Bishop Gibbons Apartments in North Tonawanda, NY

Pros

• The property manager is described as very nice.
• The maintenance team is friendly and hardworking.
• The new onsite manager is very friendly and seems willing to help.
• Residents were overjoyed that the former manager allowed them to keep four parrots.
• Some residents say they love living there.
• The waiting list was short.

Cons

• The property is owned by slumlords from New Jersey.
• Only one maintenance person handles both maintenance and cleaning, with no additional help.
• The rugs are dirty and stained, and floors aren't mopped regularly.
• Stairwells need cleaning, and the outside grounds are not as nice as they used to be.
• It is described as senior housing but is turning into a nursing home, which would make prospective residents think twice.
• There is a serious dust issue throughout the building that could cause problems for allergy sufferers.
• The new pet policy restricts to one pet, devastating some residents who previously kept more.
• Maintenance is very poor; sidewalks and the parking lot aren't cleaned or snowplowed.
• The staff are unfriendly, and the place seems to need more maintenance.

Review

Bishop Gibbons Apartments is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who can tolerate a lean maintenance footprint, a basic physical plant, and a living environment that shows its age. The community rewards residents who are comfortable with a straightforward, no-frills setup rather than polished interiors or high-touch services. A short waiting list and a on-site manager who can be cooperative when staffing pressures permit are meaningful pluses for those who don't require frequent, hands-on support. In short, this is affordable, low-frills senior housing that works better for residents who value practicality and affordability over pristine cleanliness or expansive space.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include seniors with allergy sensitivities, families seeking consistently immaculate common areas, or residents who require robust on-site maintenance and frequent housekeeping. The dust issues and dirty carpets are recurring complaints, suggesting that an allergy-prone or cleanliness-conscious senior will likely find the environment challenging. Individuals who expect larger, more adaptable floor plans or who need extensive pet-friendly flexibility aside from the current policy may also find Bishop Gibbons lacking. For anyone prioritizing reliable groundskeeping, snow removal, and a consistently welcoming front-line staff, other options in the area deserve comparison.

The strongest pros center on human factors rather than the building's condition. An onsite manager who has shown friendliness and willingness to help is repeatedly cited as a stabilizing influence, even as staffing pressures unfold. The short waiting list is a practical advantage, enabling quicker move-in for those who can accept the property's imperfections. These positives, however, are tempered by the realities of a lean maintenance operation and overwhelmed support staff. The single-point bottleneck means urgent repairs can lag and common areas may not be cleaned with the consistency desired, reducing overall comfort for residents who value a spotless, well-kept environment.

Apartment size and pet policy emerge as notable, concrete variables. Some residents report real flexibility in the past - such as larger apartments and more permissive pet arrangements - but recent policy shifts have tightened controls (one pet maximum, with notable restrictions on birds and other animals). That shift can be a deal-breaker for households with multiple pets or for residents who have invested in animal companionship as part of daily life. The mix of apartment sizes also means choices can feel uneven: some units feel cramped, while others offer more space, but the variability requires careful, site-specific inquiry before committing.

The risk that this building is drifting toward conditions more reminiscent of a nursing-home environment than a true senior-housing community looms in several reviews. Dirty hallways, peeling floors, uneven cleaning, and neglected exterior spaces create an atmosphere of neglect that undermines any perceived affordability. Snow removal and parking-lot care - critical access issues for an older population - are described as inconsistent, jeopardizing safety and ease of daily living. In environments with vulnerable residents, these operational gaps quickly become safety and quality-of-life concerns, not mere cosmetic flaws.

Decision-makers weighing Bishop Gibbons should pursue a candid comparison with alternatives that emphasize upkeep, predictability, and resident-centered policies. If the chosen path includes living here, a thorough, in-person tour at different times of day is essential: inspect stairwells, common areas, and grounds; ask for current maintenance response times; verify the most recent pet-policy details; and speak directly with current tenants about real-world daily living. For those who require steadfast cleanliness, frequent maintenance, and generous pet flexibility, alternatives in North Tonawanda or nearby communities will likely deliver a more reassuring experience. For others who can align with the realities described - affordability, a cooperative onsite manager, and a willingness to tolerate some upkeep shortcomings - Bishop Gibbons may still offer a workable, if imperfect, home.

This area of North Tonawanda, New York, offers a convenient and comfortable setting for senior living. With several pharmacies within close proximity, accessing necessary medications and healthcare supplies is easily manageable. There is also a variety of dining options ranging from casual spots like Lumberjack's Patio Grill to more upscale choices like Carrabba's Italian Grill. Nearby hospitals such as Degraff Memorial Hospital provide peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies. Additionally, the abundance of parks offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With numerous cafes for socializing and meeting friends, as well as reputable physicians and places of worship nearby, this area provides all the essential amenities for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Tops Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• Wurlitzer Family Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Lumberjack's Patio Grill (0.7 miles)
• Dwyers Irish Pub (2 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)
• My Tomato Pie (3.2 miles)
• Gray's Place (4.7 miles)
• Carrabba's Italian Grill (4.9 miles)
• De Dee's Dairy (5 miles)

Hospitals

• Degraff Memorial Hospital (2.1 miles)

Parks

• North Tonawanda Gateway Park (2.1 miles)
• Marios Park (3.2 miles)
• Ellicott Creek Park (3.4 miles)
• Starpoint Intermediate Playground (6.1 miles)
• Beaver Island State Park (7.4 miles)
• Hyde Park (7.6 miles)
• Town of Niagara Veterans Memorial Park (7.6 miles)

Cafes

• Tim Hortons (2.2 miles)
• Wegmans Food Markets (3.1 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.9 miles)
• Wegmans Market Cafe (5.4 miles)

Physicians

• Fichte Endl & Elmer Eyecare (3.3 miles)
• Excelsior Orthopaedics (4.5 miles)
• Northtowns Medical Group PC (4.8 miles)
• Dr. Mark Rodman (4.9 miles)
• Amherst Medical Associates (5.1 miles)
• Kenmore Family Medicine (5.3 miles)
• Suburban Psychiatric Associates (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Newman Center at UB (5.2 miles)
• The Chapel (6.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Maple Ridge 8 (5.6 miles)