Francis Heights Apartments Inc in Denver, CO

Pros

• The staff care about major issues and support residents through tough times.
• Maintenance does a very good job taking care of the building with a positive attitude.
• The community is friendly and helpful, with both residents and employees contributing.
• Everyone seems truly happy living there.
• Francis Heights is a great place for the elderly with ample amenities.
• The facility offers meals-on-wheels, access to nurses, social workers, and a food bank program.

Cons

• The building is infested with bed bugs and cockroaches, and management sprays only one apartment at a time, which does no good.
• The hallways and elevators are filthy and rarely cleaned, making the place feel neglected.
• There is asbestos in the walls and plumbing leaks, which makes the conditions quite disgusting.
• Water is turned off frequently (nearly every day) without any notice.
• Elevators break down regularly, leaving residents with mobility issues stranded on their floors.
• The trash chute backs up regularly, allowing mice to enter the building, and roaches are present as well.
• The property is described as run by a slumlord, with unresponsive, rude management that does not help elderly residents, including denying disability accommodations.
• Security cameras are often out, and there are reports of drug deals and unsafe conditions at night.
• Amenities are not as advertised (pool down for years, gym not secured, washers/dryers not working), giving a false impression of what is offered.

Review

Francis Heights Apartments is best suited for low- to moderate-income seniors who want an affordable, community-oriented residence with built-in support services. The property's HUD-subsidized model means access to meals-on-wheels, a dining room with regular meal options, and involvement from social workers, nurses, and food bank programs. For residents who prize connection, predictable programming, and a campus-like feel - where a bus drops residents at stores and activities are routinely offered - this site can feel like a practical, containment-free way to maintain independence. The strongest argument in its favor is the sense that a network of staff and volunteers is available to assist, socialize, and keep everyday routines manageable.

Those who should consider alternatives are seniors who demand consistently clean conditions, airtight maintenance responsiveness, and reliable, hazard-free infrastructure. The reviews repeatedly flag infestations, persistent pest problems, and structural concerns, which can undermine daily comfort and health. If pristine living spaces, dependable elevator service, and tight security are non-negotiables, this community warrants a careful comparison with other options - especially privately managed buildings or other HUD properties that emphasize proactive pest control, better surveillance, and more predictable upkeep. Prospective residents should also weigh the current management stability and its track record on timely repairs before committing.

The strongest pros center on accessibility to services and a sense of community. Maintenance staff are frequently praised for their attitude and effectiveness, and residents note that life here includes healthcare-adjacent supports, meals, and social programming that support independence. When functioning well, the campus offers practical conveniences: a dining room, regular activities, and transportation arrangements that reduce the burden of errands and travel. The ability to tap into nurses, social workers, and periodic food assistance can meaningfully improve quality of life for seniors who prefer to stay in place rather than move to a higher-care setting.

??????, the dominant drawbacks pull hard against a design that markets "senior living" as a safe, stable home. Bed bugs, roaches, mice, and other pests are repeatedly cited, with complaints about uneven or inadequately thorough remediation. Plumbing leaks and occasional water shutoffs without timely notice compound living discomfort and raise concerns about ongoing maintenance reliability. Elevators frequently breaking down, parking friction, and a sense of insecurity due to sporadic safety issues - ranging from noisy corridors to reports of drug activity and insufficient camera coverage - shape a climate that can feel unstable for residents already navigating aging and health concerns. Taken together, these factors can erode trust that the building will be a secure, clean, and predictable home.

On the positive side, several residents recount meaningful, even heartwarming experiences with staff and other tenants. A few stories highlight compassionate individuals who "sit down with you and drink coffee," organize communal events, or connect seniors with resources that help them stay autonomous. The presence of a supportive maintenance team, combined with on-site services and a culture of communication, can offset some anxiety for residents who value personal attention and reliable, if imperfect, operational systems. For families seeking a livable, affordable option in Denver that still emphasizes community and access to assistance, Francis Heights offers a real, tangible path to remaining independent while receiving practical support.

In guiding a decision, focus on current conditions, not hopeful memories. Prospective residents should request up-to-date maintenance logs, pest-control schedules, and elevator reliability reports; tour during different times of day to gauge hallway conditions and security; verify parking access and building entry procedures; and speak directly with several current residents about day-to-day life. If the answers align with adequate pest control, prompt repairs, safe surroundings, and a robust program of meals and social services, Francis Heights can be a reasonable fit. If not, alternatives - whether other HUD properties, subsidized communities with stronger upkeep, or independent living with on-site care options - will likely deliver steadier comfort and security for a similar budget.

This part of Denver, Colorado boasts a range of convenient amenities for senior living. With several pharmacies in close proximity, obtaining medications and healthcare essentials is easily accessible. Nearby parks such as Citizens Park and Sloan's Lake Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are reputable physicians and hospitals within a short distance, ensuring quality healthcare services are readily available. A variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale can be found nearby, catering to different tastes. Coffee lovers will appreciate the selection of cafes in the area for socializing or enjoying a quiet moment. Places of worship such as Wat Buddhawararam provide spiritual support for those seeking religious activities. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded community with convenient transportation options through the RTD Rail station located just a few miles away.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Citizens Park (1 miles)
• Sloan's Lake Park (1.1 miles)
• César Chávez Park (1.3 miles)
• Panorama Park (1.3 miles)
• Confluence Park (1.6 miles)
• Rocky Mountain Lake Park (1.8 miles)
• Berkeley Park (1.9 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Denver (1.1 miles)
• Regal UA Denver Pavilions 4DX & RPX (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• Native Roots Dispensary (1.2 miles)
• Highlands Integrative Pediatrics (1.6 miles)
• Dr Bassow (2.6 miles)
• Cornerstone Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (2.8 miles)
• SCL Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Wheat Ridge (2.9 miles)
• Rocky Mountain Primary Care (3.1 miles)
• Denver Health: Gipson Eastside Family Health Center (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Domino's Pizza (1.2 miles)
• The Pasty Republic (1.3 miles)
• BookBar (1.4 miles)
• Linger (1.4 miles)
• Little Man Ice Cream (1.5 miles)
• Recess Beer Garden (1.5 miles)
• My Brother's Bar (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• The Bardo Coffee House (1.7 miles)
• The Radiator (2 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (2 miles)
• Huckleberry Roasters (2.2 miles)
• Crema Coffee House (3 miles)
• Improper City (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wat Buddhawararam (2 miles)
• St John's Cathedral (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Scl Health - Front Range (2.9 miles)
• Exempla Lutheran Medical Center (2.9 miles)
• Webb Center for Primary Care (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• RTD Rail - 38th & Blake Station (3.6 miles)