B'Nai B'Rith House in Claymont, DE

Pros

• The staff are friendly, helpful, and professional.
• The building is consistently clean, quiet, and well maintained.
• Management cares about tenants and treats them like family.
• Maintenance requests are handled promptly and effectively.
• Residents feel safe thanks to the strong security system.
• On-site amenities like the commissary, hairdresser, and laundry enhance daily living.
• The community is welcoming with a friendly, diverse resident base.
• The property has been renovated and improved, notably in security, lobby, and outdoor spaces.

Cons

• There is only one elevator running, which makes it hard on residents.
• The lobby is now filled with dirty furniture and worn-out rugs.
• They were shocked by the property's decline.
• An old man sleeping on a chair smelled of alcohol and stale cigarettes.
• The building appears to have no security, and visitors were not questioned about their presence.
• A staff member was described as plain nasty.
• Parking is difficult after snow plowing because many spaces are used to pile the snow.

Review

B'Nai B'Rith House in Claymont, Delaware is best suited for independent seniors, typically over 62, who want a downsized, secure, and culturally inclusive community with reliable on-site services. It suits individuals or couples seeking predictable budgeting, a quiet living environment, and the comfort of a built-in support network, including access to social services, an on-site hairdresser, commissary, and communal gathering spaces. For families prioritizing social engagement, safety, and ease of daily living - without immediately needing advanced healthcare supervision - this community presents a compelling balance of affordability, independence, and contingency planning.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are residents with higher levels of medical or daily living needs, or anyone who requires very consistent elevator reliability and near-constant on-site assistance. While the property shows continual improvement and strong resident support, some reviews flag elevator availability as a real concern at times. Others may prefer newer interiors or a more formal luxury environment. In short, when independence is the primary goal but occasional help is welcome, B'Nai B'Rith House excels; when constant, tightly monitored care or cutting-edge amenities are non-negotiable, look elsewhere.

The strongest positives sit squarely with the staff and the built-in conveniences that keep daily life straightforward. Residents repeatedly praise responsive maintenance and friendly, attentive management who greet people by name and treat tenants like family. Cleanliness is consistently highlighted, as is the sense of security provided by on-site features and a controlled environment. The in-house offerings - commissary, hairdresser, social work support, and a garden - extend beyond basic housing, reducing the need to outsource routine tasks and enabling residents to stay engaged within a convenient, self-contained ecosystem. The property's ongoing renovations and modernized spaces further enhance safety, appeal, and day-to-day practicality.

Yet the main drawbacks require weighing against these strengths. Elevator reliability can be uneven, and that friction matters for residents who prefer not to rely on a single mechanical system. A minority of reviews point to past concerns about cleanliness or security lapses before and after ownership changes, though many accounts also note that renovations, better security systems, and proactive staff have markedly improved conditions in recent years. On balance, the trade-off is acceptable for those who value a stable, service-oriented environment and are comfortable navigating occasional operational hiccups in exchange for strong community ties and comprehensive on-site resources.

From a decision-making perspective, B'Nai B'Rith House pays off its flaws through daily practicality and a social safety net. The on-site social services, including help with prescriptions and access to a social worker, translate into tangible, time-saving benefits for older adults managing benefits or medical logistics. The communal amenities - gathering spaces, a garden, and readily available services - convert what could be isolated living into an active, supported routine. Even when elevator reliability is imperfect, the overall experience remains more cohesive and manageable than many comparable independent living options, particularly for those who crave neighborhood-scale security and a closely knit resident community.

For families evaluating options, the bottom-line recommendation favors B'Nai B'Rith House for seniors who cherish a warm, neighborly environment, value dependable maintenance, and want convenient access to in-building services. It is especially compelling for those on fixed incomes who benefit from predictable costs and social-service support. Pros and cons are well balanced here, with the advantages - cleanliness, security, responsive staff, on-site conveniences, and a renovated, safer campus - generally outweighing the occasional elevator inconvenience and the rare concern about past security lapses. Prospective residents should plan to visit, assess elevator reliability during peak times, and have candid conversations with current tenants about wait times and maintenance responsiveness to ensure alignment with personal expectations and care needs.

Restaurants

• KFC (0.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.3 miles)
• Burger King (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (4.9 miles)
• McDonald's (5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Market Square Memorial Park (2.5 miles)
• Shipley Heights Park (4.2 miles)
• Talley Day Park (4.7 miles)
• Alapocas Woods Park (6.6 miles)
• Brandywine Park (6.7 miles)
• Brandywine Creek State Park (8.4 miles)
• Ridley Creek State Park (8.5 miles)

Physicians

• Total Care Physicians (2.7 miles)
• Foulkstone Christiana Care (3.8 miles)
• Christiana Care: Concord Medicine And Pediatrics (4.6 miles)
• Brandywine Hundred Family Medicine (4.7 miles)
• Richard J. Schmidt, MD (5.9 miles)
• AI Dupont Outpatient Cardiac Center (5.9 miles)
• Pulmonary Consultants (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Brandywine Town Center (4.2 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Painters Crossing 9 (6.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.1 miles)
• Styer's Garden Cafe (5.9 miles)
• 320 Market Cafe (7.4 miles)
• Starbucks (9.2 miles)
• Starbucks (10.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Riddle Hospital (6.6 miles)
• St Francis Hospital (7.6 miles)
• Wilmington VA Medical Center (9.6 miles)
• Delaware Psychiatric Center (10.3 miles)

Transportation

• Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station (WIL) (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Willistown United Methodist Church (10.1 miles)