Carousel Park Apartments in North Tonawanda, NY

Pros

• My friend loves it there.
• The people and staff are great, and very helpful and understanding.
• Since the new management came on in January 2022, it has improved a lot and is nice and quiet now.
• Great staff and professional services.
• The back gazebo now has all lights fixed.
• The office staff are helpful.
• The place is kept very clean.

Cons

• The complex enforces strict occupancy limits in a 1-bedroom, offering no accommodation for babies or children.
• A delivery driver felt unsafe after a security guard suggested leaving deliveries at the entrance and warned of “sketchy characters” in the building.
• The security guard is described as a liability, allegedly calling the cops and lying to police.
• The property is portrayed as a complete dump: outdated, dirty, with a urine smell, gaps under doors, and pests entering the apartments.
• Management is accused of not caring and prioritizing money, including charging for fixes and entering units without emergencies.
• Tenants report the security deposit can be kept through deception, with maintenance allegedly lying and planting evidence.
• The building allegedly attracts sketchy or dangerous residents, leading to theft, violence, harassment, and general insecurity.
• The shift from a 55+ building to a broader mix brought fights, loud parties, and drug activity, making it unsafe for residents.

Review

Carousel Park Apartments in North Tonawanda is best suited for budget-conscious residents who want a basic, pet-friendly on-site living option and can tolerate a building whose management and safety picture have been inconsistent. The property began as a 55+, non-smoking community, and while some residents report improvements under newer management, there is ample evidence that current rules and the overall environment are fluid. Families with children or residents who require a tightly regulated, quiet, and well-maintained setting should seriously consider alternatives. Prospective renters in that lane will want written confirmation of who is allowed to live there now, and what occupancy rules actually apply, since several accounts describe abrupt policy shifts and ambiguous enforcement. In short, this community rewards those who accept cost-conscious living with a willingness to navigate a mixed safety and maintenance record.

On the plus side, Carousel Park earns some credit for practical, people-centered service. Several reviews praise the leasing process and the presence of office staff on a daily basis, with particular thanks to a leasing agent who is seen as helpful and professional. The building does accommodate pets, and at least one reviewer notes a balcony that adds a welcome touch of outdoor space in a compact unit. When management appears engaged, residents describe a calmer, quieter environment and an improvement in common areas after changes in leadership in early 2022. In short, the human element, responsive staff and a straightforward leasing experience, remains a real asset that can soften some of the tougher realities of apartment living here.

Yet the drawbacks are immediate, persistent, and sometimes alarming. A substantial portion of the feedback centers on safety and security concerns: incidents with security personnel, reports of police involvement, and a sense that outsiders or younger residents move freely through the property, eroding the perceived safety of a former 55+ setting. Maintenance and cleanliness follow closely behind, with repeated mentions of outdated appliances, uneven housekeeping, and odors inside units. Several accounts describe pests, gaps under doors that invite creepy crawlies, and elevators that break down more often than not. The building’s interior and hallways are described as worn and dirty in places, with a smell that lingers and carpets that look unclean. These substance-laden concerns overshadow the parts of the experience that are otherwise solid.

The tension between what works well and what fails here is telling: the apparent improvements under new management help, but they do not erase the core risk profile. The existence of a steady, competent office staff and a more controlled common area environment can translate into safer and more predictable days, but incidents of crime, theft, and disruptive behavior by nonresident individuals color every other factor. The sense of ongoing tension between residents who want quiet, safe living and others who bring noise, drugs, or rowdiness into shared spaces makes reliable peace-of-m mind inconsistent. For households prioritizing security, elevator reliability, and predictable upkeep, this inconsistency makes Carousel Park a move-to-watch rather than a move-to-love.

Future residents should approach with a practical checklist rather than a marketing brochure. First, verify current policies in writing: who is eligible to live there now, and whether the building remains a true 55+ environment or has fully opened to a broader age range. Second, assess the unit and building conditions in person, test the elevator reliability, inspect the apartment for cleanliness, and evaluate whether odors or pests are present after a tour. Third, clarify the maintenance process: response times, any charges for fixes, and how deposits are handled or disputed, given multiple references to deposit-withholding and questionable cleanup claims. Fourth, probe safety and security: camera coverage, lighting, and how incidents are handled when crimes occur. Fifth, speak with several residents about noise, security, and the day-to-day experience so there is a cross-section of perspectives before signing.

The bottom-line takeaway is pragmatic: Carousel Park Apartments can deliver affordable, pet-friendly housing with functional on-site staff and a potential for quiet living when the resident mix is favorable and management is proactive. It is not a fit for those seeking a pristine, highly regulated, or consistently safe environment. For seniors or individuals who prize low rent and a straightforward leasing experience, coupled with a willingness to tolerate aging infrastructure and variable security, this property may work, provided due diligence is done and current policies are confirmed in writing. For families with children, or tenants who need a stable, secure, low-traffic setting, stronger security, updated facilities, and a predictable repairs process, looking at other 55+ or family-oriented properties with firmer track records on upkeep and safety is strongly advised. Carousel Park warrants serious consideration only after a candid, on-site assessment and a clear, up-to-date understanding of who may live there and how issues are managed day-to-day.

This area of North Tonawanda, New York, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple restaurants within a few miles, seniors can enjoy a variety of dining options without having to travel far. The presence of pharmacies such as Walgreens and Rite Aid nearby ensures easy access to medication and health supplies. Hospitals like Degraff Memorial Hospital are also within close proximity for any medical emergencies. In addition, the area boasts several parks for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. For those looking for entertainment, there is a theater just a short drive away. Places of worship like the Newman Center at UB provide spiritual support and community engagement opportunities. Overall, this part of North Tonawanda offers a balanced mix of conveniences and recreational options that cater well to seniors seeking a comfortable lifestyle.

Restaurants

• Dwyers Irish Pub (0.2 miles)
• Lumberjack's Patio Grill (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• My Tomato Pie (2.8 miles)
• Gray's Place (2.9 miles)
• Carrabba's Italian Grill (3.5 miles)
• IHOP (3.9 miles)

Parks

• North Tonawanda Gateway Park (0.3 miles)
• Ellicott Creek Park (2.5 miles)
• Marios Park (4.8 miles)
• Beaver Island State Park (6.2 miles)
• Starpoint Intermediate Playground (7.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• Top's Markets (0.6 miles)
• Wurlitzer Family Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Tops Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Degraff Memorial Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Erie County Medical Center (7.3 miles)

Physicians

• Fichte Endl & Elmer Eyecare (2.7 miles)
• Northtowns Medical Group PC (2.9 miles)
• Kenmore Family Medicine (3.4 miles)
• Dr. Mark Rodman (3.4 miles)
• Amherst Medical Associates (3.6 miles)
• Suburban Psychiatric Associates (4.5 miles)
• Primary Care Of WNY Primary Care Of Western New York Kenmore (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Wegmans Food Markets (2.9 miles)
• Tim Hortons (3 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Tim Hortons (3.9 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Maple Ridge 8 (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Newman Center at UB (4.2 miles)
• The Chapel (6.7 miles)