramped, and a property team that residents describe as warm and proactive, led by a manager noted as Ms Ward. In short, this is a place where quiet living and dependable staff can translate to less daily friction for those who value predictable routines and courteous responsiveness.
Alternatives are worth considering for residents who require robust on-site services beyond what Bell Oaks provides. The community operates with a single daily meal included in rent, and reports indicate the kitchen is not currently available, which makes independent cooking or full cooking facilities less feasible. There are mentions of ongoing maintenance gaps and outdated grounds infrastructure (potholes, necessary landscaping). For seniors needing frequent medical assistance, more comprehensive dining options, or a consistently turnkey environment, other options may deliver greater convenience and fewer compromises.
Pros significantly offset some minus points. The apartments themselves are praised for their quality and layout, contributing to a comfortable everyday living experience. The atmosphere is described as serene and quiet, which suits residents seeking minimal disruption. The staff receives enthusiastic endorsements, Sybil and Jerome are singled out for dependable support, and the overall tone suggests a culture of attentiveness under the owners’ leadership. Those who can tolerate occasional maintenance delays and wildlife intrusions may still feel satisfied with the homey, low-stress living that Bell Oaks offers.
However, the downsides are nontrivial. The property has experienced repairs and maintenance needs, including issues with the kitchen and grounds that require professional attention. Wildlife, notably raccoons, has emerged as a tangible nuisance, though management appears to be actively addressing it. Parking lot hazards and uneven exterior maintenance may frustrate residents who rely on regular, well-kept common areas. The presence of non-senior or younger disabled residents in the building can alter the energy of the community, potentially impacting social expectations and noise levels for other residents. These factors tilt some risk toward seeking a different environment.
Careful due diligence is advised. Prospective residents should verify the current status of the kitchen and dining arrangements, confirm what meals besides the included one are available, and inspect the parking and grounds for safety and accessibility. Speaking with current residents about maintenance response times, pest control, and the overall habitability of common spaces will reveal how reliably the promises translate to daily life. It is wise to assess the balance between the peaceful setting and any lived-in wear-and-tear, especially if long-term independence depends on turnkey convenience rather than a lighter maintenance burden.
When the priority is tranquil, apartment-centric living with dependable, personable management, Bell Oaks stands as a strong contender in Montgomery. It is less ideal for those who require a fully integrated dining program, constant culinary options, or a pristine exterior that never shows wear. For families evaluating options, this community should be shortlisted for its staff-driven responsiveness and serene environment, while close alternatives that deliver more comprehensive services, stronger grounds maintenance, and more robust resident mix may better align with higher service expectations. The decision should hinge on which values, calm, comfort, and a responsive team or all-in dining, maintenance reliability, and uniform upkeep, are non-negotiable.
Independent Living
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Devotional services off-site
Indoor common areas
Outdoor common areas
Respite or short term stays offered
Montgomery Regional Apt (8 miles away)
Meals provided
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