Southview Towers

Pros

• Friendly staff and an effective security guard at the door.
• Great people and friendly staff.
• Southview is cheap, with a beautiful location and accessibility.
• Maintenance is nice, though overworked.
• The security guards are nice.

Cons

• The building is infested with bed bugs, mice, and roaches, with mold and asbestos making it unsafe.
• Management is poor and unresponsive, with repairs taking weeks or never getting fixed.
• Rent is overpriced for the condition and level of service provided.
• There is no heat in the building, and some units lack gas, creating unsafe and uncomfortable living conditions.
• Elevators and the front door security door are frequently broken or damaged.
• The building is dirty with little upkeep; common areas, stairs, and laundry rooms are filthy.
• The place feels prison-like, with tenants urged to "walk on eggshells."
• The surrounding area is described as filled with criminal activity and sketchy residents.
• Maintenance promises are not kept, and remodels or improvements are slow or incomplete.

Review

The collection of experiences from residents paints a troubling picture of a government-subsidized living facility that many tenants feel is unsafe, poorly managed, and overpriced for what it delivers. Several reviews describe a building that feels more like a trap than a home: elevators that break frequently, doors that won't stay secured, and a general sense that upkeep and safety are not reliably prioritized. The overall mood among tenants is one of dissatisfaction and frustration, with some residents going so far as to compare living there to conditions you'd find in a prison, where you "walk on eggshells" and it's hard to relax or feel secure.

Pest problems and health concerns recur throughout the feedback. Bedbugs, mice, and roaches show up repeatedly, sometimes alongside mold and a general sense of filth or neglect in common areas and laundry rooms. Several reviewers recall incidents where heat was unavailable or inconsistent, adding to a climate of discomfort and safety worries. There are even mentions of asbestos in the building, which heightens anxiety about long-term health risks. The combination of infestations, poor air quality, and intermittent essential services like heat or gas makes daily living seem fraught with challenge rather than manageable.

Maintenance response is another sore point. Tenants report that repairs can take weeks, with crews stretched thin and overwhelmed by the volume of issues. Elevators are described as a constant headache, and the entryways or security doors frequently malfunction or get damaged. One vivid example recalls window screens being installed after a pet accident claims, but the job was never completed, leaving residents with ongoing maintenance frustrations. The pattern described is one of slow, inconsistent service, where some problems persist far longer than they should, contributing to a persistent sense of neglect.

The social and environmental atmosphere inside the building compounds the physical problems. Reviews consistently mention a noisy, tense living environment where neighbors quarrel late into the night, doors slam, and hallways feel unsafe. The lack of organized community activities or safe play spaces for children adds to the sense that residents are not supported in building a healthy, engaged community. Fire alarms going off repeatedly and requiring emergency responses further underscores the impression that the building is unstable and not well-managed in terms of safety protocols. In some portions of the building, residents describe encounters with individuals involved in illegal activities, which understandably heightens anxiety about security and daily routines.

Rent and affordability come up as another paradox in the reviews. Some residents describe the rent as high for subsidized housing, with figures like $695 for a one-bedroom underscoring the tension between cost and value. Others note that the location is cheap and convenient, which complicates the overall appraisal: the very factors that attract people to subsidized housing - affordability and accessibility - are often outweighed by ongoing maintenance costs, health concerns, and safety issues. The sense conveyed is that the price doesn't align with the quality of life offered, especially given reports of persistent pests, heat problems, and unreliable services.

There are glimpses of hope and complexity within the feedback. A few tenants recount improvements over time, noting that staff and security have become more responsive or that some conditions have slowly improved. Some describe the staff as friendly and the security presence as effective at the door, implying that not all personnel are the problem and that there are opportunities for better experiences with consistent effort. Others acknowledge that the building isn't the worst place to live and that, despite significant flaws, it remains a place where people reside and endure. This nuanced sentiment reveals that, while the core issues persist for many residents, there are pockets of progress and elements of goodwill that keep some tenants from leaving altogether.

In the end, the prevailing narrative conveys a difficult living situation: a subsidized facility with persistent pests, safety concerns, and inconsistent maintenance, all set against a backdrop of crowded or tense social dynamics and limited community programming. The mix of harsh criticisms - ranging from infestations and mold to broken elevators and broken security doors - paired with occasional notes of improvement or kindness from staff, paints a portrait of a place that many residents feel is in need of substantial reform. For some, the building remains a workable, if far-from-ideal, place to live; for others, it is a source of ongoing stress and disappointment, prompting consideration of moving on when possible.

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)