Southview Towers in Rochester, NY

Pros

• The staff are friendly and the security guard is effective.
• There are great people and friendly staff.
• Maintenance staff are nice.
• The security guards are nice.
• Southview has a beautiful location and is accessible.

Cons

• The building is unsafe and infested with mice, bedbugs, roaches, mold, and asbestos, with poor management that won't fix problems.
• Gas service is unavailable, depriving residents of a basic utility.
• It feels like living in a prison; tenants must walk on eggshells.
• The subsidized apartments are overpriced and lack dignity and care for tenants.
• The complex has a huge crack problem and many other issues that make it best to avoid.
• Maintenance is slow and ineffective; elevators and the front door are often broken.
• The building is dirty and poorly maintained, with no heat and ongoing pest problems.
• There is constant noise, unsafe conditions, and remodel promises that never materialize.

Review

Southview Towers in Rochester is best suited for seniors who must opt for the lowest possible housing cost and are willing to accept chronic maintenance and safety challenges as a trade-off for subsidized living. The price point is a consistent draw, with one-bedroom rents cited as around $695, and the location described as beautiful and accessible. For residents who cannot or prefer not to pay traditional market rates, this community offers a practical option, provided the expectation is set that basic comfort, cleanliness, and dependable upkeep may not be reliable. In short, affordability is the strongest positive, while the day-to-day living experience demands a high tolerance for disruption.

Those considering alternatives should focus on residents who require reliable heat, pest-free environments, and consistently functioning infrastructure. If warmth in winter, clean common areas, and timely repairs are non-negotiable, Southview Towers becomes a risky choice. Families looking for a dignified, well-run community with proactive management should explore options in nearby assisted living or subsidized facilities with stronger maintenance records and better safety assurances. For anyone with health concerns that require stable environments, or for tenants who value organized programming and predictable service, alternatives are strongly advised.

The main pros - low rent, easy access, and a security presence - do not sufficiently offset the most serious cons. While affordability and a central location matter, they pale beside pervasive maintenance delays, infestations, and unreliable utilities reported by multiple residents. Elevators frequently malfunction; front-door and security features are sometimes damaged; and heat issues, along with mold or general neglect, recur in reviews. In those conditions, even friendly staff and a few days of fast service cannot reliably compensate for ongoing problems that affect daily living, health, and safety.

Pest problems - bedbugs, mice, roaches - along with filth and inconsistent upkeep, color the lived experience far more than any perceived cost savings. Complaints about dirtiness, long response times to work orders, and unfinished maintenance projects create a sense of instability. The building's reputation for security concerns and disruptive neighbors compounds the challenge. The contrast between spots of attentive staff and prolonged, systemic maintenance gaps makes it clear that the strongest predictor of satisfaction is whether a resident can tolerate living with recurring irritants and interruptions, rather than any singular positive feature.

From a decision-making standpoint, prospective residents should demand concrete assurances before moving in. Ask for recent maintenance response times, a pest-control history, and a commitment to heat reliability and elevator uptime. Request a transparent outline of monthly charges, what is included in the rent, and any planned capital improvements with realistic timelines. Inquire about on-site programming, safety measures, and whether there is an active resident council or community newspaper to foster connection. Visiting during different times of day and speaking with current tenants about actual experiences with repairs and noise can reveal far more than brochures.

Ultimately, Southview Towers is a narrow fit. It accommodates those constrained by cost who can endure significant compromises on cleanliness, safety, and infrastructure. For families valuing dignity, predictable comfort, and consistent maintenance - and for residents who rely on stable heat, safe interiors, and reliable elevator service - this community should be viewed as a last resort. The prudent choice is to pursue alternatives with stronger upkeep records and clearer, more proactive management, unless the primary objective is ultra-budget living and a willingness to live with persistent disruption.

Located in the heart of Rochester, New York, this neighborhood offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to senior residents. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and hospitals within close proximity, seniors can easily access essential services and enjoy dining options. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, convenient transportation options such as Amtrak and Greater Rochester International Airport are available for those looking to travel. Places of worship provide spiritual support for seniors seeking community connections. Overall, this neighborhood offers a vibrant and well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle down and enjoy their retirement years in comfort and convenience.

Restaurants

• Strangebird (0.3 miles)
• The Vesper (0.4 miles)
• Roc Brewing Co. (0.6 miles)
• Highland Park Diner (0.7 miles)
• Fifth Frame Brewing (1 miles)
• Half Pint Pub (1 miles)
• Jim's On Main (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Highland South Wedge Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Highland Hospital Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Genesee Campus Apothec (1.6 miles)
• Southside Apothecary (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Imaging Center - Alexander Park (0.5 miles)
• Allergy & Rheumatology - Rochester/Alexander Park (0.5 miles)
• Highland Hospital Radiation/Oncology (0.7 miles)
• Pain Management Center (0.7 miles)
• Fantuzzo - Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery (1.6 miles)
• Occupational Medicine Services (1.7 miles)
• Strong Neurology (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square (0.5 miles)
• Highland Park (1.1 miles)
• Cobbs Hill Park (1.6 miles)
• Durand Eastman Beach (2.1 miles)
• Genesee Valley Park (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Highland Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Strong Memorial Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Strong Memorial Hospital - Cardiology (1.9 miles)
• SMH Nicu (1.9 miles)
• James P Wilmot Cancer Center (1.9 miles)
• Neuro ICU 8-1200 (1.9 miles)
• University Of Rochester Medical Center Surg/Path Lab (2 miles)

Cafes

• Java's Cafe (0.8 miles)
• Locals Only (0.8 miles)
• Ugly Duck Coffee (0.9 miles)
• 1872 Cafe (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• New City Cafe (2.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Artisan Church (1.1 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (1.2 miles)
• Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) (3.2 miles)