College Hill Apartments

Pros

• Residents appreciate paying only 30 percent of their income toward rent.
• The proximity to a college and a supermarket adds convenient amenities.
• The complex is described as nice and affordable to live in.
• The place is reported to be clean.
• The main office staff, including a friendly employee named Terry, is praised for answering questions.
• Some residents express love for their place and for living there.

Cons

• They have been on a one-bedroom wait-list for over five years, which they view as excessively long.
• They report that after calling several times, they have not received a return call.
• They describe the complex as dirty with poor management, including open ceilings, cracked walls and floors.
• They say it is not a nice place and would not recommend it to anyone.
• They note that parking is hard to find.
• They claim the property is unsafe, suggesting it could lead to freezing in winter or heat stroke in summer.
• They mention the wait to get in is long (more than two years) and the process is frustrating.

Review

Residents paint a divided portrait of College Hill Apartments, where affordability and location sit alongside long waits, maintenance woes, and mixed feelings about management. On one end, there's a sense of opportunity tied to the financial arrangement and the nearby conveniences: a low rent burden, a college and a supermarket within easy reach, and a sense that some neighbors are friendly and the office staff approachable. On the other end, there's a chronic frustration with how the leasing process is handled, especially for those looking for a one-bedroom. The most persistent complaint is a wait-list that stretches years into the future. One writer notes waiting on a one-bedroom list for more than five years, with the person reporting to be number six on the list as of last year. Calls to the office frequently go unanswered, and this lack of responsiveness compounds the sense of helplessness for people who are trying to secure housing. The tension between scarcity and the promises of accessibility makes for a tense experience for applicants who feel stranded by the system.

That sense of being left adrift is amplified by personal hardship that some residents experienced firsthand. One reviewer recounts having to move in with their daughter after their home was condemned, a situation that makes the prolonged wait for a one-bedroom even harder to endure. They state they have submitted changes in writing to the complex, suggesting that they're invested in keeping lines of communication open, even as those lines seem ineffective. The combination of a lengthy wait list and a real need for housing can feel especially cruel in situations like theirs, where the housing crisis collides with bureaucratic delays. The message that one-bedroom units are scarce reads as both a straightforward truth and a source of ongoing frustration for those who believe they have earned or deserve a place that fits their current needs.

Amid the frustration, the financial and geographic attractiveness of the property are not dismissed. Several reviews emphasize that tenants pay only a portion of their income toward rent, with one reviewer explicitly noting that "you only have to pay 30 percent of income towards rent." The nearby college and a supermarket "down the block" are highlighted as major conveniences that sweeten the deal for some residents. The sentiment is not purely transactional; for some, the location contributes to a positive daily routine, and they express affection for living close to essential services and educational institutions. A few even describe the environment as a good fit for their families and their budgets, signaling that affordability and accessibility can make College Hill Apartments a viable option when other housing choices are out of reach.

Yet the optimism about affordability is frequently tempered by stark criticisms of the property's upkeep and management. A number of reviewers describe the complex as dirty or neglected, characterizing parts of the property as a "ghetto" with management that "doesn't care not for a second." Specific concerns include open ceilings, cracked walls and floors, and a general sense that basic maintenance is inadequate. One reviewer argues that the state should inspect the property before meaningful improvements occur, implying that the burden of accountability lies beyond the hands of the tenants who live there. The recurring theme is that the physical conditions do not match the expectations created by the rent or by assurances from the management, and this disparity leads to ongoing dissatisfaction.

There's also a clear sense that the impression of College Hill can swing dramatically depending on who you ask. A number of voices warn potential tenants away, insisting that the place is not what it seems and that the management's performance does not inspire confidence. The sentiment "Don't let the name fool you? It is still ?College Hill Apartments' Wouldn't recommend to anyone even if I had an enemy" captures a feeling that the branding hides deeper problems. The negative feedback emphasizes a lack of responsiveness, unsafe-looking conditions, and a general reluctance to invest in repairs or improvements. For these reviewers, the property fails to deliver on the basics of a safe, well-maintained living environment, and the reputation factor weighs heavily against any prospective resident weighing the options.

There are still rays of hope in the mix, even among the more critical accounts. Some residents acknowledge positive interpersonal aspects of living there. They point out that the surrounding community is friendly and that a specific staff member - Terry at the main office - is described as "a very nice lady" who answers all questions. This kind of support can feel like a lifeline for tenants navigating a confusing system. Another reviewer simply calls the place "clean," a straightforward compliment that contrasts with other accounts of clutter and deterioration. A separate note about parking illustrates another logistical concern that can affect daily life: "Hard to find parking" is listed alongside more favorable impressions, underscoring how even small conveniences can become significant stressors or reliefs depending on the day.

The range of experiences - ranging from frustration over waitlists and maintenance to appreciation of affordability and courteous staff - paints a complex portrait of College Hill Apartments. The reviews suggest a property that can be financially accessible and geographically convenient, especially for students and families who need to keep housing costs predictable. Simultaneously, the same property appears to be a source of persistent headaches for many residents who have endured slow or absent responses from the leasing office, spiritual or emotional fatigue from ongoing delays, and concerns about the physical condition of the units themselves. The mixed feedback makes it clear that personal circumstances - such as a person's urgency for housing, tolerance for maintenance issues, and value placed on location - play a decisive role in whether this complex feels like a viable home or an ongoing source of stress.

In sum, the collective voice about College Hill Apartments reveals a housing option with notable pros and serious cons. The affordability and proximity to educational and retail anchors are undeniable advantages for those who prioritize cost control and convenience. However, the chronic delays in securing a unit, coupled with long-standing complaints about maintenance and management responsiveness, create an uneasy tension that can overshadow any positives. For some residents, the complex works as a modest, functional home that meets essential needs; for others, it represents a troubling mismatch between promised affordability and actual lived experience. What remains clear is that the decision to live there hinges on how much weight a prospective tenant assigns to the promise of low rent and quick access to services, versus the fear of being stuck on a wait-list for years and the risk of living in conditions that others describe as needing urgent attention.

This part of Middletown, New York offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors. With several restaurants within walking distance, including Equilibrium Taproom and Saffron Indian Cuisine, residents can enjoy diverse dining options. The proximity of Fraser Alleyne MD and Manchester Orthopedic ensures easy access to medical care. Nearby pharmacies such as CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens provide convenient prescription services. For entertainment, Middletown Cinemas is just a mile away, offering a pleasant outing for movie lovers. Additionally, parks like Circleville Park and Thomas Bull Memorial Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With transportation options like Metro-North-Middletown station nearby, as well as Orange County Airport for travel convenience, this area offers a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors.

Restaurants

• Equilibrium Taproom (0 miles)
• J's Place (0.1 miles)
• Tapped (0.2 miles)
• Clemson Bros. Brewery (0.3 miles)
• The Switch Inn (0.3 miles)
• Orange County Bagel Bakery (0.8 miles)
• Saffron Indian Cuisine (1 miles)

Physicians

• Fraser Alleyne MD (0 miles)
• Manchester Orthopedic (0.2 miles)
• Middletown Community Health (0.3 miles)
• Quazi Al-Tariq (0.7 miles)
• Goddard S Lainjo (0.7 miles)
• Miriam MD Kanter Pmr (0.7 miles)
• Central Valley Orthopedic & Rehabilitation (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Horton Memorial Hospital (0.6 miles)
• CSEA State Hospital Chapter (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Middletown Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Middletown Cinemas (1 miles)
• AMC Crystal Run 16 (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.1 miles)
• Noble Coffee Roasters (7 miles)
• Valkyrie Coffee Roasters (9.6 miles)

Transportation

• Metro-North-Middletown (2.7 miles)
• Orange County Airport (KMGJ) (9.6 miles)

Parks

• Circleville Park (5.1 miles)
• Shannen Park (5.2 miles)
• Craigville Park (6.9 miles)
• Thomas Bull Memorial Park (8 miles)
• Carpenter Field (9.7 miles)